WHAT I'VE LEARNT

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On a dark night sailing across the Pacific Ocean, Sarah Andrews’ story took a dramatic turn. A harrowing storm caught up with her, sunk the boat she called home and left her stranded and alone in Mexico with no money, no passport, and only the wet clothes on her back.

After losing everything she owned on that fateful night at sea, Sarah would spend several years trying to find ways to replace both her beloved boat and the incomparable feeling of being one with the water. When she eventually spotted an ad for a run-down cottage on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast, she didn’t hesitate. She bought the shack, sight unseen, unaware that fixing it up would become the first chapter in her biggest and most rewarding adventure yet.

Determined to bring back its lost character and charm, Sarah lovingly transformed the small waterfront cottage, befittingly named Captains Rest, into the cozy and serene haven that so many people across the world have fallen in love with.

From enjoying strong cups of coffee by the fire to gazing out over the stormy sea and starlit sky, Captains Rest was designed for the simple, but wonderful things in life.

Captains Rest established Sarah as a visual storyteller, teacher and stylist, and perfectly reflects the relaxed and timeless aesthetic that she is now known for. She pours her heart and soul into every project, designing spaces and settings that tell beautiful tales, capture hearts and spark the imagination. 

Teaching others around the world how to do it, through her sellout The Hosting Masterclass courses.

The common thread in all Sarah’s projects is a true sense of authenticity, a feeling or walking into a story that you never want to end. Her effortless ways of capturing the beauty and true spirit of each space, and her love for creating unique environments with heartfelt and compelling stories have gained both national and international recognition, with visitors to Captains Rest and students of The Hosting Masterclass coming from all corners of the globe.

Sarah’s adventurous and untamed spirit is the key to the authenticity and deep emotion expressed in all that she does, from styling, teaching and writing, to capturing moments through her photography.

 Principles of Style is Sarah’s newly published best-selling book, in which she presents her unique take on teaching design, drawing on her experience of working in the industry and as a teacher in her school, which has reached cult status around the world. 

Sarah reveals her go-to ideas, tips and skills by examining her key projects and favourite rooms, as well as by focusing on her ten rules of styling, formulated both through hands-on experience and studies in the science of design.

Captains Rest is a waterfront heritage cabin in historical Lettes Bay Village, Strahan, Tasmania. Located four hours from Hobart on the West Coast, the cottage is an intimate spot for two, available to be booked through Airbnb.

Gaze out the antique windows to the old jetty and the still water, feast on wine and cheese by the fire, read a book in the bathtub. Slow down, unwind, rest. “My heart beats a little slower, and feels a little bigger whenever I am here, “ says owner, Sarah Andrews.

Sarah Andrews is a scientist, designer and teacher. Her unique background brings structured processes and original ideas to interior arts and design, which she has used to educate thousands of students around the world in her online school and in-person masterclasses. She is well-known for creating and teaching timeless, iconic and authentic interiors across personal styles, with an enormous number of her students having work appear in publications worldwide. The success of so many of her students has led to her school quickly gaining cult status and international recognition. She lives&

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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Sam Gowing put food as medicine on the map in Australia by using her unique blend of nutrition, fine dining and business expertise. 

Before it was the zeitgeist to heal through food Sam worked for nearly 20 years with people all over the world on improving their health and wellbeing as Australia’s leading spa chef and an award-winning clinical nutritionist.  

She is renowned for her nutritional wisdom – and for being a powerful influencer among healthy lifestyle audiences. Her Byron Bay Cooking School and global wellness company Gowings Food Health Wealth create culinary programs for luxury hotels, spas and health retreats worldwide. FHW offers dynamic wellness business solutions that help food and health entrepreneurs create successful and sustainable businesses and has paved the way for the new genre of wellness enthusiasts since 1999.

Sam is a former hotelier and chef hat-winning restaurateur who loved life at the helm of legendary Gowings Grace Darling Hotel in Collingwood before turning her heart and mind to food as medicine to become a clinical nutritionist, executive chef, keynote speaker and wellness authority.

Her first book The Healing Feeling, represents her passion for spreading the health and wellness word in a way that’s fun and accessible. Across 143 beautifully designed colour pages Samantha shares not only her health-giving recipes and remedies but also her engaging personal stories and extensive knowledge of nutrition and Chinese medicine. All done with her trademark great humour and wordplay. When she is not in the kitchen or the ocean, she mentors like-minded whippersnappers who have a yearning for all things well and healthy in business.

Sam is An Australian culinary icon so sit back and enjoy as we discuss food and creating and sharing the love in iconic Byron Bay.

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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Gabriel Chenkov - Shaw

Testing testosterone, a fierce focus on fitness and exploring the impact of partying too hard on your health are just some of the themes the successful nine to five fitness guru Gabriel and his team focus on.

Social media savvy they podcast, train and inspire others to stay fit using science based fitness strategies and have fun while doing it !

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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Melissa LaBozzetta, an Italian-Australian artist based in Melbourne, a Global Ambassador for the Non-Violence Project Foundation (NVPF) supporting unique educational programs to prevent and reduce violence around the world she’s in very good company.

Joining other fellow Non-Violence Ambassadors for Peace: Yoko Ono, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ringo Starr, Lionel Messi, Patrizia Gucci, Oona Chaplin and many others artist Melissa Labozetta is a passionate advocate, creator and mother of three who’s art is sold around the world.

As a Non-Violence Ambassador Melissa has designed her own Knotted Gun sculpture, originally created by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd as a symbol of peace in tribute to his friend John Lennon’s death.

Best known for her life drawings and abstract pieces, Melissa has named her sculpture Ocean of Love. The three-dimensional sculpture was painted with blues representing an ocean of trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, confidence, and faith.

The gold, which represents the countries worldwide, is also interpreted as the master healer.

On February 14, 2020 the replicas of Ocean of Love sculpture will be launched and available soon after in prominent international galleries (including the Saatchi Gallery) to purchase and raise money for the Non-Violence Project Foundation.

The funds will help the Foundation’s work since 1993 in educating and raising awareness around the world on the benefits of resolving conflicts peacefully.

“I'm hopeful that my sculpture moves people. I am also hopeful that this incredible piece starts a conversation that spreads love and resonates with people - the more we talk and communicate the message of hope and peace, the better we will be,” says Melissa

I chat to the artist and mother of three about her strict Catholic upbringing, her rogue but adored Italian father, her erotic and sensual art honouring women everywhere and what it’s like being married to an international football hero.

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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Dani Valent is one of Australia’s most respected food communicators. She is a long time freelance journalist and restaurant critic, award-winning cookbook author, host of the popular Dirty Linen hospitality podcast.

Her business card says: writer, eater, traveller and cook, and if you could sum up Dani’s ethos in a phrase, it would be "connecting people through great food experiences”.

In 2020, Dani worked with chef Ben Shewry to support temporary visa holders through the pandemic via the Attica Soup Project.

A hospitality advocate Dani has helped drive discussion around the smashing impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry the cafes, restaurants, service providers, event managers and the plethora of hospitality workers who have found themselves without work.

We talk about pivoting, adapting, innovating and finding new ways to create communicate and deliver food ..

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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Ghanaian-Australian Lillian (aka Flex Mami) is a multidisciplinary millennial making waves in the Australian entertainment industry. 

Entrepreneur, Author of the book “The Success Experiment” DJ, TV Presenter for MTV a Model and has also lent her hosting skills to the likes of Vodafone, VICE and MECCA, Samsung and Bumble.

A Social Commentator, Media Influencer, and Podcaster Guesting on  “Overshare” with Mamamia , She’s Passionate about conversations surrounding identity, intersectionality and mental health to mainstream environments, she’s the CEO and Founder of conversation card game ReFlex - but We’ll get to that !

Her aim is to ensure everyone has the necessary tools and agency required to glow up and be their best self. 

Whatever that looks like for them. She frequently uses her platform to facilitate discussions on taboo topics, identity, pop culture, sexual liberation, dating and critical thinking.

She’s been featured in Vogue, i-D, Stylist, Elle, Grazia, Pedestrian TV, Daily Mail in addition to being a finalist for Cosmopolitan’s Beauty Influencer of the Year in 2018 and the winner of E Online’s People’s Choice Award for Influencer of The Year in 2020. She was also crowned Instagram Young Entrepreneur that year too!

Flex has been championed by actress and body-positive activist Jameela Jamil as an ‘inspiration’, calling her the influencer we deserve, the ultimate girl crush, and the beauty icon we need right now. 

She’s known for her playful, thoughtful, empowering posts that are full of confident, modern wisdom and a powerful message of self-belief.

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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Jess king is a self described Curve Model and uses her platform to share body positivity. She’s funny, inspiring and proud of her curves wearing them with honour and humour and is thankfully part of a new generation of women and girls being real and authentic owning their natural beauty and showing it.

Jess has been open about having suffered eating disorders in the past and having crippling anxiety.

But she Uses Instagram as a power tool to share both modelling photos, funny videos and moving content.

Her focus is self acceptance body positivity and not taking herself too seriously! She’s changing the dialogue around body expectation and with eating disorders endemic Jess is part of this wave of women promoting a healthy lense of self love and authenticity and is a voice that needs to be heard.

So Jess welcome to What I've Learnt Podcast..

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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‘Lock up Layne’s surfboard, it’s a distraction from her studies. It’ll amount to nothing.’ Well that’s what Her school report card said.

The 8-time surfing world champion reflects on advice she didn’t take.

Widely regarded as one of the most successful surfers in history she’s the only surfer male or female to claim 6 consecutive world titles.

Champion of surfing, giving back, growth, authenticity and well being the legendary Australian surfer has carved a stellar surfing career.

Now she’s helping others find their mojo with her Awake Academy focusing on teaching them how to find their passion carve their path and paddle their own canoe!

While acknowledging how the pandemic has had a devastating impact on the lives of many, Layne did say that she's been able to see the silver lining.

'COVID has been a tough time for a lot of people, but it's been an absolute blessing for me - and allowed me to reset,' the 48-year-old explained.

'Before March we were all gung-ho and we never really considered stopping to reflect on the quality of our lives, the nature of our relationships, and the quality of our health and wellbeing.'

One of The strongest high profile couples - Layne Beachley calls husband Kirk Pengilly of INXS fame, the 'love of my life' … and values connection, reflection and recalibration above all.

Layne joins me on the What I've Learnt podcast to discuss her winning mindset, how disappointments can be your greatest lesson and to ignore those who tell you it’s impossible. Her mantra - “tell them - just watch me!”

So Layne Beachley

Welcome to the What I’ve Learnt podcast

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”, was admitted to the Stonnington Fashion Hall of Fame in 2011.

She has also judged the Victoria Racing Club’s Fashions on the Field series during the Melbourne Cup Carnival since 1982.

In 2013 she was appointed to the board of the Melbourne Fashion Festival, a not-for-profit event that attracts more than 350,00 fans every year.

As the Plaza Ballroom at the Melbourne’s iconic Regent theatre flowed with silk, satin, sequins and fashionistas strutting down runways and across stages …Melb Fashion Festival launched last week .. after a year like no other.

We know fashion has been smashed with stores closed, docks blocked with deliveries and fashion is under the microscope more than ever with issues of fast fashion wastage, the circular economy and ethical production becoming central to the future of fashion.

Janice who’s been front and centre of the Melb Fashion Week for many years gives us a snapshot of what’s to come and how the fashion industry is evolving .. 

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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Australia’s beloved musical treasure Marcia Hines career spans five decades, she’s has released 22 albums, sold 2.6 million copies, and garnered countless chart-topping singles and multi-platinum records globally.

Marcia is an inspiration to women and Australians everywhere, constantly reinventing herself and setting industry benchmarks; moving from Boston Massachusetts to Sydney at just 16 to star in the Australian production of Hair, she was the first black woman to star in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Marcia was Australian Idol’s favourite judge for the show’s seven consecutive years, and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007. Also receiving the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to the Australian Entertainment Industry as a performer, judge and mentor, and to the community through a range of charitable organisations.

This was followed by a starring role in the Adelaide Fringe Festival season of “Velvet Rewired” that had the public and critics alike referring to it as the “Best show at the Fringe”.

However the global pandemic arrived and curtailed live performances in Australia, so Marcia returned to the recording studio adding three new songs to the upcoming greatest hits package called ‘Still Shining – The 50th Anniversary Collection’, followed by ‘The Gospel According to Marcia’ – an album of gospel songs that Marcia grew up singing in the churches of Boston.

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