The Glitter Effect

In this episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate interviews Julie Fisher, a passionate inclusion advocate and author whose work is inspired by her son Darcy, who has Down syndrome. Julie shares how her journey began with a prenatal diagnosis that allowed her to prepare her community to welcome Darcy with celebration rather than pity. This lived experience fueled her transition into a public speaker and author of five books, where she challenges organizations to move beyond “ticking boxes” and toward genuine belonging.

Julie highlights the importance of curiosity over judgment, explaining that most people who stare or hesitate are simply unsure of how to interact. By choosing to smile and encourage questions—even from curious children—she has found that barriers often dissolve into kindness. She emphasizes that whether in schools or workplaces, providing the right support allows individuals with disabilities to “shine” and contribute meaningfully to society.

Ultimately, Julie’s story is one of resilience and systemic change. She notes that while there is still progress to be made, the younger generation is naturally more inclusive and accepting of differences. Her core message to parents and community leaders alike is to never navigate this path alone; by seeking support and leading with an open heart, we can create a world where every person feels seen and valued.

Website: www.juliefisher.com.au Facebook: The Unexpected Journey

In this powerful episode of The Glitter Effect, Kate sits down with James “Woody” Wood, a former diesel mechanic whose life was irrevocably changed by a workplace accident. James shares his journey from a young, ambitious apprentice in the mining industry to becoming a leading safety advocate who travels across Australia to prevent others from making the same life-altering mistakes he did.

The Power of Choice: James emphasizes that his injury wasn’t just an “accident”—it was the result of specific choices (speeding and not wearing a seatbelt).

Lived Experience as a Mission: Through his organization CNB Safe, James uses his “confronting and impactful” story to create ripple effects in workplace safety culture.

Resilience: The transition from a manual laborer to a speaker who refuses to let his disability define his potential.

“The choices that I made that day caused me to get hurt… I’ve been in a wheelchair for over half my life.”

In this heartfelt episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate welcomes a woman who truly embodies compassion, community leadership, and the spirit of making a meaningful difference: Louise O’Neill, CEO of Palliative Care Queensland and the visionary behind the beautiful and deeply human program, Ambulance Wish Queensland.

Louise shares her incredible journey from hospital-trained registered nurse to senior leadership roles across health, disability, and aged care, culminating in her recent appointment as CEO. With trademark humility and warmth, she opens up about the unexpected path that led her into nursing—despite her early dreams of veterinary science and a detour through law school—and the deep-rooted family influences that instilled her lifelong commitment to care.

Kate and Louise explore the vital work of Palliative Care Queensland, a peak advocacy and charity organisation dedicated to supporting clinicians, hospices, patients, and families across the state. Louise speaks candidly about the challenges of fostering conversations around death in a “death-denying society,” and the organisation’s mission to ensure that every Queenslander facing end-of-life receives compassionate, holistic support.

This conversation is filled with humanity, humour, and heart. From Louise’s honest reflections on career twists to the inspiring purpose behind her work in palliative care, this episode is a moving reminder of the impact one person can have when they lead with empathy.

A beautiful, grounding, and deeply touching conversation you won’t forget.

Ambulance Wish Queensland: https://ambulancewishqld.org.au/

✨ In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of The Glitter Effect, host Jules Brooke flips the script by interviewing the show’s very own creator and community champion, Kate Gniel. Known for her tireless commitment to connection, kindness, and giving back, Kate opens up about the experiences that shaped her passion for helping others — from her childhood efforts to raise money for the RSPCA to the powerful community response when her young son, Harvey, battled cancer.

Kate shares how that moment of collective compassion ignited a lifelong mission to “spread the glitter” — shining a light on those who make a difference in their neighborhoods and beyond. She talks about her early work in public relations for not-for-profits, her grassroots initiatives like The League of Gentlemen (a pioneering men’s mental health support network), and how these experiences led her to launch The Glitter Effect podcast and its upcoming book and speaking tour.

Throughout the episode, Jules and Kate explore what it truly means to live with purpose and heart, to find joy in service, and to recognise the everyday legends who keep our communities shining.

💖 Key Takeaways:

How a personal story of resilience and community support can spark a lifelong mission.

The origins of Kate’s “glitter effect” and why giving back is contagious.

The importance of connection, kindness, and vulnerability in building stronger communities.

Sneak peek into The Glitter Effect’s future projects — including a book and live events.

🎧 Perfect For:

Listeners who love stories of hope, purpose, and people doing good; anyone looking for inspiration to make a difference in their own community.

The Glitter Effect: https://theglittereffect.com.au/

✨ In this inspiring episode of The Glitter Effect, we shine a spotlight on the phenomenal Jules Brooke — a powerhouse in PR, media, and entrepreneurship, and a woman on a mission to elevate the visibility of women in business, especially those over 45.

Host Kate reconnects with Jules, a long-time mentor and collaborator, to unpack the journey that shaped her passion for helping women step confidently into the spotlight. Jules shares how a turning point at age 50, combined with the unexpected shake-up of the pandemic, sparked a renewed sense of purpose. A chance TV interview in 2019 led her to hosting her own show, where she uncovered startling inequities facing women in business — from lack of funding opportunities to limited representation on public platforms.

Realizing the confidence crisis many women over 50 face, Jules launched initiatives to help them start businesses, build community, and break through the isolation that often comes with entrepreneurship. In her signature “super connector” style, she has brought countless women together to collaborate, grow, and shine.

Jules also discusses her latest mission: increasing the number of women speaking on stages. After discovering that only 30% of speakers are women, she created the Australian Women’s Speakers directory to help event organizers find talented female voices and to encourage women to claim paid speaking opportunities with confidence.

This episode dives into the why behind women’s visibility challenges, the systemic gaps holding them back, and the powerful cultural moment that makes now the perfect time to amplify women’s stories. Packed with energy, wisdom, and plenty of sparkle, this conversation is a celebration of women of experience — and the change agents like Jules who champion them.

She’s the boss: https://julesbrooke.com/shestheboss/

In this inspiring episode of The Glitter Effect, we sit down with Helen Parker, founder of The Babes Project — a life-changing initiative built on the belief that every woman deserves dignity, support, and empowerment through pregnancy and early parenting.

What began as Helen’s deeply personal journey — navigating unexpected pregnancy as a young woman — has evolved into a powerful movement creating safe spaces, practical programs, and real community for mothers across Australia. From its grassroots beginnings to national recognition, including Helen’s Order of Australia Medal, The Babes Project continues to transform lives through compassion, courage, and connection.

Helen opens up about her story: how a moment of vulnerability became the spark for systemic change, why true support means more than just baby essentials, and how walking alongside women through one of life’s most transformative seasons has shaped her purpose.

Join us as we explore how one woman’s vision became a movement — and how the ripple effect of kindness can change generations.

✨ Tune in to hear:

Helen’s journey from architecture student to changemaker.

The birth of The Babes Project and its mission to empower mothers.

Insights on community, courage, and leading with heart.

The impact of grassroots initiatives on real lives.

The Babes Project: https://www.thebabesproject.com.au/

In this powerful and heartwarming episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate sits down with Jodie Hollis, the inspirational founder and CEO of Cancer Support Angels. Jodie shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of her not-for-profit organisation, born out of her own battle with cancer and the stark realisation that far too many patients face their fight alone.

Motivated by the lack of in-person support and practical assistance, Jodie took action—starting with a humble Spyrax notebook and a vision to build something meaningful. From its grassroots beginnings, Cancer Support Angels has blossomed into a nationwide network offering emotional, financial, and practical aid to cancer patients and their families.

Jodie speaks candidly about the early days of uncertainty, the people who encouraged her to take the leap, and the many lives touched by the organisation’s work. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and community—perfectly embodying the spirit of the Glitter Effect.

This episode is a tribute to the impact one person can make when they decide to lead with heart and purpose. Tune in to be inspired by Jody’s journey, her incredible work, and her unwavering commitment to spreading kindness like glitter.

Cancer Support Angels: https://www.cancersupportangels.org.au/

In this powerful and heart-centred episode of The Glitter Effect, we sit down with Lane Stockton, a proud Wiradjuri man and co-founder of Yarn’n — Australia’s only Indigenous-owned and Australian-made toilet paper company. But Yarn’n is far more than a household essential; it’s “toilet paper with purpose,” created from a deep desire to give back, uplift culture and create long-lasting community impact.

Lane shares how he and co-founder David Croft transformed a simple idea into a national social enterprise that donates 50% of its profits to Yalari, supporting the education of Indigenous children from remote and regional communities. In just two years, Yarn’n has proudly sponsored four students through high school — an achievement Lane holds close to his heart.

In this episode, Lane opens up about his upbringing on Quandamooka Country near Brisbane, his family’s devotion to education, and the moment fatherhood sparked a reevaluation of his own path. Moving from a career in residential building to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, Lane discovered a powerful truth: the product doesn’t have to be glamorous to create meaningful change. Toilet paper — found in every household and workplace across Australia — became the perfect vehicle to spark awareness, open doors and give back to Indigenous youth.

This conversation is rich with honesty, culture, purpose and hope. Join us as we unpack Lane’s journey, the driving force behind Yarn’n and the incredible ripple effect that happens when everyday products carry extraordinary meaning.

Yarn’n: https://yarnn.au/

In this deeply moving episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate sits down with Wayne Holdsworth—father, advocate, and founder of Smack Talk, an initiative created in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. Wayne’s beloved son, Mac, died by suicide at just 17 after being targeted in a devastating act of online sexual extortion.

Wayne courageously opens up about who Mac truly was: a natural leader, school captain, star athlete, loyal friend, and a young man with a wicked sense of humour and a heart overflowing with generosity. Through Wayne’s words, listeners are invited to see the vibrant, loving teenager behind the headlines—the boy who lit up rooms, cared deeply for his mates, and always gave more than he took.

Wayne recounts the heartbreaking chain of events that unfolded when Mac was groomed and extorted online, and the unbearable pressure and shame that followed. With extraordinary honesty, he walks listeners through the moments that changed their family forever, shining a light on the urgent need for awareness, compassion, and safer digital spaces for young people.

Out of profound grief, Wayne created Smack Talk and campaigns like Unplugged 24, which spark essential conversations about online safety, connection, presence, and courage. His mission is simple but powerful: to ensure no other family endures the loss his has suffered.

This episode is a testament to resilience, love, and the unwavering determination of a father committed to protecting others. Wayne’s story is one of heartbreak and hope—and a reminder of the glitter that can still shine through even the darkest moments.

Smack talk: https://smacktalk.com.au/smacktalk

In this empowering episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate is joined by Samantha Gowan, the dynamic CEO of Dress for Success Victoria—an organisation committed to transforming lives through dignity, confidence, and opportunity.

Samantha shares the inspiring mission behind Dress for Success, a global movement that started in a New York basement in the 1990s and has since grown into an international network, including six affiliates in Australia. At its core, Dress for Success helps women facing hardship—whether due to long-term unemployment, domestic violence, incarceration, or displacement—by providing professional attire, job-readiness workshops, and emotional support to empower them toward economic independence.

More than just clothing, the organisation helps women rebuild self-esteem, step into new opportunities, and imagine a future they may not have thought possible. Samantha offers insights into how the Victoria branch is expanding its reach across the state—including virtual styling and support for rural communities—and the vital role that volunteers play in delivering this life-changing work.

This episode highlights the ripple effect of empowering women: when one woman rises, entire communities are lifted. Samantha’s leadership is a shining example of compassion, clarity, and impact—true Glitter Effect magic.

Dress for success: https://dressforsuccess.org