Former Air Force technician turned psychedelic therapy advocate Michael Raymond gets refreshingly real about his path from being medically discharged and over medicated to finding profound healing through plant medicines in Ecuador.

This conversation cuts through the noise: Why traditional ceremony matters. Why integration is harder than the experience itself. Why self-agency is non-negotiable. And what veterans actually need to know about accessing these therapies in Australia—including the $20-40K price tag nobody talks about.

Michael co-founded Heroic Hearts Project Australia to create the support system he didn't have. His story proves that healing isn't about returning to who you were before trauma—it's about discovering who you become when you finally create space to feel, release, and rebuild.

3 Takeaways:

1. Micro-habits over peak experiences - Lasting transformation comes from small, consistent daily practices that rewire your nervous system, not just the profound ceremony itself. Think morning routines, journaling, and intentional choices that keep you from sliding back into old patterns.
2. Safety = experienced practitioners - Working with master-level facilitators (20-30+ years experience) isn't optional—it's the difference between coming out better or worse. High-level trauma requires high-level containment and skill to navigate safely.
3. Integration is the real work - The medicine creates potential (like fresh snow on a mountain), but you choose the new paths through daily practice. Without proper integration support, you'll default back to the old tracks worn into your brain.

If you're curious about alternative healing modalities but skeptical of the hype, this one's for you.

For veterans, first responders, and anyone who's been told to "just try another medication"—this conversation offers a different doorway.

CEO & Co-Founder Heroic Hearts Project Australia
https://heroicheartsprojectaustralia.org/meet-the-team/

What if everything you've been told is "wrong" with you is actually your superpower? In this raw and transformative episode, Kate sits down with Alexander Kenny—a certified CliftonStrengths coach who helps high-performers turn their natural intensity into strategic advantage.

Alexander reveals how Australia's tall poppy syndrome nearly derailed his potential until he discovered the research-backed science of strengths identification. From his days as a goalkeeper representing Australia to his current work dissolving conflicts between "difficult" people, Alex shares why 90% of Fortune 500 companies trust this approach to unlock human talent.

What you'll discover:

• Why your "intensity" or "directness" might be exactly what teams need in chaos
• The 1-in-34-million uniqueness of your communication pattern (and why most conflicts stem from not understanding this)
• How psychological safety gets created when you focus on what's RIGHT about people
• Real strategies for veterans and first responders to leverage their natural command presence in civilian relationships

This isn't your typical personal development fluff. It's tactical intelligence for anyone who's been misunderstood, anyone leading under pressure, or anyone ready to stop apologising for taking up space.

Perfect for veterans, first responders, leaders, and anyone who's ever been called "too much" but suspects they might just be exactly enough.

Connect with Alex -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-j-kenny-181933182/

https://www.shoshinry.com/

Get your Gallops Strengths - https://store.gallup.com/p/en-au/10003/cliftonstrengths-34

Transforming Trauma Through Nervous System Education

Join host Kate Chisholm for an inspiring conversation with Nick Moss, veteran turned nervous system educator, as he shares his remarkable transformation from Australian infantry service to pioneering holistic health practitioner specialising in functional neurology and kinesiology.

After experiencing the challenges of civilian transition, Nick's curiosity-driven approach led him to discover powerful healing modalities that not only transformed his own life but now helping others understand & build nervous system resilience.

Personal Transformation

• Nick's powerful story from military service to holistic health expertise
• How TBI and stress became catalysts for discovering alternative healing paths
• The role of curiosity in overcoming resistance to new approaches

Practical Nervous System Tools

• Understanding kinesiology and its applications for regulation
• Simple breathwork techniques that create profound shifts
• How functional neurology supports everyday wellbeing

Community Impact

• Teaching nervous system education
• Creating ripple effects through holistic approaches
• Building awareness and space for healing in communities

Getting Started

• Overcoming hesitation about alternative healing modalities
• Practical first steps for nervous system awareness
• Creating sustainable practices for long-term wellbeing

Veterans navigating post-service health challenges, first responders managing stress, parents seeking family wellness tools, practitioners exploring integrative approaches, and anyone curious about the connection between nervous system health and overall wellbeing.

Featured Topics: Functional neurology, kinesiology, traumatic brain injury recovery, breathwork, nervous system education, veteran health, holistic healing, stress management, curiosity-driven healing

Connect with Nick Moss: @functionalneurohealth on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/functionalneurohealth/

The Curious Collective is dedicated to empowering veterans, first responders, and their families through body wisdom, nervous system education, and trauma-informed approaches to wellbeing.

Hosted by Kate Chisholm - Somatic practitioner and founder of The Curious Collective

In our milestone 101st episode, we welcome Gareth Goodsir—and the synchronicity couldn't be more perfect. When we first met, Gareth was serving in the 101 Battery 8/12 Regiment Royal Australian Artillery in Darwin, and now he joins us as guest 101 on The Curious Collective!

From our shared military roots to our parallel paths supporting the service-connected community, this conversation feels like coming full circle 20 years later. Gareth has transformed from soldier to elite performance coach, specialising in hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming to create powerful change for his clients.Today, we explore how Gareth works across two impactful modalities: creating instant breakthroughs for specific challenges and developing sustained high performance for those facing stress and pressure. His approach helps veterans, first responders, athletes, and executives access flow states, build resilience, and develop mental toughness.

Our conversation dives into the unconscious patterns that drive behaviour, particularly for those transitioning from service roles to civilian life. Gareth shares insights on breaking cycles of achievement without fulfillment, understanding core motivations, and creating meaningful change through emotional leverage.

Listen as Gareth reveals his personal transformation story, including the pivotal moment that changed everything and his practical framework for managing overwhelm by prioritising health, wealth, and relationships. This episode offers practical tools to shift your inner dialogue and create lasting change in alignment with your body's wisdom and nervous system needs.The 101 connection makes this episode especially meaningful—don't miss this conversation with someone who truly understands the unique challenges faced by the service-connected community.

Connect with Gareth on Instagram or visit his website to learn more about his work with the service-connected community and high performers.

https://www.instagram.com/garethkgoodsir/
www.garethgoodsir.com

Connect with Kate - https://linktr.ee/curiouscollectiveau

In this milestone 100th episode, I connect with the dynamic Kadi Sonntag, a women's empowerment coach and Australian Army veteran, to explore the transformative shift from "doing" to "being." With Kadi's natural adaptability and freedom-seeking spirit, this conversation illuminates the unique challenges faced by women in military and first responder settings, especially when navigating the contrast between high-achievement in demanding environments and the authentic call toward rest, creativity, and emotional embodiment.

Kadi shares her personal story of overcoming burnout after over 13 years in the Army, revealing how her innate versatility became both a strength and challenge. With remarkable communication skills characteristic of her numerological blueprint, she articulates the process of reconnecting with her body, intuition, and feminine energy. The conversation candidly addresses how challenging—yet rewarding—it can be to surrender to uncomfortable emotions, develop self-compassion, break free from comparison cycles, and celebrate the subtle victories along the path to authenticity.

If you've ever felt called to rediscover yourself beyond constant action, or if you recognise that restless energy seeking meaningful expression, this episode offers valuable perspective. Kadi's experience demonstrates how adventurous spirits can find fulfillment through presence rather than endless seeking. Tune in for actionable insights, heartfelt stories, and a celebration of every listener walking this path of healing and transformation.

Let's get curious, compassionate, and inspired—together.

Connect with Kadi - https://linktr.ee/KadiSonntag

Connect with Kate - https://linktr.ee/curiouscollectiveau

Join host Kate Chisholm for a powerful conversation with Jason "Frosty" Frost, a veteran whose path from elite military service to community leadership reveals the transformative power of self-agency in recovery.

After 16 years in the Australian Army's elite Special Boat Teams, Frosty's medical discharge in 2015 began a harrowing battle with polypharmacy, severe medication side effects, and deteriorating health that pushed him to the brink.

This episode explores how taking ownership of your health can change everything. Through Frosty's remarkable transformation, you'll discover:

• How medicinal cannabis became his turning point in 2018, leading to a holistic approach incorporating EMDR therapy, nutrition, and meditation
• The breakthrough moment when specialised brain scans finally revealed his traumatic brain injuries after years of misdiagnoses
• His evolution from patient to advocate as President of Defence Shed Wagga and founding board member of Pro Patria Centre
• The innovative community model he's built combining traditional support structures with cutting-edge services and psychiatric care
• How evidence-based research into alternative modalities is changing the landscape for veteran care

This isn't just an inspiring story—it's a practical roadmap for anyone seeking to reclaim control of their healing experience while finding connection in community. Frosty's message is clear - recovery is possible when we address root causes with the right combination of support and innovative therapies.

For veterans, first responders, and those who support them, this conversation offers wisdom from someone who's walked the path from isolation to purpose.

Share this episode to help extend these important conversations to those who need them most.

https://www.instagram.com/propatriacentre/

https://www.propatria.com.au/

Transform Your Nervous System Through Breathwork | Chris Payten on Body Wisdom & Regulation

UNLOCK YOUR BODY'S NATURAL REGULATION SYSTEM - No Tools Required!

Discover how your breath—something you're already doing 20,000+ times daily—can become your most powerful tool for nervous system regulation and emotional resilience. This conversation with breathwork expert Chris Payten, Co-Founder of Infinity Training and Coaching, reveals the science-backed secrets to transforming stress, anxiety, and overwhelm through accessible somatic practices.

⚡ Instant Nervous System Regulation

• How to recognise your body's stress signals before they overwhelm you
• Simple breathing techniques that activate your rest-and-digest response
• Why understanding your nervous system states changes everything

🧠 Body Wisdom & Somatic Intelligence

• The fascinating connection between breath patterns and emotional states
• How to develop deeper body awareness without years of training
• Practical tools for reading your body's signals in real-time

💪 Trauma-Informed Approaches

• Why traditional "push through" mentalities can backfire
• Getting curious about resistance instead of fighting it
• Safe, accessible practices for high-stress professionals and trauma survivors

🔄 From Survival to Thriving

• Converting automatic stress responses into conscious choices
• Building resilience that actually lasts
• Creating sustainable wellbeing practices for demanding lifestyles

✅ Veterans, first responders, and their families seeking practical regulation tools✅ Anyone experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm✅ Professionals in high-pressure environments✅ Those supporting others through trauma or crisis✅ Anyone curious about body-based approaches to mental health✅ Skeptics of "woo-woo" wellness looking for science-backed solutions

In a world of constant stimulation and stress, your nervous system is working overtime. This isn't about adding another task to your day—it's about transforming something you're already doing (breathing!) into a powerful ally for regulation, resilience, and wellbeing.

Chris breaks down complex somatic concepts with scientific precision and practical wisdom, making advanced breathwork accessible whether you're a complete beginner or experienced practitioner.

• All Links: https://linktr.ee/chrispayten
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrispayten_/
• FREE Breathwork Course: https://www.infinitytrainingandcoaching.com/offers/EEgLQkmJ/checkout

What's your relationship with your breath? Have you noticed how stress shows up in your breathing patterns? Share your insights in the comments—your curiosity and experiences help shape future episodes and support our community of practice.

Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring nervous system education, trauma-informed practices, and somatic approaches to wellbeing. Each conversation brings you practical tools to honor your body's intelligence while building genuine resilience.

🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode that could transform your relationship with stress, regulation, and wellbeing.

This episode is part of our ongoing exploration of body-based approaches to transformation, featuring experts who bridge science and somatic wisdom for practical, accessible change.

Welcome to the NEW season of The Curious Collective Podcast, where we explore the intelligence of the body and pathways to authentic healing. This season, we're diving deep into somatic practices, nervous system education, and transformative stories from the curious community.

Host Kate Chisholm brings together veterans, first responders, and holistic practitioners to share their expertise and experiences in body-based recovery. Through practical tools, nervous system education, and integrated approaches to well-being, we're creating a space for curious minds to explore their natural capacity for healing.

Featured topics Kate will teach & speak into include:

• Body-based recovery approaches
• Nervous system regulation
• Breath work integration
• Somatic practices
• The Compass methodology
• Skills-based wellness tools

Connect with us:https://www.facebook.com/curiouscollectiveauLinks to Connect - https://bit.ly/curious_collective

New episodes release weekly. Subscribe to stay curious and explore the wisdom of your body - Love Kate Chisholm

#CuriousCollective #SomaticHealing #BodyWisdom

In this insightful episode I connect with Phil Hedges, founder of Mind Mechanics, to discuss how hypnotherapy can help individuals transform their lives by tapping into the power of the unconscious mind.

[ https://fb.me/e/4CaapI73M ].

And give this podcast episode a listen! 🎧

Roz Bolton is a life coach, gong sound practitioner, and self-proclaimed rebel dedicated to helping people live their version of a "rebelicious life" - one filled with peace, love, joy, happiness, and good vibes. With her unique approach, Roz combines life coaching, essential oils, and the power of sound to create a safe space for her clients to offload their worries, anxiety, and fears.

As a gong sound practitioner, Roz harnesses the transformative power of sound and vibration to promote deep rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Through her intuitive and respectful approach to playing the gongs, she creates a calming and meditative environment that allows participants to release stress, find clarity, and reconnect with their inner selves.

Roz's gong sound baths offer numerous benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep quality, and promoting overall well-being. By setting intentions and embracing the experience with an open heart and mind, participants can experience profound healing and transformation.

With her warm and compassionate presence, Roz creates a judgment-free space where individuals can listen to their bodies, breathe through discomfort, and ultimately find the joy and inner peace they seek. Whether in her "rebelicious cave" or out in the community, Roz is dedicated to helping others live their best lives, one gong sound bath at a time.

"Sound for Mental Health: It's about having deep rest, deep relaxation, and just rejuvenating the mind and body. And the sound just works on. On the cells, so it's moving things through and people do leave feeling a lot lighter than when they came in."— Roz Bolton

07:31 Setting intention helps guide sound healing experience.

11:27 Seeking inner peace and calm, more rest.

13:35 8-hour gong session led to improvement.

19:01 Choosing a happy life with intention and action.

https://rozbolton.com.au/about

https://www.facebook.com/rozbolton1

___________________________

Book an Energy Reset with Kate - https://reset.curiouscollective.au/home