WHAT I'VE LEARNT

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Natasha Scholl

Author Found Wanting

Love and grief. Both a type of madness. And both obsessively documented. Love wins the documentation stakes but grief, lately, isn’t far behind.

Writers believe they can diminish the grief madness by finding the words of explanation. Explanation for the inexplicable. Metaphors for a place where there are none.

Death is inventive and enjoys surprising us. Natasha Sholl was 22 when her partner, Rob, died. He was 27. She woke in the middle of the night to find he had flipped on top of her, making strange noises. Then his heart stopped. It is unimaginable.

Twenty-two, about to begin a new life living in a new apartment with a man she loved and he dies in their bed. She is unable to save him. She doesn’t believe he has died. She blames herself. The daughter of a doctor, the sister of two doctors, and she couldn’t save him.

“I lay down beside him on the floor, closed my eyes. I was conscious of the sound of him not breathing. I held his hand. His body was hard and cold. My body became hard and cold. The feeling leached from me. It disappeared from my fingertips. ‘He’s not here,’ I wanted to say again. I disappeared into the carpet like liquid. A stain. My senses diluted. I waited. For a sign. A feeling. For a message. For anything. His absence had a physical weight to it. It filled up the room.”

Now married and a mother of four under 12 Her book “Found Wanting” an ode to love, loss, grief and recovery is a testimony to renewal and the capacity to heal in the face of inexplicable pain.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id1535563304

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

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Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

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Professor Natalie King OAM is an Australian arts leader, cultural producer and curator with more than two decades of experience in international and Australian contemporary art and visual culture.

Natalie is in full swing right now curating at the 2022 Venice Biennale featuring an extraordinary artist who she has worked tirelessly with to showcase to the world Yuki Kihara.

Small island ecologies, climate change, queer rights, Gauguin’s gaze, intersectionality and decolonization; these are just some of the topics explored by award-winning interdisciplinary artist Yuki Kihara.

Eight years in the making, Paradise Camp is Yuki Kihara’s politically urgent and creatively astute project curated by Natalie King. Kihara works across photography, video, archival research and socially engaged methods to present Paradise Camp for the New Zealand pavilion at the 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia (Biennale Arte 2022).

Natalie has a unique cultural footprint and networks in contemporary art, realising landmark programs across Australia, Asia-Pacific and Europe. 

Working across multiple domains, her highly skilled leadership spans the lifecycle of artistic production and management from new commissions, exhibitions, artistic partnerships, stakeholder relations, fundraising and programming. 

In 2018, she was nominated for AFR 100 Women of Influence.

A huge career highlight was as a Curator of Tracey Moffatt: My Horizon, 57th Venice Biennale, 2017; the first solo exhibition by an Indigenous artist in the Australian Pavilion at Venice Biennale with record attendance, 338,000+ visitors and unprecedented media coverage including Tate, MoMA, Serpentine, Guggenheim Museum, and the Minister of Arts, Singapore, Prime Minister of Ireland and Governor General of New Zealand visiting.

For over 120 years, the Venice Biennale has been the most prestigious cultural event in the world with more than 80 participating countries.

Working closely with Commissioner (businesswoman and philanthropist), Naomi Milgrom AO on all fundraising to achieve unprecedented financial support Natalie became 

Commissioning editor of the first book in 10 years on renowned Aboriginal artist Tracey Moffatt: My Horizon, Thames & Hudson, 2017 achieving significant northern hemisphere distribution at TATE, MoMA bookstores with contributions from Professor Camille Paglia (University of Pennsylvania); Germano Celant (Prada Foundation); Djon Mundine OAM (Bundjulung activist, writer, curator); Alexis Wright (Waanyi author and winner of Miles Franklin Award 2007)

She was also Chief Curator of the inaugural Melbourne Biennial Lab: What happens now? With City of Melbourne and Melbourne Festival, 2016 at Queen Victoria Market comprising 8 temporary commissions.

Natalie’s contribution to the Global arts community is a tribute to her tenacity, passion and sense of community and her deep love of the artist and the role they play on telling our stories.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

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In a professional athletic career spanning 12 years, Brendon played 244 games in the (‘AFL”) with the Richmond Football Club from 1990 to 2001.

Upon retirement from professional football, Brendon practiced law with King Wood Mallesons in the Banking & Finance practice.

In January 2005, Brendon was appointed CEO of the AFL Players Association where he was responsible for representing the collective industrial interests of all AFL players.

Brendon returned to Richmond as CEO in August 2009. As CEO, Brendon leads a diverse team of over 150 people, a budget of approx. $90 million and is responsible for the performance of all aspects of the organisation.

Under Brendon’s leadership, Richmond’s iconic Punt Rd Oval headquarters has been transformed into an elite high-performance facility, and the Club has achieved record consumer and commercial results year on year, resulting in over 200% revenue growth since 2010.

Further, with the establishment of Aligned Leisure Pty Ltd and the Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership, Brendon leads the largest and most diversified sports business in Australia.

Importantly, the Club has competed in seven of the last eight AFL Finals Series, winning the 2017, 2019 and 2020 AFL Premierships.

Brendon is a strong diversity advocate and served on the Board of the Victorian Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission from 2009-2013. He is also a current Non-Executive Director of both Aligned Leisure Pty Ltd and ASX listed company, Home Consortium.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

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Hi, Welcome to the What I’ve Learnt podcast

I am Luke, one of the producers for the show. As a producer I live my work and helping Deborah and our team share so many wonderful stories.

From food to fashion and art to music we’ve got you covered.

In this episode, we are highlighting some of our favourite moments from this past March..

Featured with in this episode are:
Janice Breen Burns is a highly respected fashion journalist, editor and features writer of more than 30 years experience in metro daily newspapers and more recently, digital media. 

Lisa Hunt is a Byron Bay based Soul singer and has performed with the likes of Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, James Brown, Joe Cocker, Miles Davis, Macy Gray, Tina Turner, Bryan May, and the cranberries Dolores O'Riordan.

Dr. Lynne Burmeister is the owner and Medical Director at No. 1 Fertility with the goal to  provide the best patient care and fertility treatment at an affordable cost.  

So, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

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Conceiving a baby can be easy for some and a roller coaster for others. The struggle is real and having the right support and guidance through the often challenging journey is critical.

“Family is important to me so I want to do my best to help others succeed in their dreams to become parents. I have over 20 years experience in helping people achieve pregnancy. I specialise in all aspects of female and male fertility."

Dr Lynn Burmeister

owner and Medical Director at No. 1 Fertility says her goal is to provide the best patient care and fertility treatment at an affordable cost.  

Her clinics have the best and latest technology with state-of-the-art equipment and world leading scientists.

She has worked in obstetrics and fertility and Has the highest degree for a fertility specialist called the CREI which is a 3 year degree that She completed after training to become an obstetrician and gynaecologist.

She spent two years completing this degree at the world-renowned Cornell University studying and working with world fertility leader Professor Zev Rosenwaks.

She opened No.1 Fertility in 2018. and now has clinics at East Melbourne, Collins Street, Melbourne, Geelong and at the Epworth in Richmond.

Her mission is to get you pregnant quickly by providing expert treatment and best science.

Having a baby is the greatest gift and Dr Burmeister is committed to making that happen

I’m not a miracle worker and I tell all the patients that, but I do like the complexity of a fertility patient because there are so many aspects that you have to get right,” she says.

“With IVF, every little step along the way – the health of the eggs, the health of the sperm, how the embryo is made in the laboratory, how the embryo is put back into the patient – if it’s not right, could mean that that patient might not be able to have a baby.”

There must be no greater job than giving life and helping others to bring a little human into the world..

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

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Byron Bay based Soul singer Lisa Hunt has performed with Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, James Brown, Joe Cocker, Miles Davis, Macy Gray, Tina Turner, Bryan May, and the cranberries Dolores O'Riordan.

Hunt achieved fame and relative success in Italy, where she has been credited as "one of the most incredible voices of the past years.”

In Italy, she is said to have performed one of the most intense interpretations of John Lennons "Imagine".

Lisa began singing in that great African American tradition, the gospel church, which laid the foundation of her soulful singing style. 

She went on to study voice at The City College of New York where she received a BFA in music. Her debut album was ' A Little Piece Of Magic' for Universal/Polydor. She has had songs on numerous compilations around the globe, both as singer and songwriter and has sold more than a million records. 

As the rivers rise in Qld and NSW with worst floods in 500 years in that region Lisa’s hometown of Byron Bay has been swamped literally as mother earns deluge soaks the Northern Rivers region. 

All her equipment and possessions are in a shed bordering the great river which has swollen while she waits it out on the Gold Coast. Her concert in Twead Heads is likely cancelled band members stuck in Mullumbimby and all this after two years of Covid .. we get real about humility in the face of nature, meditation and the power of music.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

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Janice Breen Burns is a highly respected fashion journalist, editor and features writer of more than 30 years experience in metro daily newspapers and more recently, digital media.

Voxfrock.com.au is her digital blogzine based on the variety of content and style of newspaper fashion pages.

Renowned for her industry knowledge and witty, realistic insights into the role of fashion in everyday life. She is a frequent contributor to workshops and seminars, industry panels, radio and television reports relevant to fashion and its culture.

She is listed annually from the inaugural issue of  “Who’s Who of Australian Women.

Having joined me on the Pod last year with her wonderful insights and updates we agreed we had so much fun and my listeners were super inspired by her wonderful passion for fashion, knowledge and fashionista updates.

So as Melbourne Fashion Festival looms in early March Janice is here to tell us what’s new and what to expect from this iconic global fashion festival.

From dopamine dressing to social justice style, true diversity and fashion’s new non-negotiables, TikTok, the era of creators, and the flourishing world of affiliate content—theres so many new ideas shaping fashion in Australia right now.

So Janice much to unpack here and we still want to dress up and as events return like weddings its seems like a fashion revival is that right?..

Also the exciting news being that Melb Fashion Festival can be a full house as restrictions on attendance lifts. First time in almost two years …

Take us through some of the highlights of Melb Fashion Festival for you ..

The First Nations represents an all First Nations designer line-up demonstrating the astounding breadth of fashion design excellence recognised within First Nations communities. How exciting ! What’s your thoughts on this ?

Urban List’s Culture Curve is your ultimate guide to what’s on the rise and what’s on the slide in culture right now. For this year's Melbourne Fashion Festival, Urban List has created a dream panel of some of the leading voices in the Australian fashion scene to take a deep dive on what’s truly setting the pace in 2022.

Country Road and others are embracing the new Circular economy recycling and ethically producing garments it’s transformational for the industry ..

Many brands have fallen by the wayside after a Covid driven demolition are you seeing signs of hope Re growth and recalibration in the fashion industry ?

What are the greatest challenges ahead for the industry and who are the creative brands and innovators to watch ?

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Hi, Welcome to the What I’ve learnt podcast

I am Luke, one of the producers for the show. As a producer I live my work and helping Deborah and our team share so many wonderful stories.

From food to fashion and art to music we’ve got you covered.

This week we have brought you a little treat.

We have had some amazing guests for 2022 and in this episode, we are highlighting some of our favourite moments.


Featured with in this episode are Samantha Gowing: An award-winning clinical nutritionist,  Australia’s leading spa chef and the founder of global wellness company Gowings Food Health Wealth.

Gabriel Chenkow-Shaw: Fitness guru and founder of  Nine To Five Fitness,

Melissa LaBozetta: Melbourne based artist and a Global Ambassador for the Non-Violence Project Foundation.

Sarah Andrews: Best selling Author, Scientist, Stylist and iconic Teacher of The Hosting Masterclass and Captains Rest.

Nigel Barker: Renowned Photographer, entrepreneur, host of America's Next Top Model, The Face and Top Photographer.

Marie Ryder: Alice Springs based  Arrernte Artist.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

“Each of us has many stories to tell. Stories of success.  Stories of disappointment.  Stories of love and stories of loss. Tell me your story, allow me to sketch and paint it. Then give it prominence so that you can use the art to share your story with others.”

Marie Ryder, Arrernte Artist in Alice Springs has a unique talent.

Australian Indigenous art is the oldest ongoing art tradition in the world, with ancient rock carvings dating back more than 30,000 years. Today, the quality and variety of authentic Australian Indigenous art reflects the richness and diversity of the culture that it draws on.

Ayeye Atyenhe Art celebrates and supports the work of talented Indigenous artists from around the Northern Territory, Central Australia and North-East Arnhem Land. We are proud to present their original artworks for purchase, to add to your home or corporate collection. We are launching initially with a style of Central Australia.  We are an Arrernte business, on Arrernte land, with Arrernte artists. 

Ayeye Atyenhe means My Story in the East Arrernte language.  Phonetically it is pronounced a-year a-chin.  My Story Art.

In an exciting first for artists and art collectors alike, Ayeye Atyenhe Art is offering people the opportunity to have their story painted by an Aboriginal artist, using a mix of traditional and contemporary techniques. The result is unique, personal and meaningful. It can even be customised to the client’s preferred size and colour theme

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Nigel Barker is an internationally renowned photographer and entrepreneur who opened his New York studio in 1996. 

He served 17 seasons as photographer and judge on the hit TV show, America’s Next Top Model, which airs in over 140 countries, and hosted Oxygen Network’s modelling competition series, The Face, starring alongside Naomi Campbell. Barker also created the VH1 Reality show The Shot,  His latest hit show Top Photographer premiered to rave reviews and a second season is in the works. 

Barker’s presence in the fashion and entertainment industry has resulted in an array of exciting projects….

including the creation of his own furniture line the NB1 & NB2 Collections, A skate board collection with ShutNYC, 3 signature fragrances with Demeter, a unique custom NB Photobooth, the first ever specialty Gin & Tonic glass and many more innivative projects.  He is also a Founder and partner in the new NYC/LA gym, The DOGPOUND. Barker's latest business venture The V1VE, a digital media company aggragating the best in classin Fitness and Wellness launches in 2022. 

Barker has directed and produced films, documentaries and commercials for Hollywood clients to international charitable organizations and was awarded the “Film Heals” Award for Humanitarianism at the 6th Annual Manhattan Film Festival for Dreams Are Not Forgotten. 

He has worked with several charitable organizations including the Special Olympics where he serves as a Champion Ambassador, The Humane Society of the United States, The Humane Society International, Make A Wish Foundation, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation.

Drawing upon his 20+ years of experience in the fashion and beauty industries, he has two books—The Beauty Equation, published by Abrams, and his latest book, New York Times Best Seller Models of Influence published by Harper Collins. Nigel currently lives in New York with his wife and renown Yogi, Cristen AKA @ChinTwins and their two children Jack and Jasmine.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850