Take A MOment - with Moana Robinson

Discovering Identity: Christine Innes' Unveiled Story" delves into the transformative journey of Christine Innes, founder of The Corporate Escapist. Hosted by Moana Robinson, this episode explores Christine's resilience in overcoming life-altering challenges, including health issues, toxic relationships, and financial turmoil. Amidst adversity, Christine navigates an identity crisis, shedding societal roles to rediscover her true self. From corporate executive to life coach, publisher, and magazine founder, Christine's story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery. Tune in for inspiring insights on reclaiming purpose and living authentically.

Join Moana Robinson as she dives into the inspiring life of Rita Barbagallo (also known as "Barbee Barb), an exceptional mindset coach, international motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and emcee. With four published books under her belt, Rita is also the Director of Rita Barbagallo “The Red Peacock” and “Barbee Barb.” As a childrens entertainer and magician she has inspired and helped others as well.

Rita's infectious energy and positive outlook stem from overcoming a significant health challenge in her younger years. She firmly believes in the power of positive thinking, emphasizing the abilities of mindset and manifestation to create incredible outcomes from challenging situations.

Beyond her motivational work, Rita is a multifaceted individual. As a talented artist, she not only uses her skills for personal expression but also as the creative force behind her luxurious cosmetics brand, "The Red Peacock." Rita's diverse interests extend to riding motorcycles and managing a collection of shops that offer everything from coffee to decor, shoes, and clothing.

Adding to her unique repertoire, Rita is a psychic medium, making her podcast conversations fascinating and thought-provoking. Despite her glamorous lifestyle, she humorously acknowledges that most people in her area know her as the 'Barbie' lady.

Rita's supportive husband, Sal, embraces her individuality, He also fondly refers to her as 'unstoppable'. As Rita has entertained children and conducted magic workshops worldwide, she expresses no plans for retirement, asserting, 'I'd be an old duck before I give up.' Rita's commitment to spreading joy and laughter remains unwavering as long as she can see and hear.

Join host Moana Robinson in a captivating conversation with Jessie Sadler and Carol Taylor, the visionary minds behind Christina Stephens. In this exclusive interview, delve into the unique journey of these two designers, whose passion for fashion stems from their personal experiences with disability.

Jess and Carol's venture into adaptive fashion was sparked by a pivotal moment – a fall that left Jess's stylish mother, Christine, unable to dress herself. This incident propelled Jessie to establish Christina Stephens in the challenging year of 2020. Fast forward to 2022, where Jess invited Carol to join as Partner and Lead Designer, and together, they made history on Australia's inaugural adaptive clothing runway at Afterpay’s Australian Fashion Week, using Carol's wheelchair as a symbolic battering ram to open doors that had been closed to the disability community for decades.

Carol Taylor, a fashion enthusiast before her spinal cord injury, shares her personal struggle with limited, unfashionable clothing options for people with disabilities. She sheds light on the isolation and impact on mental health caused by being excluded from the fashion conversation. Christina Stephens emerges as a beacon of change, not only enhancing the wardrobe choices for individuals with disabilities but also challenging stereotypes with colorful, elevated designs and smart innovations.

Discover how Christina Stephens is not just a fashion brand but a catalyst for health improvements in the lives of the 1 in 5 Australians forgotten by the fashion industry. Jessie and Carol, driven by their commitment to mental and physical well-being, design on-trend clothing that goes beyond style – addressing issues like pressure sores, temperature control, nerve pain, sensory concerns, and discreet accessibility for catheters, colostomy bags, or prosthetics.

At the heart of Christina Stephens lies a design philosophy shaped by constant interaction with the disability community, seeking feedback and making improvements based on their input. Jessie and Carol's mission is clear: to empower people with disabilities with the choice to wear what they want, to be included, heard, and, above all, seen. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that transcends fashion, challenging preconceptions and celebrating the power of choice in adaptive style.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of "Take A MOment." In Episode 14, titled "From Trauma to Empowerment," we delve into a remarkable story of resilience and transformation. Join Moana Robinson in an engaging conversation with the incredible Michelle Sleight as they explore the journey from trauma to empowerment.

In this episode, Michelle shares her personal journey as a multiple sexual assault survivor, highlighting her incredible strength and her dedication to raising awareness about the impact of sexual assault trauma. Her story is nothing short of inspiring, and she has emerged as a fierce advocate for survivors.

Moana and Michelle discuss the crucial importance of being informed, prepared, and taking care of oneself and loved ones in the face of such adversity. Michelle's courage and tenacity shine through as she now dedicates her life to coaching others who have experienced similar trauma. Her insights and candid honesty are both empowering and informative, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking resilience and empowerment.

Michelle's personal growth journey is a testament to the human spirit's ability to heal and thrive. In this episode, she generously shares her experiences, demonstrating how one can overcome trauma and transform it into a source of strength and purpose. She challenges misconceptions about sexual assault and has even set a legal precedent, making a significant difference in the lives of others.

Moana Robinson chats with Angelica Alen, a resilient woman who faced a formidable challenge at the age of 38 when she received a stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis. As a devoted wife and mother of two young children, Angelica underwent major surgery and intensive treatment to overcome this adversity, emerging not only as a survivor, but as a thriver.

Today, Angelica has channelled her remarkable journey into a mission to assist others in taking control of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, empowering them to craft their dream lives. Armed with practical and accessible tools, Angelica's insights and experiences serve as a guiding light for those seeking to transform their lives.

Her dedication to this cause is evident through her educational achievements, including a Bachelor of Holistic Health Sciences. Angelica firmly believes in the concept of holistic wellness, recognizing that we are complete beings, each requiring a personalised and comprehensive plan to attain health and live life on our own terms.

Tune in to this inspiring conversation as Angelica shares her wisdom and expertise, offering a roadmap for all who aspire to reclaim their health and embrace a life of purpose and fulfilment.

In this powerful interview, Moana sits down with Wendy Trevarthen, a remarkable woman who has faced not one, but three life-altering challenges with unwavering strength and determination.

Wendy's life took an unexpected turn at the young age of 17, when her father fell critically ill, leaving him quadriplegic and dependent on others for even the most basic tasks, like breathing. This once-heroic figure who had been the backbone of their family was now in need of constant care and support. Despite the adversity, Wendy's family rallied around her father, providing love and care throughout his struggle, but he unfortunately did not recover and lived with severe disabilities until his passing at just 57 years old.

At the tender age of 25, Wendy was already a wife and mother, and she found herself navigating yet another challenging chapter as her marriage fell apart. Determined to persevere, Wendy embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, including overcoming weight loss challenges and facing hurdles in her nursing career. Along the way, she battled with issues of self-esteem, confidence, and life balance, while learning to love and trust again in the midst of heartache.

Throughout her journey, Wendy turned to writing as a form of therapy and empowerment. She penned two inspiring books, "Dear Nurse Me - Reflections" and "Midlife Mojo - You're 50 Cut the Crap," using her experiences to uplift and inspire others. Her resilience and ability to conquer adversity have been key factors in her journey toward achieving her goals.

Today, Wendy's life is a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of fulfillment in a world dominated by materialism. Embracing simplicity and cherishing the beauty of each day, she has found happiness with her partner and a new career, radiating positivity and hope to all who come in contact with her.

Join Moana in an inspiring and heartwarming conversation with acclaimed book author, Julie Fisher. In this captivating podcast episode, Julie shares her deeply personal journey as a mother to Darcy, her wonderful son born with Down Syndrome.

Through her candid storytelling, Julie reveals the profound decision she made to nurture Darcy's life with love, meaningful experiences, and unwavering positivity. As she delves into the world of disability, Julie provides valuable insights and wisdom, touching the hearts of all listeners.

Prepare to be uplifted as Julie recounts the discoveries she and her family have made along the way, guided by Darcy's unique presence. This extraordinary young man has not only enriched their lives, but also taught Julie invaluable skills to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace.

Having authored three powerful books, including the Amazon Best Seller "The Unexpected Journey," "The Magic of Inclusion," and "From the Hearts of Mums," Julie's impactful words continue to inspire countless readers worldwide.

Moana Robinson talks with Lisa Cox, an award-winning writer, Tedx speaker, author, motivational speaker, consultant, wife, model, and activist, who has an impressive following of almost 100,000 devoted supporters across various social platforms. Lisa Cox an extraordinary individual who has made it her mission to champion disability visibility and inclusivity. This is an incredible episode describing Lisa's story and her keys to dealing with challenges in life, She has overcome huge trauma and provides valuable insights into how she dealt with those challenges.

In 2005, at the age of 24 Lisa Cox was rushed to hospital after she collapsed at Melbourne Airport. Tests and scans revealed a significant bleed in her brain caused by a rare strain of the streptococcus-A virus, which resulted in her internal organs shutting down, one by one. She spent three weeks in a coma and two months on life support. Priority had to be given to saving Lisa's vital organs and her extremities had turned gangrenous. There were initial concerns that she could lose both legs and one arm. Surgeons did amputate nine fingertips, all of her toes and one leg. The permanent damage to her brain has affected Lisa’s speech and memory, left her 25% blind, epileptic and frequently fatigued.

Lisa is a member of Media Diversity Australia and works with journalists and communications professionals to ensure the media better reflects the diverse community it serves. Her work has been published both nationally and internationally for publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, FOX, Vogue, CBS and and Huff Post.

With an extensive background in media, Lisa possesses a deep understanding of the news cycle and a keen appreciation for the intricate process of crafting stories under tight deadlines. Lisa brings a unique perspective that bridges the gap between disabled and non-disabled audiences, allowing her to effectively relate to and connect with both groups.

Hailing from the vibrant city of Brisbane, Australia, Lisa's invaluable expertise and unwavering dedication to the cause of disability advocacy make her the perfect guest for today's informal discussion.

Get ready for an inspiring and uplifting conversation as Lisa talks about her remarkable journey into the crucial work she has accomplished in fostering disability visibility. Lisa speaks about her life, her favourite pastimes and how her business is now helping companies realise the importance of including people with disabilities. This is an almost 20% portion of the market share that many companies are missing out on in their advertising and marketing.

Lisa's work has been published both nationally and internationally for publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, FOX, Vogue, CBS and and Huff Post.

Take A MOment with Moana Robinson as she chats with Aldwyn Altuney who is a mass media marketing expert. She's known as the media queen. Aldwyn is a TV host, speaker, an author of multiple books. We all have our ups and downs through the roller coaster ride of life. Aldwyn grew up in Sydney as a first-generation Australian. She has Greek, Turkish, Ukrainian heritage and has a Welsh name. She was bullied as a child and I never felt she belonged when growing up in the Northern Beaches of Sydney. She found other children to be incredibly cruel and also grew up seeing a lot of animal cruelty. She used to get her anger out on the table tennis table and was a champion player. Se ran away from home many times and was kicked out of home as a rebellious teenager until she made the decision to change her life and environment. She worked her butt off, got into a media degree in Canberra and found the media a great way to share stories. Aldwyn has experienced many challenges in life. She found her passion through the media and now 30 years on has worked in TV, radio, print, freelance writing in magazines in Australia and overseas. After having four friends suicide by the age of 45 she is now inspiring more truth and good news in the world to help decrease depression and suicide rates. She started a Good News Day on the 8th of the 8th, 2018. Then through COVID, she started a global good news challenge which is all about sharing gratitude and good news through the mass media to lift the energy on the planet and decrease depression and suicide rates.

Amelia Olsen’s debut book, ‘Dirt and Dust’, explores the topics surrounding suicide after the loss of her husband. It is narrated by her eighteen-year-old son, Riley, on their 1,400km, seven-day motorbike ride adventure, which takes them from Cairns to Cape York.

Amelia’s hilarious, yet heart-warming struggle to complete the physical challenges of the ride, along with Riley’s attempt to comprehend the loss of his father, makes a tough topic an easy read. Amelia chats with Moana about the book, the short movie created about her son as the "Bore Runner" and how that came about, as well as her experiences as a teacher and principal of a country school.

This podcast interview is rich, full of humour, wisdom, experience and some touching stories about Amelia's experiences from the 1.400km bike ride, her difficult time during the passing of her husband, dealing with children growing up and leaving the nest, an amazing trek with some other women riding camels, and horses in Mongolia. Amelia shares happy and sad experiences and how to thrive and grow through challenges which have occurred especially in her profession as an educator and as a Mum of two wonderful young adults.

Joann Grochowski bought her motorbike just before her 65th birthday, has just finished building her gorgeous house in Michigan USA at almost 70 years of age and has five grandchildren. Joann was a self confessed "major control freak" and realises now that this is the time to stop following the rules and to do whatever she pleases. By releasing that "control" she felt a major weight lifted from her shoulders.

Listen now to discover how Joann "unlearned some traditions" and cast aside some burdens that she was carrying. She says "if not now then when?" Joann openly describes how she lives an inspired and fulfilled life appreciating everyday miracles. After experiencing many of life's challenges Joann overcame these and realised was given a second chance at life to live it differently. The emotional and physical pain was there and she describes how she now lives a healthier and happier life. So many tips and open advice to others.

A short Moana MOment which may get you thinking about what you enjoy and how this enjoyment could lead to something else.

Have you thought about where inspiration comes from? Listen to this short "Moana MOment" where Moana Takes a MOment to chat about her inspiration for creating this podcast. Inspiration can come from many areas of life including places, people, music, photography or even a moment in time when it strikes you that you would like to do something even more creative.

Moana has a tip to trigger that inspiration. Sometimes it is all you need to get started on a project. Harness your curiosity and then stimulate your creativity.

Angela De Palma founder of She Simply Impacts shares the story of how she discovered herself and her creativity after her husband left the marriage. Angela had been married for fifteen years and ran a business with her husband. After the marriage breakup Angela had a huge journey of self discovery.

Hear all about Angela's healing journey and how she re-discovered herself. Angela describes how she saw herself as this "loyal wife" who was in denial and didn't read the red flags.  

Despite the emotional pain Angela realises she is so much more empowered. She discovered that she was not a follower but is a leader. She created a vlog about cooking, acquired more personal development skills and is now a coach with her own thriving business.