Send us a text What if the real question isn’t “Is tech good or bad for kids?” but “How much, when, and to what end?” We sat down with Melissa Harries again, a psychologist with a sharp eye for evidence, to unpack what decades of research actually say about phones, gaming, and social media—and why the dose often makes the poison. Rather than fearmongering, we explore the markers that matter: sleep quality, school engagement, emotional regulation, and the social skills that only grow through r...
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Send us a text What if the real question isn’t “Is tech good or bad for kids?” but “How much, when, and to what end?” We sat down with Melissa Harries again, a psychologist with a sharp eye for evidence, to unpack what decades of research actually say about phones, gaming, and social media—and why the dose often makes the poison. Rather than fearmongering, we explore the markers that matter: sleep quality, school engagement, emotional regulation, and the social skills that only grow through r...
Send us a text What if the real question isn’t “Is tech good or bad for kids?” but “How much, when, and to what end?” We sat down with Melissa Harries again, a psychologist with a sharp eye for evidence, to unpack what decades of research actually say about phones, gaming, and social media—and why the dose often makes the poison. Rather than fearmongering, we explore the markers that matter: sleep quality, school engagement, emotional regulation, and the social skills that only grow through r...
Send us a text What if everything you thought you knew about resilience was wrong? In this thought-provoking conversation with psychologist Melissa Harries, we explore a revolutionary approach to understanding mental fortitude that might just change how you think about emotional strength. Drawing from her 20 years of psychological practice, including her time as a military psychologist deployed to conflict zones, Harries shares profound insights that challenge conventional wisdom. Rather tha...
Send us a text When a young Australian backpacker walked into Russell Square tube station on July 7, 2005, he had no idea he was stepping into one of the darkest moments in London's history. Jim Hancock was simply heading to a job interview when he found himself at ground zero of the 7/7 terrorist bombings that claimed 52 lives and injured over 700 people. With remarkable courage and compassion, Jim transformed from tourist to first responder in an instant. While others fled the chaos, he st...
Send us a text "You don't know my God." These powerful words from fifteen-year-old Jett Dow capture the extraordinary spirit of resilience that has defined his battle against stage four brain cancer. When doctors discovered a massive tumour and cyst crushing Jett's brain stem in October 2022, they delivered the devastating news to his mother Sam: her son had hours to live. She faced an impossible choice—attempt a risky surgery or come say goodbye. What followed was a journey that defied ever...
Send us a text Kristina Cook's story will stop you in your tracks. Diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, an incredibly rare brain tumor affecting just 0.02% of the population, her journey reveals what true resilience looks like in the face of overwhelming odds. For six years, Kristina struggled with symptoms misdiagnosed as depression and anxiety before an MRI revealed the truth. What followed was unimaginable – five brain surgeries (including two emergency operations just days apart), a stroke ...
Send us a text When Melissa Histon was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35, she made a promise to herself while lying on her bedroom floor during treatment: if she survived, her life would be different. That pivotal moment sparked a journey of transformation that would impact countless women's lives. After recovery, Melissa's newfound perspective led her to Nepal where she photographed women rescued from sex trafficking. Confronted with such profound suffering, she returned to Australia with ...
Send us a text What if your darkest moments could become the foundation for helping others? Meet Todd Ennis, a man whose journey from childhood trauma to mental health champion will leave you speechless. Todd doesn't hold back as he shares the brutal reality of surviving sexual abuse at six years old and how this early trauma shaped his path. With remarkable candour, he reveals how his life diverged from his brother's successful NRL career as he sought validation through violence, intimidati...
Send us a text What happens when we finally tell the stories we've kept locked inside? Entertainment veteran Garth Russell takes us on a captivating journey through his 67 years of life experience, revealing how sharing our authentic narratives can transform not just our mental wellbeing, but potentially our physical health too. From his early days as a nervous radio DJ in Tamworth to acting alongside Sam Neill, Garth shares the profound insecurities that have followed him throughout his suc...
Send us a text What does it take to run successful hospitality venues in today's challenging economic landscape? Luke Tilse, the visionary behind Happy Wombat, Young Street Hotel, and Apple Truck Cider, pulls back the curtain on his decade-plus journey through Newcastle's hospitality scene with raw honesty and philosophical depth. When Luke established the Happy Wombat over ten years ago, he deliberately chose what he calls "a daggy name" because his vision transcended trends – he wanted to ...
Send us a text Heartfelt stories and critical conversations take center stage as we shine a light on men's mental health. Our special guests, Paul and Matt, co-founders of the impactful organization Spoke to a Bloke, join us to explore an issue that is often shrouded in silence. Inspired by the tragic loss of Paul’s brother, Nick, in 2021, they turned a simple idea conceived amongst friends into a movement that provides a safe haven for men to share their journeys. The initiative started with...
Send us a text Kat Duggan bravely steps into the spotlight, sharing her journey of healing from an abusive relationship, underscoring the power of vulnerability and the importance of professional help. Her story is one of courage and resilience, shedding light on manipulation, gaslighting, and trauma. Through her personal narrative, we are reminded of the silent battles many endure and the transformative strength found in breaking that silence. If you've ever questioned the dynamics of your o...
Send us a text What if overcoming adversity could reshape your entire life? Join us as Tommy Pullein, a former Australian Army infantry soldier, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to military service and beyond. Tommy's compelling stories about his deployments to Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, and Iraq reveal not only his resilience but also his passion for veteran mental health and homelessness. With a focus on mental health first aid, Tommy is transforming the way individuals a...
Send us a textWhat happens when a life-threatening diagnosis inspires a mission to transform the world of health? Meet our first guest of Season 2, Luke Whitby, who uncovers his journey from overcoming a severe health crisis to establishing his own company focused on empowering others through natural health solutions. His story is not just about personal triumph but a powerful reminder of the importance of setting goals and taking charge of our well-being, especially as we age. As we reflect ...
Send us a textEver wondered why some New Year's resolutions stick while others fizzle out by February? We're diving into the intricate world of resolutions, revealing the secrets behind successful goal-setting and why the younger crowd seems more inclined to embrace them than their older counterparts. This episode is packed with personal stories as we reflect on how New Year's celebrations shift as we age, and we share our own successes and stumbles in our quest to become healthier and dedica...
Send us a text What if Santa traded in his traditional velvety suit for board shorts and an Aussie accent? Join us as we weave through the jingling joy and occasional hilarities of the festive season. From debating Santa's drink of choice—beer or milk—to sharing our personal holiday favorites, we infuse our signature humor with the warmth of cultural traditions. With a hearty dose of laughter and a sprinkle of dad jokes, we wrap up this year by reflecting on the gratitude we owe our listeners...
Send us a text Join us as we kick off with some fun contrasts between snowy landscapes and sweltering climates, setting the stage for a chat with our dear friend and mining aficionado, Jason Walsh—affectionately known as Walshy. Together, we uncover the intriguing transformation from digging for gold to scaling life’s metaphorical mountains, blending humor with heartfelt reflections on personal journeys filled with both grit and growth. The heart of our episode beats in the stories of family...
Send us a text Ever wondered how societal shifts are impacting the traditional male identity and what it really means to be a man today? Join us as we tackle these complex questions head-on, exploring the multifaceted issues of masculinity, purpose, and mental well-being in our latest episode of Leave a Light On Podcast. Shayne and Chev, without the interruption of guests, offer a candid conversation that sheds light on the everyday struggles of men navigating modern societal expectations. We...
Send us a text Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of a seemingly tough exterior? We introduce "The Viking," Chris Van Namen, whose transformation from a guarded individual to a nurturing presence is nothing short of inspiring. As our special guest, Chris shares his riveting journey, shedding light on the stark contrast between appearances and character, and how embracing vulnerability has been pivotal in his personal growth. Join us as we reveal the story of this combat engineer who ...
Send us a text Reflecting on a journey filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments, we celebrate our significant milestone—our 10th episode! With immense gratitude for your unwavering support, we reminisce about the paths traveled and the stories shared. Dive into the nostalgia as we revisit cherished episodes, like the profound insights shared by sports star Taylor Regan, whose journey through the maze of contracts and media scrutiny resonates deeply. And let's not forget the e...
Send us a text Unlock the secrets to a healthier mind with our exciting new segment, "Mindful Moments with Mel." Join us as we welcome Mel Spinks, a seasoned psychologist with seven years of experience, who brings her wealth of knowledge to our listeners. Mel shares her journey, her passion for diagnostics and therapy, and gives us a sneak peek into her innovative online multidisciplinary company, Telethrive, aiming to enhance mental well-being. This episode sets the stage for future insights...
Send us a text What if the real question isn’t “Is tech good or bad for kids?” but “How much, when, and to what end?” We sat down with Melissa Harries again, a psychologist with a sharp eye for evidence, to unpack what decades of research actually say about phones, gaming, and social media—and why the dose often makes the poison. Rather than fearmongering, we explore the markers that matter: sleep quality, school engagement, emotional regulation, and the social skills that only grow through r...
