CREATIVITY, MENTAL HEALTH AND THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES: Interview with Rhian Firmin from Simple Truth Theatre talking about mental health, motherhood and the positive impact creativity can have on both as well as touching on our latest project together, The Vagina Monologues.

going from comparison to celebration of self: Getting real with our thoughts, catching ourselves when we go down that unhelpful spiral and finding what we can celebrate.

Creativity and Joy. What is the connection? Maree interviews Alexandra Bellad-Ellis and Jo Scheepers about acting, writing and Skin Theatre's latest project CAGED opening August 4 here in Palmerston North.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Can one person really make a difference? And if we help just one person, is that enough? Maree answers this and more as she talks about those people who have helped her heal so that she can now support others. An inspiring episode.

Maree shares the story of her relationship with both the mirror and her body. She thought by losing 90kg she would find happiness yet she didn't. This is the story of how Maree found joy and happiness without feeling defined by the proportions of her body.

Sharing stories of who we are takes courage and vulnerability. It brings us together and we don't feel so alone when people understand or share similar experiences. Here, Maree shares with you the story of her car accident and losing her arm. She talks of the struggle, the pain and what it took to reclaim her life and find joy again.

This week I look at Brandi Carlile's autobiography, 'Broken Horses' and discuss how she found joy through her experiences and trauma. I look at how do we move from bitterness to joy and what it takes. I share frankly about what I've had to do to beat the winter blues. And what I've had to accept in order to live joyously. Hopefully we listen to Carlile's song "The Joke".

Finding joy in the muck Part 2: Comparison is the thief of joy. Comparing ourselves robs us of feeling good enough. Finding ways out of Facebook envy and job misery etc we can create a life that feels joyous and whole.