Shows
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep11 - Sam and Jett's Journey: Finding Hope When Doctors Said "Impossible"Send us a text"You don't know my God." These powerful words from fifteen-year-old Jett Dow capture the extraordinary spirit of resilience that has defined his battle against stage four brain cancer.When doctors discovered a massive tumour and cyst crushing Jett's brain stem in October 2022, they delivered the devastating news to his mother Sam: her son had hours to live. She faced an impossible choice—attempt a risky surgery or come say goodbye. What followed was a journey that defied every medical prediction and statistic.Through emergency neurosurgery, 33 rounds of radiation, and 170 ro...2025-06-0355 min
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep10 - Brain Battles: Kristina Cook's Fight Against a Rare TumorSend us a textKristina Cook's story will stop you in your tracks. Diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, an incredibly rare brain tumor affecting just 0.02% of the population, her journey reveals what true resilience looks like in the face of overwhelming odds.For six years, Kristina struggled with symptoms misdiagnosed as depression and anxiety before an MRI revealed the truth. What followed was unimaginable – five brain surgeries (including two emergency operations just days apart), a stroke that left her with right-sided weakness, vision loss, and the challenge of relearning to walk. Add to this a diagnosis of sc...2025-05-2046 min
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep9 - Transforming Trauma: How Melissa Histon Created "Got Your Back Sister"Send us a textWhen Melissa Histon was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35, she made a promise to herself while lying on her bedroom floor during treatment: if she survived, her life would be different. That pivotal moment sparked a journey of transformation that would impact countless women's lives.After recovery, Melissa's newfound perspective led her to Nepal where she photographed women rescued from sex trafficking. Confronted with such profound suffering, she returned to Australia with a burning question: How could she know about such pain and continue her comfortable life unchanged?This...2025-05-0657 min
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep8 - Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future: How One Man Built His Mental ArmourSend us a textWhat if your darkest moments could become the foundation for helping others? Meet Todd Ennis, a man whose journey from childhood trauma to mental health champion will leave you speechless.Todd doesn't hold back as he shares the brutal reality of surviving sexual abuse at six years old and how this early trauma shaped his path. With remarkable candour, he reveals how his life diverged from his brother's successful NRL career as he sought validation through violence, intimidation, and eventually addiction. The contrast between their choices—one embracing daily discipline while th...2025-04-2256 min
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep 7 - Acting, Radio & Finding Your Inner Billy - The Garth Russell StorySend us a textWhat happens when we finally tell the stories we've kept locked inside? Entertainment veteran Garth Russell takes us on a captivating journey through his 67 years of life experience, revealing how sharing our authentic narratives can transform not just our mental wellbeing, but potentially our physical health too.From his early days as a nervous radio DJ in Tamworth to acting alongside Sam Neill, Garth shares the profound insecurities that have followed him throughout his successful career. With refreshing honesty, he admits to feeling unconfident even while captivating rooms full of people – a...2025-04-081h 14
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep6 - Pour Another Round: Luke Tilse's Recipe for Thriving When Costs Are Chasing You with a KnifeSend us a textWhat does it take to run successful hospitality venues in today's challenging economic landscape? Luke Tilse, the visionary behind Happy Wombat, Young Street Hotel, and Apple Truck Cider, pulls back the curtain on his decade-plus journey through Newcastle's hospitality scene with raw honesty and philosophical depth.When Luke established the Happy Wombat over ten years ago, he deliberately chose what he calls "a daggy name" because his vision transcended trends – he wanted to create an institution where people felt at home whether on date night or catching up with mates after wo...2025-03-251h 18
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep5 - Spoke to a Bloke: Uniting Men Through Shared StoriesSend us a textHeartfelt stories and critical conversations take center stage as we shine a light on men's mental health. Our special guests, Paul and Matt, co-founders of the impactful organization Spoke to a Bloke, join us to explore an issue that is often shrouded in silence. Inspired by the tragic loss of Paul’s brother, Nick, in 2021, they turned a simple idea conceived amongst friends into a movement that provides a safe haven for men to share their journeys. The initiative started with communal walks that have become a testament to the power of community an...2025-03-1139 min
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep4 - Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Kat Duggan's StorySend us a textKat Duggan bravely steps into the spotlight, sharing her journey of healing from an abusive relationship, underscoring the power of vulnerability and the importance of professional help. Her story is one of courage and resilience, shedding light on manipulation, gaslighting, and trauma. Through her personal narrative, we are reminded of the silent battles many endure and the transformative strength found in breaking that silence. If you've ever questioned the dynamics of your own relationships or the shadows of past traumas, Kat’s insights provide a beacon of hope and understanding.As we...2025-02-251h 27
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep3 - Tommy Pulliene's Story: From Combat Zones to Community CareSend us a textWhat if overcoming adversity could reshape your entire life? Join us as Tommy Pullein, a former Australian Army infantry soldier, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to military service and beyond. Tommy's compelling stories about his deployments to Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, and Iraq reveal not only his resilience but also his passion for veteran mental health and homelessness. With a focus on mental health first aid, Tommy is transforming the way individuals and organizations approach mental well-being, emphasizing authentic storytelling and the power of community support.Transitioning from military to...2025-02-111h 01
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep2 - From Health Crisis to Holistic Healing: Luke Whitby's Inspiring Journey and MissionSend us a textWhat happens when a life-threatening diagnosis inspires a mission to transform the world of health? Meet our first guest of Season 2, Luke Whitby, who uncovers his journey from overcoming a severe health crisis to establishing his own company focused on empowering others through natural health solutions. His story is not just about personal triumph but a powerful reminder of the importance of setting goals and taking charge of our well-being, especially as we age. As we reflect on our podcast's growth, we celebrate the rich conversations and shared experiences that lie ahead.2025-01-281h 16
Leave A Light On PodcastS2 Ep 1 - We are Back!!! New Year Habits and the Spirit of RenewalSend us a textEver wondered why some New Year's resolutions stick while others fizzle out by February? We're diving into the intricate world of resolutions, revealing the secrets behind successful goal-setting and why the younger crowd seems more inclined to embrace them than their older counterparts. This episode is packed with personal stories as we reflect on how New Year's celebrations shift as we age, and we share our own successes and stumbles in our quest to become healthier and dedicate more time to this podcast. Get ready for some lighthearted banter as we t...2025-01-1458 min
Leave A Light On PodcastEpisode 14 - Merry Christmas from us to you: Humor and Heartfelt Reflections on the Festive SeasonSend us a textWhat if Santa traded in his traditional velvety suit for board shorts and an Aussie accent? Join us as we weave through the jingling joy and occasional hilarities of the festive season. From debating Santa's drink of choice—beer or milk—to sharing our personal holiday favorites, we infuse our signature humor with the warmth of cultural traditions. With a hearty dose of laughter and a sprinkle of dad jokes, we wrap up this year by reflecting on the gratitude we owe our listeners and the journey we've shared. As we close...2024-12-1748 min
Leave A Light On PodcastEpisode 13 - Jason Walsh: Humor and Heart in the Path to AuthenticitySend us a textJoin us as we kick off with some fun contrasts between snowy landscapes and sweltering climates, setting the stage for a chat with our dear friend and mining aficionado, Jason Walsh—affectionately known as Walshy. Together, we uncover the intriguing transformation from digging for gold to scaling life’s metaphorical mountains, blending humor with heartfelt reflections on personal journeys filled with both grit and growth.The heart of our episode beats in the stories of family, resilience, and redemption. We pull back the curtain on challenging childhoods, revealing how past adversities and...2024-12-031h 21Leave A Light On PodcastEpisode 12 - The Journey to Redefining Masculinity in Today's WorldSend us a textEver wondered how societal shifts are impacting the traditional male identity and what it really means to be a man today? Join us as we tackle these complex questions head-on, exploring the multifaceted issues of masculinity, purpose, and mental well-being in our latest episode of Leave a Light On Podcast. Shayne and Chev, without the interruption of guests, offer a candid conversation that sheds light on the everyday struggles of men navigating modern societal expectations. We challenge typical narratives and emphasize the importance of understanding and curiosity, drawing inspiration from cultural reflections like "...2024-11-191h 04
Leave A Light On PodcastEpisode 11 - Chris van Namen: From Military Missions to Family FoundationsSend us a textEver wondered what lies beneath the surface of a seemingly tough exterior? We introduce "The Viking," Chris Van Namen, whose transformation from a guarded individual to a nurturing presence is nothing short of inspiring. As our special guest, Chris shares his riveting journey, shedding light on the stark contrast between appearances and character, and how embracing vulnerability has been pivotal in his personal growth. Join us as we reveal the story of this combat engineer who found his true calling in the military, alongside a 21-year relationship that has withstood the trials of...2024-11-051h 03Leave A Light On PodcastEpisode 10 - Ten Episodes: Reflecting on Growth, Gratitude, and The Inspiring StoriesSend us a textReflecting on a journey filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments, we celebrate our significant milestone—our 10th episode! With immense gratitude for your unwavering support, we reminisce about the paths traveled and the stories shared. Dive into the nostalgia as we revisit cherished episodes, like the profound insights shared by sports star Taylor Regan, whose journey through the maze of contracts and media scrutiny resonates deeply. And let's not forget the ever-popular "love doctor" episode, where practical relationship advice continues to influence our personal lives.As we explore the dynamics of...2024-10-2248 min
Leave A Light On PodcastEpisode 9 - Mindful Moments with Mel: Exploring ADHD and TraumaSend us a textUnlock the secrets to a healthier mind with our exciting new segment, "Mindful Moments with Mel." Join us as we welcome Mel Spinks, a seasoned psychologist with seven years of experience, who brings her wealth of knowledge to our listeners. Mel shares her journey, her passion for diagnostics and therapy, and gives us a sneak peek into her innovative online multidisciplinary company, Telethrive, aiming to enhance mental well-being. This episode sets the stage for future insights and guidance on a variety of mental health topics, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in...2024-10-081h 20
Leave A Light On PodcastEpisode 8 - From Undercover Ops to Mental Health Advocacy: Mel McLachlan's StorySend us a textWhat happens when a dedicated police officer transitions through some of the most intense and specialized roles within the force over an 18-year career? Meet Mel McLachlan, a former member of the New South Wales Police Force, whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days at the Police Academy in 2000 to her promotion to sergeant in 2011, Mel’s story is one of resilience, facing the unexpected, and ultimately, a testament to the importance of mental health in law enforcement.Listen as Mel recounts her unexpected leap into police re...2024-09-241h 09