“Birth isn’t a medical event but it’s been treated like one. It can become medical, and when it does, we have the support. But it’s not where we start.” - Melissa Spilsted

Melissa became a clinical hypnotherapist to empower people through birth after seeing how much misinformation was out there. My wife Taneal and I did four sessions with her before our firstborn arrived — and the calm, clarity, and tools we gained helped us far beyond the birthing room.

In this episode, we talk about:

Hypnotherapy, visualisation, and trusting the body

Using mental skills (like in sport) to handle pain and pressure

Subconscious beliefs and how they shape your reality

Media appearances, vision boards, study hacks, and resetting the mind like a computer

How birth can produce sensations similar to orgasm — a surprising but powerful insight

Whether you're preparing for birth or looking to sharpen your mindset, Melissa shares lessons that apply far beyond the delivery room.

To get in touch with Melissa visit:

facebook.com/hypnobirthingaustralia

https://hypnobirthingaustralia.com.au

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

Tommy lived his early days in Alotau, a beautiful part of PNG. Fishing, gardening, fun and relaxed lifestyle in the village bring back plenty of great memories. Parents owned a successful fish and chips shop. The arcade games in the shop made the upbringing much better.

Tom is currently the General Manager at BallyCara retirement village, Redcliffe. We chat about what it’s like working amongst seniors, the experiences and lessons he learns on a daily basis. Respect, Trust and Listening are key to living a fulfilled life.

He played rugby league for over 10 years in the Queensland Cup competition. The great things rugby league has taught him that he uses in his work and home life. How he was able to juggle working fulltime and playing in the Qld Cup. We speak about some of the difficult things that players who work fulltime and play rugby league face.

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

Zeb Taia played over 300 professional rugby league games, won two Super League titles, and built his career not on talent alone, but on discipline, consistency, and doing his job better than anyone else.

Now the Athlete Wellbeing Manager at Marsden State High School, Zeb shares his journey from Western Sydney to the top of the game — and the challenges young athletes face today.

We talk about being away from family, the power of preparation, learning through setbacks, and why true leadership means having tough conversations and putting in the work yourself.

Plenty of honest insights and grounded wisdom in this one.About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast