Spreading The Good Stuff Podcast
By Katrina, Leonie and Christy
We share stories of triumph, challenge, growth and change in business and in life - and offer helpful insights and advice to empower you to live your best life - however that looks for you.
Spreading The Good Stuff PodcastJan 16, 2019
Episode 77 - 2023: The Highs, Lows and Best Ofs
In this final episode for 2023 we are sharing our Best & Worst for the year that was, and also three things we would recommend (Christy may have snuck in five - LOL!). This conversation is filled with books, podcasts and magical potions (if local honey counts) to help you smash the rest of 2023 out of the park and welcome in 2024 with open arms!
We also share what we can’t wait to do over the Christmas break and take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for listening to Spreading the Good Stuff podcast this year.
Thank you as always for listening and to access all the show notes for this and all other episodes, pop on over to The Splendid Word website here.
Christy, Katrina and Leonie
xxx
Episode 76 - Prepping for the Silly Season
In this episode we discuss how to best prep for the Silly Season ahead, which is coming at us fast!
We each share how we approach this time of year, when things get hectic, and what we try do to remain calm and present - most of the time!
Thank you as always for listening and to access all the show notes for this and all other episodes, pop on over to The Splendid Word website here.
Christy, Katrina and Leonie
xxx
Episode 75 - Resilience in Troubling Times
In this powerful episode we discuss what resilience means to us, starting with a broad definition thanks to the incomparable Brene Brown and unpack how we harness it for ourselves, our families and the wider community.
We open our minds to what resilience is and Leonie opens her heart in the most extraordinary way to share her resilience and grief journey. We thank her for her honesty and for letting her guard down to help others who might be feeling trapped in their grief or emotion. Bravo Lee and thank you for spreading the good stuff - even when it's hard!
Thank you as always for listening and to access all the show notes for this and all other episodes, pop on over to The Splendid Word website here.
Christy, Katrina and Leonie
xxx
Episode 74 - Catching up on Alone Time, Social Media Detox & Perimenopause
In this episode we are back after a delightful month off to chat about everything from alone time, social media detoxing and the perils of peri-menopause.
Christy chats about her 'alone' retreat, Leonie discusses the benefits and challenges of a longterm break from all social media and Katrina shares experiences of 'change', growth and unravelling through significant chapters in her life, including peri-menopause. We discuss hormone support and how important to get a second opinion on what you are experiencing and to seek out a women's health specialist, which is not always easy. We only briefly touch on this as it's a subject we plan to dedicate a whole episode to in the coming months - can't wait for this!
Thanks again for joining us on Spreading the Good Stuff.
For all show notes for this and all our other episodes pop on over to our podcast page at The Splendid Word.
Christy, Katrina and Leonie
xxx
Important note: in this chat we discuss peri-menopause and what we share about our own personal experiences is in no way to be seen as expert medical advise or criticism.
Episode 73 - The Art of Saying No
In episode 73 we briefly recap our last episode, where discussed chasing your dreams and we share the importance of support and the perils of not having it. Are you good at asking for help in your daily life? And, do you feel like a burden if you're receiving help from family or friends. We were reminded by the lovely saying, thanks to Katrina, that 'you can only give as much as you are prepared to receive' - food for thought!
We also discuss the art of saying saying no to things, which is another area of challenge for many. It's a tricky situation for many when we feel obligated to do the things we need to do for family, children, community, etc, and one worth unpacking.
Thanks again for joining us on Spreading the Good Stuff.
For all show notes for this and all our other episodes pop on over to our podcast page at The Splendid Word.
Christy, Katrina and Leonie
xxx
Episode 72 - Chasing Your Dreams
We're back spreading the good stuff with a conversation about 'chasing your dreams' and of course, we can't not talk about the amazing Matildas!
Right off the bat, it was hard to contain how totally pumped we were, along with the rest of the country, about the incredible journey that our national women's soccer team has been on during the FIFA Womens World Cup. We recorded this episode the morning after our heartbreaking loss to England (who were unfortunately the better team on the night) and it was great to reflect on the far-reaching impact the Matilda's journey has had, and will continue to have, into the future. Who said you can't commercialise women's sport?
This conversation also covers a lovely listener request - thank you to Jamie - about how to chase your dreams while caring for little people. We each share how we managed (and continue to manage) to keep our dreams alive while in the trenches with young children or tending to teenagers. Being kind to yourself, not comparing yourself to others, being patient and staying focussed on not letting go of your dreams by just doing little things along the way, were all tips we shared.
Thanks again for joining us on Spreading the Good Stuff.
For all show notes for this and all our other episodes pop on over to our podcast page at The Splendid Word.
Christy, Katrina and Leonie
xxx
Episode 71 - Social Media - The good, the bad & the ugly
In this episode of Spreading the Good Stuff we talk about social media. What we love, what we hate, and about the very slim chance that one day it might just all disappear! We share the benefits and the pitfalls and how we 'try' and keep a handle on how much we let it creep in and take over our lives.
We talk about the new kid on the block Threads, the loveliness of Substack and Instagram and the importance of email. Do we really need more platforms? Since we recorded this episode, Twitter has evolved into X, which many believe will only hasten its demise. Recent headlines have claimed that social media is dead or slowing dying, but why is everyone still on it and using it for all forms of communication, including important life announcements.
Thanks again for joining us on Spreading the Good Stuff.
For all show notes for this and all our other episodes pop on over to our podcast page at The Splendid Word.
Christy, Katrina and Leonie
xxx
Episode 70 - The Invisible Mental Load
We're back in your ears after a mini break and chatting about the invisible mental load we carry and if it exists for men also. In this episode we discuss how men and women share (or don't share) their struggles and encourage us all to show greater empathy and support each other, as being human is really hard sometimes. We also talk about the controversial card system used by some families to allocate jobs around the home, and catch up on some travel tales from Christy and Leonie and hear all about Katrina's farm based AirBNB Lost and Found.
Thanks again for joining us on Spreading the Good Stuff. For all show notes for this and all our other episodes pop on over to our podcast page at The Splendid Word.
Christy, Katrina and Leonie
xxx
Episode 69 - Are women over 50 ignored by society?
In our 69th episode we ask if women are ignored by society once they turn 50? It's an issue that keeps popping up and has us asking all sorts of questions about what's expected of us, should be get botox, cover our grey hair or if we are still as relevant as we age?
It's a curious topic and one worth exploring for all women and touches on comfort zones, playing small and how we could all do better to embrace ourselves - as individuals and as a society - as we age.
Thanks again for joining us on Spreading the Good Stuff, and for all show notes pop on over to our podcast page at The Splendid Word.
Christy, Katrina and Leonie
xxx
Note: Apologies again for another f-bomb in this chat.
Episode 68 - The Sandwich Generation and Getting Angry
In this episode we talk about the Sandwich Generation and also the problems with getting angry when we don’t agree with others.
It’s an interesting conversation and one that brings up a general theme of being kind to yourself and others as we navigate the different seasons in our life. We dive deep into the the challenge of how to best respond if and when we don’t agree with others, especially loved ones and online!
As always, we share what we're loving this fortnight.
Thanks again for listening to our podcast and for helping us to spread the good stuff.
For all the show notes from this episode, and all the others, jump on over to The Splendid Word podcast page here and chat to you soon,
Thanks again for listening,
Christy, Leonie and Katrina
xxx
Note: there are few f-bombs in this chat
Episode 67 - Comfort Zones & Bringing the Fun Back to Kids Sport
In our 67th episode we talk all things comfort zone related, as well as why we think the 'fun' might have disappeared from kids sport.
Following Katrina's cameo appearance for her local netball team, she realised that many participants, including children, just weren't having fun anymore.
We discuss why, possible reason's for our overly-competitive society and how many parents could perhaps care a little less when it comes to their children's sport.
This is a juicy topic and one that has popped up in the media recently with current AFLW coach and St Kilda legend Nathan Burke publishing a guide for parents navigating community sporting fields. Find the book here and please share your feedback on this hot topic. Do we have to win to have fun!
For all the show notes on this episode visit The Splendid Word here.
Thanks again for listening,
Christy, Leonie and Katrina
xxx
Episode 66 - The life juggle - is balance a myth?
In our 66th episode, we talk about the challenge of finding balance. What does it look like, or does it even exist!
In this insightful chat, we talk about recalibration, as opposed to the never-ending search to find 'balance' and we share lots of good stuff about how to check in and make time in a busy life to take care of the little things that, in the long run, take care of the bigger things!
We also talk about how courage and bravery is what is needed now, for us all to open up when we feel out of balance and have some big, important conversations with work colleagues, friends and loved ones.
Find all the show notes and what we're loving for this episode over at The Splendid Word website here.
Thanks again for listening,
Love Christy, Katrina and Leonie xxx
Episode 65 - Female Friendships - the highs, lows and everything in-between
In this conversation we talk about friendships and what happens when they shift, for whatever reason.
Specifically female friendships, the importance of them and what to do when they sometimes breakdown. How to nurture them in the different seasons of life and how best to look after each other and ourselves through the journey of friendship. Leonie talks about a friendship model from her mother, while Katrina shares a friendship that broke down and the emotions involved, and Christy shares a helpful meditation to support a challenging relationship.
This is a conversation that doesn't happen enough and there are no easy answers to a challenging friendship, however we are so glad to be able to share the highs and lows with each other and of course you, our audience.
Find all the show notes and what we're loving for this episode over at The Splendid Word website here.
Thanks again for listening,
Love Christy, Katrina and Leonie xxx
Episode 64 - Ladies, Bring a Plate - should we care that gendered volunteer roles still exist?
In this episode we tackle the subject of cultural change and how to approach it.
We take a deep dive into the the issue of volunteer roles for women, and how even in today's much more progressive society, they can still be highly gendered.
Does it matter? Why should we care? And how can we make change for the better?
We also talk about all the things we are loving, including podcasts, Small Hall Festivals, the fabulous autumn weather (which only two out of three of us are loving) making sauce and relish with the neighbours and how Katrina is all fired about making a difference in the farming community - stay tuned for big things in this space!
This is a big, juicy and heart-filled episode and we hope you enjoy it!
Find all the show notes for our episodes over at The Splendid Word website here. Thanks for listening,
Love Christy, Katrina and Leonie xxx
Episode 63 - Dealing With Criticism
In this episode - Dealing with Criticism - we unpack the challenges around freedom of speech and hate speech, and how it has shown up in the wider community and locally for our Spreading the Good Stuff team.
We share our thoughts on how to deal with criticism, including some excellent words and sage advice from some of our favourite podcasters, and we also share what we're loving - from autumn gardening, to our favourite TV shows and the genuine love and support from community.
Find all the show notes for our episodes over at The Splendid Word website here. Thanks for listening,
Love Christy, Katrina and Leonie xxx
Episode 62 - Unpacking International Women’s Day
In episode 62 of Spreading the Good Stuff we discuss the success and challenges of International Women’s Day (IWD), which was held in early March, and chew through what it means and what it should represent. It’s an interesting conversation, that has parallels with other struggles for equality and equity. Katrina shares details from a local IWD she hosted and loved peeling back the layers to find out what is really happening behind the scenes (and the Instagram posts) of the women we admire. Leonie took comfort in this insight and shares her feelings about overwhelm, creating the all-important wriggle room we need in our lives, and asking for help. Christy talks about her frustrations with real equality for women, how she is feeling sore, but good, after almost four weeks of her Yoga Teacher Training and is hoping for a bath at some stage this week! We want to thank all our lovely listeners for tuning in, and there’s a special shout-out by Lee in this chat to one of our male listeners who recently shared some very special feedback.
Find all the show notes for our episodes over at The Splendid Word website here. Thanks for listening,
Love Christy, Katrina and Leonie xxx
Episode 61 - Real and Raw - Asking the Big Questions
In today's chat we get real, raw and vulnerable about life by asking each other a series of big-hearted questions: Where are you at right now and how are you feeling? What’s feeling good? What’s feeling challenging for you? What do you need right now? What are you loving? This makes for some great podcast fodder and we chat all things silent retreats, juggling work and family life, productivity and wellbeing hacks, yoga and empty nesting. There are also some gems to catch around podcasts and books that we are loving. Thanks again for joining us here on Spreading the Good Stuff. You'll find all the show notes for this episode over at The Splendid Word website here, and you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Thanks for listening, Christy, Katrina and Leonie xxx
Episode 60 - We are Back Baby! Season 2 is here!
In this 60th Episode we are finally back around the microphone together after a 2 year break, and we are so excited to be here! Firstly, please forgive us for the sound quality in this episode. We are clearly a little rusty, but have full faith it will be much better for Episode #61. So much has changed in two years, thanks to an international pandemic, and we have a lot to talk about. During this conversation we talk about what we have been up to since we last chatted, including an epic overseas adventure for Katrina and her family of six, kids growing up and leaving school and home... and tackling a business all on your own without losing your mind and your patience in the process! We all love 'spreading the good stuff' and can't wait to be back in your ears on a more regular basis. You'll find all the show notes for this episode over at The Splendid Word website here and you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Thanks for listening, Christy, Katrina and Leonie xxx
Surviving 2020 (with your relationships intact)
Thank you to each and every one of our cherished listeners for your support in 2020, and for helping us to spread the good stuff out there in our rural and regional communities. Your feedback and encouragement along the way means the world to us.
This final episode is a conversation about the year that has been - a chance for acknowledgment, reflection and self-compassion. We also share how we're setting ourselves up for the Christmas rush, including self-care tips to see us through the festive season and to help us bring the joy at this special time of year. And because we know that Christmas can put extra strain on relationships and be a time of great challenge for some, we also talk at length about ways that we can protect our energy, own our behaviour and show up as the best possible version of ourselves, despite the actions of others around us.
Thanks again guys - have a wonderful Christmas! Chat with you next year!
Gathering - Why We Meet & Why It Matters
Manage Your Time, Or It Will Manage You.....
For most of this strange year, our time has been our own, but as we start to re-emerge from this last big round of Covid shutdowns, and state borders open up again, things are shifting dramatically. Social invitations are flying in thick and fast, kids' sport and extra curricular activities are back on the agenda, work projects and deadlines are piling up.......and Christmas is just a month away....
The mental load is real guys....and for many of us it's been a while since we've carried it.
In this conversation Katrina, Christy and Lee go deep on the subject of time management and productivity. The girls share how they are working behind the scenes in their own work and personal lives to stay on top of the overwhelm.
There's heaps of helpful hacks and advice to help you take charge of your time, including productivity and planning tools, strategies for managing the mental clutter, boundary setting, outsourcing and asking for help.
And the key takeaway? Good time management all comes down to getting your wellbeing foundations right so that you feel confident to say no when you need to. It's all about prioritising and managing YOUR own time - because if you don't, time (and every one else's priorities) will manage you.....
Following Your Heart - in Business & in Life
Financial Foundations - Futureproofing Your Business
The pilot program is available to small businesses located in the RFCS NSW-Southern Region area who have 19 employees or less, and are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
In this chat Leonie and Court talk about some of the challenges small businesses in this region are experiencing in the current climate; the avenues of support, advice and funding available to them; how businesses can conduct their own financial health checks; steps for futureproofing their financials; signs to look out for to avoid trouble; and tips for helping businesses to thrive in these challenging times. It's a great chat full of so much helpful information that anyone in business will find incredibly valuable.
Small Business Spotlight (Part #2) - Pivoting with Covid - 12 Good Eggs
Kate and her family run 3000 chooks on a property near Moulamein where the free range chooks live in very funky caravans! They sort and pack everything themselves at a warehouse in Barham. When the borders closed Kate had to get very inventive so she could off load all the eggs they had because they were unable to get to all their regular farmers markets in Victoria. Hear how Kate was able to use her networks and marketing background to turn a really challenging time into something really positive for their business and open a whole new door. Kate shares so much 'gold' about how they run their business, the importance of good staff and their plans for the future. It's such a great conversation which really shines a light on the power of working together, being innovative and being able to adapt even in the face of great challenge.
Small Business Spotlight (Part #1) - Pivoting with Covid
Zowie Crump from the Art of Zowie Photography based in Mathoura thought outside the box when all her wedding, family and school photo sessions were cancelled, while Julianne Daly from the Border Inn Hotel in Moama shifted quickly to offering take away services and focused on the importance of community when they had to turn all the lights out.
This inspiring conversation is a great example of small regional businesses tapping into their resilience, relying on the local community and their ability to adapt quickly when circumstances literally change overnight.
Building Your Brand Online - (NSW Small Business Month Series)
We're kicking off the series with a conversation today about building your brand online. It's a deep dive into the importance of having an online presence, some helpful advice on the best ways to build your brand online, and a look at the lessons we've all learned along the way in our own small businesses.
CHANGE
Social Media During a Global Pandemic - The Good & The Bad
And how has that changed, if at all, during this time of a global pandemic?
In this episode, Christy, Katrina and Lee share their experiences with social media (the good and the bad) and how they each work to manage those polarities. Tune in for some helpful tips on how you can nurture a healthy relationship with the online social world and ensure that it is a positive place of inspiration, connection, joy, sharing and education for you.
Border Closures Ripping Regional Communities Apart
A conversation about kindness - with Brad McEwan
An open conversation about Racism
We focus on how we can do better at being anti-racist, and explore some of the resources we've been accessing to educate ourselves on this incredibly important issue.
In conversation with Sally Dalwood - leading from the heart in life and biz
Sal has had an extensive and wide-ranging career including working as Press Secretary to Prime Minister, Tony Abbott and being named by The Age as one of the top 50 most influential women in Australia! Sal is actually Leonie's cousin and is a very dear friend to Katrina and Lee. She is one of the most inspiring people we know.
In this chat, Katrina and Sal discuss what led to Sal starting The Suite Set and how she made that decision. They talk about motherhood and the challenges of wanting to "have it all" when it comes to work and family. They unpack the importance of really knowing your values, your purpose and your why and Sal gives us some wonderful tips and advice for how to dig deep in to knowing what's really important to you. Sal also talks us through her social media and why building a community is so important when establishing a business.
There is so much gold in this episode, with so many helpful tips and practical advice if you're looking to start a business and wondering if it's time to take the leap! Enjoy the episode!
Life After COVID-19 - Designing a 'New Normal'
Homeschooling Hacks - a conversation with Talitha Morris
In today's episode we delve deep in to conversation with someone who knows all about homeschooling. Talitha Morris was homeschooled along with her NINE siblings on their Bunnaloo farm, about three hours north of Melbourne, from prep right through until she graduated year 12. It's a fascinating story that you just have to hear. Talitha shares some excellent hacks and insight, as well as her top tips to assist families with homeschooling their own children during this time of pandemic.
Working & Homeschooling - Making the Impossible Possible
They explore the highs, the lows and everything in between and offer some practical tips that are helping them keep their own heads above water - most of the time......
Feeling Lost? This is how to reset & move forward
Finding Hope In Uncertain Times
We talk about our fears, the overwhelm, the loneliness, the weariness and the messiness of it all. And most importantly we share vital tips and advice on how we can all try to move through the fear and anxiety, and create a new normal in our daily lives, as we bunker down during this heartbreaking period of crisis.
Each for Equal - what it's like to be a woman in a man's world
This is a live recording of an interview between Christy and Lauren at the recent International Women's Day event held on the Victorian-NSW border towns of Echuca Moama. In this insightful chat, Lauren shares her struggles as a mum, business owner, and woman doing a 'man's job.
Collective Grief, Staying Positive & Starting Fresh - Welcome to 2020!
Gratitude and Giving Thanks at Christmas Time
Trading Stress for Joy This Christmas
Join Christy, Katrina and Leonie in this helpful episode as they share their practical ideas and strategies for trading stress for joy in the weeks ahead. There's even a special gratitude challenge kicking off today that's designed to help us all make sure this Christmas is a memorable one - a time for family, friends, connection, happy memories and thanks giving, and not one that is hijacked by overwhelm, consumerism, busy and high stress.
The very best gift you can give yourself at this time of year is grace. Go gently.
Bushfires & Community Spirit
Sleep Lessons - unpacking advice from our expert
A conversation with Sleep Expert Dr Moira Junge
She shares her expert advice on the science behind sleep, why it's a key pillar of health and wellbeing, what good sleeping habits look like, how much we really need, and how poor sleepers can address their challenges, and in extreme cases, where they can get help.
The Sleep Factor - Are you getting enough?
Sleep.....
Are you getting enough? How much is too much? What's your relationship like with sleep? And why is it so important for our overall wellbeing? Tune in to hear how the girls approach rest time in their own lives, how their sleep patterns have changed throughout the seasons of life, and some of the sleep practices they've adopted along the way.