The Mounting Block - Riding, Life, and Laughs, Because We're Over 40 and Still Getting a Leg Over!

In this episode of The Mounting Block, Marissa and Oriel saddle up for some serious (but not too serious) money talk with financial advisor Shane Light from The Hopkins Group. If you’ve ever wondered how much do I actually need for retirement? or is it too late to get this sorted?, you’re not alone – because that’s exactly what we’re asking too.

Shane breaks down the mysteries of superannuation, explains what a self-managed super fund really is, and gives us a good dose of financial clarity without the jargon. Meanwhile, Marissa tries not to spiral about being in her 40s with no plan, and Oriel contemplates the cost of carrots – for horses and humans alike.

We also share a quick update from our latest horse riding lesson, where Marissa is bravely rebuilding her confidence in the saddle, and Oriel works hard (mentally and physically!) to take on new skills.

It’s financial planning meets personal growth… with a few laughs and probably a few mild existential crises along the way.

Tune in and feel a bit more prepared – or at least a bit less panicked – as we tackle the next 20 years leading up to retirement.

*Disclaimer - This is General Advice only and does not take into account any person’s relevant circumstances. You should always seek advice from a licensed professional before acting on any matters that may have been raised in this podcast’

In Episode 10 of The Mounting Block, Marissa and Oriel are joined by the incredible Lisa Willey — an expert in free rein horsemanship, mounted archery, and (yes!) even a stunt rider for films. From trusting a horse with no reins to galloping bareback with a bow and arrow in hand, Lisa shares her unique journey and the deep connection she builds with horses through intuition and freedom.

They dive into what it takes to ride with that kind of trust (spoiler: a lot of inner work), how she ended up doubling as a movie extra on horseback, and why letting go — literally and emotionally — is one of the bravest things you can do in or out of the saddle.

This episode is equal parts inspiring and jaw-dropping, and might just make you want to throw away the reins (or at least loosen your grip a little).

In this deeply personal episode of The Mounting Block, Marissa opens up about her journey through postnatal depression — the moments she didn’t see coming, the mental weight she carried, and the strength it took to ask for help. Joined by Oriel, the two friends dive into the reality so many women face after childbirth, breaking down stigma with honesty, empathy, and the power of shared experience. This episode is a conversation starter — for those who’ve been there, those currently struggling, and those wanting to understand how to better support the women in their lives.

In Episode 8 of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa sit down with Lisa Coffey, the inspiring founder of Racing Hearts. Lisa shares her incredible journey of overcoming adversity, from her roots in Ireland, where she began exercising racehorses, to her move to Australia, where she transitioned from working in the racing industry to creating a charity that helps both people and horses. Racing Hearts has given retired racehorses a second chance, pairing them with individuals facing mental health challenges through equine-assisted therapy. Lisa’s story of resilience, passion for horses, and her vision for healing through connection is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about how these beautiful thoroughbreds are changing lives, both for the horses and the people they help.

In this special episode, Oriel and Marissa introduce the woman behind their riding journey — their no-nonsense, horse-whispering, secretly-soft-hearted coach, Tracey. The one they both want to impress, even when their legs are jelly and their brains are shouting "get off!"

Tracey joins the chat to share her powerful story: from the resilience it took to rebuild after a devastating fall from a horse, to the deeper healing that came from escaping a domestic violence relationship. In honour of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, she opens up about the strength it takes to leave, to start over, and to find your power again — in the saddle and in life.

With raw honesty and quiet humour, Tracey talks about the deep connection she’s always had with horses, how they helped her survive, and how she now helps others grow in courage, confidence and trust — one ride at a time.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever had to get back up — and for the women who lift others up with them.

In this two-part episode of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa reflect on how far they’ve come since dusting off the saddle and climbing back on the horse. From shaky starts to moments of triumph (and a few wobbles in between), they open up about overcoming fear, building confidence, and why it’s never too late to try something new.

Then, they’re joined by longtime personal trainer Quentin Johnson, who brings 25 years of experience to a conversation about fitness after 40. Together, they unpack the changes our bodies go through in our 40s, 50s, and beyond—and what we actually need to be doing for strength, mobility, and longevity. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals or just want to feel strong in the saddle (or life), this episode is packed with encouragement, practical advice, and a good dose of humour.

In this episode of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa share some exciting news that’s been brewing behind the scenes! They also dive into the highs and lows of parenting children with ADHD—navigating big emotions, daily challenges, and the constant mental load. But it’s not all serious talk—these two still manage to find joy and courage in the saddle, tackling jumps (both literal and emotional) and laughing through the fear. It’s a heartwarming, honest, and horse-filled episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa explore the emotions we carry into the arena—and how those feelings often reflect what’s going on in the rest of our lives. Whether it’s excitement, overwhelm, or just the mental load of the week, they chat about how riding can be both grounding and revealing.

Oriel and Marissa also dive into the topic of friendship—how it shifts through different life stages, especially during big moments like raising kids, career changes, or personal growth. They share personal stories about recognising who truly shows up, navigating changing dynamics, and finding deep connection in unexpected places.

They also touch on the topic of intimidation—what it feels like to walk into new spaces and how to back yourself with confidence and curiosity.

It’s a heartfelt, honest chat about emotions, connection, and showing up—both in life and in the saddle.

In this episode of The Mounting Block, Marissa and Oriel dive into the messy, hilarious, and sometimes humbling experience of falling—off horses and in life. Whether it’s a surprise dismount in the arena or a personal setback that knocks the wind out of you, these two know a thing or two about landing flat and finding the strength (and humour) to get back up.

They share real stories of self-doubt, bruised egos, and the kind of resilience that comes from dusting yourself off—sometimes literally—and trying again. With a healthy dose of honesty and cheek, Marissa and Oriel talk about how they’ve ninja rolled their way through life’s challenges, one fall at a time. Tune in for relatable moments, laughter, and a reminder that you’re not alone when life throws you off course. Because falling might be part of the ride, but so is getting back in the saddle.

Thumbs, trots, and the chaos of rushing woman syndrome—this week on The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa share laughs from their latest riding lesson and get real about the pressure of always doing it all. From carving out time for calm to defending their coffee and wine—it's honest, funny, and totally relatable.