Jade Miller is a book editor, developmental coach, illustrator, and published author — but in this episode, she's here to talk about something a little more unexpected: tarot cards. Part self-reflection tool, part spiritual practice, and part brilliant icebreaker, Jade's newest hobby is as thoughtful and layered as she is. Mel sits down with this former farm kid turned Brisbane creative to find out what actually goes on when someone pulls a card for you — and why it might not be what you think.

Jade takes us through the surprisingly rich history of tarot — which, as it turns out, started as a card game for Italian aristocrats in the 1400s, not a mystical fortune-telling ritual — and how it gradually evolved into the psychological and spiritual tool it's considered today. She shares how she first explored tarot at university (including a memorable stint attending a Tuesday morning psychics class with a group of wise older women), walked away from it after some significant life experiences, and then came back to it recently as a way of reopening herself to curiosity and faith. She's refreshingly honest about the spectrum of belief: you don't have to be a crystal ball person to find value in pulling a few cards.

The highlight of the episode is a live three-card reading Jade does for Mel on air — complete with a challenge, an opportunity, and an action — which leads to some genuinely uncanny moments, a solid case for getting a second cat, and a reminder that finishing what you started is actually good advice for most of us. Jade also touches on her other creative hobbies — painting and collage (which she describes brilliantly as "handmade memes") — and why making things with your hands is one of the best things you can do for your brain.

If you've ever been curious about tarot but assumed it wasn't for you, this conversation might just change your mind — or at the very least, give you something interesting to think about.

Mel Loy is a storyteller, community enthusiast, and host of this insightful exploration into the power of individual passions. She’s dedicated to highlighting stories that connect people and inspire action.

You can connect with Mel on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Do you have a weird or wonderful hobby, or do you know someone who does? Then get in touch! Email hello@cuttlefish.group.

What do you do when you're recovering from a serious back injury, scared of heights, and bored by the gym? If you're Mandy, you sign yourself up for a six-week flying trapeze course — and then never look back. In this episode, Mel sits down with Mandy, a Cabarita Beach local (and current guide dog puppy mum) whose recreational hobby happens to involve swinging through the air and flying towards a catcher at height. No big deal.

Mandy shares the full story — from the terrifying moment she stood on the platform at her very first class, shaking and desperately hoping to let someone else go first (they wouldn't let her), to the moment on her second swing when something just clicked. She talks through what it actually takes to progress in flying trapeze, why the net doesn't stop you getting hurt ("it just increases your chances of living"), and what it's like to train alongside genuine trapeze celebrities — including a world-class Russian catcher from Cirque du Soleil and an artist who came second at the prestigious Monte Carlo International Circus Festival.

Along the way, Mandy opens up about the injuries that have come with pushing herself — including one significant accident that changed what her body can now do — and why, despite all of that, she keeps coming back. Her answer is surprisingly profound: in a world full of distractions, flying trapeze is one of the few things that forces you to be completely, utterly present. And as a bonus, she's actually invented a couple of trapeze tricks that are now in the official TrapezeNet catalogue. Yes, really.

Whether you're curious about trying it yourself or just want to live vicariously through someone genuinely fearless, this one's a joy from start to finish.

Mel Loy is a storyteller, community enthusiast, and host of this insightful exploration into the power of individual passions. She’s dedicated to highlighting stories that connect people and inspire action.

You can connect with Mel on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Do you have a weird or wonderful hobby, or do you know someone who does? Then get in touch! Email hello@cuttlefish.group.

Meet Mitch — Brisbane-based real estate pro by day, pro wrestler by night. In this week's episode, Mel sits down with the man who goes by "One Shot Ryder" to find out what it's actually like to lead a double life in the squared circle.

Mitch walks us through everything: how a childhood trip to Times Square and a chance encounter with a WWE billboard lit a spark that never quite went out; what training really looks like (spoiler: a lot of learning how to fall over, and building up a "callous" to pain); and why he describes pro wrestling as equal parts athletics, acting, and improv. He also gets refreshingly honest about the politics of the industry, the financial realities of wrestling in Australia ("a hot dog and a handshake" is the industry phrase), and why he gave up a steady career to work as a removalist and landscaper — all so he could fund tours of Japan and America.

There are some brilliant behind-the-scenes moments too: from storyline chaos when a wrestler pulls out the afternoon of a show, to the unexpected perks of the job (Disneyland in Japan, anyone?). Mitch also shares how his family reacted when they came to his very first show — an experience he now freely admits he wishes they'd skipped — and why wrestling in Japan is an entirely different experience to wrestling in front of a Queensland crowd on the beers.

Whether you're a lifelong wrestling fan or someone who's always wondered what really goes on behind the curtain, this one's a ripper. And if you've ever thought about giving it a go yourself, Mitch has some very practical advice for exactly that.

Follow Mitch on Instagram @oneshotryder

Mel Loy is a storyteller, community enthusiast, and host of this insightful exploration into the power of individual passions. She’s dedicated to highlighting stories that connect people and inspire action.

You can connect with Mel on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Do you have a weird or wonderful hobby, or do you know someone who does? Then get in touch! Email hello@cuttlefish.group.