About the Guest(s):

Donna Hanlon: Donna is an experienced advocate for women who have gone through complex marital challenges, specifically related to mixed orientation marriages. She utilizes her insights and experiences to lead initiatives like Divorce Care in her church, providing support to those navigating divorce within conservative communities.

Karen Bieman: Karen Bieman is a counselor and coach focusing on the experiences of straight spouses in mixed orientation marriages. She founded "Not My Closet", a support service dedicated to helping people cope with the revelation of a partner's hidden sexual orientation. Karen's work is influenced by her personal experience, driving her empathetic and specialized approach.

Episode Summary:

In this revealing episode, Jenni Woodhouse and Janet Evans sit down with Donna Hanlon and Karen Bieman, who bravely explore the intricate and often painful dynamics of mixed orientation marriages. Donna shares her personal story of being blindsided by her ex-husband's coming out as gay after 27 years of marriage, while Karen provides a counselor's perspective, offering understanding and guidance for others in similar situations. The discussion unfolds with a deep dive into the emotional and social impacts these revelations have on families, particularly in conservative or faith-based communities.

As the conversation progresses, the focus shifts to the psychological and social aspects of these unique marital challenges. The episode emphasizes how these hidden truths can deeply affect self-worth and family dynamics, highlighting the vital need for networks and resources tailored to these issues. Karen introduces her organization "Not My Closet" as a beacon of support, emphasizing the importance of empathy and targeted counseling. This episode is rich with insights, making it a must-listen for listeners interested in understanding the complexities and emotional nuances faced by those in mixed orientation marriages.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Betrayal: Discovering a spouse's hidden sexual orientation can undermine trust and alter the perceived history of a relationship, leading to complex emotional fallout.
• Support Networks: Both personal friends and specialized groups like "Not My Closet" provide crucial support and validation for those processing mixed orientation marriage revelations.
• Children's Impact: The experiences of children in these situations are complex, often dealing with betrayed trust and family dynamics reshaping their perceptions.
• Healing and Identity: Reclaiming personal identity and self-worth is essential for those recovering from the discovery of a partner's concealed orientation, requiring deep emotional work.
• Counseling and Resources: Access to understanding and empathetic counseling is critical in providing necessary support and perspective to navigate these challenging revelations.

Notable Quotes:

• "It just feels like a huge scam, you know, I was just… Our marriage was doomed from the start." - Donna Hanlon
• "This is not your closet… It never should have been." - Karen Bieman
• "There's something really beautiful about being in the room together." - Karen Bieman
• "It takes such a battering to our self-worth, our sense of who we are." - Karen Bieman
• "You're not allowed to be angry at someone for being gay… But you're angry at them for hiding it from you and using you." - Karen Bieman

Resources:

• Not My Closet: notmycloset.com
• Our Path: Global network for those in mixed orientation relationships.
• Karen Bieman's Email: Available through her website for those seeking support or further information.

Listen in to fully explore these important conversations and gain a deeper understanding of the personal and emotional journeys tackled by those affected. Stay tuned for more illuminating content in upcoming episodes.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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Collett Smart has been a guest on the podcast and she recently posted some great advice on supporting teens (or children) going through questions surrounding the Bondi Terror Attack. Have a listen and we hope this helps you. Remember, the first 2 weeks are crucial.

Key Takeaways:

• Parents should model emotional regulation and prioritize checking in on their own mental health to support their children effectively.
• Engage in open yet age-appropriate dialogues with children, allowing them to process their emotions and ask questions about the crisis.
• Limit media consumption to protect mental health, as repeated exposure to distressing news can exacerbate anxiety and fear.
• Maintain normalcy through regular activities while providing psychological first aid to comfort and reassure children.
• Seek professional help promptly if a child exhibits prolonged signs of distress, leveraging community resources like helplines.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's very normal to feel overwhelmed at this stage, even as adults."
• "This is an opportunity to teach our children that we are all part of one world and that we actually all need to help each other."
• "Your children will learn how to deal with emotions and these events by watching how you approach it."
• "We can give them that kind of psychological first aid for where they are there and then with you."
• "Please consider seeking professional support. Get support from Helplines, Lifelines, Beyond Blue Childline."

Resources:

• Beyond Blue: Website
• Lifeline: Website
• Colette Smart's Professional Profiles: Website | Instagram | Twitter

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest

Shane Gould is a legendary Australian swimmer and an influential figure in the world of sports. At the 1972 Munich Olympics, she achieved an unprecedented feat by winning three individual gold medals—all in world record times—while also capturing a silver and a bronze. Notably, she is the only swimmer in history to hold all freestyle world records simultaneously. Beyond her athletic career, Shane successfully earned a PhD from Victoria University, focusing on the cultural study of swimming in Australia. She has also contributed to literature with a book on sports career transitions and continues to inspire through various roles, including her work with the New South Wales Art Gallery.

Key Takeaways:

• Shane Gould's unparalleled success at the 1972 Munich Olympics and her simultaneous hold of all freestyle world records.
• The pivotal role of early identification and consistent training, coupled with scientific and systematic coaching, in achieving athletic greatness.
• Insights into her unexpected retirement at 16, sparked by intellectual aspirations and her quest for independence.
• The psychological and emotional aspects of athletic training, career transitions, and maintaining an athletic identity post-retirement.
• Shane's diverse pursuits post-swimming career, including academia, authorship, and public speaking, aimed at empowering others through personal and career transitions.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Even though I'm the best in the world at the time, how can I keep ahead of everyone else?"
2. "It's very different. Yeah, harder in a lot of different ways… You can't really compare it, but being an athlete sets you up to manage your time."
3. "To be able to perform under the pressures, you have to be responsible to the crowd and acknowledge them because they're cheering you on."
4. "Life is physical… I try to see value in my past experiences."
5. "Transitions: Life is full of them. Moving home, changing jobs, re-educating yourself… I realised this is relevant to anyone."

Resources:

• Shane Gould's Autobiography - Tumble Turns
• Shane's latest book on titled Sports Career Transition

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker

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Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

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About the Guest

Olivia Arezzolo is an acclaimed sleep expert from Australia, recognised for her extensive knowledge and practical approach to improving sleep quality. With a deep understanding of the biology behind sleep, Olivia has positioned herself as an authoritative figure in the wellness industry. She frequently educates on effective sleep strategies through various media channels, workshops, and her bestselling book "Bear, Lion, Wolf," which delves into understanding different sleep chronotypes. Olivia's work emphasizes the importance of aligning one's sleep habits with their natural circadian rhythms to enhance overall health and wellbeing.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Chronotypes: Olivia explains the concept of chronotypes—bears, lions, and wolves—and how they dictate individual sleep needs and patterns.
• Sleep Hormones and Mental Health: Adequate sleep is crucial for regulating hormones like serotonin and cortisol, affecting mood and stress levels.
• The Impact of Technology: Overuse of screens before bed disrupts circadian rhythms and suppresses melatonin production, making quality sleep elusive.
• Perimenopause and Sleep Challenges: Hormonal changes during perimenopause, particularly in estrogen and progesterone, significantly impact women's sleep.
• Effective Sleep Strategies: Aligning sleep routines with natural circadian rhythms, combined with natural supplements and lifestyle changes, can enhance sleep quality and mental function.

Notable Quotes:

• "For 99% of the population, if you get four or five hours consistently, this leads to catastrophic impacts." - Olivia Arezzolo
• "Sleep is an asset that allows you to be mentally clear, calm, sustained energy, present, productive." - Olivia Arezzolo
• "Your circadian rhythm gods are boss. Okay. So yes, you know, white noise can be helpful." - Olivia Arezzolo
• "Kiwi fruit are the fruit or the food which has the most abundant natural melatonin there was." - Olivia Arezzolo
• "My favourite nap though is called a NASA nap, and it was able to boost cognitive performance by 34%." - Olivia Arezzolo

Resources:

• Olivia Arezzolo on Instagram
• Olivia Arezzolo on LinkedIn
• Olivia Arezzolo's Website: oliviaarezzolo.com.au
• Book: Bear, Lion, Wolf" by Olivia Arezzolo

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker

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Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

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Key Takeaways:

• HRT can significantly improve quality of life for women experiencing menopause by alleviating symptoms like sleep disturbances and mood imbalances.
• Michelle highlights the shift in perception and formulation of HRT over the years, noting reduced associated health risks.
• Open communication with a healthcare provider, preferably one experienced in women's health, is crucial when considering HRT.
• Personal experiences with HRT can vary widely, underscoring the importance of individual consultations for tailored treatment strategies.
• Awareness and acceptance of menopausal changes in social and professional settings can help normalize the conversation around aging in women.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's all about quality of life… if I can now sleep all the night through since I've been taking it, for me, that's going to impact my life a lot."
• "The way that it's made up now is a lot different to what it used to be."
• "For me, it's about just making my quality of life better."
• "I think a positive way to look at it is… it's a new thing for everyone, just working and being at that age where you are menopausal and dealing with hot flashes."
• "Speak to your GP and just have the conversation and talk to them about what's happening with your body."

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker

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Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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About the Guest:

Kirsty Evans is a distinguished commercial and property lawyer and director at Cheney Suthers, a legal firm with offices in Orange and Molong, New South Wales. Recognised for her community-focused work, Kirsty was named the New South Wales Regional Woman of the Year in 2025. Her dedication shines through her advocacy and her role in aiding businesses and individuals affected by the devastating flash flood in Molong in 2022. Kirsty is celebrated as an inspiring voice in the law community, showing a profound commitment to social justice and community resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Kirsty Evans was pivotal in navigating insurance claims for businesses affected by the 2022 Molong flood, highlighting the nuanced definitions of flood versus stormwater in insurance policies.
• Her work led her to participate in a 2024 parliamentary inquiry aimed at reforming insurance response strategies to natural disasters, although the recommendations are yet to be officially acknowledged by the government.
• Kirsty’s determination and legal expertise have realigned how communities can recover from disaster, emphasising the role of social capital and community stories in driving systemic change.
• Her firm, Chaney Southers, exemplifies community-centered legal services, offering pro bono support to address regional challenges, demonstrating the importance of legal support in community resilience and recovery.
• Kirsty's advocacy is a lesson in the power of grassroots activism to inspire legislative reform and encourage broader regional engagement in disaster preparedness.

Notable Quotes:

• "Insurers won't cover you for water that escapes the natural confines of a creek, but if it's stormwater, that's an insurable event."
• "Sharing stories is how we get people to listen. That's why your metro readers or listeners will resonate with the stories because they want that connection."
• "Every policyholder that we were able to assist, we either overturned their decline or increased their payout."
• "One of my most heartwarming moments is calling a client to tell her we'd overturned her policy limit denial."
• "It's a bit of that impostor syndrome sometimes, but they're such great champions. I just helped them obtain what they should have got in the first place."

Resources:

• Cheney Suthers: Learn more about the firm led by Kirsty Evans
• Service New South Wales: For information on emergency disaster payments, visit Service NSW's official site
• Kirsty Evans: Follow her insights and updates on LinkedIn

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker

Join the discussion of being 40+ faaabulous on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest(s):

Dr. John Best is a specialist sports and exercise medicine physician at the Orthosports Group in Sydney. He previously served as the team doctor for the Wallabies, Australia’s national rugby union team, for ten years, overseeing medical support for high-profile rugby union matches. Dr. Best is currently involved with the NRL's Medical Advisory Panel and is a medical consultant for the Australian Professional Golfers Association. He is known for his extensive contribution across various sports and his public health advocacy for active, balanced aging.

Key Takeaways:

• Sarcopenia Awareness: From age 20, women are more prone than men to lose muscle mass, which affects balance and strength.
• Effective Exercise Types: Incorporating strength training, balance exercises, and cardiovascular workouts are key for women over 40 to maintain vitality.
• Importance of the Core: Activities like Pilates can help strengthen the core, which is essential for overall physical stability and injury prevention.
• Lifestyle Balance: Striking a balance between physical, mental health, and social communication can significantly enhance quality of life as women age.
• Role of Nutrition: Minimizing high-sugar, processed foods and ensuring sufficient protein intake, potentially from plant and meat sources, is vital.

Notable Quotes:

• "Making sure your sleep is good, ideally, ideally seven to nine hours for a female." — Dr. John Best
• "Minimizing ultra-processed foods and, in particular, excessive sugars." — Dr. John Best
• "Your risk of falling is quite high… your risk of bone thinning and muscle weakness adds to that." — Dr. John Best
• "There is an overlap between conditions like muscle weakness and frailty which increases the risk of falling." — Dr. John Best
• "The fitter you are as you go through your older years, the more likely you are to die through a sudden death rather than a chronic illness." — Dr. John Best

Resources:

• Orthosports Group Sydney

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker

Join the discussion of being 40+ faaabulous on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest:

Lyn Worsley is a renowned clinical psychologist and the director of the Resilience Centre. With nearly 30 years of experience, Lyn has contributed significantly to understanding and promoting mental health and resilience across various groups. Her approach often involves solution-oriented therapies, focusing on building resilience and leveraging existing strengths in individuals. Lyn is also recognised for developing the internationally acclaimed Resilience Doughnut model, which aims to identify and strengthen key resources within individuals and communities to enhance resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• The "imaginary audience" phenomenon is crucial in understanding why adolescents are highly self-conscious and anxious about fitting in with peers.
• Resilience can be nurtured by identifying and leveraging three key resources from the Resilience Doughnut: personal competencies, social ecology, and overcoming adversity.
• Parents are encouraged to engage with their teens' interests, such as gaming or fashion, to foster better communication and connection.
• Anxiety is a common part of development, but when it impairs daily functioning, it may require intervention and professional support.
• Key indicators of anxiety disorders include withdrawal from social situations, circular thinking, and avoidance of school and activities.

Notable Quotes:

1. Lyn Worsley: "Anxiety is a symptom that there is something going on in the brain that's in conflict, and it's just trying to work out how to reconcile whatever that is."
2. Lyn Worsley: "When they're recoiling, not wanting to go to school, or having circular thinking—that's when you need to be alerted."
3. Lyn Worsley: "Medication can aid, but therapy should never be excluded for adolescent anxiety; they should work together."
4. Lyn Worsley: "Resilience involves personal and social competence, navigating social ecologies, and going through adversity."

Resources:

• The Resilience Centre
• Murdoch Children's Research Institute
• Black Dog Institute

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker

Join the discussion of being 40+ faaabulous on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.