Ten Minutes With... Jen O'Neill

Find Jen O'Neill: Linkedin | SCADaddle | SCAD Research Inc Australia

More about Jen's story: SBS News | Channel 9 Interview | Coast Community News |

Jen’s Story: Surviving Three SCAD Heart Attacks and Advocating for Research

Rhea Mercado interviews Jen from Australia’s Central Coast, a SCAD (spontaneous coronary artery dissection) survivor. Jen explains SCAD as a tear in a coronary artery that can cause a heart attack or death and describes having three SCAD heart attacks, first at age 36 while breastfeeding, then during COVID at work, and again in 2022 at 42 despite being otherwise healthy with no typical heart-disease risk factors. She recounts initially dismissing symptoms, normal ECG results, delayed angiogram diagnosis, and learning that stenting can worsen SCAD.

Jen discusses the lack of SCAD-specific research, the impact on work and fatigue, and her advocacy. She promotes SCAD Research Inc Australia’s annual October “SCADaddle” fundraiser (10th anniversary) supporting research with the Victor Chang Cardiac Institute.

00:00 Meet Jen and Rhea

00:23 What Is SCAD?

02:17 Jen’s First Heart Attack

04:36 Second and Third Episodes

05:34 Diagnosis and Angiogram

07:14 Awareness and Research Gaps

08:26 Living and Working With SCAD

10:40 Advocacy and Finding Purpose

11:20 SCADaddle Fundraiser Details

12:55 Wrap Up and Thanks

"Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production.

Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R)

The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging

The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado. Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®.

THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER

The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs.

Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten Minutes With... Chris Fleming

Find Chris Fleming: Linkedin | Big Three Trek |

From Exercise Physiology to Occ Rehab: Chris on ProCare, Partnerships, and the Mark Hughes Big Three Trek

Rhea Mercado interviews Chris Fleming, whom she reconnected with at the ASIEQ self-insurance conference, about his career and a recent charity trek. Chris, an exercise physiologist who studied at Wollongong University, initially aimed to work in elite sport and had a stint with the Sri Lankan cricket team, then moved into occupational rehabilitation after working in a Cronulla gym and through contacts including Martin Raftery and Greg McCarthy. He has spent over 15 years at ProCare Group and now leads national partnerships, citing the company’s growth, follow-through, and industry charity work such as ProCare charity cricket days held across five states. Chris also describes completing the Mark Hughes Foundation Big Three Trek (150 km over three days) with six friends, raising $173,000 to support brain cancer research and care, inspired by his friend Adam’s son Liam, who is currently clear.

00:00 Catch up

01:27 Uni Days to Occ Rehab

03:00 Industry Memory Lane

04:02 Big Three Trek

05:47 Fundraising Wins

06:36 Stories From the Walk

07:53 Why ProCare and Compo

09:54 Back to Basics Advice

10:28 Wrap Up and Next Trek

"Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production.

Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R)

The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging

The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado. Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®.

THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER

The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs.

Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find Denver Simonsz on Linkedin | Substack

In 2024, we recorded a conversation with Denver Simonsz on "The Intelligent Rebellion" podcast and to celebrate Denver's Substack we're revisiting his wisdom. This is a 10min version of Episode 32 of The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, Vanquishing Sunday Scaries with Denver Simonsz, a Registered Psychologist and board-approved supervisor.

Want the full story? Check out the full Episode 032

In this The Intelligent Rebellion podcast episode, Rhea Mercado and Psychologist Denver Simonsz discuss burnout in healthcare and how work can creep into personal life, sparked by Denver’s blog about a “fuck it, I quit” moment. Denver describes overworking in a generally positive workplace, realizing he was near burnout when a coming holiday brought no relief and he could only think about returning to work, leading him to quit for his health and wellbeing. He advises noticing signs like persistent body tension, disturbed sleep, and reorganising life primarily to prepare for work, emphasising that self-care can’t offset poor pay, unreasonable caseloads, or bad treatment.

Together Rhea and Denver discuss ideal systems with flexible, individualised client loads, supportive workplaces, and opportunities to mix roles across practices or sectors for longevity. Devon closes by telling new psychologists not to devalue the basics and to expect respectful treatment from the start.

00:00 Holiday Dread Opens Up

00:23 Healthcare Burnout Connection

00:57 The I Quit Moment

03:07 Sunday Night Doom Feeling

03:45 Burnout Signs To Catch

04:50 Self Care vs Work Creep

05:28 Designing A Better System

07:16 Flexible Careers Ahead

08:51 Holistic Multidisciplinary Care

09:50 Final Advice For New Psychs

"Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production.

Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R)

The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging

The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado. Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®.

THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER

The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs.

Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties..

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten Minutes With... Bernadine Euers

Find Bernadine Euers: Linkedin | ASORC | Find a Rehabilitation Counsellor

ASORC at 50: Bernadine Euers on What Rehabilitation Counsellors Do

Rhea marks this 50th episode of the Intelligent Rebellion Podcast “Ten Minutes With” by speaking with Bernadine Euers, CEO of Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (ASORC), which is celebrating its 50-year anniversary after starting in 1976.

They discuss ASORC’s recent first major face-to-face conference in about 10 years, acknowledging emcee Liz Wright, Aunty Norma’s Welcome to Country, and contributions from directors, fellows, members, and speakers.

Rhea notes Rehabilitation Counsellors are underutilised and poorly understood in workers compensation and personal injury, prompting Bernadine to explain that the work is “deep,” treating the whole person, coordinating across professionals and systems (including justice and education), and aiming to become unnecessary once clients regain participation.

Bernadine highlights ongoing learning, ASORC’s “find a Rehabilitation Counsellor” website tool, and her inclusion-focused background.

00:00 Open Banter

00:44 Episode 50 Milestone

01:16 Meet Bernadine and ASORC

02:15 Conference Highlights

03:36 What Rehab Counsellors Do

03:52 Why They're Underused

04:46 Deep Whole Person Work

07:10 How to Find One

08:12 Bernie's Inclusion Journey

10:35 Wrap Up and Thanks

"Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production.

Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R)

The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging

The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado. Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®.

THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER

The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs.

Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten Minutes With... Mat Seeto

Find Mat Seeto: Linkedin

Mat Seeto on Trauma-Informed Factual Investigations in Workers Compensation

Rhea interviews Mat Seeto, CEO of Clarity Workplace Solutions, recounting how they first met at CrossFit Blacktown before discussing Mat’s career evolution across 21 years in workers compensation.

Mat outlines roles in claims and self-insurance at NSW Police Force, Wesfarmers and Westpac (including some Asia Pacific claim exposure), a period in rehab with Konekt, a career break to help establish his wife’s CrossFit gym, then a return to NSW Police before moving into investigation services and eventually becoming CEO of Clarity about four years ago.

He challenges stereotypes of investigations as surveillance, noting surveillance is under 10% of their work, with most being factual investigations. Mat explains Clarity’s person-centered, trauma-informed approach to gather a claimant’s version of events to support decision-makers, improve claimant engagement, and aid return to work, and suggests simple language for explaining referrals.

00:00 Hello

00:28 Meet Mat Seeto

01:18 CrossFit First Impression

02:36 Career Journey Recap

05:08 Investigations Misconceptions

06:37 Trauma Informed Approach

09:27 Positive Early Interactions

10:59 30 Second Referral Script

11:43 Wrap Up And Thanks

"Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production.

Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R)

The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging

The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado. Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®.

THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER

The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs.

Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten Minutes With... Eva Lai

Find Eva Lai: Linkedin

Eva’s “Citizen of the World” Story: From Greece to Argentina to Australia (and Rome)

Instead of recording this episode in-person, Rhea and Eva chat on a Friday afternoon as Eva prepares for a weekend in Murwillumbah and Rhea records from her car in Sydney.

In a playful intro, Eva describes herself as a travel-loving “citizen of the world,” then explains her diverse background: Greek parents, maternal grandparents migrating to Buenos Aires, Eva born in Argentina, and the family moving to Australia when she was two, where she grew up in Melbourne.

Eva later lived in Rome for four years, working in retail and currency exchange before roles at PWC doing legal translating and research, aiming for the Australian Embassy. She recounts persistently following up for years, being offered a role, then turning it down due to missing her family.

Eva talks about stumbling into workers compensation and using it as a vehicle to fulfill her passion for helping others.

00:00 Friday Catch Up

00:10 Weekend Away Plans

00:58 Remote Recording Setup

01:30 Intro

02:08 Citizen Of The World

02:34 Family Migration Story

04:36 Life In Rome

05:37 Embassy Dream And Regret

07:24 Sliding Doors Scenario

08:19 Finding Purpose Helping People

09:38 Wrap Up And Goodbye

"Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production.

Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R)

The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging

The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado. Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®.

THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER

The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs.

Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find Anjelo Ratnachandra: Linkedin | Beyond Pain |

In 2023, we recorded a conversation with Anjelo Ratnachandra "The Intelligent Rebellion" podcast, and its message is more relevant now than ever. This is the 10min version of that conversation. Listen to the full episode

Host Rhea Mercado interviews physiotherapist Anjelo Ratnachandra, founder of Beyond Pain, about treating chronic pain and illness through a biopsychosocial lens.

Anjelo shares his 20-year background across chronic pain, fatigue, mental health, long COVID, and counselling, plus lived experience after a collapsed lung and a Molotov cocktail attack that led to burns and chronic pain; despite medical doubts, he later trekked to Everest Base Camp, influenced by a Buddhist philosophy and a commitment to “walk the talk.”

Rhea and Anjelo discuss why identical pathologies can recover differently, how guidelines are guardrails with necessary grey areas, and why education, empathy, and client-centered interdisciplinary teamwork can outperform routine hands-on care. They address overtreatment, dependency/learned helplessness, outcome measurement, self-management, and how to raise sex and intimacy concerns in assessment.

Want the full story? Check out the complete episode 019.

00:00 Meet Anjelo Ratnachandra
00:13 Physio Career Path
00:48 Pain Clinic Lessons
01:14 Molotov Attack Story
01:55 Everest Base Camp Goal
02:49 Mindset and Upbringing
03:39 Biopsychosocial Rehab
04:50 Education Over Hands On
06:02 Clinician to Patient Insights
07:25 Industry Gaps and Overtreatment
09:07 Intimacy and Chronic Pain
11:08 How to Ask the Taboo
11:36 Advice for New Clinicians
12:34 Where to Find Ange
12:50 Final Takeaways

"Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production.

Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R)

The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging

The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado. Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®.

THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER

The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs.

Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties..

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten Minutes With... Rebecca Harris

Find Rebecca Harris: Linkedin

Rhea interviews Rebecca Harris, Acting CEO of WorkCover WA for a short chat about her background and approach to diversity and inclusion.

Rebecca describes herself as a career public servant and educator who became passionate about workers compensation, injury management, and return to work, and she also shares her love of dance and her on-stage “Thunderstruck” entrance.

She recounts starting engineering at 17and moving into maths teaching to bring a different style as she rarely saw role models who looked like her. Rebecca discusses being the only culturally and linguistically diverse student in her engineering cohort and how that shaped her leadership.

At WorkCover WA she partnered with the Red Cross to recruit highly skilled Ukrainian refugees, and she urges leaders to turn diversity into impact through culturally informed leadership that amplifies historically disadvantaged voices.

00:00 Intro

00:43 Who is Rebecca Harris?

01:40 Dance and Thunderstruck

03:15 Math Teacher Origins

03:43 Engineering to Teaching Story

05:34 Diversity and Representation

08:15 Hiring in partnership with the Red Cross at WorkCover WA

11:11 Leading Inclusion for Impact

12:55 Wrap Up and Thanks

"Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production.

Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R)

The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging

The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado. Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®.

THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER

The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs.

Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.