SHIT HAPPY with Toni Powell

This is the fan mail link! Winning MasterChef was meant to be the start of a dream life, but instead, it became the precursor to a quiet, devastating undoing. Julie Goodwin, the show’s first-ever winner, takes us behind the curtain of reality TV fame to share the raw, unfiltered reality of what happens when the cameras stop rolling and the isolation truly sets in.If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 in the US and Canada, call 116 123 in the UK, or call 13 11 14 in Australia.This conversation isn't just about the pressure of the spotlight; it’s a deeply honest look at the path to a mental health collapse and the long, non-linear journey of recovery that followed. Julie speaks candidly about multiple hospitalizations, the danger of mistaking "being busy" for "being okay," and the vital importance of removing the stigma surrounding treatment for severe depression and anxiety. We explore why she rejects prescriptive self-help and instead urges listeners to cultivate genuine self-awareness, pay attention to the early warning signs their bodies are screaming, and recognize that mental well-being requires consistent maintenance, not just a one-time fix. From the foundational necessity of sleep to the power of surrendering to professional care, Julie’s story is a powerful reminder that our value isn’t tied to our output, and seeking help is not a failure—it is the ultimate act of courage.GUEST link:  https://shithappy.com/they-said-you-need-the-psych-ward-i-laughed-julie-goodwin-ep-102/Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/For laughs check out our other Youtube @inbedwithphil00:00 [MasterChef Expectations vs. Reality]01:39 [The Reality of Isolation]08:57 [Post-Show Whirlwind & Burnout]11:58 [The Collapse]14:52 [The Decision to Seek Hospitalization]16:01 [Dispelling Myths About Mental Hospitals]22:34 [Challenging Mental Health Stigma]25:15 [The Perfectionism Trap in Recovery]28:21 [The Non-Linear Path of Healing]34:30 [The Vital Importance of Sleep]#shithappypodcast #mentalhealthawareness #masterchefau #juliegoodwin #recoveryjourneySupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! Becky Livingston didn't just survive the loss of her daughter Rachel, she took her on one last trip. For 26 months, Becky traveled the globe with Rachel’s ashes in her suitcase, scattering them in the places Rachel had always dreamed of visiting—from the Taj Mahal to the peaks of the Andes. This is the visceral, logistics-heavy, and deeply moving account of that journey. Becky shares the reality of carrying an urn through airport security, the ritual of "leaving a piece of her" in every country, and how a 26-month trip designed for a dead daughter ended up saving the mother who was left behind. If you’ve ever wondered how to move forward when the person you love is gone, this is the roadmap.Missed The first part? https://youtu.be/DSr7dQdJ3UY Guest Page: https://shithappy.com/the-trip-she-took-with-her-dead-daughter-becky-livingstone-ep-101/ Links To Love: https://shithappy.com/resources/ For laughs check out our other Youtube @inbedwithphil0:00 Introduction1:01 Becky Leaves for Europe4:38 Leaving Ashes Around the World6:41 The Airport Incident in Melbourne10:15 Talking to Rachel12:21 The Journey Comes to a Close14:24 Writing the Book and Finding Healing#grief #travel #lifeafterloss #childloss #shithappypodcastSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! Becky Livingston's world imploded twice. First, her partner Bob was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and died six months later. Then, 18 months after that, her daughter Rachel's brain tumour returned. Most people would have stayed on the floor. Becky got up, packed her daughter's ashes, and spent 26 months scattering them across the places Rachel had dreamed of visiting.This is a conversation about the most devastating thing that can happen to a person, and the extraordinary decision to find gold in the wreckage. Becky shares Bob's life lessons (including the one that stopped me cold), how gratitude actually works when you have every reason to be bitter, and why changing your outer view can change your inner one. Her book is called Joyful Mourning, and after you hear this, you'll understand why that title isn't a contradiction.0:00 — When Life Hits You With Back-to-Back Tragedy2:11 — Falling in Love Again as a Single Mum (and Losing Him Too)6:04 — "To Be Constantly Strong Is a Weakness" — Bob's Wisest Lesson7:51 — The Day Her Daughter's Brain Tumor Came Back8:33 — How She Survived Losing a Partner to Brain Cancer8:32 — Falling Apart After Loss — What Actually Helped Her Heal10:33 — How to Care for Yourself While Watching Someone Die13:49 — Remembering Rachel — A Daughter Who Loved to Laugh and Travel16:02 — The Travel Journey That Started With a Book of Stars16:44 — Why She Turned Her Grief Into a Book (and Why Only She Could Write It)19:54 — How Grief and Gratitude Can Coexist22:37 — How a Terminal Diagnosis Changes the Way You Live26:57 — Reinventing Your Life After 50 — It's Never Too Late30:54 — Using Travel to Navigate Life's Biggest Transitions32:17 — How to Find Yourself Again After Everything Changes35:19 — Closing — Part Two Coming ThursdayGuest Page: (link)Links To Love (newsletter etc): https://shithappy.com/resources/Watch On Youtube:@shithappypodcastFor laughs check out our other Youtube @inbedwithphilIf you or someone you know is navigating grief, reach out to a bereavement counsellor or grief support service in your area. You don't have to do this alone#grief #lifeafterloss #dealingwithloss #bereavement #SHITHAPPYPODCASTSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Guests Share Their Favourite Books - rerun of ep 62 Books can shape lives, shift perspectives, and sometimes even spark laughter in the bedroom. In this Sh!t Happy holiday special, guests reveal the books that most changed or uplifted them—from Jack Canfield’s Success Principles to Louise Hay, from Ram Dass’s Be Here Now to Johann Hari’s Lost Connections, and even Fifty Shades of Grey. You’ll hear stories of healing, meditation, resilience, forgiveness, and joy, with recommendations that may just inspire your own reading list. Perfect holiday listening for anyone curious about wellbeing, mental health, and the power of words to transform.TopicsThe books that shaped our guests’ livesHow reading influences resilience and wellbeingSurprising answers to “most uplifting book”Meditation, forgiveness, and spiritual awakeningsThe role of connection in mental healthChoosing happiness and living without regretEpisode Specific LinksTranscript  https://shithappy.com/guests-share-the…ay-special-ep-62/The Success Principles – Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/3IOFtOmYou Can Heal Your Life – Louise Hay: https://amzn.to/4nZmakgBe Here Now – Ram Dass: https://amzn.to/3IQOnuCLost Connections – Johann Hari: https://amzn.to/3Kuhc0AThe Happiest Man on Earth – Eddie Jaku: https://amzn.to/46z0GVMTop Five Regrets of the Dying – Bronnie Ware: https://amzn.to/4gRO2VjFind Related Episodes on Apple Podcasts: # 2 Bombs Betrayal and Badassery with Heidi Denning # 23 Hip Hop For Healing with Winitha Bonney  # 17 Sex, Drugs & Meditation with Mary-Lou Stephens # 26 Finding Inner Peace with Fred Luskin # 20 Blindsided By Benzos with Deke Ludwig #books, #reading, #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the showSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Guests Share About Romance - rerun of ep 66 From handwritten Italian love notes to a surprise donkey with a red bow, this holiday special brims with the most romantic gestures our guests have ever experienced. You’ll hear about unexpected kindness, deep devotion, sparkling Vegas vows, and even a partner who wasn’t afraid to tackle a messy kitchen. Whether you’re craving inspiration for your own love life or just want to smile, these true stories will lift your heart and remind you of the many forms romance can take. Perfect holiday listening for anyone seeking joy, wellbeing, and a dash of fun.TopicsRomance in everyday and extraordinary gesturesLove letters and the power of the written wordSelfless acts in relationshipsDonkeys, Elvis, and unconventional surprisesHow kindness can feel deeply romanticEpisode Specific LinksTranscript: https://shithappy.com/guests-share-about-romance-holiday-special-ep-66/ Toni’s course: https://www.tonipowell.com/product/lets-get-shit-happy-self-paced/USE THIS 30% OFF CODE : shithappyRelated Episode LinksEp 17: with Mary Lou Stevens Ep 41: with Mae DaEp 48 & 49  with  Nikki Beaumont Ep 38 & 39  with Tammy van Wisse Ep: 23 & 24 with  Fred Luskin – BOTH#romance, #loveletters, #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the showSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview *note this rerun episode has two smaller episodes together.   One on Childhood dreams and one on Kindness. Sep shownotes for both below: Shownotes: Guests Share Their Childhood Dreams -  reryb ep 64 Ever wonder what your childhood dreams said about you? In this fun holiday special, guests share the quirky, heartfelt, and hilarious careers they once imagined for themselves. From teaching without realizing it meant kids, to becoming the Bionic Woman, to designing a backhoe, these stories are equal parts funny and revealing. A feel-good dose of nostalgia and insight into how dreams shift and strengths emerge—perfect for a wellbeing boost this holiday season.Episode Specific LinksTranscript: https://shithappy.com/guests-share-their-childhood-dreams-holiday-special-ep-64/Find Related Episodes on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shit-happy-with-toni-powell/id1829230570ep 39 & 39 with Tammy van Wisse: ep 20 with Deke Ludwig ep 47 & 48 with Nikki Beaumont #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #Motivation, #childhooddreams, #careerjourney, #nostalgiaShownotes: Guests Tell Stories of  Great Kindness - rerun ep 67Kindness is contagious—and sometimes it comes from the most unexpected places. In this holiday special, four Sh!t Happy guests share unforgettable moments when kindness changed everything. From strangers guarding luggage and chiropractors offering healing on the beach, to a surprise champagne celebration and the power of one encouraging word, these stories remind us how mental health, resilience, and wellbeing grow when people choose kindness.Episode Transcript:  https://shithappy.com/guests-share-abo…ay-special-ep-66/Find Related Episodes on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shit-happy-with-toni-powell/id1829230570# 5 Miracle On The Camino with Stephanie Bergeron# 38  She Did The Impossible With Tammy Van Wisse# 44 The Sky Is Not The Limit with Cran Middlecoat #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #Motivation, #kindness, #randomactsofkindness,Support the showSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Guests Share Real Life Miracles - Rerun of Ep 65 Need some holiday magic? This special Sh!t Happy episode gathers extraordinary true “miracle” stories from guests you’ve already met on the show. From white doves in Assisi with Petrea King to a mysterious old lady at her hospital bed, from Stephanie Bergeron’s perfectly-timed encounters to Paul McDermott’s prophetic dream group, Tammy van Wisse’s final moment with her mother and Toni’s own bedside story, to Deke’s shooting-star goodbye and his insight that resilience itself is a miracle. A moving, surprising listen on wellbeing, mental health, loss, resilience  Topicsmiracles, healing, near-death experiences, dreams, timing, resilience, spirituality, grief, connectionEpisode Specific LinksTranscript: https://shithappy.com/guests-share-real-life-miracles-holiday-special-ep-65/Find Related Episodes on Apple Podcasts:ep 14 & 15 with Petrea King ep 5 & 6 with Stephanie Bergeron ep 35 & 36 with Paul McDermott ep 38 & 39  with Tammy van Wisseep 20  with Deke Ludwig Support the showSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Guests Share How They First Met Their Love - Holiday Special ep  63Love at first sight, illegal visas, meditation dreams, and a tango that turned into marriage—this New Year’s Day holiday special is packed with unforgettable first-meeting stories. Heidi Dening reveals how Batgirl fell for King Kong, Mary-Lou Stevens shares how a silent retreat led her to love, Mark Matthews tells his nightclub-to-surf romance, and Paul McDermott recounts the most extraordinary tango-fuelled meeting you’ll ever hear. Perfect listening for anyone who loves stories about relationships, serendipity, and the surprising ways we find connection.TopicsHeidi’s hilarious King Kong first meeting storyThe “proposed marriage visa” surpriseMary-Lou’s dream of a cup of teaHow meditation and mindfulness helped her meet loveMark Matthews’ love at first sight in Surfers ParadisePaul McDermott’s dream-led tango encounter that became destinyHow dreams, chance, and persistence shape relationshipsFind Related Episodes on Apple Podcasts:Episode Transcript:  https://shithappy.com/guests-share-how…ay-special-ep-63/#2 with Heidi Dening #11 with Mark Matthews# 17  with Mary-Lou Stephens# 35  with Paul McDermott#LoveStories,  #Relationships, #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes:What happens when the struggle you inherit is privilege, not poverty? In this powerful episode, Angela Williams shares how wealth, social barriers, addiction in marriage, faith, kindness and service shaped her life. From growing up as the daughter of an English Lord to supporting women on the streets and launching a kindness movement in Australia, this conversation explores mental health, human connection, purpose and the healing power of compassion.Topicsprivilege and prejudiceloneliness and connectionalcohol addiction in marriagefaith and miracle momentsstreet outreach and women in crisiskindness and mental healthpurpose, courage and social impactEpisode Specific LinksHumankind TV: https://humankindtv.com.au/about/Australia’s Kindest Person: https://australiaskindestperson.com.au/about-us/Angela's Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaWilliamsOfficial/Transcript and guest bio:  https://shithappy.com/from-lords-daugh…a-williams-ep-99/Related Episodes#74 Love, Meth & Miracles with Beau Haywood.Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes:What if grief did not have to mean a life built around pain? In this deeply moving episode, Marie Alessi shares how the sudden death of her husband changed everything, and how one clear decision helped her guide herself and her sons through devastating loss. This conversation explores grief, healing, parenting after loss, hope, joy, trauma, spiritual beliefs, emotional resilience and how to support someone through bereavement in a more helpful, human way.Topicssudden loss and shockgrief and healingparenting after bereavementvictimhood versus empowermentspiritual beliefs around deathwhat to say to grieving peoplewriting, storytelling and recoveryfinding joy after lossEpisode Specific LinksMarie Alessi podcast: Unsilence Grief: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unsilence-grief/id1584715819Marie's website: https://www.mariealessi.com/Transcript and guest bio:   https://shithappy.com/my-person-died-w…rie-alessi-ep-98/ Related Episodes       #72 AND #73 on Losing Layla and Grief with Vanessa GormanSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes: When the devastating 2019–2020 Australian bushfires tore through the small town of Cobargo, potter Gaye Powell and her partner Dan faced a terrifying fight to save their home and creative livelihood. In this powerful conversation, Gay shares the reality of surviving the fires, the emotional aftermath, and how creativity, community and making things with your hands can help rebuild wellbeing after trauma. A story about resilience, recovery and the healing power of creativity.TopicsSurviving the 2019–2020 Australian bushfiresTrauma, shock and mental health after disasterRebuilding life and community after lossThe healing power of creativity and potteryWhy making things with your hands supports wellbeingCommunity recovery and generosity after crisisEpisode Specific Links Bandicoot Pottery – Gay & Dan Powell: https://bandicootpottery.com.au Transcript and guest bio:  https://shithappy.com/firing-up-after-the-fire-ep-97/ ‎Related Episodes #2 Bombs, Betrayal and Badassery with Heidi DeningSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewSHOWNOTESDescription In this powerful continuation with Dr Margot McKinnon, we explore near death experiences, unconditional love, and how reconnecting with your inner blueprint can transform wellbeing, mental health, education, parenting, and relationships. Margot shares extraordinary stories of consciousness beyond the body and how those experiences shaped her work with students, families, and clients. This episode offers deeply practical insights into grounding, emotional safety, compassion, and helping people realign with the life they are meant to live.TopicsNear death experiences and consciousnessUnconditional love and spiritual wellbeingGrounding for mental healthParenting without punishmentEducation, behaviour, and belongingFinding your life blueprintEpisode Specific LinksTranscript and guest bio:   https://shithappy.com/a-near-death-exp…t-mckinnon-ep-96/Related Episodes # 98 Your Blueprint: Remembering Who You Are with Dr Margot McKinnonHeads Up Includes discussion of near death experiences and spiritual beliefs.Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes:Description Dr Margot McKinnon shares how an acrimonious divorce and “pit of despair” became the turning point that pulled her back to herself. We talk spiritual guidance, rebuilding your circle, the “blueprint” you are born with, and her five-dimensions model (body, mind, spirit, soul, oneness) to help you reset your life and wellbeing.TopicsPit of despair and identity lossThe “blueprint” idea and getting back on trackCutting toxic, energy-draining relationshipsFive dimensions: body, mind, spirit, soul, onenessStress patterns by dominance typeFriendship, purpose, and rebuilding a lifeEpisode Specific LinksJohn Cleese moderates UVA panel on NDEs/past-life memories  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RGizqsLumo&t=234sMargot’s book: The Body, Mind, Spirit, Soul, Oneness Dominance Theory: https://www.drmargotmckinnon.com/Transcript and guest bio:  https://shithappy.com/your-blueprint-r…t-mckinnon-ep-95/Related EpisodesA Near Death Experience with Margo McKinnon Heads Up Mentions divorce, despair, and near-death experiences.Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes Grief doesn’t always arrive as tears. Sometimes it shows up as “do mode”, shock, and a nervous system that never quite believes life is safe again. Alice Hanna shares the extraordinary story of her adventurous mother, her mother’s chronic pain and mental health decline, and the suicide that changed Alice’s brain, relationships and sense of security. Together, Alice and Toni explore anxiety, PTSD, catastrophic thinking, guilt, young caring, and the slow work of letting people back in. This is a tender, practical episode for anyone living with anxiety, loving someone through mental illness, or carrying complicated grief.TopicsSuicide loss and complicated griefYoung carers and caregiver burnoutChronic pain, disability and mental healthShock, “do mode” and nervous system traumaAnxiety, PTSD and catastrophic thinkingGuilt, shame and letting people in againGrounding, breath, gratitude and daily toolsBeyond Blue advocacy and reaching outEpisode Specific LinksBeyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/Shitbox Rally: https://www.shitboxrally.com.au/Transcript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/how-my-mothers-s…lice-hanna-ep-94/ Related Episodes# 72 Losing Layla with Vanessa Gorman#  73 Good Grief with Vanessa Gorman#   90  Surviving Suicide - A Boatload of Miracles with Donna Thistlewaite Heads Up Includes detailed discussion of suicide, suicide attempts, trauma symptoms and grief.Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewSHOWNOTES:  5 Minutes To Improve Your LIfe in 16 Ways with Toni Powell  ep 93This episode introduces a simple, science-backed practice that takes just minutes a day and quietly reshapes your wellbeing, brain, relationships and even how you age. Loving-kindness meditation is free, accessible, and far more powerful than it sounds. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology and real research, Toni walks through sixteen evidence-based benefits, from emotional regulation and pain reduction to increased compassion, resilience and social connection. No chanting cushions required.TopicsLoving-kindness meditation explained simplyEmotional wellbeing and purposeNervous system regulation and vagal tonePain, trauma and PTSD researchBrain structure, empathy and emotional intelligenceTelomeres, ageing and long-term healthBias reduction, compassion and relationshipsSelf-criticism versus self-kindnessEpisode Specific LinksLoving-kindness meditation resources (guided practices): https://youtu.be/9cxtdiXBQDk?si=ayqW6daqCis_WtI3Episode transcript: https://shithappy.com/5-minutes-to-imp…oni-powell-ep-93/Find Related Episodes on www.shithappy.com#76  The Prescription You Don't Need A Dr For with Roni Beauchamp # 75 You Can Change The World with Toni Powell# 74 Love, Meth and Miracles with Beau Haywood Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTES: Lifestyle medicine is the prescription most of us aren’t getting. Toni speaks with Roni Beauchamp, CEO of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, about the real foundations of health: sleep, movement, food, social connection, behaviour change and prevention. Why aren’t doctors trained in lifestyle or nutrition? Why do we wait until we’re sick? And how do we build a life and health span that keeps us thriving, not just surviving? Roni’s story will change how you think about health, medication, happiness and prevention.Topics Lifestyle medicine and prevention, wellbeing and mental health, the gut–brain connection, sleep, chronic illness and health span, movement and nutrition, avoiding harmful substances, social support, small behaviour changes, the problem with “sickness systems,” pharmaceuticals vs lifestyle.Episode Specific Links Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine: https://lifestylemedicine.org.au/ Transcript link Guest bio link:  https://shithappy.com/the-prescription…-beauchamp-ep-92/ ‎Related Episode Links #20 Blindsided By Benzos with Deke Ludwig #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes: A warm, funny and deeply human “More Shit Happy” episode exploring the powerful words people choose to live by. This conversation celebrates wellbeing, mindset, kindness, authenticity, resilience and the tiny 1% actions that shape mental health, happiness and real life growth. From grief and courage to fun, Nerf-gun joy and rediscovering who we really are, this episode offers practical inspiration for anyone wanting motivation, perspective, connection and a more meaningful life.Topics • 1% better habits and small daily actions • Compassion, patience and imperfect humanity • It’s never too late and self-belief • Authenticity, boundaries and life reinvention • Being-doing-having and personal agency • Gratitude, kindness and bringing back fun Find Related Episode at www.shithappy.com: https://shithappy.com/what-are-the-wor…-your-life-ep-91/ #78 When The Universe Drops A Tree On You – Bart Walsh #84 I’m Gay: A Plot Twist – Meralda Bateman #60 Gold At Sixty-One  – Carol Cook #92 The Prescription You Don't Need a Dr Fro – Roni Beauchamp #88 When Someone Steals Your Dream – Maureen #72 Losing Layla – Vanessa GormanSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes:After a workplace conflict detonates Donna Thistlewaite’s confidence, intrusive thoughts spiral fast and end in a suicide attempt from Brisbane’s Story Bridge. Donna survives in a chain of near-impossible events and, years later, uses her story to shift stigma, build hope, and teach practical tools for wellbeing. This episode explores suicide prevention, anxiety, shame, catastrophising, nervous system overload, and why you cannot “think your way out” when your brain is in fight-flight.TopicsWork stress, humiliation, imposter thoughtsAnxiety, sleep loss, nervous system overloadSuicide attempt and survivalWhy the suicidal brain feels “rational”Lifeline volunteering and the power of being heardRecovery routines: exercise, cycling, gratitudeStorytelling, shame, privacy and telling familyHope: emotional states are temporaryEpisode SpecificLinksDonna Thistlewaite about: https://donnathistlethwaite.com.au/Australian Story episode featuring Donna (2017): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jpy9RBEDtgLifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/131114?q=get-help/services/131114Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/Transcript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/surviving-suicid…f-miracles-ep-90/Related Episodes# 20  Blindsided By Benzos - Deke Ludwig# 94  How My Mother's Suicide Changed My Life Forever with Alice Hanna# 18, 19, 21, 22, 24 and 25 with Toni about her journey with mental health:Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes: We Learned New Stuff - In Bed With Phil  ep 89 What if everything you “knew” turned out to be wrong—or at least surprising? In this fun In Bed with Phil episode, Toni and Phil swap strange facts, quirky discoveries, and laugh-out-loud oddities. From Elton John’s favorite song to why Saudi Arabia imports sand, and why astronauts can’t whistle in space—this mix of truth, myth-busting, and comedy will spark your curiosity and remind you that wellbeing and mental health often start with wonder, surprise, and laughter.TopicsElton John’s surprising favorite songWhy desert nations import sandOldest university founded by a womanSudan’s 200 pyramidsTime, calendars, and clocks in EthiopiaFact-checking viral internet “truths”Astronauts and whistling in spaceCowboy “tumbleweed” dad jokeEpisode Specific LinksSmile – Charlie Chaplin song: https://youtu.be/YynxFjMXF1Y?si=bYj7c6ajtIH5FAI_Al-Qarawiyyin University: https://alqarawiyyeenuniversity.org/Transcript  https://shithappy.com/we-learned-new-s…-with-phil-ep-89/Related Episode Links# 81  In Bed With Phil - We might be Spicy#curiosity, #funfacts, #randomknowledge, #interestingfacts, #quirkytruths, #didyouknow, #triviaSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes: Maureen Hascoet built a bold plan to change Scotland’s film industry while her family faced a Huntington’s diagnosis. Then investors manoeuvred her out of her own studio, triggering betrayal trauma, burnout, panic, and a frightening intrusive thought on the motorway. In this raw conversation, Maureen shares how she rebuilt power, boundaries, and purpose through community support, therapy, resilience practices, and new projects that protect creatives from being taken advantage of.TopicsBetrayal, grief and business lossBurnout, panic attacks, intrusive thoughtsChronic stress and family illnessLegal battles, power and protectionRebuilding after collapseCommunity, dignity, identityEpisode SpecificLinksFirewalker Pictures: https://www.facebook.com/firewalkerfilms/Transcript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/what-happened-wh…en-hascoet-ep-88/Related EpisodeS #68 A Filmmakers Improbable Journey to Mission Impossible – Chris JonesSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes A short but powerful “But wait, there’s more” follow-up with anthropologist Monty Badami that dives into identity, culture, wellbeing and meaning. Monty shares his time in South India with the Pania community, the limits of a purely biomedical approach to mental health, and a story that still gives Toni goosebumps: the day an elder knew she’d taken a stone from the river. You’ll also hear how this moment helped Monty shift from psychology to anthropology, and how objects, rituals and place can hold memory, belonging and healing.TopicsIndigenous communities in South India and the Pania peopleStructural violence, marginalisation and mental healthLimits of “quick fix” biomedical modelsCulture, story and community as meaning-makingObjects, rituals and place as memory and identitySpirit possession beliefs and cultural worldview shiftsAnthropology vs psychology and why Monty changed pathsGrief, belonging and what we carryEpisode Specific LinksMonty Badami: https://montybadami.com/https://www.habitus.org/about Transcript and guest bio:  https://shithappy.com/how-stealing-a-r…nty-badami-ep-87/Related Episodes Find at www.shithappy.com# 2 Betrayals, Bombs and Badassery with Heidi Dening# 3 Anxiety, Connection and King Kong with Heidi Dening# 36 Dreqms, Miracles and Enlightenment with Paul McDermottSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotesWhat does it really mean to be human in a messy, uncertain world? Anthropologist Monty Badami joins Toni Powell for a thoughtful, funny and deeply humane conversation about wellbeing, mental health, conflict, compassion and meaning-making. From cancel culture and free speech to perfectionism, vulnerability and sitting with discomfort, this episode explores how embracing complexity, rather than escaping it, helps us navigate life, relationships and modern stress with more empathy and resilience.TopicsHuman complexity and meaning-makingWellbeing, mental health and emotional literacySitting with discomfort and uncertaintyPerfectionism, vulnerability and self-compassionCancel culture, free speech and empathyConflict, resistance and unmet needsCreativity, art and the role of reflectionHope, despair and shared humanityEpisode Specific LinksMonty Badami TEDx Talk (mentioned): https://youtu.be/G052sRQ_8gE?si=6nAZG_IlFEcHB0AjHabitus Social Enterprise: https://www.habitus.org/aboutCarl Sagan – Cosmos (mentioned): https://youtu.be/g3ZdqeW-CUA?si=59JoU7OdWZlPZeQ4Transcript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/how-to-get-curio…nty-badami-ep-86/Related Episodes# 36  Dreams, Miracles & Enlightenment with Paul McDermott# 2 and # 3 with Heidi DeningSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotes:This Miracles edition of But Wait, There’s More gathers powerful real-life stories of meaning, hope, grief and connection from past guests. From near-death reassurance and spiritual presence to long-lost family reunions, unexpected provision, and profound end-of-life experiences, these conversations explore how moments we can’t explain reshape identity, purpose, wellbeing and mental health. Listeners seeking comfort, reflection, courage or curiosity about the unseen threads of life will find resonance and relief in these shared human stories.TopicsNear-death insight, spiritual presence, grief and loss, serendipity, family reconnection, intuitive experiences, purpose, hope, unseen supportTranscript and Bio:  https://shithappy.com/let-me-tell-you-…-a-miracle-ep-85/  Episode Specific Links -  find on www.shithappy.com # 84 Meralda Bateman " I'm gay?" The Plot Twist I Didn't See Coming # 78 Bart Walsh - “When the Universe Drops a Tree on You” ( # 81  Frank Frikker - The Magic of Music and Laughter # 54 Monica Rosenfeld - Stories That Stir) # 80 Paul Fairweather - Finding Your Creative Side #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: "I'm Gay?" The Plot Twist I Didn't See Coming with Meralda Bateman ep 84An unexpected, funny and deeply moving story about love, identity, wellbeing and family. Marelda Bateman shares how leaving a long marriage, navigating mental health challenges, and falling in love with a woman at 40 reshaped her life. This episode explores relationships, parenting, resilience, sexuality and what happens when following truth leads to a richer, more authentic life.Topics• Mental health during separation • Coming out later in life • Parenting through major change • Same-sex relationships • Identity and belief systems • Blended families • Wellbeing and resilienceEpisode Specific Links • Transcript and guest bio:  https://shithappy.com/im-gay-the-plot-…da-bateman-ep-84/Related Episodes•  # 52 In Bed with Phil – Peanuts Are Destroying Our Marriage • # 63 Holiday Special on First Meetings #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #motivation Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview ShownotesIn this In Bed with Phil episode of Sh!t Happy, Toni and Phil share an honest, lived-experience conversation about autism, ADHD and neurodivergence later in life. They explore sensory overload, misinterpretation of behaviour, late diagnosis, dopamine, anxiety and why difference is so often labelled as “difficult.” With humour and deep compassion, this episode reframes neurodivergence through a wellbeing and mental health lens, offering understanding, relief and practical insight for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed, misunderstood or out of step with the world.TopicsAutism and ADHD Late diagnosis Sensory sensitivity Neurodivergence and mental health Misunderstood behaviour Compassion and differenceTranscript & Bio: https://shithappy.com/a-very-spicy-in-…-with-phil-ep-83/Related Episodes any In Bed with Phil episodes#82 Patricia  | EMBRACING the adventure of AUTISM IN FIJIHeads UpDiscussion of autism, ADHD, anxiety and mental health.#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTESWhen a child is diagnosed with profound autism, life changes instantly. In this powerful episode of Sh!t Happy, Fijian lawyer and HR leader Patricia Naisara shares her family’s lived experience of raising a neurodivergent child in a system with almost no support. This is an honest conversation about parenting, mental health, wellbeing, marriage under pressure, advocacy, and learning to live with uncertainty while still choosing joy, humour and compassion. A deeply human episode for parents, carers, leaders and anyone navigating autism or unexpected life challenges.Topics• Autism and neurodiversity • Parenting and mental health • Marriage and teamwork under stress • Advocacy and awareness • Patience, compassion and wellbeingEpisode Specific Links • Pacific Autism Centre (Fiji): https://www.mwcsp.gov.fj/2024/10/30/ministry-of-women-children-social-protection-supports-pacific-autism-centre/ • Transcript and guest bio:  https://shithappy.com/embracing-autism…ia-naisara-ep-82/Related Episodes#83 Turns Out We Are Quite Spicy - In Bed With PhilSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewShownotesMusic and laughter can be powerful tools for wellbeing, creativity and mental health. In this episode of Sh!t Happy, Toni Powell chats with composer and songwriter Frank Frikker about creativity later in life, finding joy through music, and using humour as a way through difficult times. From catchy tunes that get stuck in your head to satirical songs about leaf blowers and the absurdity of modern life, Frank shares how music, laughter and storytelling can lift mood, ease stress, and help us make sense of the chaos around us.TopicsCreativity and wellbeing Music and mental health Humour as coping Finding joy later in life Satire and storytelling Art as healingEpisode Specific LinksFrank Frikker music and recordings Song: In Your Head:https://music.apple.com/us/album/pretzel-poem-project/1776770854 Song and video: Leafblower: hhttps://music.apple.com/us/song/leaf-blower-anthem/1458175851 Album: Yarmouk: https://music.apple.com/us/album/yarmouk/1458175848 Transcript and guest bio:  https://shithappy.com/the-magic-of-mus…nk-frikker-ep-81/Related Episode: Find them on www.shithappy.com# 38  Tammy Van Wisse – She Took On Impossible and Won# 80   Paul Fairweather - How To Grow Your Creative Side#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTES: How To Grow Your Creative Side with Paul Fairweather ep 80Creativity isn’t about being artistic. It’s about problem-solving, confidence, wellbeing and learning how to live better in a messy world. In this episode of Sh!t Happy, Toni Powell talks with artist, architect and keynote speaker Paul Fairweather about why creativity is essential for mental health, stress reduction and leadership. Paul explains how simple creative acts like doodling, knitting or walking can rewire the brain, calm anxiety and unlock new perspectives, even for people who believe they are “not creative”.TopicsCreativity and mental healthStress reduction and brain wiringWhy most people think they’re not creativeDoodling, flow states and neuroscienceCreativity in leadership and problem-solvingEpisode Specific LinksPaul Fairweather website: https://www.paulfairweather.com/Bold, Brave & a Bit Quirky by Paul Fairweather: https://www.paulfairweather.com/bookAdobe Creative Types test: https://mycreativetype.com/Transcript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/how-to-grow-your…airweather-ep-80/Find Related Episodes at www.shithappy.com# 83 In Bed - A Very Spicy# 18 Curing My Crisis Creatively with Toni PowellSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTES: In Bed With Phil - Strike A Bad Patch Race ep 79In this In Bed with Phil episode of Sh!t Happy, Toni and Phil share a darkly funny story from their past, reframing a brutal 16-day run of breakdowns, grief, financial stress and family chaos as a fictional endurance event called The Bad Patch Race. Through humour and perspective, they explore wellbeing, mental health, relationships under pressure, and how laughter can help people cope when life feels relentless.TopicsWellbeing and mental healthReframing stress and bad luckHumour as a coping strategyRelationships during hard timesFinancial pressure and griefEpisode Specific LinksTranscript:  https://shithappy.com/in-bed-with-phil…patch-race-ep-79/Related EpisodeS# 4 In Bed with Phil: Fear, Moths & Mattresses#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #motivation Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTESAt 23, Bart Walsh was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that took his jaw, changed his voice, and rerouted his entire life. In this deeply honest Sh!t Happy conversation, Bart shares how illness, addiction, fitness, and storytelling shaped his wellbeing, mental health, and resilience. Now facing a progressive neurological condition, he reflects on ownership, identity, anxiety, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life keeps shifting the goalposts.Topics Cancer diagnosis at a young age Identity and body image Fitness as a tool for wellbeing Addiction and recovery Resilience and ownership Neurological illness and anxiety Storytelling as healingEpisode Specific Links  Bart's website: https://bartwalsh.com.au/  Transcript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/when-the-univers…bart-walsh-ep-78/Find Related Episodes on www.shithappy.com# 20 Deke Ludwig Blindsided by Benzos# 38 Battling The Mind Sharks with Tammy Van WisseSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewSHOWNOTES: What really makes a long marriage last when the spark fades, conflict is avoided, or life pulls you apart? In this honest and often funny conversation, broadcaster Kelly Higgins-Devine and her husband Craig share the reality of nearly three decades together, including a two-year separation and finding their way back. A grounded discussion on relationships, mental health, wellbeing, forgiveness, identity, parenting roles, conflict avoidance and why friendship matters more than fireworks.TopicsLong-term marriage realitiesSeparation and reconciliationConflict avoidance and communicationIdentity within relationshipsParenting roles and expectationsForgiveness and emotional maturityEpisode Specific LinksTranscript and guest bio:  https://shithappy.com/building-an-endu…ins-devine-ep-77/Kelly Higgins-Devine: Kelly Higgins-Devine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Higgins-Devi        https://www.abc.net.au/listen/kelly-higgins-devine/7951906John Gottman website: https://www.gottman.com/Related Episodes Find Related Episode at www.shithappy.com# 30 How I Healed My Marriage in 30 Days # 52 Peanuts Are Destroying Our Relationship :#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterviewSHOWNOTES: Broadcaster Kelly Higgins-Devine shares the real story behind burnout, depression and recovery after the emotional toll of emergency broadcasting during the 2011 Brisbane floods. In this warm, candid interview, she unpacks how depression sneaks up, the power of negative self-talk, why therapy and medication helped, and the simple question “Is that true?” that cracked open her darkness. A practical, human episode about mental health, resilience, perspective and staying true to yourself in public life.TopicsDepression warning signs and burnout2011 Brisbane floods and emotional loadTherapy, medication and recoveryNegative self-talk and catastrophisingHandling criticism and public judgementPerspective shifts and resilience toolsEpisode Specific LinksTranscript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/that-thing-they-…ins-devine-ep-76/Kelly Higgins-Devine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Higgins-Devine          https://www.abc.net.au/listen/kelly-higgins-devine/7951906 Find Related Episode at www.shithappy.com: # 77 Building An Enduring Love with Craig & Kelly#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTESIn a world that can feel divided, overwhelming and hostile, this episode explores how kindness isn’t weakness but one of the most powerful tools for mental health, wellbeing and connection. Toni Powell introduces the idea of “KINDING”, kindness in action, and explains why outward focus improves mood, reduces anxiety and strengthens relationships. Drawing on neuroscience, behavioural research and moving real-life stories, this episode shows how small acts of kindness create ripple effects that change others and reshape who we become.Topics Kindness and wellbeing Mental health and outward focus The neuroscience of connection Kindness as a daily practice Ripple effects of behaviour Courage, discomfort and growthEpisode Specific Links Kindness Is Contagious documentary – David Gaz : https://youtu.be/uWiaqvUFRj8?si=njmcE-EG7iQjtbD5 Kiva micro-loan charity : https://www.kiva.org/ Transcript : https://shithappy.com/you-have-the-pow…oni-powell-ep-75/Related Episodes  # 74 Beau Hayward  # 3 on King Kong & Connection Heads Up References to addiction, homelessness and suicidal ideation.#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTES: Nourish Street: Love, Meth and Miracles with Beau Haywood A raw and uplifting conversation about addiction, rock bottom, and rebuilding life through service. Beau Haywood spent 25 years addicted to meth before a failed suicide attempt sent him into rehab. Two years later, he’s clean and running Nourish Street—feeding and supporting people experiencing homelessness across Brisbane. We talk about mental health, community, miracles, purpose, and the power of turning pain into purpose.Topics – Addiction, mental health and recovery – Homelessness misconceptions – Finding purpose after rock bottom – Nourish Street charity and volunteer work – Community, miracles and meaningEpisode Specific Links Nourish Street: https://www.nourishstreetinc.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NourishStreetInc Moonya Rehab: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/alcohol-and-other-drug-services/qld/ Sunrise Way Rehab (Toowoomba): https://www.sunriseway.com.au/Transcript: https://shithappy.com/nourish-street-l…au-haywood-ep-74/Related Episode Links * 20 Blindsided by Benzos with Deke  Heads Up This episode includes discussion of suicide and addiction.#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview DescriptionAfter Tuesday’s powerful interview about Losing Layla, Vanessa Gorman returns to share the wisdom she gained while navigating deep grief. She talks about what helps, what harms, why platitudes push people away, and how grief stored in the body will surface unless it is felt, expressed, and released. Vanessa explains the physical nature of grief, the importance of safe listeners, and how earlier unprocessed loss reappeared decades later. This is a grounded, compassionate guide to supporting someone through profound pain—and finding a way toward good grief.Topics– What helps and harms in deep grief – Why platitudes create distance – The physicality of “good grief” – Buried childhood grief returning – The importance of safe, present listeners – How partners, friends, and family can truly help – Allowing waves of emotion – Ceremonies as healing anchorsEpisode Specific Links Losing Layla (film): https://www.cultureunplugged.com/documentary/watch-online/play/50384/losing-layla Layla’s Story (book): https://www.penguin.com.au/books/laylas-story-9781742281117 Transcript:  https://shithappy.com/good-grief-with-…ssa-gorman-ep-73/ Find Related Episode on www.shithappy.com *  73   Vanessa Gorman *  8  Cathy Henkel * 14  Petrea King Heads UpDiscusses death, childhood loss, and intense grief.#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #shithappypodcast, #inspiringpodcast, #podcastinterviewSHOWNOTES: Losing Layla - A Beautiful Mourning with Vanessa Gorman ep 72Vanessa Gorman takes us inside one of the most intimate and influential Australian documentaries made: Losing Layla. What began as a personal film about wanting a baby became a raw, unfiltered record of birth, loss, and the radical act of keeping love present in the darkest hours. Vanessa talks about filming the pregnancy, the emergency cesarean, the neonatal retrieval team, Layla’s short life, taking her home, and how showing the full truth of grief helped change how families and hospitals approach neonatal death. This is a tender, powerful conversation about love, loss, and the courage to stay open.Topics– The accidental beginning of Losing Layla – Filming intimacy before filming was normal – Emergency cesarean and neonatal distress – Bringing Layla home – How the documentary changed hospital practices – Complex grief for both parents – The need to “be seen” in loss – Friendship, support, and emotional honestyEpisode Specific Links Losing Layla (film): https://www.cultureunplugged.com/documentary/watch-online/play/50384/losing-layla Layla’s Story (book): https://www.penguin.com.au/books/laylas-story-9781742281117 Transcript: https://shithappy.com/losing-layla-a-b…ssa-gorman-ep-72/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-gorman-b565014/?originalSubdomain=auFind Related Episodes on www.shithappy.com *  8 Cathy Henkel – A Joyful Death * 14 Petrea King – A Spiritual Survival Story * 2  Heidi Dening – Petrol Bombs, Tsunamis and Badassery * 73 Good Grief with Vanessa Gorman Heads UpThis episode discusses neonatal death and intense grief.Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTES: Your Brain Is Lying To You - In Bed With Phil ep 71Your brain is lying to you—and it’s wrecking your relationships, wellbeing, and mental health without you realising. In this In Bed with Phil episode, Toni and Phil unpack the sneaky science of self-justification, cognitive dissonance, false memories, blame, and why good people do hurtful things while believing they’re innocent. A funny, confronting, deeply practical chat that helps you see your blind spots, improve connection, and radically shift how you understand conflict.Topics Cognitive dissonance Self-justification Memory blind spots Conflict and blame Wellbeing + mental health Relationships under stress Parenting patterns Why our brains hide our role in dramaEpisode Specific LinksTranscript & Bio: https://shithappy.com/your-brain-is-ly…-with-phil-ep-71/ Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) – Carol Tavris & Elliot Aronson: https://www.booktopia.com.au/mistakes-were-made-but-not-by-me--carol-tavris/book/9781780666952.htmlRelated Episodes * 70 Leanne Spencer - My Beautiful Sobriety* 52 In Bed - Peanuts Are Destroying Our RelationshipHeads Up Includes frank discussion of conflict patterns and human bias.#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: My Beautiful Sobriety with Leanne Spencer ep 70 When life’s chaos drives you to the bottle—or anywhere else for escape—this candid and surprisingly funny conversation will help you find your way back. London speaker and wellbeing expert Leanne Spencer shares how she went from three bottles of wine a night to 14 years sober. With raw honesty and sharp humour, she and Toni explore addiction, denial, identity, and how reforming destructive habits begins with brutal self-awareness.TopicsAlcohol addiction, recovery and relapse preventionDenial, identity, and personal reformPractical post-rehab coping toolsThe role of values in sustaining changeWorkplace wellbeing and high performanceHumour in healingEpisode Specific LinksLeanne Spencer’s website: https://leannespencer.co.uk/Sustain: The Hero’s Journey to Self-Leadership (book) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sustain-Mastering-high-performance-Leanne-Spencer/dp/1781339384/Cadence: The Secret to Achieving and Sustaining High Performance (book): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1781336326Transcript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/my-beautiful-sob…ne-spencer-ep-70/Find Related Episode on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shit-happy-with-toni-powell/id1829230570# 20 Deke's battle with Benzos#72  Our Lying Brains #wellbeing, #mentalhealth, #addictionrecovery, #resilience, #selfawareness, Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTES: How I Got To Work On Mission Impossible with Chris Jones ep 69London filmmaker Chris Jones returns with the wild, wonderful, and ridiculously stressful story of how he ended up directing splinter unit on Mission Impossible. From explosions to wrist-watch closeups, Cannes premieres, and the power of a single yes back in 1997, Chris unpacks the sheer madness of big-budget filmmaking and the unlikely path that took him there. This is a deep dive into creativity, commitment, and the magic of shaping a story frame by frame.Topics• How Chris landed Mission Impossible • What splinter unit really does • Working under Christopher McQuarrie • Why naivety can be a superpower • Cannes, career turns, and privilege • Eddie Hamilton’s rise • Filmmaking craft, post-production magic • Inspiration, ego, and finding your pathEpisode Specific Links• Chris Jones – Guerrilla Filmmaker’s Handbook • Transcript Transcript and guest bio:  https://shithappy.com/how-i-got-to-wor…hris-jones-ep-69/ Guerrilla Filmmaker’s Handbook: https://guerillafilm.com/Chris's website: https://jonesfilm.co.uk/Related Episode Links#68 with Chris Jones#56 &57 with Rick Stevenonand all the Heart of Gold episodes # 18, 19, 21, 22, 24 and 25 #missionimpossible, #filmmaking,Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTES: A Filmmaker's Improbable Journey to Directing on Mission Impossible with Chris Jones #68Filmmaker Chris Jones shares the wild, gritty, and deeply meaningful journey behind his Oscar-shortlisted short Gone Fishing, his early guerrilla films, dawn raids, near-catastrophes, and the self-development quest that reshaped his life. A brutally honest, funny, and inspiring masterclass in creativity, resilience, filmmaking, and mental health. If you need courage, a mindset reset, or a nudge toward your own brave next step, this episode will hit the spot.Topics • Turning catastrophes into creative fuel • True guerrilla filmmaking • Mental health, identity, and burnout • Joy, risk, and the “bliss” of creativity • Gone Fishing and the power of meaning-first stories • How he ended up directing on Mission Impossible • Heart of Gold Film Festival memoriesEpisode Specific Links Chris’s documentary about Heart of Gold: https://chrisjonesblog.com/2009/03/heart-of-gold-guerilla-masterclass-approaches.html Link to request Gone Fishing from Chris : https://livingspiritgroup.com/gone-fishing-short-film/ Transcript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/a-filmmakers-imp…h-chris-jones-68/ Guerrilla Filmmaker’s Handbook: https://guerillafilm.com/Chris's website: https://jonesfilm.co.uk/Find Related Episode on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shit-happy-with-toni-powell/id1829230570The Heart of Gold Story: # 18 Curing My Crisis Creatively with Toni Powell#19  The Shootout with Toni & Phil#21   A Highly Unlikely Story with Toni#22  Going for Gold with Toni & Phil#24  From Dream to Disaster with Toni#25   From Shitshow to Shift with Toni & Phil# 69   More of Chris's story.#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Guests Tell Stories of Great Kindness - Holiday Special ep 67Kindness is contagious—and sometimes it comes from the most unexpected places. In this holiday special, four Sh!t Happy guests share unforgettable moments when kindness changed everything. From strangers guarding luggage and chiropractors offering healing on the beach, to a surprise champagne celebration and the power of one encouraging word, these stories remind us how mental health, resilience, and wellbeing grow when people choose kindness.TopicsRandom acts of kindness from strangersThe life-changing power of encouragementSmall gestures that have lasting impactHealing through generosity and compassionCelebrating milestones with community and loveEpisode Transcript:  https://shithappy.com/guests-share-abo…ay-special-ep-66/Find Related Episodes on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shit-happy-with-toni-powell/id1829230570# 5 Miracle On The Camino with Stephanie Bergeron# 38  She Did The Impossible With Tammy Van Wisse# 44 The Sky Is Not The Limit with Cran Middlecoat #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #Motivation, #kindness, #randomactsofkindness,Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Guests Share About Romance - Holiday Special ep 66 From handwritten Italian love notes to a surprise donkey with a red bow, this holiday special brims with the most romantic gestures our guests have ever experienced. You’ll hear about unexpected kindness, deep devotion, sparkling Vegas vows, and even a partner who wasn’t afraid to tackle a messy kitchen. Whether you’re craving inspiration for your own love life or just want to smile, these true stories will lift your heart and remind you of the many forms romance can take. Perfect holiday listening for anyone seeking joy, wellbeing, and a dash of fun.TopicsRomance in everyday and extraordinary gesturesLove letters and the power of the written wordSelfless acts in relationshipsDonkeys, Elvis, and unconventional surprisesHow kindness can feel deeply romanticEpisode Specific LinksTranscript: https://shithappy.com/guests-share-about-romance-holiday-special-ep-66/ Toni’s course: https://www.tonipowell.com/product/lets-get-shit-happy-self-paced/USE THIS 30% OFF CODE : shithappyRelated Episode LinksEp 17: with Mary Lou Stevens Ep 41: with Mae DaEp 48 & 49  with  Nikki Beaumont Ep 38 & 39  with Tammy van Wisse Ep: 23 & 24 with  Fred Luskin – BOTH#romance, #loveletters, #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Guests Share Real Life Miracles - Holiday Special ep 65 Need some holiday magic? This special Sh!t Happy episode gathers extraordinary true “miracle” stories from guests you’ve already met on the show. From white doves in Assisi with Petrea King to a mysterious old lady at her hospital bed, from Stephanie Bergeron’s perfectly-timed encounters to Paul McDermott’s prophetic dream group, Tammy van Wisse’s final moment with her mother and Toni’s own bedside story, to Deke’s shooting-star goodbye and his insight that resilience itself is a miracle. A moving, surprising listen on wellbeing, mental health, loss, resilience  Topics miracles, healing, near-death experiences, dreams, timing, resilience, spirituality, grief, connectionEpisode Specific LinksQuest for Life Foundation (Petrea King) https://questforlife.org.au/UVA Division of Perceptual Studies panel (John Cleese) on youtube: https://youtu.be/4RGizqsLumo?si=jrHEhKY8nZSAopoDThe Happiest Man on Earth – Eddie Jaku: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-happiest-man-on-earth-eddie-jaku/book/9781760980085.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21622022821&gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hN0pAqny6DX_QDCAXxK0qWoM&gclid=Cj0KCQiAx8PKBhD1ARIsAKsmGbcxBhDNYabmd9WirDsUqm8iGaLtFr8XoerDEej_oT9bjUopap2066waAp4KEALw_wcBTop Five Regrets of the Dying – Bronnie Ware: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-top-five-regrets-of-the-dying-bronnie-ware/book/9781401956004.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21618274688&gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hNWyDqLDUcTAI6T_WFNhI03O&gclid=Cj0KCQiAx8PKBhD1ARIsAKsmGbd4TyRj66-cM-jAwqv9JRm-r6llJ_TWsGEriV0021JzJ4MSP8Qt-SsaAjotEALw_wcBTranscript: https://shithappy.com/guests-share-real-life-miracles-holiday-special-ep-65/Find Related Episodes on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shit-happy-with-toni-powell/id1829230570ep 14 & 15 with Petrea King ep 5 & 6 with Stephanie Bergeron ep 35 & 36 with Paul McDermott ep 38 & 39  with Tammy van Wisseep 20  with Deke Ludwig Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Guests Share Their Childhood Dreams -  Holiday Special ep 64 Ever wonder what your childhood dreams said about you? In this fun holiday special, guests share the quirky, heartfelt, and hilarious careers they once imagined for themselves. From teaching without realizing it meant kids, to becoming the Bionic Woman, to designing a backhoe, these stories are equal parts funny and revealing. A feel-good dose of nostalgia and insight into how dreams shift and strengths emerge—perfect for a wellbeing boost this holiday season.TopicsChildhood career dreams and surprisesWhy inspiration often comes from family or TV showsThe humour in unrealistic goalsFinding strengths and real paths in adulthoodEpisode Specific LinksTranscript: https://shithappy.com/guests-share-their-childhood-dreams-holiday-special-ep-64/Find Related Episodes on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shit-happy-with-toni-powell/id1829230570ep 39 & 39 with Tammy van Wisse: ep 20 with Deke Ludwig ep 47 & 48 with Nikki Beaumont #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #Motivation, #childhooddreams, #careerjourney, #nostalgiaSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Guests Share How They First Met Their Love - Holiday Special ep  63Love at first sight, illegal visas, meditation dreams, and a tango that turned into marriage—this New Year’s Day holiday special is packed with unforgettable first-meeting stories. Heidi Dening reveals how Batgirl fell for King Kong, Mary-Lou Stevens shares how a silent retreat led her to love, Mark Matthews tells his nightclub-to-surf romance, and Paul McDermott recounts the most extraordinary tango-fuelled meeting you’ll ever hear. Perfect listening for anyone who loves stories about relationships, serendipity, and the surprising ways we find connection.TopicsHeidi’s hilarious King Kong first meeting storyThe “proposed marriage visa” surpriseMary-Lou’s dream of a cup of teaHow meditation and mindfulness helped her meet loveMark Matthews’ love at first sight in Surfers ParadisePaul McDermott’s dream-led tango encounter that became destinyHow dreams, chance, and persistence shape relationshipsFind Related Episodes on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shit-happy-with-toni-powell/id1829230570Episode Transcript:  https://shithappy.com/guests-share-how…ay-special-ep-63/#2 with Heidi Dening #11 with Mark Matthews# 17  with Mary-Lou Stephens# 35  with Paul McDermott#LoveStories,  #Relationships, #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Guests Share Their Favourite Books - Holiday Special ep 62 Books can shape lives, shift perspectives, and sometimes even spark laughter in the bedroom. In this Sh!t Happy holiday special, guests reveal the books that most changed or uplifted them—from Jack Canfield’s Success Principles to Louise Hay, from Ram Dass’s Be Here Now to Johann Hari’s Lost Connections, and even Fifty Shades of Grey. You’ll hear stories of healing, meditation, resilience, forgiveness, and joy, with recommendations that may just inspire your own reading list. Perfect holiday listening for anyone curious about wellbeing, mental health, and the power of words to transform.TopicsThe books that shaped our guests’ livesHow reading influences resilience and wellbeingSurprising answers to “most uplifting book”Meditation, forgiveness, and spiritual awakeningsThe role of connection in mental healthChoosing happiness and living without regretEpisode Specific LinksTranscript  https://shithappy.com/guests-share-the…ay-special-ep-62/The Success Principles – Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/3IOFtOmYou Can Heal Your Life – Louise Hay: https://amzn.to/4nZmakgBe Here Now – Ram Dass: https://amzn.to/3IQOnuCLost Connections – Johann Hari: https://amzn.to/3Kuhc0AThe Happiest Man on Earth – Eddie Jaku: https://amzn.to/46z0GVMTop Five Regrets of the Dying – Bronnie Ware: https://amzn.to/4gRO2VjFind Related Episodes on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shit-happy-with-toni-powell/id1829230570# 2 Bombs Betrayal and Badassery with Heidi Denning # 23 Hip Hop For Healing with Winitha Bonney  # 17 Sex, Drugs & Meditation with Mary-Lou Stephens # 26 Finding Inner Peace with Fred Luskin # 20 Blindsided By Benzos with Deke Ludwig #books, #reading, #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #MotivationSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview SHOWNOTES: The Police Chase - In Bed With Phil ep 61In this hilarious In Bed with Phil episode, Toni and Phil share their most ridiculous run-in with the police — a six-hour chase that ended in laughter rather than cuffs. Plus, former cop-turned-Paralympian Carol Cooke returns with a wild tale about partying with bikies while undercover (sort of). A mix of comedy, storytelling, and pure “only-us” absurdity that proves wellbeing and joy come from how we see life’s surprises.TopicsPolice tales and mistaken identityCarol Cooke’s undercover-vibes biker storyToni and Phil’s six-hour police tailFinding humour in chaosHow curiosity and laughter boost wellbeingEpisode Specific LinksTranscript https://shithappy.com/the-police-chase…-with-phil-ep-61/ Related Episode Links  # 59 When The World Says No with Carol Cooke   #  60 Gold at 51 with Carol Cooke   # 55  Stories With Impact#Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #Motivation, #laughtertherapy Support the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! Shownotes: Gold At 51 - Why It's Never Too Late with Carol Cooke ep 60 Paralympian Carol Cooke proves it’s never too late to chase impossible dreams. From being told she wasn’t strong enough to row, to becoming a world champion cyclist in her 50s, Carol’s story is packed with resilience, reinvention, and humour. This inspiring conversation offers powerful wellbeing lessons on grit, self-belief, and refusing to let others decide your limits. If you’ve ever thought your chance has passed, this episode might just change your mind.TopicsHow Carol went from masters swimming to Paralympic cyclingOvercoming rejection and bias in sportThe role of age, disability, and determination in successFinding opportunities in unexpected placesMental health lessons from elite sport and resilienceEpisode Specific LinksTranscript and guest bio: https://shithappy.com/gold-at-fifty-on…arol-cooke-ep-60/Carol's website: https://www.carolcooke.com.au/Find Related Episode on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shit-happy-with-toni-powell/id1829230570* 59  Finding a Path When The World Says No with  Carol Cook  * 38 She Did The Impossible with Tammy Van Wisse#wellbeing, #resilience, #mentalhealth, #happinesspodcast, #carolcooke, #paralympicsSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes : How To Find Another Road When The World Says No with Carol Cooke,  ep 59 When Paralympian Carol Cooke was told her life was over after an MS diagnosis, she refused to believe it. In this inspiring Shit Happy episode, Carol shares how she turned heartbreak and illness into a life packed with purpose, sport, and laughter. From shattered Olympic dreams to becoming a world champion cyclist, her story is a masterclass in resilience, wellbeing, and redefining what’s possible.TopicsResilience and wellbeing through adversityReframing diagnosis and identityLife with multiple sclerosisTurning rejection into redirectionRelationships, romance, and humour under pressureSport, purpose, and the pursuit of meaningEpisode Specific LinksCarol's website: carolcooke.com.auCarol’s books: Finding Your Inner Gold, The Force Within, Cycle of LifeTranscript & guest bio: https://shithappy.com/how-to-find-anot…arol-cooke-ep-59/Find Related Episode         # 11 Big Wave Wipeout with Mark Matthews ep 11        #14 A Spiritual Survival Story with Petrea King         # 38 She Did The Impossible with Tammy van Wisse #Wellbeing, #Mindfulness, #Motivation, #paralympics, #carolcookeSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/

This is the fan mail link! #ShitHappyPodcast, #InspiringPodcast, #PodcastInterview Shownotes: Brushes With Fame - In Bed With Phil ep  58What happens when you accidentally pat Raquel Welch’s bum, get lost showing Brené Brown around Sydney, or meet a 90-year-old monk who just came from a Segway tour in France? In this funny and surprisingly moving In Bed with Phil episode, Toni and Phil share their most memorable brushes with fame. From Hollywood icons to spiritual legends, they reveal what fame really looks like up close—and what these encounters taught them about humility, humour, and being human. A feel-good mix of laughter, insight, and wellbeing.TopicsAccidental “brush” with Raquel WelchMeeting Brother David Steindl-Rast and his humour, wisdom, and kindnessBrené Brown’s warmth, groundedness, and surprise text after a 20-hour flightMargaret Pomeranz and the ego-free zone at Heart of Gold Film FestivalThe myth of “don’t meet your heroes”What truly impressive people have in commonEpisode Specific LinksBrother David Steindl-Rast - https://grateful.org/ Paul Stamets – Fungi Perfecti: https://fungi.com/Transcript  https://shithappy.com/brushes-with-fame-in-bed-with-phil/Find Related Episodes        # 56 & 57 with Rick Stevenson         # 7 In Bed With Phil - Moths & Mattresses #joy, #brenebrown, #brotherdavidsteindlrast, #margaretpomeranz, #raquelwelch, #celebritystoriesSupport the show Links To Love (newsletter +++): https://shithappy.com/resources/