A raw, redemptive, and deeply human conversation with Jason Blyth, a motivational speaker and youth advocate whose journey from chaos to purpose now fuels his mission to inspire change.

In this episode, Mel sits down with Jason Blyth, whose life story moves from childhood trauma and instability through addiction, violence, and rock bottom, and then into a profound, self‑driven transformation. Jason speaks with unfiltered honesty about the moments that nearly broke him, and the moment he realised he had to become the hero he was waiting for.

Today, Jason uses his lived experience to empower young people, communities, and anyone standing at the edge of their own life. His message is simple but powerful: no matter where you start, you can choose a different ending. Through speaking, advocacy, and mentoring, he helps others understand that hope is a discipline and change is always possible.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, lost, or unsure if they can rise again. Jason’s story is a reminder that resilience is built, not inherited, and that even from the darkest places, a new path can be carved.

Jason Blyth: The Motivational & Resilience Speaker for People Who Need Change

(17) Jason Blyth | LinkedIn

(1) Instagram - Jason Blyth

Autobiography - The Life I Was Given and The Life I Chose (pending release)

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.

13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services

CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guest: Jason Blyth

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

GET IN TOUCH:      

https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mel sits down with Laura Valenti, Director at McGrath North Lakes and Moreton Bay, to explore the unique role property managers play in shaping safer communities. With years of experience leading teams in real estate, Laura brings both professional expertise and a deep commitment to community wellbeing. Their conversation highlights how property managers, often overlooked as frontline professionals, are uniquely positioned to notice signs of distress and provide pathways to support.

Laura shares her involvement with The Priority Project, an initiative by The Constellation Project that equips property managers with the awareness and tools to respond to domestic and family violence. She explains how entering homes, managing tenancies, and building trust with tenants gives property managers a rare window into people’s lives, one that comes with responsibility and opportunity. By recognizing subtle signs and knowing how to connect individuals with the right services, property managers can play a vital role in early intervention.

Together, Mel and Laura discuss the intersection of housing, safety, and advocacy, and why the real estate industry must embrace its potential to foster resilience and protection. Their conversation underscores that everyday professionals, through empathy and awareness, can make a profound difference in the lives of those experiencing hardship.

This episode is both a call to action and an invitation: to see property management not just as a business function, but as a community service with the power to change lives. Through Laura’s insights and the work of The Priority Project, listeners are reminded that housing is more than shelter - it can be a pathway to safety, dignity, and hope.

Laura Valenti | LinkedIn

https://mcgrathmb.com.au/about-us/#community-initiatives

The Priority Project – The Constellation Project

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jt_6PBnCJE - The Finland Housing First Approach Project

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.

13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services

CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guest: Laura Valenti

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

GET IN TOUCH:      

https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mel sits down with Sally Pymer - empowerment coach, speaker, and the driving force behind a movement that proves the simplest human gestures can create extraordinary change. Sally’s work centres on one powerful idea: a genuine smile can shift energy, soften stigma, and reconnect people who’ve forgotten what it feels like to be acknowledged.

Drawing from more than two decades across psychology, AOD counselling, community development, fitness, and coaching, Sally blends lived experience with evidence‑based insight. Her message is grounded in compassion and backed by science, showing how something as small as a smile can reduce stress, build trust, and strengthen the social fabric of workplaces and communities.

This episode is a reminder that connection doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it begins with eye contact, a moment of warmth, or the courage to show up authentically. Sally’s work teaches us that when we choose to smile, genuinely, intentionally - we create ripples that reach far beyond what we can see.

Tune in for a conversation that feels like a deep breath: grounding, hopeful, and full of heart.

%Empowered with Sally

(9) Facebook - Empowered with Sally

Sally Pymer | LinkedIn

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.

13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services

CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guest: Sally Pymer

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

GET IN TOUCH:      

https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kylie Dwyer’s story is one of artistry, leadership, and heart. Beginning her career in 1986, she quickly rose from stylist to salon owner, educator, and mentor, shaping the hairdressing community with her vision and dedication. Her work has taken her from local apprenticeships to international stages, representing Australia at the World Skills Olympics and Mondial Paris, while also showcasing her talent at Sydney and Melbourne Fashion Week, Miss Universe events, and Olympic team launches.

Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through in the creation of Elite Hair Education, a training platform designed to give stylists confidence, precision, and commercial readiness. Alongside her husband Mick, she also co-founded Elite Scissors, a brand that produces premium, ergonomic tools trusted by professionals worldwide. Their philosophy “Excellence is an Attitude” runs through every venture, including Kylie’s innovative SNIPT app, which brings streaming education to stylists everywhere.

At the core of Kylie’s success is her belief in empathy, positivity, and surrounding herself with good people. She has built a career not only on technical mastery but on fostering community, resilience, and empowerment. Her journey is a powerful reminder that skill and kindness together can create lasting impact, leaving a legacy that elevates both individuals and the industry as a whole.

Elite Hair Education - Excellence is an attitude.

Instagram - Elite Hair Education

(10) Elite Hair Education | Facebook

(12) Kylie Dwyer | LinkedIn

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.

13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services

CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guest: Kylie Dwyer

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

GET IN TOUCH:      

https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mel sits down with Salli Cohen, founder of The Policy Room and a seasoned policy practitioner with over three decades of experience, for a powerful conversation about advocacy, resilience, and the role of good policy in shaping communities. Salli shares her personal journey, the tribulations she has faced, and the lessons learned from working across government, the not‑for‑profit sector, and community organisations. With a background spanning criminology, public administration, and frontline service delivery, she brings a rare blend of lived experience and professional expertise.

Together they explore youth advocacy and empowerment, the importance of amplifying young voices, and how well‑crafted policy can positively impact communities. Salli reflects on the challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Northern Territory, highlighting the urgent need for culturally informed, community‑driven solutions. She also speaks to the resilience required to navigate personal and professional hurdles while staying committed to advocacy, and why curiosity, courage, and capability are essential for leaders and policy teams.

This conversation is not just about policy, it’s about people. Listeners will walk away with insights into how advocacy and good governance can transform lives, especially for young people navigating systemic challenges. Salli’s story is a testament to resilience, and her work underscores the power of policy done well to create lasting social impact.

(1) Salli Cohen | LinkedIn

Policy Room | Policy Services

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.

13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services

CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guest: Salli Cohen

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

GET IN TOUCH:      

https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode brings us into the heart of what community care looks like when it’s done with courage, creativity, and an unwavering belief in people. And there’s no one who embodies that more fully than Mim O’Flynn.

For more than two decades, Mim has dedicated her nursing career to walking alongside people who are too often pushed to the margins, those experiencing homelessness, stigma, incarceration, or the heavy weight of health challenges. As the driving force behind Queensland’s Kombi Clinic, she’s helped transform hepatitis C care by taking it out of sterile rooms and into the real world: drop‑in centres, correctional facilities, community gatherings, and the streets where people live and sleep.

What makes Mim extraordinary isn’t just her clinical expertise, though she’s recognised globally as a leader in mobile hepatitis C point‑of‑care testing and treatment. It’s the way she shows up. With humour. With bright Hawaiian shirts. With a yellow van named Ruby. And with a message that cuts through shame and fear: We’re not here to judge. We’re here to help.

In this conversation, Mim shares how she found her way into this work, what she’s learned from the communities she serves, and why she believes that giving back isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about consistency, compassion, and meeting people exactly where they are.

This is a story about innovation, humanity, and the quiet power of choosing to care. Let’s dive in.

Home - Kombi Clinic

Mim O'Flynn - Kombi Clinic Ltd | LinkedIn

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.

13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services

CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guest: Mim O'Flynn

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

GET IN TOUCH:      

https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, Mel sits down with PJ Humphreys, Community Development Officer at Sunshine Coast Council and the driving force behind Street Up - a grassroots homelessness initiative built on one simple but transformative belief: nothing about us, without us. Street Up was established in 2023 to harness the strength, insight, and leadership of people with lived experience of homelessness, ensuring their voices shape the policies, services, and community responses that affect them most.

Joining PJ in this conversation are Irene and Jacqui, two remarkable Lived Experience Leaders whose courage and clarity cut straight through the noise. Their stories illuminate the realities of homelessness, its complexity, its human cost, and its moments of unexpected resilience. More importantly, they share how Street Up has given them not just a seat at the table, but a platform to influence real change in their local community through presentations, training, peer support, and policy consultations.

PJ reflects on the evolution of Street Up, the importance of community‑led solutions, and the role local government can play when it chooses to listen deeply and act collaboratively. Together, the group explores what happens when lived experience is not only acknowledged but centred, how it shifts conversations, strengthens communities, and leads to better outcomes for everyone.

Street Up

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.

13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services

CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guests: PJ Humphries / Irene / Jacqui

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

GET IN TOUCH:      

https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mel speaks with Martine Richards, founder Freedom Wigs Australia and a leading alopecia wig specialist. Martine’s journey began when she started losing her hair as a young child. Misdiagnosed at the time, she faced years of confusion and isolation before learning she had alopecia, a turning point that shaped her resilience and her mission to help others.

Today, Martine channels that lived experience into her work at Freedom Wigs Australia, where she provides medical-grade silicone wigs designed to restore confidence and dignity. As she shares in her story, the wigs are more than just hair - they’re about identity, empowerment, and ensuring no one feels alone in their journey.

In this conversation, Martine opens up about:

• The emotional impact of losing her hair as a child.
• The challenges of being misdiagnosed and misunderstood.
• How her personal journey inspired the creation of Freedom Wigs Australia.
• The transformative role wigs play in helping people reconnect with themselves.

Her story is a reminder that resilience can spark innovation, and that lived experience can become a powerful force for change.

Freedom Wigs Australia

(1) Instagram - Freedom Wigs

(5) Facebook - Freedom Wigs

Fundraise and Donate Your Hair To a Children's Charity | Variety Australia

Ponytails - Materials | Sustainable Salons

Home - Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation Supporting Australians with Alopecia Areata

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.

13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services

CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guest: Martine Richards

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Melissa welcomes Megan Evans, an award-winning hairdresser, salon owner, and founder of In Awe Education - to share her inspiring journey and vision for the future of the hairdressing industry. Megan has built a career defined by creativity, leadership, and a passion for education. From winning SA/TAS Hairdresser of the Year in 2019 to being recognised internationally for her collections, she has consistently pushed boundaries and set new standards in her craft.

When in the salon, Megan creates a space that celebrates innovation and inclusivity, championing self-expression and diversity. Her commitment to education led her to develop the Apprentice Training Guide, a program designed to give salon owners and apprentices a clear pathway from assistant to stylist. This guide not only builds technical skills but also fosters confidence and resilience, ensuring the next generation of hairdressers are prepared for long-term success.

Beyond her salon, Megan has worked as a guest artist and educator for leading brands such as Goldwell, Matrix, and Kao, sharing her expertise across Australia through shows, classes, and collaborations. With qualifications in counselling, she brings a holistic approach to mentorship, supporting both the technical growth and wellbeing of her teams and apprentices.

In this conversation, Megan reflects on her career journey, the evolution of the hairdressing industry, and the importance of mentorship and inclusivity in shaping tomorrow’s professionals. Her story highlights how education and empowerment can transform not only salons but also the lives of those entering the industry.

Tune in to hear how Megan Evans is inspiring the hairdressers of tomorrow - one apprentice, one salon, and one story at a time.

In Awe Education | Salon Apprentice Training

(1) Instagram - In Awe Education

(20+) Facebook - In Awe Education

Megan Evans 🏳️‍🌈 | LinkedIn

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off.

CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guest: Megan Evans

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

GET IN TOUCH:      

https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mel speaks with Josh Wilkins, the inspiring founder of One Voice, about the moment that changed his life - the first time he truly saw how homelessness does not discriminate. Josh shares how witnessing people from all walks of life without a roof over their heads revealed a truth that many overlook: no one is immune to the possibility of losing their home.

From that experience grew One Voice, a movement dedicated to restoring dignity and hope to those experiencing homelessness. Josh talks about the journey of building practical solutions like the One Voice shower trucks, which provide hygiene and care to people living rough, and how these small acts of compassion can spark profound change. He reflects on the resilience of those he’s met, the misconceptions society often holds, and the importance of reminding us all that homelessness is not a distant issue - it’s a human one.

This conversation is both eye-opening and deeply moving, offering listeners a chance to rethink what homelessness looks like and how communities can respond with empathy and action. Josh’s story is a call to see beyond stereotypes and to recognise that dignity, respect, and hope are basic needs we can all help restore.

One Voice Mobile Showers

(22) Josh Wilkins | LinkedIn

On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.

The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.

13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services

CREDITS:

Host: Melissa Alsemgeest

Guest: Josh Wilkins

Editor: Robert Alsemgeest

GET IN TOUCH:      

https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.