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Coffee and Contemplation with Susan Dunlop

Coffee and Contemplation with Susan Dunlop

By Susan Dunlop

Welcome to Coffee and Contemplation with Susan Dunlop, a podcast that delves into raw and honest conversations with a variety of fascinating guests. Join us as we explore the intriguing stories and life lessons of individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the world. Susan's guests are leaders, believers, and creators, each deeply committed to their unique missions. We uncover the WHAT, HOW, and WHY behind their remarkable journeys. Tune in to Coffee and Contemplation with Susan Dunlop. Discover the stories that shape lives and transform perspectives.
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Episode 19: It's Not What Happens To You, It's How You Respond: Sandy Bolton MP, a leader, aware and reverent to her values, gifts and life purpose

Coffee and Contemplation with Susan DunlopSep 09, 2020

00:00
58:08
Episode 69: Breaking Free: Healing from Abandonment Trauma with Sonja Renee
Mar 15, 202443:29
Episode 68: The Courage to Choose: Overcoming Overthinking with Adeline Heng

Episode 68: The Courage to Choose: Overcoming Overthinking with Adeline Heng

Jan 29, 202439:60
Episode 67: Dr Zarya Rubin, MD. Harvard-educated functional medicine physician specialising in burnout!

Episode 67: Dr Zarya Rubin, MD. Harvard-educated functional medicine physician specialising in burnout!

The first episode for 2024 is Dr Zarya Rubin, MD, of Portland Oregon. I believe our worlds collided for a good reason when I found Dr Zarya and asked if she'd like to join me as a guest on the show.

Zarya is a Harvard-educated functional medicine physician, keynote speaker, and burnout expert. She helps passionate, high-achieving women get to the root cause of chronic symptoms and stress so that they can heal from the inside out and truly thrive. 

Also founder and CEO of Dr. Zarya, a boutique functional medicine practice in Portland, Oregon.  

Dr. Rubin studied neurology at McGill University and the renowned Neurological Institute at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. She received her integrative nutrition training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, studying with Dr. Andrew Weil,  Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Deepak Chopra and other leading influencers in the world of holistic health, and went on to complete advanced Functional Medicine training at the School of Applied Functional Medicine.

She lives in Portland, OR with her husband, 10-yr-old daughter, and Bichon miniature poodle puppy.

When she is not speaking or seeing patients, she is singing with the Portland Symphonic Choir, on her yoga mat, or cooking up creative delights in her kitchen.

I wondered why did she choose to do the work she delivers now? Because she’s been there...

When chronic stress, anxiety and burnout caused her to leave medicine, she knew she needed to make some serious changes if she wanted to lead a fulfilling, authentic life.  She wasn't satisfied that illness and the hamster wheel of stress was her "new normal" and that she would just have to accept it and live with it. She knew she wanted better.

She managed to get back on her feet, but then threw herself into another intense, highly stressful career with long hours. The truth is, she was chasing success in order to avoid dealing with the much scarier pit of anxiety that she tried to push away by avoiding dealing with it.

And from the outside? She was more successful than ever.

But after she had her daughter, she entered a new phase of exhaustion, one that was even worse than being on-call overnight at the hospital. She was irritable, couldn’t get out of bed, and constantly ill. She was eating a healthy diet (She is actually one of those crazy people who adores kale and quinoa)? So why was she so sick?

None of it made sense to Zarya until she finally realized that the mind-body connection was stronger than ever, and years of untreated stress, anxiety, and PTSD had taken a toll, not just on her mental health, but her physical health as well - autoimmune disease, emergency surgery, adrenal fatigue. She finally got help from physicians, healers, and a coach of her own, who all helped put her back together.

And so her journey of self-discovery has led her to holistic approaches to health and wellness, healing from the inside out, balancing mind and body.  Zarya is so happy with where she is today and would love to share what she’s learned with our audience.

Here's the link to Zarya's website -⁠ https://drzarya.com⁠

Zarya's episode has been broadcast across 7 or 8 streaming sites including the one you’ve just listened to! Also new for 2024, this and all other episodes are loading onto my YouTube channel so you can follow the transcript there.

You can also watch for opportunities to pose your questions to future guests via my Facebook and Instagram profiles: @susandunlopleadbelievecreate.

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠Instagram

Jan 11, 202449:30
Episode 66: Dr Victoria Wilson-Crane, author of Sixteen Days: a Sudden Death. What to say?

Episode 66: Dr Victoria Wilson-Crane, author of Sixteen Days: a Sudden Death. What to say?

Today's guest is Dr Victoria Wilson-Crane the author of Sixteen Days: A Sudden Death. What to Say?

Vic is an Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist, supporting children and adults grieving life losses. Her memoir and self-help book, Sixteen Days, was published in January 2022; it is advice for those supporting others in shock and grief following sudden death.

By day, an Educational innovator and leader, Vic used her academic writing skills and love of words as therapy as she faced significant bereavement in 2020.

Vic lives in West Lancashire, England, with her author husband, Roger. They share their life and sense of humour with their dance-crazy daughter, Holly Mae, and their exuberant, unique, yet typically bonkers flat-coated retriever, Ted Hastings.

Vic will share the circumstances that led to her writing such a book and answer questions about what to say, or not to say, what to do that is helpful, and more.

In preparation for this episode, I put out a call for input on Facebook and Instagram and had some conversations with people who have experienced the sudden death of loved ones.

My sister-in-law has permitted me to share some helpful feedback, or as she said, ‘you’re Paul’s aunty, yes share'. She easily recalled the words people spoke that she found helpful and not helpful and what she observed after Paul’s sudden death. There are also some insights from Paul's sister on words that never got to be spoken in sudden-death situations.

Here's the link to Vic's website where people can find out more about working with her through The Grief Recovery Method - https://grief.drvictoriawilsoncrane.co.uk/

Update 15 January 2024: The transcript of our conversation will soon be available on YouTube.

Vic’s episode has been broadcast across 7 or 8 streaming sites including the one you’ve just listened to!

You can also watch for opportunities to pose your questions to future guests via my Facebook and Instagram profiles: @susandunlopleadbelievecreate.

Facebook

Instagram

Dec 22, 202346:42
Episode 65: Kim Korven, The Conflict Queen, believes that divorce can be a gift for children

Episode 65: Kim Korven, The Conflict Queen, believes that divorce can be a gift for children

Today's guest is Kim Korven, Founder of The Conflict Queen (formerly The Gentle Way Divorce), who believes that divorce can be a gift for children.

Kim lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, in Canada’s Treaty 4 Territory with her husband (#2), one adult child from her first marriage, and rescue greyhounds and cats. Kim is the third generation in her family to steward 160 acres of natural prairie. 

Kim is a family mediator, peaceful divorce strategist, and trainer/speaker who combines her experience as a lawyer, judge, mediator, judo coach and parent to help people in conflict remember they are the CEOs of their lives and create fair and family-focused results. This even happens when one spouse is a narcissist.  

Since I met with Kim a few weeks before our recording, she has spoken publicly for the first time about her experience in a relationship with a narcissist. Not her husband, but a former partner.

This is an information and story-rich program, that we managed to squeeze into less than 60 minutes.

If you'd like to find out more about Kim's work or her group program: the Divas of Disentanglement you will find her:

Website: https://www.theconflictqueen.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.korven

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


The transcript from this episode will be available as an Article on my website: www.susandunlop.com.au/articles within a week of this episode being broadcast.

Episodes are shared via Spotify and other favourite streaming services.

On social media you will find me on Instagram and Facebook as @susandunlopleadbelievecreate


Dec 04, 202357:58
Episode 64: Erica Curry helps athletes build the skills they need to succeed on and off the court

Episode 64: Erica Curry helps athletes build the skills they need to succeed on and off the court

The first guest after my six-month break from recording is Erica Curry.

Erica has been a licensed therapist and mental agility coach to athletes in California since 2017. Holding a degree in Psychology, and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Erica found her way to that career via athletics.

As a Division One springboard diver, Erica saw how much she and her teammates struggled with different mental health-related symptoms that went unnoticed due to the stigmatisation of mental health and the grind/push-through culture of athletics.

Erica has spent the last six years helping athletes foster their own well-being and find their way after retirement.

Our conversation includes Erica's pivot from gymnastics to springboard diver at 14. We discussed what she witnessed or experienced herself and the struggles with mental health-related symptoms of athletes at her level. Statistics, tips and strategies for children, teenagers and parents to consider regarding sports are mixed into our 40-minute episode.

If you'd like to learn more about Erica's work, you can find her at www.coachericacurry.com or on Instagram and TikTok as @coachericacurry.

The transcript from this episode is available as an Article on my website: www.susandunlop.com.au and new from January 2024, all episodes may also be found on my YouTube channel: Susan Dunlop Coaching. Erica's Episode has been uploaded there as: YouTube

On social media you will find me on Facebook or Instagram as @susandunlopleadbelievecreate


Nov 17, 202340:18
Episode 63: Video link to podcast episodes of four women I met on a Journey to the Roots of Ayurveda trip across Kerala, India in 2017

Episode 63: Video link to podcast episodes of four women I met on a Journey to the Roots of Ayurveda trip across Kerala, India in 2017

This is a memory-lane video of myself and the people I travelled with across Kerala, India, in 2017. It's a video with some archived episode links I'll set out below within the episode description.

I am interested in Ayurveda, and as I exited my company, an opportunity appeared to go on a one-month Journey to the Roots of Ayurveda. I hadn't travelled alone to a country like India before then. I chose to sign up and see what I would learn there. Whilst I wasn't studying Ayurveda, I soon found that the 35 people I met on arrival in Kochi were. All my fellow travellers were students, practitioners and doctors in Ayurveda from Kerala Ayurveda Academy in the USA.

Ayurveda is said to have origins over 5000 years old, and I found it intriguing to learn and tour with these most beautiful souls. We learned of the 1000+ herbs and plants and their uses and benefits; ran a community clinic at a nursing home and orphanage; travelled on a houseboat; visited Heavenly and Tea Country, finishing our journey at Ayurvedagram wellness centre in Bangalore before flying to our respective homes.

Since returning to Australia, some of us have stayed connected, and the four women below have been guests on this podcast:


JEANNINE RASHIDI - Doctor of Ayurveda and best-selling Author of Abundance Beyond Trauma, California, USA

Episode 4 - Finding Light in the Darkness and Carrying on a rich tradition of Storytelling

Episode 44 - Abundance Beyond Trauma, the book and the author


LYNDE MCKINLEY - Professor of Nursing and founder of The OM Experience, Saskatchewan province, Canada

Episode 12 - 'Florence Nightingale: to me, it's that Powerful Woman's Roar of Here I Am, Let's Make This Better!'


LINDA VILLINES - Artist, Songwriter, Wellness Coach and Healthcare Consultant, Southern California, USA

Episode 7 - There's No One Way to Grieve


MARTI DAVIS, MD, Denver, Colorado, USA

Episode 29: Looking back, what were the dots that influenced you to depart from traditional Western Medicine

Episode 30: My belief is that the body gets the most attention but is the least significant, not insignificant


I had the pleasure of sharing long and bouncy bus rides, sitting on stoops for long chats and plenty of laughter, and enjoying the stories and moments each of us gave to each other in India and since our return home.

If this is your first time listening to their episodes, please check out what they had to share.

May 16, 202304:38
A BRIEF INTERLUDE: Susan introducing the Dreaded Drama Triangle and its antidote, The Empowerment Dynamic

A BRIEF INTERLUDE: Susan introducing the Dreaded Drama Triangle and its antidote, The Empowerment Dynamic

A brief interlude between guests, today I'm sharing a snapshot of the work I deliver as a 3 Vital Questions certified trainer and coach throughout Australasia and the Asia Pacific.

I first came across Dr Stephen Karpman's drama triangle model in 2005. I understood it, and at the time, I was busy with my growing company and put it aside to look into more later. Then I came across the empowering alternative triangle to the drama triangle, TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic), a model developed by David Emerald, best selling author of The Power of TED* and the 3 Vital Questions: transforming workplace drama. Between 2018 and now I have immersed myself in this work, firstly for myself, and my own relationships, and in the work I deliver to my clients as a course facilitator and coach.

It is work that can be adopted by individuals, families, leaders of any size organisation and their teams. I'm working with one Hong Kong group that has embraced TED*, from the school's principal to the janitor. Fifty people doing this work together in the safe environment I establish for them from the outset. It's deeply personal development and changes the way they show up and relate at work and in their personal lives. What a ripple effect that will have on their entire school community! It's simple to understand, it's not easy, and it will consciously take practice.

The dreaded drama triangle roles are what we human beings default to in times of stress. They are roles we may have needed to adopt from an early age in response to life and the way other people chose to operate. This work is about consciously choosing to shift to an empowering creator mindset.

Contact me if you'd like to explore The Empowerment Dynamic and understand how the Dreaded Drama Triangle plays out in your personal and work life. It's enlightening, not dark, and it's empowering - structured so you have a framework to refer back to. There are all kinds of depths you can go with it. Personal coaching is one, you as a leader learning this for yourself first, perhaps. Purchasing The Power of TED* book or listening to it on audio is a perfect place to begin. Whatever way you go, you will be a person who can model change at all kinds of levels, for this generation and generations to come.

You can reach me at: www.susandunlop.com.au - select the button there and book a conversation or use the contact form and we can talk. Check out the Programs page whilst you're there - it shows the kinds of ways this work can be brought into your life and work.

Enjoy!

May 11, 202313:28
Episode 61: Vicky Spencer, founder of Inspirational Ageing, giving confidence to women during the perimenopause to postmenopause transition

Episode 61: Vicky Spencer, founder of Inspirational Ageing, giving confidence to women during the perimenopause to postmenopause transition

Today’s guest is Vicky Spencer, the founder and facilitator of Inspirational Ageing group on Facebook. Vicky is a qualified naturopath, herbalist and personal trainer with over 28 years experience. A health educational specialist and author of Ageless Vitality.

Vicky is on a mission to change the narrative around ageing.

Her objective is to give confidence to women, during the perimenopause to postmenopause transition. Encouraging women to embrace responsibility and take control of their health. Vicky specialises in healthy ageing, with an emphasis on movement, herbal medicine, nutrition, emerging work and meditation.

Today's conversation is about choices, the first of which is how Vicky came to choose naturopathy and herbalism; the people she was blessed to work with and be mentored by; and where she has taken her experience to now educate audiences both in her private Facebook group, Inspirational Ageing, and through public talks and webinars.

Vicky is a model of making healthy informed choices and taking lessons learned along her life journey to support others. Vicky and I talk about the choices she empowers women to make: from navigating the perimenopause to postmenopause transition to taking care of themselves by knowing themselves better.

______________________


I am Susan Dunlop, a professional coach and 3 Vital Questions facilitator living in Noosa Australia.

If you would like to join me as a guest on the Coffee & Contemplation with Susan Dunlop podcast, to talk about your dreams, your interesting life journey, or how you're changing lives, please reach out and chat. You'll find me on LinkedIn: Susan's Profile; or via my website: www.susandunlop.com.au

Mar 20, 202331:29
Episode 60: Merilee Smith, the seven-year-old girl with a vision to work at Disney to the woman who makes magic happen

Episode 60: Merilee Smith, the seven-year-old girl with a vision to work at Disney to the woman who makes magic happen

Today's guest is one of the most enthusiastic, energised, ever-creating, innovative and kind people I've had the pleasure to get to know in Covid times. I met Merilee Smith from Pittsburgh PA, in 2021 through our work as professional coaches and 3 Vital Questions facilitators with the Center for the Empowerment Dynamic in the United States.

Mary Poppins, Disney and making magic happen, TED* (The Empowerment Dynamic) and the 3 Vital Questions all feature in this episode 60 of the Coffee and Contemplation with Susan podcast.

You will find plenty of magic, wisdom, and food for thought shared by Merilee, a woman who chooses to deliver her gifts to the world in a real and raw way. Enjoy!

Merilee is on Facebook and LinkedIn, and her website link is here for you to connect: www.merileesmith.com

_______________

I’m Susan Dunlop, a professional coach and 3 Vital Questions certified facilitator living in Noosa, Australia. 

If you'd like to know more about the 3 Vital Questions and The Empowerment Dynamic programs that Merilee and I discussed throughout this conversation, please don't hesitate to head to my website for more details on the choices available to you: www.susandunlop.com.au or to schedule a time for a conversation.

About this podcast: People passionate about what they deliver to the world intrigue me and make me want to know WHAT, HOW and WHY they do what they do. I choose to surround myself with people who set magnificent visions; take risks to do good things in service of others; and are kind-hearted, purposeful and wise. In service OR in the books they've written, they change lives, including their own.

Guests joining me on the Coffee and Contemplation with Susan podcast are invited to share their personal stories, with vulnerability, for the benefit of others. They are people with either or both professional and experiential knowledge of the theme of each episode. If you would like to join me as a guest to discuss your dreams, your interesting life journey, or how you're changing lives, please reach out and chat! 

You can contact me via my website and I am on LinkedIn.

Jan 17, 202329:33
Episode 59: Nikki Creber on the Crone Zone - the time in a woman's life when she is crowned in her wisdom

Episode 59: Nikki Creber on the Crone Zone - the time in a woman's life when she is crowned in her wisdom

Today’s guest is a return visitor, Nikki Creber, from the Sunshine Coast. When Nikki first came on the show for Episode 24 in October 2020, we focused on her personal experience with Parkinson’s Disease and how she took ownership of that and turned all she learned about the disease into doing something good, not just for herself, but for others as well.

Nikki and I have remained supportive of each other’s visions in life and our work. The last time we spent time together was with Nikki on the stage as a guest of The Girlfriend Hour, a youtube binge network series by Shar Moore. That and I had the pleasure of reading a beautiful three page article sharing Nikki’s story in the Feminessence magazine.

I haven’t caught up with Nikki since then. 

Today’s episode focuses on Nikki’s evolution into serving and supporting women. Women at a particular life transition – what Nikki calls the Crone Zone, which we’ll find out more about today.

If you are interested to find out more about the Wise Women Wisdom event(s) that Nikki is running on the Sunshine Coast, the first of which still has spaces available on the 31st of January, you can contact Nikki via her website: www.nikkiacreber.vip

I’m Susan Dunlop, a personal results coach and 3 Vital Questions certified facilitator living in Noosa, Australia. If this is the first time you’ve joined me, welcome, and if you’ve been tuned in before, thank you for coming back.

People passionate about what they deliver to the world intrigue me and make me want to know WHAT, HOW and WHY they do what they do. I choose to surround myself with people who set magnificent visions; take risks to do good things in service of others; and are kind-hearted, purposeful and wise. In service OR in the books they've written, they change lives, including their own.

Guests joining me on the Coffee and Contemplation podcast are invited to share their personal stories, with vulnerability, for the benefit of others. They are people with professional and/or experiential knowledge of the theme of each episode.

You'll find all episodes on all of your favourite podcast platforms.

If you'd like to find out more about what I do, you can find me at www.susandunlop.com.au

Take care,

Susan

Jan 12, 202329:58
Episode 58: Teri Giannetti. I became a principal and teacher because I wanted to treat kids the way kids should be treated and never make them feel stupid.

Episode 58: Teri Giannetti. I became a principal and teacher because I wanted to treat kids the way kids should be treated and never make them feel stupid.

Teri Giannetti, a lifelong educator, coach and facilitator, joins me in this episode from her home in Detroit. 

We discuss Teri's Italian heritage, from her mother's courage in the face of the Gestapo in WWII as a young girl. Her mother had a dream to find the streets paved with gold, so not long after WWII, she left her village in Italy where somebody told her to take a wheel of cheese to their family in New Jersey. Teri shared her life began all because of a wheel of cheese!

Interesting, insightful and inspiring, Teri's capacity for sharing amusing stories isn't missed in this episode. Enjoy!

Where did Teri's passion for educating children stem from?

When Teri entered kindergarten they didn't know what to do with her because she couldn't speak English, and they didn't have English as a second language at that time. Teri, by the time she was eight, knew she had been placed in the too-hard basket and from somewhere inside of her she found the strength and determination to change her own circumstances and trajectory!

Moving forward in time, Teri, as a school principal, gave a talk to an entire school body. It was the first time Teri gave a talk about being in what was so inappropriately called the 'retarded room' in her elementary school days. 

Teri told the kids the reason she became a principal and a teacher was because she wanted to treat kids the way she thinks kids should be treated and never make them feel stupid. She had a realisation too, that she also didn't want anybody to be a student in her school where they felt lost. 

Teri's vision was that she would stand up for all kids and she was really going to stand up for the kids that need some help with their strength and courage, so that when they leave her school, she will have helped them, and modelled to the teachers, what they should be doing with kids. 

Now, as co-founder of Synchronicity Consulting Partnership, Teri and her business partner and friend, Judy, both have a passion to reach kids, and adults too. Together they create and deliver engaging content supporting their clients to understand their anxiety and much more.

The transcript of the episode is available to read in the Articles on my website at: www.susandunlop.com.au/articles. 

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to Teri please contact me via email and I'll put you in touch. Email Susan

_________________________

I'm Susan Dunlop, 3 Vital Questions certified trainer and professional coach in Noosa, Queensland Australia. The Coffee and Contemplation with Susan podcast is ever-evolving. If you would like to join me as a guest to talk about your magnificent visions or how you're changing lives, please reach out and chat! 

Trust that you are blessed, even when you forget that you are blessed.

Take care of yourself.

Susan

Aug 10, 202234:52
Episode 57: Cal Stephens founder of Edna's Life Skills: supporting people with abilities, Noosa Queensland

Episode 57: Cal Stephens founder of Edna's Life Skills: supporting people with abilities, Noosa Queensland

Today’s guest is Cal Stephens, who lives close by to me at Sunrise Beach, in Noosa, Queensland.

Cal and I found ourselves on a road trip to the Gold Coast a month back. A mutual friend invited us to join the audience of a new TV show. I offered to drive. I picked up our friend Nikki, and then talked and navigated our way to find Cal at a bus stop in southern Brisbane. Cal hopped into my back seat, started talking and the conversation flowed all the way to the Gold Coast and all the way back again. To say it was an inspiring, energising and thought-provoking kind of day would be an understatement! I just had to keep remembering to keep my eyes on the road!

At the beginning of Covid times, Cal left behind her career as a financial advisor and established a business that is quite unique in its model and in the service it delivers. The service Cal began with was teaching young people financial literacy through cooking. It's since evolved, in a very short space of time, to bring Edna's Life Skills to a growing clientele, and doing so only through word-of-mouth referrals. Cal's services are delivered most often under the NDIS program. 

Edna's Life Skills now incorporate financial literacy, domestic management, domestic science and social skills development. Edna's Life Skills is a business that is about setting up young people for independence with the side-effect of growing their confidence 100-fold. It’s about caring, and skills development and it touches the lives of more than just the young people that Cal and her team of life skill coaches and mentors serve.

Who is Edna? Edna was Cal's mum. Today we’re going to talk about Edna, Cal, where the business idea came about, the hurdles and where to from here.

Enjoy!

________________________________


Listeners, the transcript of our conversation will be shared on my website within the coming days if you are a person who likes to read articles as well as listen to podcasts: Click here to go to Articles.

I am forever thankful for my beautiful guests for allowing me to understand them more and to share their stories. In prep for today’s session, it had an added benefit of letting Cal’s next steps float to the surface to work on: her Why and making that shift from, what I call worker bee to queen bee. Maybe you’ve found yourself in that space and are trying to figure your way through that maze too?

If you would like to join me as a guest to talk about your magnificent vision or how you're changing lives, please reach out and chat! 

If you’re baulking at the idea of having a magnificent vision, just know that it comes from inside of you, it's already there! So it’s just about facilitating getting your thoughts out onto paper.

I look at my one-page vision at least every Monday in my prep for the week, and sometimes I go back to it to put myself back on track. They’re not just magnificent, they have energy when you might not, so please don’t hesitate to reach out and I can guide you through the process of documenting your magnificent vision and the first few steps to take towards making it become your reality.

Trust that you are blessed, even when you forget that you are blessed.

Take care of yourself,

Susan Dunlop

You can contact me via email or book a time for us to Zoom and chat anytime.

Website: https://www.susandunlop.com.au

You'll also find me on LinkedIn, however, I'm not on Facebook or Instagram.

Jul 20, 202244:11
Episode 56: Sharon Ilstrup, Seattle: A journey from opening hotels to Silicon Valley; a woman shifting with the curves of life and her vision for the future

Episode 56: Sharon Ilstrup, Seattle: A journey from opening hotels to Silicon Valley; a woman shifting with the curves of life and her vision for the future

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.

Today's guest is Sharon Ilstrup of Seattle in Washington. Sharon and I have found ourselves to be kindred spirits in all manners of ways since we met in October 2021. A creator in every essence, in work and life, Sharon is a peer 3 Vital Questions certified trainer, and a leadership and career coach. 

In our very first intro session of the 3 Vital Questions training last year I recall thinking, did I just hear Sharon say she coaches the techs for Microsoft? Then I wondered, did she say Microsoft because her bookcase behind her is so artfully colourfully displayed, I envisaged, maybe she said Google, but no, we did clarify where and since moved our personal peer zoom conversations onto more exciting things like retro campers called Daisy, hiking trips, camping under the stars on islands and our shared passion for creativity in art.

By way of today's theme, our conversation is around vision, a journey that's more about shifting with the curves of life, rather than the kind of zigzags that other women have shared on the show. Where Sharon has come to today, how she sees we may personally make a change in the world, and a vision for where she's taking her 3VQ work.

The transcript of the episode is available to read in the Articles on my website at: www.susandunlop.com.au/articles. As mentioned in the episode, I've included a list of the questions that you may like to meander through yourself, and alter as necessary, for yourself, as a journalling exercise.

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to Sharon please contact me via email and I'll put you in touch. Email Susan

_________________________

I'm Susan Dunlop, 3 Vital Questions certified trainer and professional coach in Noosa, Queensland Australia. The Coffee and Contemplation with Susan podcast is ever-evolving. If you would like to join me as a guest to talk about your magnificent visions or how you're changing lives, please reach out and chat! If you baulk at the idea of having a magnificent vision, I can only say I look at my one-page vision at least every Monday in my prep for the week, and sometimes I go back to it to put myself back on track. They’re not just magnificent, they have energy when you might not, so please don’t hesitate to reach out via this Book a Discovery Call button or via my website and I can guide you through the process of documenting your magnificent vision and the first few steps to take towards making it become your reality.

We're moving back to Australian soil for my next guest, Cal, founder and CEO of Edna's Life Skills, a woman with a vision to support teens, those with ADHD, to gain experience in the skills of life that will support them to find safe independence.

Trust that you are blessed, even when you forget that you are blessed.

Take care of yourself.

Susan

Jun 16, 202249:53
Episode 55: Sarah Bell: Author of The Successful Nurse Leader - the ultimate guide to transition from Nurse to Manager to Leader

Episode 55: Sarah Bell: Author of The Successful Nurse Leader - the ultimate guide to transition from Nurse to Manager to Leader

The podcast being about women sharing their stories and lessons learnt from life, has led to 3 episodes in a row being friends and peers of mine who took those lessons learnt and turned them into books! 

Sarah Bell from Texas, USA, is a peer 3 Vital Questions certified trainer, and I reached out to her on referral from another trainer who told me Sarah was a leader in coaching nurses. I reached out in my researching around my vision for where I’m taking my coaching and training here in Australia.

Sarah has been an ICF certified coach working with nurse managers, nurse leaders and other health care professionals, in the United States, who are seeking leadership growth and development, for some 20 years. Sarah’s 30 years experience as a Registered Nurse began in the United Kingdom continued in the United States, and Sarah said (on the back inside cover of her book) that she struggled with the idea that Healthcare is a business. She observed and personally experienced the pressure nurse leaders face to achieve both clinical and business goals. Those 30 and 20 years clearly have run alongside each other, not one after the other!

This week is International Nurses' & Midwives' Week and perfect timing to discuss Sarah's book: The Successful Nurse Leader - the ultimate guide to transition from Nurse to Manager to Leader, it's purpose, what led to Sarah putting pen to paper; and how it fits in nicely with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) theme for 2022: 

Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health. Focusing on the need to protect, support and invest in the nursing profession to strengthen health systems around the world!

_______________

As discussed with Sarah in the episode here are some contact details about the book:

Sarah’s Book Launch Team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sarahsbooklaunch

Here’s the link to Sarah's website to find out more: www.bellscoaching.com

------------------------------

I’m Susan Dunlop, of Noosa, Queensland, Australia. Professional Coach ICF NLP and 3 Vital Questions certified trainer partnering with The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic in the United States. I was founder CEO of a small to large health care organisation for 17 years, and have chosen to bring all I learnt into my practice as a certified professional coach and trainer, to transform leaders, teams and companies.

Do you know any business owners, leaders, managers, teams, or companies as a whole, who are struggling to deal with low staff morale, workplace drama – gossip, absenteeism and the like; lack of shared vision or direction, disengaged staff, high staff turnover, wasted time, energy and focus and lost productivity?

Through my 1-to-1 coaching, online facilitated eLearning programs and workshops, I support business owners, leaders, teams and companies, to greatly improve employee engagement, transform company culture, increase profitability, grow themselves and empower their people.

  • If you do know any struggling business owners, leaders, teams or companies, please don’t hesitate to reach out, or pass my details on.
  • If you’d like to come share your story on this podcast show, I’d be only to happy to have a chat about that opportunity with you.

Email: susan@susandunlop.com.au

Web: www.susandunlop.com.au

LinkedIn: click here

May 06, 202233:28
Episode 54 Donna Zajonc MCC and author "Who Do You Want to Be On the Way to What You Want?

Episode 54 Donna Zajonc MCC and author "Who Do You Want to Be On the Way to What You Want?

Today’s guest is Donna Zajonc MCC and Author of "Who Do You Want to Be On the Way to What You Want? Coaching with The Empowerment Dynamic

Donna is Co-Founder and Director of Coaching for the Center for The Empowerment Dynamic in the USA.

Donna is currently riding the early waves of her long awaited book launch, getting her beautifully crafted words out to the world of coaches, like myself.

Donna's partner David Emerald had an epiphany one day that led to him creating TED*, the antidote to the Dreaded Drama Triangle and writing two bestselling books: The Power of TED* and The 3 Vital Questions: Transforming Workplace Drama. Back when David told Donna about his epiphany, Donna embodying all the roles of TED*, The Empowerment Dynamic, enthusiastically supported David to get TED* and later the 3 Vital Questions, out to the world.

I met Donna in studying and becoming certified as a trainer in the 3 Vital Questions and TED*  last year. Donna is passionate about her ministry to deliver and expand the work of the Center for The Empowerment Dynamic to the world, individuals, communities, workplaces, for the greater good. This year Donna added the icing to the Center for the Empowerment Dynamic cake, in the form of her book. 

It’s a book that is written as a gift to each of us and most definitely we coaches and trainers in TED*, and then the ripple effect of that, becomes a gift we can keep on giving!

How magic a formula is that!

In this episode Donna shares gems of wisdom, capturable quotes,  the foundations of the work and how her book came to being launched amidst a global pandemic. 

Donna mentioned in the episode that she publishes a weekly blog and welcomed listeners to subscribe. I've added the link here for you: Donna's Blog

** I’m Susan Dunlop, 3VQ and TED* certified facilitator and professional coach ICF NLP. I am very humbled to have the opportunity to work and grow with the community of trainers at The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic. I was once founder CEO of a small to large health care organisation so decided to bring all I learnt into my practice as a  professionally trained coach transforming leaders, teams and companies – be they people who choose to lead in all the roles you play in life, or leading your business start up, small, medium size or successful large companies who need some support going to the next level.

I do that in a combination of coaching and elearning training programs, workshops, retreats, master mind groups, personalised to suit each clients’ needs. I haven’t yet had to tap dance but I do know how to juggle so if asked I’d be happy to show you how.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to take the course of 3 Vital Questions with me, for coaching, or even if you’d like to come share your story on this podcast show. I’d be only too happy to have a chat about any of those with you. You will find me at www.susandunlop.com.au or email: susan@susandunlop.com.au

Thank you, I’ll be back soon with some other interesting guests lined up in the wings!

Apr 28, 202201:00:09
Episode 53: Rachel Lee as guest talking on: What Does Right Look Like in Terms of Online Communication and Connection?

Episode 53: Rachel Lee as guest talking on: What Does Right Look Like in Terms of Online Communication and Connection?

Today I’m speaking with Rachel Lee in Austin Texas. 

Our topic, even if we didn't state it as such was "What Does Right Look Like in Terms of Online Communication and Connection?" 

Rachel commented that "people are thirsting to be heard not just seen."

In our 40 minute chat we cover: 

  • The important role of self belief in personal branding.
  • How to show up online in business or as a recruitment candidate post-Covid. 
  • Leaving Facebook and what are the alternative online spaces to connect or market your business. 
  • LinkedIn as a place to share as thought leaders and to be of service; and 
  • Where to from here with social audio, for authentic human conversation and connection.

Rachel is a woman of many roles, an expert in her field, successful business woman, wife, stepmother, daughter, sister and friend. Her favourite mantra is "I surrender to the divine".

Rachel has led branding, social media strategy, content development, blogging, influencer communities, podcasts, experiential, paid media and more for the Microsoft Partner Network. Taking a leap of faith in her own version of the great resignation, Rachel now leads the branding and marketing strategy for StandOut Authority, a company she co-owns with husband, Joshua B Lee, “the dopamine dealer of Linkedin!” StandOut Authority helps you and your company find and build your voice, and create influence so you can change the world. 

A transcript of this episode will be available via my website as an Article if you'd like that alternative way to reflect on something covered in this podcast episode. Go to www.susandunlop.com.au/articles and you'll find it there (within a week of the recording!)

__________________________________________

If this topic is of interest to you, or if you have any questions for Rachel, please don't hesitate to let me know via email: susan@susandunlop.com.au; or use the contact form on my website: www.susandunlop.com.au/contact-susan

Self-Belief and the work that each of us need to do in terms of showing up in the world can only come from the inside out. It was something discussed as part of this episode. As a personal leadership and business coach that is what I help my clients with, or it is one aspect of what I help them with every day. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can be of service to you in coaching. To book a discovery call, this is the link to my scheduler: Book an Intro Discovery Call

Take care,

Susan Dunlop

Mar 31, 202241:43
Episode 52 (mini-series of lessons): Don't Sell The Boat! Shift Your Focus to What's Important for Your Prospective Clients
Mar 28, 202202:58
Episode 51 (mini-series of lessons): Two Kinds of Business Plans
Mar 28, 202204:15
Episode 50 (mini-series of lessons): The purpose behind establishing an Ultimate Vision
Mar 28, 202204:56
Episode 49 (mini-series of lessons): What are the Top 10 Challenges faced by Women in Midlife?

Episode 49 (mini-series of lessons): What are the Top 10 Challenges faced by Women in Midlife?

"When did I become invisible?" 

"What is my role now that the kids are gone?"

"Where did my sparkle go?"

"Who can I confide in, who will understand?"

How many women in midlife pose questions or repeat self-sabotaging self-talk, like "I'm too old, too tired, too unfit, too fat..."? 

I chose the topic of the Top 10 Transitions a Midlife Woman would experience, or might experience, when completing a research project as part of my life coaching course back in 2017. I think, in hindsight, because I was a midlife woman at the time, and I wanted to understand the bigger picture for me, and for the women who come to coaching. 

I coach people choosing to lead in life and business, and that can be across any age of life. Therefore, it's not been uncommon to be coaching a woman in the age bracket of 45-55, the time of a woman's life that she might pass through menopause, whilst simultaneously experiencing other life events. 

Needless to say, when putting all the issues and dreams on the table to co-create together during coaching, an awareness that some of these transitions may be at play at the same time, whilst a client is trying to launch a business, or a new fashion line online, is worth taking pause over.

If this topic is of interest to you, please don't hesitate to let me know via email or use the contact form on my website. Maybe you'd like to have more podcast episodes cover this in greater detail, including (a) going into greater depth on, say, one area like managing the relationship with boomerang kids; or inviting guests (a) who wish to share their experience of living it or surviving this period of life - you are welcome to come chat as well; or (c) experts who can provide tips on any particular area you'd like to understand further. 

My website homepage is: www.susandunlop.com.au

Look after yourself,

Susan


Mar 28, 202205:50
Episode 48 (mini-series of lessons): Money is not the only form of Wealth
Mar 28, 202206:22
Episode 47 (mini-series of lessons): The 3 Mandates of Leadership
Mar 28, 202203:15
Episode 46 (mini-series of lessons): The 3 Vital Questions and the C Dimension of Business
Mar 28, 202204:55
Episode 45: Intro to a mini-series of 7 short lessons to contemplate over a coffee

Episode 45: Intro to a mini-series of 7 short lessons to contemplate over a coffee

Introducing a mini-series of 7 short lessons to contemplate over a coffee, or beverage of choice. 

This podcast is about women sharing what makes them who they are today. 

These 7 lessons are me drawing on what I've learnt over the past few decades of life that helped me through hard times, have helped me stay true to my path and my vision, not feel as 'nutty' as I sometimes was in the transition of midlife. In recording these, I may not have said it, but I can see how all of the topics are ME doing what I love and caring about how I deliver an authentic, caring service to individuals, as that is what we all are. 

This mini-series ranges from 3 to 7 minute recordings. Episodes 46 to 52 will touch on:

Episode 46: The 3 Vital Questions and the C Dimension of Business - transforming drama into empowerment.

Episode 47: The 3 Mandates of Leadership (downloadable blue or deep pink posters will be available via the upcoming eCommunity newsletter via my website if you'd like to plaster these around your office, to help you like they did me time and time again.

Episode 48: 8 Forms of Wealth

Episode 49: The 10 Top Transitions Women Experience in Midlife.

Episode 50: The importance of establishing an Ultimate Vision for your business.

Episode 51: 2 Kinds of Business Planning - one for the 'whole entrepreneur' and the other one-page strategic plan for established businesses.

Episode 52: A short lesson I loved that stuck "Don't Sell The Boat". 

You will also find the video recordings of these topics on my YouTube channel: Susan Dunlop Coaching; and as articles on my website. More will follow monthly via my eCommunity news that is available directly to your inbox - please subscribe via my homepage: www.susandunlop.com.au

I would love to hear your thoughts on any of the topics, and also if there are topics you'd like me to include in the podcast this year: be it me sharing a lesson, or a guest with expertise on the topic. 

There's nothing better for me than hearing other people share their stories to ponder and learn from. Should you wish to come share your story, or know of a woman between the age of 10 and 110 who has an interesting story to share; and how each has taken the lessons delivered in life, to do something good with, please email me and we can chat about how it works. 

Thank you for listening,

Susan Dunlop

susan@susandunlop.com.au 

Mar 28, 202206:26
Episode 44: Abundance Beyond Trauma, the book, and the reality of the title, for author Jeannine Rashidi, California, USA

Episode 44: Abundance Beyond Trauma, the book, and the reality of the title, for author Jeannine Rashidi, California, USA

This episode does touch on the topic of childhood sexual abuse in terms of it is what the guest experienced, and has written her memoir about to help others heal from trauma too. 

Jeannine Rashidi was guest no. 4 of the podcast almost 2 years ago to the day. Jeannine and I met in Kerala, India in 2017, on a mutual journey to the roots of Ayurveda. The universe put us in a very distant place together and we've remained friends and supporters of each other's growth ever since.

From the time of our first recording in March 2020, Jeannine has continued her studies as an Ayurvedic doctor with Kerala Ayurveda Academy in the USA, has written and self-published her best-selling memoir, Abundance Beyond Trauma, and more. 

Part of formulating the structure of her memoir, was a 3am aHA moment that led to Jeannine naming her trauma healing process, EDHIR™. 

We dig around in all the feelings, emotions and the vulnerability that Jeannine experienced in taking her story through to the day of launch, and beyond. Importantly, what is most important to Jeannine now beyond the memoir having been written. A key focus for Jeannine is to keep working on the relationship she has with herself.

If you'd like to contact Jeannine you will find her on social media and LinkedIn under Goodbye Tension or her name. Her book is available on Amazon and on Audible. 

If you are interested in becoming a guest on the podcast show, please reach out to me via my website: www.susandunlop.com.au - I'd love to share with you how it works. I can also be found on LinkedIn. I no longer have a presence on Facebook or Instagram. 

Mar 22, 202235:56
Episode 43: Do you ever feel like you need to STOP... then don't? Susan's late entry into 2022 with a feather, brick, truck message

Episode 43: Do you ever feel like you need to STOP... then don't? Susan's late entry into 2022 with a feather, brick, truck message

As I enter 2022 one month later than planned, welcoming you to the podcast for 2022 and sharing thoughts on what happens when we ignore the messages that are in front of us.

Feather messages are a gentle reminder or a nudge or a push in a particular direction. 

If we don't listen to the feather, then we get the brick.

Brick messages are not so gentle reminders. They could be health-related, business restructures, changes to management. If we're still not paying attention to the brick, that's when we get the truck.

Truck messages are a massive shift in life as we know it. An example of a truck might be loss - loss of your job completely, loss of a relationship or loved ones. All of a sudden, we're forced to make massive changes to our life.

Sharing what a brick message, in the form of covid January 2022, has taught me and where I took that lesson, that has served me greatly towards my vision for 2022, because I stopped before I ran forward into 2022.

Note: episode 21 also spoke on an example of feather, brick, truck, if the idea of it interests you.

__________________

Hello and welcome, I'm Susan Dunlop, professional coach and 3 Vital Questions certified trainer, in Noosa, Queensland.  I support my clients transform their vision into results through strategy and actions, or baby steps, as we call them. Also, a passion-focus of the work I do is helping people break the chains of the drama triangle, within all their relationships, towards a far more empowered, passion-fuelled way of being, via The Empowerment Dynamic.

Contact me if you would like to learn more about coaching and facilitation. I work with people who choose to lead in life and business and their teams.

Book a discovery call: Click Here

Email: susan@susandunlop.com.au

Web: www.susandunlop.com.au - check it out! A beautiful fresh make-over has happened since the last episode on this show.

Guest Broadcast: If you or someone you know is a woman, with a kind heart, of any decade of life 10-19 through to 100-109, please contact me about becoming a guest on the show. We talk about life - it's not a business-focused show. I make it easy, comfortable and relaxed - we connect via screen, no lipstick required, and all guests find they have learnt more about themselves in the process, as well as benefiting the audience in a story shared. Please contact me via email above. 


Feb 02, 202216:41
Episode 42: Melinda Uys, self-published author. If I'm not writing for a living, I'd rather be on holidays!

Episode 42: Melinda Uys, self-published author. If I'm not writing for a living, I'd rather be on holidays!

Melinda Uys, former high school teacher turned business owner at Melinda Uys Words; a self-published author and creator of beautifully sculpted written content - be it her own work or for others. 

I was referred to Melinda to help me with the editing of my own book this year. I would highly recommend this woman of words to anyone needing that kind of expertise, to help you, as she did me.

Melinda recently celebrated the accomplishment of the launch of Women Inspired, a book she wrote; a beautiful marriage of words and imagery and a collaborative project of 3 women, that resulted in putting a smile on many women's faces across the Sunshine Coast. Melinda was also honoured as Finalist at the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network Awards this year. There's plenty to be celebrated for Melinda in 2021!

Today we talk on origins and dreams and what has inspired Melinda on her path from a poetry competition as a child to now being an author, editor and creator of written works. 

Melinda's path accommodates much more than being a writer. Together with husband and children, she has taken many leaps from her front door step at home or from her camper trailer into the front seat of the 4WD and travelled extensively throughout our beautiful country. 

It was the kind of travel that Melinda first had trepidations about, to take a baby and toddler, on the road for a year.

“As an Australian I was reluctant to go... my thinking then being Australia is the same: there's going to be the same meat pie in Darwin as there is in Perth; accent, culture, history are going to be the same. The only thing that's going to change is the caravan park we stay in. Which I couldn't have been more wrong about.” 

That first trip turned into an awakening and respect for the innate spirituality and ancientness of our country. Melinda's own book is in the pipeline honouring that incredible lesson, which came about from choosing to explore the wonders of Australia!

_______________________________

Hello, I'm Susan Dunlop professional coach and trainer living in Noosa Queensland. This podcast is my passion project, where I invite people to come and share their story for their own benefit and the greater good. The podcast is across 8 platforms and where an episode is recorded as video (so far only episode 40: Julia Carter), the video is available for viewing on my YouTube channel: Susan Dunlop Coaching. 

If you or someone you know is a woman from any decade of life, 10-19 through to 100-109, a person with a story to share, and a kind heart and generous spirit, please don't hesitate to contact me to chat about becoming a guest of the show. Audio or video, whichever you feel comfortable about. It's not a business-promoting kind of story sharing. There are plenty of other podcast shows that do that. 

My contact details are: susan@susandunlop.com.au

Website: www.susandunlop.com.au

You'll also find me on LinkedIn and YouTube as Susan Dunlop Coaching. I am no longer on Facebook nor Instagram.

Oct 20, 202138:09
Episode 41 - Susan Dunlop - exciting preview of what I'm doing! The 3 Vital Questions and transforming drama in work and life

Episode 41 - Susan Dunlop - exciting preview of what I'm doing! The 3 Vital Questions and transforming drama in work and life

I want to share with you a 1st preview of what I've been working towards this past year.

Back in 2005, when I was 40, I came across the Drama Triangle and its 3 roles of victim, persecutor and rescuer, developed by Steven Karpman. That was 16 years ago. I immediately understood it, could see how the roles of the drama triangle played out in life, in families, society and in business. 

Busy as I was, I put it on the shelf, not sure what to do with that new knowledge; and then through serendipity, and one International Coaching Federation webinar in 2018, I was introduced to the positive antidote to the (dreaded) drama triangle!  The webinar delivered by co-founders of the Bainbridge Leadership Center in the USA: Donna Zajonc, master coach, and husband, David Emerald, author of the best selling book "The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic) and more recently, the 3 Vital Questions: Transforming Workplace Drama. 

I'd read both of the books a year or so ago. Then, earlier this year I completed the Transform Drama to Design Your Dreams coach training with Donna, and have now become certified as a trainer, to deliver workshops and facilitate the eCourse in the 3 Vital Questions: Applying the Power of TED* (The Empowerment Dynamic) to Work and Life. 

I'm just coming down off 'night school' having attended live via Zoom, to practice delivery of the training with fellow trainers in the States, Canada and the UK, over the past 3 weeks, setting my alarm to be at my desk at midnight til 7.30 am and loving every minute of it!

The workshop I will be delivering is a comprehensive, yet personalised, 2-day format; and the latter a 8-module facilitated eCourse that I will be delivering to leaders in business, in our community and those choosing to be leaders, not followers, in all areas of their life. Perfect for anyone who wants less drama and more fulfilling and effective work relationships, including CEOs, other senior leaders, department heads, HR leaders, leadership and organisation development professionals and team leaders. 

Really, it's for anyone who is ready to transform working together, and developing relationships that are resourceful, resilient and innovative.

It's work that will equip any human being, business and their teams to be happier and more productive. In the workplace, or in setting personal desired outcomes, this work is about moving forward and making a positive impact on those you relate to, or serve and it will create a ripple effect throughout our communities. Perfectly suited for any business, continuing to transition to new ways of operating, as we move through the drama of covid-19 disruption!

This podcast is about people sharing stories. I feel the shift for me, in acknowledging the drama triangle at play; the anxiety it causes; the draining focus on problems; to a much more vibrant way of approaching life, with outcomes that are passion-fuelled and easy to operate within, has been life-changing. This shift has helped me enormously in my way of doing business, coaching and in my most important relationships. 

Please, if you have any questions or are curious about this work, for yourself, your team or your family, I'm here for you so just reach out via email, phone or through my website and we can talk.

Email:  susan@susandunlop.com.au

Phone: +61 439 333 740

www.susandunlop.com.au

Oct 11, 202112:03
Episode 40: All we have is now... Julia Carter, Artist, a woman who has made the most of every moment by following her heart and passion

Episode 40: All we have is now... Julia Carter, Artist, a woman who has made the most of every moment by following her heart and passion

Julia Carter, a woman I met 15 years ago, when I purchased an artwork from one of her first exhibitions here in Noosa.

Today's conversation with Julia is about where did her creativity stem from, and the incredible journey she's travelled since. Julia took off internationally, for 10 years showcasing her art in exhibitions in Paris, London, Hong Kong, New York and even a medieval castle in Ferrara Italy. Julia's art is magical, to me anyway, in every painting there are so many messages, symbols, sometimes little creatures and a fairly liberal sprinkling of glitter and shimmer.

We covered questions that touch on Julia's fondest memories, her pinch-me moments and the accident that led to Julia finding this creative path she's fully embraced.

In terms of decades of life for this podcast show, Julia is a woman in her 50s, and therefore we touch on how far she's evolved and what's important to her now. I was so happy to see Julia choose to respond to one question other guests have skirted around: what would make life feel ridiculously fun? That encapsulates Julia's current vision for where to next. There's more, I'll leave you to listen in peace.

This is the first episode I have recorded the episode as a video! The video version is over on my YouTube channel: Susan Dunlop Coaching. That is, if you're more a visual kind of person than auditory.

I'm Susan Dunlop, personal life coach and professional trainer, also choosing to live in paradise, Noosa, Queensland. The Coffee and Contemplation with Susan podcast is my passion project, bringing women together through shared stories. The guests I've had on to date are women from every decade of life - the youngest being 19 and the most senior being 91. Women from Australia and abroad. In coaching I listen to people's stories daily and in sharing, the side effect is often an increase in self-confidence, an understanding of the gifts we all have, and what we value most. The podcast and the work I do, for people I care about, are therefore a perfect match!

Julia's website link in case you are curious to see her work is here. You can also find her on Instagram and Facebook and, if close-by, her studio in Noosa is a gallery of treasures.

Take care,

Susan Dunlop

www.susandunlop.com.au

Email: susan@susandunlop.com.au

Sep 10, 202130:58
Episode 39: Jaya McIntyre, professional photographer. An inspiring, creative and calming presence in an erratic world

Episode 39: Jaya McIntyre, professional photographer. An inspiring, creative and calming presence in an erratic world

Jaya McIntyre, is a girl born of the '70s in Melbourne and raised on the Sunshine Coast in a Brady Bunch kind of loving and chaotic family. Jaya's childhood was about experiencing festivals and environmental events with her 'hippy' environmentalist parents, fun days in the sun, that led to her love of photography, people-gazing and music. 

Now the woman at the helm of her own Empire Art Photography in Mooloolaba, Jaya shares what brings her the most joy from her creative work as a professional photographer. Also, we discuss her belief that most people have a story to tell and how Jaya has constantly improved on her craft, in order to also bring joy to her clients. She has now done that by depicting their stories in photography for more than 20 years.

Jaya shares her experience of the shock to find she had breast cancer in her 30s, just as her plans for setting out in business alone were coming together. Also, how having experienced what she did, has added extra layers of resilience and a greater sense of awareness of what she does and does not want in her life now. 

One of her loveliest lessons taken, to me, was Jaya's deeper understanding and compassion for another woman, any woman, just like her, who one day might need to go to the shops in her PJs and uggies. 

In the title I mentioned Jaya is an inspiring, creative and calming presence. It was an absolute pleasure speaking with this gentle, thoughtful and caring woman today. 

I promised to share Jaya's business details here. 

You can find her at www.womeninspired.com.au or www.empireartphotography.com.au


Hello, I'm Susan Dunlop, a Personal Life Coach and Business Coach, in Noosa, Queensland. All that I offer, where I've come from plus where I'm going can be found at www.susandunlop.com.au. 

The Coffee & Contemplation with Susan podcast show is my passion project, a way to have kind-hearted women, from every decade of life take time to pause, reflect on what makes them who they are today, and share that for the benefit of themselves, those they love and people in their communities. The podcast is being listened to in 8 countries across 8 platforms. Episode 40 is coming soon! Take care til then.

Aug 05, 202137:59
Episode 38: Kate Davidson - 3 words Kate wished she'd learnt about 20 years earlier than she did... and more

Episode 38: Kate Davidson - 3 words Kate wished she'd learnt about 20 years earlier than she did... and more

Today’s guest I heard about, long before I met her. As a business owner myself here in Noosa for some 20 years, I have always liked hearing news of business successes and applauded businesses focused on providing friendly, safe, respectful, individualised care. That mattered to me back in my days of owning RNS Nursing, and now in coaching. 

Kate Davidson, award-winning business woman and owner of the EFM Health Club franchise in Noosaville, takes it absolutely seriously too, in a way that quality service incorporates a magic mix of fun, variety, great music, a good chat, the celebration of consistent effort and achievements of her members.  

This episode touches on Kate's life lessons learnt. From acknowledging the reality of crippling social anxiety as a child and the repercussions of that in the form of being the target of bullying; to her decision that she alone had to take the steps to seek help, in her desire to live life on her own terms as a woman. 

Kate has consistently stepped up, hurdled over and skipped through health, life and business challenges. Navigating her way through life and business and becoming the woman she is today, Kate shares how she often has to remind herself how far she has come and how:

"old me would be so proud of me. In fact, old me would probably not believe that this version of me was for real."

We talk on where Kate's life originated; her dreams of what or whom she wanted to be when she grew up; health and life hurdles that she's faced and how she's overcome those; her passion project; what (OK, who) is the most important thing (person) to her in the world now; and what would be the most valuable advice Kate could give 7-year old her, that she wished she'd have received from her own mum when she was 7. Plus Kate's favourite sing-out-loud song revealed!

______________________

As for me, I am a professionally trained coach and NLP practitioner, certified in hypnosis and therapeutic arts coaching; a member of the International Coaching Federation and American Board of Hypnotherapy.  

I coach my clients in all areas of life and business. 

I offer 1-hour introductory coaching sessions where we talk about what it is you truly desire in your personal life or for your business, and how coaching can help you with making that your reality. If you aren't certain what it is you truly desire, that's just another kind of starting point to put a pin through on your life map and then work forwards from there.

You can book a time directly via my website or, if easier, please email me and we can line up a time to suit directly.

EASY LINKS TO REACH ME:

SEND ME AN EMAIL

ONLINE BOOKINGS

WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

Jul 21, 202134:23
Episode 37 - Everything has a cycle: Nuray Ozden, on openness to change and speech pathology with a holistic focus

Episode 37 - Everything has a cycle: Nuray Ozden, on openness to change and speech pathology with a holistic focus

Episode 37's guest is Nuray Ozden, a woman in her 40s and 4-years new to the sunny Sunshine Coast in Queensland. 

Nuray knew she was going to be a health care professional when she was 3-4 years old, telling her aunty 'one day I will fix your voice'. Before leaving high school Nuray was clear about her career path to become a Speech Pathologist.

As a Speech Pathologist of some 25 years' experience, her private speech pathology practice focuses on the whole person. That came about naturally to Nuray, having chosen a non-pharmaceutical path to heal her own body from within, from fibromyalgia, whilst still at university in her early 20s. 

Nuray's name can be translated to "a new ray of light" which she portrays in every day life. Nuray shares how she picked herself and her heart back up, over a long 10-year journey of grief, having suffered devastating loss, as a young mum in her early 30s. Nuray saw, from within that dark space, the weak foundations of her marriage; and with courage and determination went about all that was required to leave what didn't serve her behind. With new-found excitement, Nuray took her 2 children, to find what was next for them, something new, something better, someplace different.

It was what Nuray referred to as "jumping off the cliff and landing with trust that it just had to work, and there was no doubt she would make it work."

A shift of thousands of miles from her established life and career in Melbourne. A 20-hour drive with just 3 suitcases, her 2 children and herself, packed up in her car, to find a new soft spot to land in sub-tropical Queensland. Here, Nuray has started over, bringing her speech pathology patients, her unique holistic approach. 

Nuray shared that "we all know when it's time for change and we know when something is completed. Really trust and follow your heart, because your heart will never lead you astray." 

Content: If this episode touching upon Nuray's stillbirth affects you, I have sourced details of the Pink Elephants and SANDS support organisations and their chatlines (see below).

________________________

If you have any questions or would like to find out how to contact Nuray, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at susan@susandunlop.com.au and I can provide you with her details.

______________________

As for me, I am a women's coach in life and business; business mentor and trainer of teen and young women in the skills of life that fall outside of the high school curriculum. I would be only too happy to offer you a discovery call, for a chat about what it is you truly desire in life, and how coaching, mentoring or training can help you with making that your reality. You can book a time directly via my website or, if easier, please email me and we can line up a time to suit directly.

EASY LINKS TO REACH ME:

SEND ME AN EMAIL

ONLINE BOOKINGS

WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

________________________

2 x MISCARRIAGE AND STILLBIRTH SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS WITHIN AUSTRALIA:

Pink Elephants

SANDS

Jun 01, 202145:55
Episode 35: Opening up the conversation of sex and intimacy with Alexandra Skoeld of Soul Intimacy, Sydney

Episode 35: Opening up the conversation of sex and intimacy with Alexandra Skoeld of Soul Intimacy, Sydney

Content warning - we touch briefly on the topic of Alexandra's experience of sexual abuse. If anything discussed in this podcast causes concern for you, the incredible counsellors at 1800respect are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone on 1800 737 732 or web chat via their website at 1800respect.org.au.

________________

Alexandra Skoeld, is a woman who found her soul's calling, her purpose, as a result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and what happened to her as a young teen. The light that came from that darkness has led Alexandra to found, then grow, her successful sex and intimacy coaching practice, "Soul Intimacy", in Sydney. 

Some of Alexandra's words that stood out the most to me during our podcast chat:

"Have a look outside the bedroom first. Do you allow yourself to receive outside the bedroom? Very often as women, we are nurturing everyone else, making sure everyone else has everything they need, before we look after ourselves.

Start outside the bedroom and allow yourself to receive. As women, when we allow ourself to be turned on by life; and we allow ourself to feel sexual and sensual; and we access our sexual energy, our creative energy, we are able to move forward towards our goals and dreams; because we are starting to learn to trust the wisdom of our body."

We talk about:

  • Alexandra's entry into this field of coaching; the difference between sex therapy, sexology and intimacy & sex coaching.
  • What are the most common worries women and men bring to coaching; and the most common desired outcomes they wish to achieve from working with Alexandra.
  • A tip of the ice-berg chat only, in relation to worry, shame, guilt about masturbation/self-pleasure, unresolved trauma, struggles with body image, feeling safe to fully open, disconnection to our own body and sexuality. 
  • Where is a safe place to start? Alexandra's 6-week online course for women "My Voice, My Body, My Pleasure" starts in early May. That's one safe place to start. The details of Soul Intimacy's instagram page are available via this link: www.instagram.com/soulintimacy

If you listen to this episode after May 2021, yet were interested in attending My Voice, My Body, My Pleasure, Alexandra has a waiting list for future dates so please reach out to her via Soul Intimacy directly; and have a chat with her, about whether that course is right for you.

Alexandra and I are going to have a further podcast chat after her 6-week course ends in mid-June; so please also feel comfortable to send questions through that she can answer, not just for you, but for the other listeners who might be wondering the same thing. 

Thank you Alexandra for sharing your story today.

__________________

Do you have questions you'd like me to ask Alexandra in the 2nd episode? Please email me: susan@susandunlop.com.au.

Coffee and Contemplation with Susan is a podcast of real women doing extraordinary things. A place where stories are shared, for the storyteller's benefit, as well as those listening.

I'm Susan Dunlop, a professionally trained life & business coach, from Noosa, Queensland, Australia.

  • If you, or someone you know or love, would like to step up to share your story, please reach out and email me. 
  • Likewise, if you have plans for doing great things, and could do with a thought- and belief-partner, by way of a life or business coach, someone with plenty of experience behind her, email me and we can chat.

Take care,

Susan Dunlop

Professional Coach | NLP Practitioner | Member International Coaching Federation

Apr 21, 202137:29
Episode 34: "Beautiful, horrible, then beautiful again": Lucy Holland's conscious personal evolution after a major relationship breakdown and more

Episode 34: "Beautiful, horrible, then beautiful again": Lucy Holland's conscious personal evolution after a major relationship breakdown and more

I met Lucy Holland, senior social work clinician, psychologist, researcher, personal and professional coach at an International Coaching Federation #ICF members event recently. 

Lucy, now a Sunshine Coast local, is founder of Simplify Coaching & Consulting, a woman in her 30s, with a background of 15 years working in health and adolescent health. Lucy's specific expertise is in social work care and counselling of young people and families and in the context of chronic disease and palliative care.

Lucy talks today on what led her to become involved in adolescent health in the first place.

We centre our conversation around the most significant darkness-to-light piece that Lucy experienced in her life. Particularly, the learnings Lucy has taken from that major life hurdle, that "blew apart my world and really shattered my sense of self, worth, direction, home and life." Lucy shares the messiness and the blessings that were the reality of what she experienced and came out stronger from. Lucy shared that it wasn't easy, yet her life is just much more full and real now than it ever was before. 

We talk about working with young people, in relation to managing relationship breakups; the education system; and the false image social media platforms paint - devoid of reality and real connect, which leads to difficulty in drawing together an authentic, caring, loving tribe, when you need them most. 

Lucy shares what her mum's best words of advice were to her that she's brought forward into life today. 

Plenty more... I won't be a spoiler!

Thank you Lucy for sharing your story today.

Take care,

Susan

_________________________________


Coffee and Contemplation with Susan is a podcast show of real women, doing extraordinary things.

A place where stories are shared, for the storyteller's benefit, as well as those listening in.

I'm Susan Dunlop, a professionally trained life and business coach, living and working in Noosa, Queensland.

Our heads are full of stories. I get to listen to stories everyday in my coaching and see the benefits of my clients' sharing their stories out loud, then exploring those more deeply.  Reflection is also an incredibly powerful tool that's not put to use so much in modern society. Reflection and the sharing of stories across generations cannot be underestimated.

Please contact me if you or another woman you know is a real everyday human-being doing extraordinary things and has a story to share.

Also, if you, or someone you know or love, is a real everyday someone with great plans to do extraordinary things, and could do with a thought- and belief-partner, by way of a professionally trained life or business coach, to help you get where you want to go!

susan@susandunlop.com.au

www.susandunlop.com.au

#icfcoach #lifecoachnoosa #leadbelievecreate #thekidsarewatching.

Mar 11, 202142:26
Episode 33: Part 2 Author Mish Thurlow "Truth Seeker - finding your light". What writing revealed to the author and her wish for all that read her book

Episode 33: Part 2 Author Mish Thurlow "Truth Seeker - finding your light". What writing revealed to the author and her wish for all that read her book

Part 2 of 2 Parts: Mish Thurlow wrote her first book in the year of 2020 when everything was topsy-turvy in our world, and her support network back home in South Africa, seemed more distant than ever before.

Through the process of writing her book "Truth Seeker - finding your light" Mish explored her own inner truth, and on reflection, came upon a significant acknowledgement of her truest self that she hadn't expected. 

Mish gathered up her courage and spoke her truth, to those she loved most. The most freeing, albeit risky, choice she could make to be the truest version of herself. Expecting to be burnt in the process, or to be rejected, Mish is instead full of love and admiration for the incredible people who love her unconditionally.

It made me think of the quote: 

"By coming out to ourselves, we free up the energy we spent keeping that part of ourselves hidden." - Patrick Califia, Author.

We talk on: 

  • the meaning of Truth Seeker and Finding Your Light; 
  • as an author, how she's going about getting her book out there; 
  • Mish's sincerest wish for those who read it; and 
  • given this is Coffee and Contemplation time, Mish throws in a fabulous metaphor about coffee and alignment. 

We end with:

  • Mish's favourite quote; 
  • her 3 Key Pieces of Day-to-Day Wisdom she lives by; and 
  • as a music lover, her favourite sing-out--loud song and why.

Thank you so much Mish for coming back to chat today. 

You'll find Mish's beautiful smiling face and can buy her book directly at www.mishthurlow.com.

_____________________________________________________________________

Coffee and Contemplation with Susan is a podcast show of real people, doing extraordinary things. 

A place where stories are shared, for the storyteller's benefit as well as those listening in. 

I'm Susan Dunlop, a professionally trained life and business coach, in Noosa, Queensland. 

Our heads are full of stories. I get to listen to stories everyday in my coaching and see the benefits of my clients' sharing their stories out loud, then exploring those more deeply.  Reflection is also an incredibly powerful tool that's not put to use so much in modern society. Reflection and the sharing of stories across generations cannot be underestimated.

Please contact me if you or another woman you know is a real everyday human-being doing extraordinary things and has a story to share; or if you, or someone you know or love, is a real everyday someone with great plans to do extraordinary things, and could do with a thought- and belief-partner, by way of a professionally trained life or business coach, to help you get where you want to go!

susan@susandunlop.com.au

www.susandunlop.com.au

#icfcoach #lifecoachnoosa #leadbelievecreate


Feb 18, 202132:17
Episode 32: Truth Seeking and Finding Your Light - A bright light herself, Mish Thurlow, shares her thoughts and experiences that led to the launch of her first book 'Truth Seeker"

Episode 32: Truth Seeking and Finding Your Light - A bright light herself, Mish Thurlow, shares her thoughts and experiences that led to the launch of her first book 'Truth Seeker"

Part 1 of 2 parts: Mish was introduced to me by our mutual friend, Rae (Episode 3). At the same time as I was inviting Mish onto the podcast show, I heard that her book "Truth Seeker' was being launched here on the Sunshine Coast. I was intrigued to find out more.

Today we speak on all manners of important life decisions and serendipitous moments that led to Mish turning all the rich ingredients of her life, so far, into a captivating guidebook for readers who seek to live life to its fullest and most vibrant capacity. 

We step back firstly to Mish's leap of faith 11 years ago. A gigantic leap of faith at the age of 18, leaving her close family circle and a small town in South Africa to find herself on campus at the University of Sydney. From 'fitting in' to 'finding the light'. Making a life that honoured her mind, body and soul, in that very bright, eclectic, alternative and busy end of the city. Mish is now living a joy-filled life on the Sunshine Coast as the truest version of herself. 

I'll let you listen to where we take the chat. This is Part 1 of 2 - being all the stepping stones that led to the launch of the book. 

Part 2 next week will be Mish sharing what change the actual writing of the book brought about in her own life, in which she went next level in finding her own truest self, during the process. We talk on where she's taking the book, and her wishes for people once they've read it; plus plenty of words of wisdom. 

I said I would share the contact details for Mish here if you'd like to make contact or purchase her book:

www.mishthurlow.com - ha, that just made me smile again. Click on that link and the brightest, smiling face that greets you, is the one I just had the joy of sitting opposite in recording this podcast show. You know, those conversations, that leave you smiling long after they're finished. 

That's Mish for you!

_____________________________________________________________________

Coffee and Contemplation with Susan is a podcast show of real people, doing extraordinary things. A place where stories are shared, for the storyteller's benefit as well as those listening in. I'm Susan Dunlop, a professionally trained life and business coach, in Noosa, Queensland. Our heads are full of stories. I get to listen to stories everyday in my coaching and see the benefits of my clients' sharing their stories out loud, then exploring those more deeply.  Reflection is also an incredibly powerful tool that's not put to use so much in modern society. Reflection and the sharing of stories across generations cannot be underestimated.

Contact me if you're a real everyday person doing extraordinary things and have a story to share; or if you're a real everyday person with great plans to do extraordinary things, and could do with a thought- and belief-partner, by way of a life or business coach, to help you get where you want to go!

susan@susandunlop.com.au

www.susandunlop.com.au


Feb 11, 202126:11
Episode 31: Jodie Williams, 5th Generation Noosa local & founder, Black Ant Gourmet talking sustainable living, village-like relationships and letting go!

Episode 31: Jodie Williams, 5th Generation Noosa local & founder, Black Ant Gourmet talking sustainable living, village-like relationships and letting go!

Jodie was referred to me for the podcast episode by her sister, Lisa Williams (Episode 11) as a woman doing purposeful, extraordinary things for her community. 

Jodie Williams, is the founder of Black Ant Gourmet, commercial kitchen, cafe and store in Kin Kin; co-owner of Mayan Farm, accommodation her partner and his team have built from rammed earth and recycled timber, with a Tuscan / antique / industrial / hippy feel and helipad in the hinterland of Noosa; and a woman with incredible vision and entrepreneurial spirit! 

Jodie is a woman in her 40s, born in Cooroy and has lived here almost her whole life. 

We talk about childhood in this once quiet holiday town we call Noosa; roller skating down Goodchap Street and riding horses along Noosa River; and what it was like to know everyone and that everyone knows you too; what Jodie has seen change - be it good, bad or otherwise. 

Jodie, her partner and children decided along the way that they wanted to have more of a say about the food they would choose to put on their table, and thus one of Jodie's many great projects was born - Black Ant Gourmet. 

Jodie is very much a woman creating a ripple effect from her passion for sustainable living. She shared that "supporting local businesses has an amazing benefit for the whole community. Keeping the economy in a tighter unit, with a village-like relationship, has an incredible impact for employment, everything!"

Jodie is also in the planning stage of her new project of affordable housing, something she has just tabled to her local MP and Mayor. A project that she and her partner had a vision for 6 years ago. They can now see there is far greater urgency for this alternative living, given the impact of Covid-19 on the housing and rental situation in the Noosa shire. 

I smiled at seeing Jodie come online to record our episode this week, after our having first met on screen a week ago. It was immediately obvious to me that something had caused a massive shift for her, in little over a week. She was positively glowing! What could that change have been? Jodie will talk on that in our chat. 

Feb 03, 202137:07
Episode 30: My belief is that the body gets the most attention, but is the least significant (not insignificant): Marti Davis MD Part 2
Dec 17, 202041:59
Episode 29: Looking back, what were the dots that influenced you to depart from traditional western medicine? Talking with Marti Davis MD from Denver Colorado (this is part 1)

Episode 29: Looking back, what were the dots that influenced you to depart from traditional western medicine? Talking with Marti Davis MD from Denver Colorado (this is part 1)

Marti Davis MD of Denver Colorado shared with me that her path into medicine, her studies to become an Emergency Doctor, and then what led to her departure from that profession, has been circuitous. Her words made me visualise one of those childhood dot-to-dots; which then led me to think about Steve Jobs’ words:

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
~ Steve Jobs

In Part 1 of Marti's episode, we look back, to what were the dots that influenced Marti to depart from traditional western medicine, retiring at the age of 49, and come to be in the place we met, and where I joined in singing "happy 50th birthday" to her, at Ayurvedagram in Bangalore, India.

That was in July 2017. 

I invited Marti to be my guest as I was curious about what had led Marti to retire from the noble profession as a doctor; to be exploring Ayurvedic medicine; and where Marti's taking her practice, Intentional Balance, now and into the future.

This is Part 1 of 2 Parts. Part 2 next week we'll continue our chat about Marti's passion and work in delivering personalised, balanced, consciousness-based health and healing.  We'll begin with contemplating Marti's words: 

'knowing that the entire person needs treating for a healing to actually be possible, I started asking myself if I wanted to be a doctor who brought in the spiritual or a spiritual guide who brought in the physical.'  

and that

'more and more people are becoming convinced that they have more control over their own health (not simply the absence of disease) and that the western approach, while appropriate at times, is less effective and more harmful, than more ancient methods.'

__________________________________________

Hello, I'm Susan Dunlop Life Coach of Noosa, Queensland, Australia.

Coffee and Contemplation with Susan is a podcast series across 8 platforms, of conversations with extraordinary real people I've met in my travels, or whom have intrigued me along my own life path. As I coach people in all areas of their lives, I listen to people's stories every day. As a coach I see it as my role to hold space for people with a fierce tenderness and a warm tenacity. Remembering that it is the client's journey, not mine. As an extension of that work, I decided to spread the benefits of storytelling further, and that led me to try my hand at hosting this podcast, launched in February 2020. 

As said so beautifully by Michelle Obama "It's the sharing of stories that reminds us of the humanity in each other. When we take the time to understand each other's stories, we become more forgiving, more empathetic and more inclusive."

Our brains are boxes full of stories. If, like these real extraordinary people, you have a story you'd like to share, or would like the opportunity contemplate a series of questions, that are both a reflection on your past, as well as a vision of your future and life purpose, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at susan@susandunlop.com.au. 

Please take care until next week,

Susan 

www.susandunlop.com.au 

Find me also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Dec 09, 202020:11
Episode 28: It's Always Awkward Before It's Elegant" Rebecca (Bex) Weller, bestselling author 'A Happier Hour' and director of 'Sexy Sobriety'

Episode 28: It's Always Awkward Before It's Elegant" Rebecca (Bex) Weller, bestselling author 'A Happier Hour' and director of 'Sexy Sobriety'

Making Sobriety Sexy? Yes, Rebecca (Bex) Weller is doing just that! 

One day Bex took a leap of faith in herself and left her old life behind. She embarked on a 3-month sobriety experiment that became a quest for self-discovery, and transformed her entire life.

Bex shares her own story for the benefit of others. How she took her own experiment in sobriety to creating a growing business that was recognised nationally. 

Bex is the writer of A Happier Hour and newly released, Up All Day, plus the award recognised creator of sexysobriety.com

I invited Bex to come on the show today with our coffee and contemplation focus point being on binge-drinking and the slow creep of increased drinking. 

Bex' work has been featured by The Telstra Business Awards, The Australia, Sydney Morning Herald, The Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen, Better Homes & Gardens USA, SBS Food, Good Health Magazine, Marie Claire Australia and Elle Quebec, to name a few. 

It's crystal clear in listening to Bex that she's positively impacting the lives of an ever-widening international community of followers.

Bex talks about her desire to provide her online members with a 'soft place to fall' as they take baby steps towards a new life. The questions we contemplate range from:

1. when you are planning your 90th birthday party, what 3 things would you like to think your 3 favourite people will say you achieved already in this one precious life you've lived?

2. The feeling and impact of being recognised as Finalist of the Telstra Business Awards - just 3 years into that business' life cycle.

3. What's the last straw, if there is one, that Bex sees as the most common STOP SIGN for someone signing up to experiment in sobriety. 

4. How can we change from 'oh, really, you're not drinking tonight, go on, just have one...' to 'oh, you drink, I don't do that anymore / I don't have time for that anymore'. How not drinking is seen as the odd behaviour.

5. Bex shares her thoughts on two quotes from one of the world's most revered thinkers on the psychology of addiction, Dr Gabor Mate's book 'In the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction

'Not why the addiction, but why the pain'.

and 

'It is impossible to understand addiction without asking what relief the addict finds, or hopes to find, in the drug or the addictive behaviour.'

Plus the usual favourite quote or mantra - in Bex' case she has 2 favourite quotes she'll share.

Thank you for joining me in this very comfortable chat with Bex today.

If you have any key takeaways from today's episode I'd love to hear. My email is susan@susandunlop.com.au. 

Take care,

Susan Dunlop

Professional Coach ICF NLP

www.susandunlop.com.au


Dec 01, 202049:48
Episode 26: There's lots to be thankful for in life. Just accept it all and be happy! Wise words from local octogenarian, Jill Shaw

Episode 26: There's lots to be thankful for in life. Just accept it all and be happy! Wise words from local octogenarian, Jill Shaw

'I think if you are unhappy, try and talk to somebody positive. Ask, because people are happy to share with you, if you’re nervous.'

This week's guest is octogenarian, Jill Shaw, from Tewantin, on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Jill lives in a residential aged care facility, Carramar, one of the 2 facilities owned by not-for-profit, Noosa Care Inc.

Jill was referred to me as a positive, happy 81 year old lady to have on the show. Jill had literally celebrated her 81st birthday the week before our first meeting. I hadn't realised at the time that Jill is also a long time sewing buddy of my mum, Aileen, who lives in Tewantin too.

Jill and I meandered across her life which started 1 month after the Second World War began. Jill was then living in Scotland, and spent most of her childhood and adult life in Bristol, UK, before coming to Australia 25 years ago, with husband, Brian. 

We talked TB, favourite visiting day treats and plaster-cast beds for 2 years of her childhood. Going home to war-time bomb shelters and rations. Also, what we take for granted now that women of Jill's era wished in their hearts they had access to. Like many women who've been on the show, Jill turned her own heart-wrenching experience of motherhood, into something that is about doing good. Jill, in a non-professional capacity, said yes to mentoring other mums who'd experienced miscarriages and stillbirth, until they were ready to get on their feet again.  Jill talks about her very happy and long marriage to Brian, now passed on, and her own choice to have the support provided within residential aged care. Aged care - now during Covid, and in general: the good things and what it was like to move in. On the flip-side, Jill ponders what it would have been like for her, if she'd continued to stay, and care for herself, in her own home, particularly given the risks involved for our elders this year.

I so absolutely love that Jill's favourite song is "You Are My Sunshine", given Jill's nickname was "Sunshine" as a child. Today, Jill had a beautiful sunshine yellow frock on, with a little yellow sunshine badge attached at the bodice.

Keep loving life Jill and keep sewing that stash of fabric you have.

Thank you for joining me on the podcast.

Susan

Oct 26, 202034:50
Episode 25 - 'Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent' - words that inspired then 12-year-old, Ann Harrap, to get back up and try again

Episode 25 - 'Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent' - words that inspired then 12-year-old, Ann Harrap, to get back up and try again

This week's Podcast Guest is Ann Harrap who shares just a few wise words, including "things often don't turn out the way you planned and you need to be flexible, adaptable and resilient. Because the way in which you cope with challenges or things, that aren't going according to plan, is actually what will define you” 

Ann had always wanted to be a journalist, and when backpacking as a young girl through South Africa in the 1990s, found her plan change, in something as simple as the accommodation she stayed out, was that of a Diplomat. There she found that all the talents required of a journalist - to stay curious, be interested, liking to ask questions and tell stories were mirrored in the role of a Diplomat... and so Ann chose a different path. 

The new path led to Ann eventually being appointed Australia's First Female High Commissioner to South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho and the Ambassador to Angola. 

In 2013, Ann retired from foreign affairs and established her own consultancy centred around leadership and diplomacy training and workshops. 

No longer being greeted as "Your Excellency", Ann is now happily settled on Australian soil, here in Noosa, Australia, having decided a sea change was in order.  Ann is the former member of the board of trustees of Brisbane Girls' Grammar School and is currently President of the Board of Noosa Care.

In the podcast Ann will share how her journey to such an esteemed title unfolded; some 'pinch-me' moments including being the recipient of Nelson Mandela's full attention as a junior diplomat. Also, reminisced on some of Ann's greatest achievements - both in terms of significance and at a heart-felt level. We chat over the most common myths or comments that make Ann smile or shake her head in relation to having had the position with such a Title and more.

Since Ann's return to Australia, her contribution to the benefit of young women and elders of our community, are just new ways in which Ann uses her leadership to contribute to the greater good of society. 

Ann was referred to me, by a previous podcast guest, as an inspiration and a woman with a good heart. You'll agree I'm sure.

Sharing here the words of Calvin Coolidge's inspirational quote that Ann received in a frame from her dad at age 12. I know that part of the podcast got a little echoey, so don't want you to miss out on an opportunity to contemplate their meaning in today's times:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”


Oct 21, 202037:38
Episode 24 - Nikki Creber, Living with Parkinson's Disease & An Urgent Mission to Set Up 3 Specialist Parkinson's Community Nurse Positions

Episode 24 - Nikki Creber, Living with Parkinson's Disease & An Urgent Mission to Set Up 3 Specialist Parkinson's Community Nurse Positions

Nikki Creber is my guest this week on Coffee & Contemplation with Susan. 

This Episode focuses on what Nikki called "my mission - my everything". In 2019 Nikki was awarded a Community Hero for her work. Nikki is a Parkinson's Advocate and Coach on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

What is Parkinson's Disease? It's a disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and controls everything you do, including moving. It affects all systems - motoric, non-motoric and neurological too. A person with Parkinson's disease gradually loses the ability to totally control body movements.

Parkinson's Disease is the 2nd largest neurological disease suffered in Australia. 200,000 people currently live with Parkinson's. In 15 years, it is predicted to be double that number, and the cost of individual Health Department services across Australia will be exorbitant and prohibitive as the nature of the disease means that hospitalisation often means an upset to medication maintenance, and results in those living with Parkinson's will have a much longer hospital stay with much more expensive specialist medical interventions.

Nikki shares her own story about her experience of being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in her 40s. The initial darkness of that reality and subsequent light and epiphany that came to her in the form of an offer of a sabbatical. 

Nikki took back her power and began the path to reclaim the functioning of her body. 

Our contemplative chat includes demystifying the myth that Parkinson's is just an 'old people' disease; the signs and symptoms you might observe in either yourself or someone you know and love; and will Parkinson's actually kill you? What Nikki wanted to be when she grew up but her dad said 'no', the work she loved before her diagnosis with Parkinson's disease and her mission in life now; plus favourite pastimes that feel really good outside of work; and favourite quote and song.

Currently, Nikki's most important mission is continuing her campaign to gain effective on the ground/in the community clinical care for people living with Parkinson's as well as their carers. This is sorely missing in regional and rural areas across Queensland. Nikki wants to establish a pilot study in setting up 3 Specialist Parkinson's Community Nurse Practitioner positions with the SCHHS in order to establish an efficient, sustainable and transportable model. Queensland is the only State in Australia not to have such nurses. 

Nikki's contact details:  nikki@nikkiacreber.vip and website: www.nikkiacreber.vip

Tewantin-Noosa Parkinson's Support Group contact details:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsQLD/

Email: tewantinnoosapdgroup@gmail.com

Nikki's "Shaken & Stirred" Radio program can be found at Noosa.FM

The poem Nikki shared was "Thank You Coronavirus" by Riya Sokol. This is Nikki's favourite lesson in gratitude at the moment and a COVID lesson that is timely for us all. It's available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/sgm9E_cmvWA

Thank you Nikki for sharing your story today and also thank you for letting me test out the podcast platform... no more Zoombadaboom! 

Oct 14, 202037:28
Episode 23: Can you recall a time that you felt as if you were spinning in place; going nowhere fast? Maybe that time is right now?

Episode 23: Can you recall a time that you felt as if you were spinning in place; going nowhere fast? Maybe that time is right now?

A short lesson shared by Susan about Spinners and Sailors.
From a chapter I read in a book, "Life's Golden Ticket", written by Brendan Burchard. It came as a lesson at just the right time. You’ve maybe heard the saying ‘when the student is ready, the teacher appears’. It is a simple lesson, written in the form of a parable, and now it’s something I read to coaching clients, who are stuck or spinning in the one spot.
Can you recall a time that you felt as if you were spinning in place; going nowhere fast? Maybe that time is right now?
Before I share the lesson, just letting you know that from now on, you’ll very likely identify, in yourself, or in other people in your personal or work life, times that you or they are being a spinner or a sailor. A good thing to be aware of perhaps.

Oct 07, 202008:30
Episode 22: Life has changed forever in aged care since Covid. Remember to cherish each day. Megan D'Elton CEO of Noosa Care Inc

Episode 22: Life has changed forever in aged care since Covid. Remember to cherish each day. Megan D'Elton CEO of Noosa Care Inc

Today is International Podcast Day.  This week's Coffee & Contemplation with Susan podcast guest is Megan D'Elton, CEO of Noosa Care.  Megan is a recognised leader in aged care, responsible for ensuring high quality care of 229 people, across 2 sites: Kabara Hostel in the hinterland town of Cooroy, and Carramar, in Tewantin, just over the bridge from Noosa, Queensland.  Megan shares today about the effect of Covid-19 at work and in life and the resilience, compassion, patience and calm evident in her team, her residents and their families. About a 4pm call on a Friday from Noosa Council asking her to fully evacuate Carramar in the midst of the 2019 bushfires, her only answer to that being "yes, will do". Adjusting to the current 'new safe normal' that the 'covid cloud' has brought upon aged care. For me, having served the aged care industry, in my previous business of RNS Nursing, I met many people in similar roles to Megan's. Megan would have been the only aged care leader whom I met, to have been recognised at State level in the Telstra Business Women’s Award for Queensland. Aged care is a Business and roles like Megan’s are not for the faint hearted. Pressure from every angle, every day, in an industry that is about legislation and staying focused on doing the best for her residents - our community’s elders and loved ones. Megan sprinkled a lovely mix of gems of wisdom in her chat today. That 'just because you live in aged care, it doesn't mean your life stops. You still get to live the life you choose', was one of them. Megan stumbled into aged care. As a teen, Megan got her dad's leave pass at Year 11, having negotiated a plan to instead gain skills as a 'Receptionist Centre' girl. Megan was a girl seeking travel and to enjoy life.  Megan began in aged care in an admin role and rose through promotion and interviews to her current role as CEO. Sound quality alert: today's session was recorded via Zoom and at times the sound dropped to quietness at Megan's end, but mostly it was clear as a bell :) Thank you for listening, Susan Dunlop Professional Life Coach ICF NLP www.susandunlop.com.au
Sep 30, 202037:43
Episode 21: Susan shares a personal story of a Feather, a Brick and a Truck... oh duck!! Life Lessons Learnt the hard way

Episode 21: Susan shares a personal story of a Feather, a Brick and a Truck... oh duck!! Life Lessons Learnt the hard way

The Feather, the Brick and the Truck is Susan's story about the messages the universe sends to us, in all areas of our life. In this instance, Susan talks about an example of each message in relation to one major business upheaval experienced and, thankfully, survived! The lessons learnt, massive changes, determined focus on a desired outcome, and growth is the upside of this particular set of Feathers, Bricks and Trucks. You'll very likely have some of your own messages come to mind as you listen to this story.

Sep 23, 202011:50
Episode 20: "Dare to fail! What matters most is that you had a go, and you tried your best". Clare Stewart, Mayor of Noosa, Australia is this week's guest

Episode 20: "Dare to fail! What matters most is that you had a go, and you tried your best". Clare Stewart, Mayor of Noosa, Australia is this week's guest

Today’s guest is Clare Stewart, the recently sworn in, first woman, to become the Mayor of Noosa, in Queensland, Australia. 

In my planning today’s coffee and contemplation episode, curious to hear Clare's story, the thought I had was in relation to a statement we often hear: “Believe in yourself and never give up!” As a life coach, I find that people often can't see how they might apply that, especially when the world is even more topsy-turvy than normal right now. To me, I feel that this is where the value of hearing other people's stories comes into play. 

Clare talks us through her decision to run for Mayor, the hurdles she personally faced in making that choice; how she got through the turmoil of Covid-19 shutdowns, that shook up the usual process of voting, at the most critical time. Also, the importance of having a strong team and support network around her, in her pursuit to do good for her community.

Becoming Mayor in the middle of Covid-19, Clare shares about the first 6 months in her new role and a "pinch me" moment. 

Clare loves to incorporate inspirational quotes in her work, so shared some powerful quotes, that she draws upon when needed. 

Remembering too, we all have strengths and weaknesses, Clare was happy to share some of the things that she's NOT very good at. 

3 of Clare's favourite tunes: Robert Tepper's "There's No Easy Way Out" from Rocky IV; Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising" and Whitney Houston's "One Moment In Time"  

Sep 16, 202034:45
Episode 19: It's Not What Happens To You, It's How You Respond: Sandy Bolton MP, a leader, aware and reverent to her values, gifts and life purpose

Episode 19: It's Not What Happens To You, It's How You Respond: Sandy Bolton MP, a leader, aware and reverent to her values, gifts and life purpose

Sandy Bolton is the Independent Member for Noosa, in Queensland, Australia. For the purpose of this podcast series of interviews with women from every decade of life, Sandy is a quinquagenarian, a woman in her 50s. Sandy has got 2 mantras that get her through: a long-held one of "It's Not What Happens To You, It's How You Respond" and Sandy believes that "it is now the time where I don't want to hear anymore the reasons why we can't, it's now about all the reasons why we must". A longer podcast chat compared to earlier episodes before it. Sandy has a very full storybook of life and professional experience to share.  We began with Sandy's origins, that made it obvious, where Sandy's empathy and understanding of what the average person faces began. Sandy's mum brought up her children alone, through tough times, and in a way that created a platform for Sandy to develop as a self-reliant and self-sufficient person. Sandy's mum was very much a roll-your-sleeves up, "if something needs doing, just get in and do it", kind of role-model. I invited Sandy to come on as a guest, having had a few chats in passing over the past year, which made it immediately clear to me as a life coach, that Sandy is a leader and role-model, aware and reverent to her core values and purpose. I had also found Sandy's Facebook feed during the fires and Covid-19 times, the easiest, no-drama, go-to, as compared to the fear-mongering media. In our conversation today we cover the hurdles Sandy personally has faced; how she got started on her journey to the current position as a Member of Parliament; some common myths that make her (a) smile) and (b) shake her head about the day-in-the life of a Member of Parliament. What else...? What alternate profession Sandy would like to attempt; the one question Sandy is grateful that she's never been asked in an interview; a curly Pearly Gates one and her favourite 'happy dance, sing-out-loud' song. 2 Favourite Songs of many: Let's Go Crazy, Prince and Peace Train, Cat Stevens [Sound effects & online quality alert: 3.45 on a Monday afternoon, after school, in Old Tewantin had the sound go scratchy on my end via Zoom but we kept smiling and got through; plus Sandy's computer had bells & notifications going off... Two women can't let a good chat be stopped by things that get scratchy or go "ding".] #sandy_bolton_mp
Sep 09, 202058:08
Episode 18.5 - Susan's Interlude between sessions 18 and 19

Episode 18.5 - Susan's Interlude between sessions 18 and 19

The episode most listened to; take-aways women have shared; guests coming up soon and how to join me as a guest if you or someone you know has a story to share... and we all do have stories to share. Thank you for following the episodes so far. Very grateful for your feedback. 

(Note: the other reason for this interlude is, as my 100-year old guest doesn't have a computer to meet me via Zoom, I'm setting up my laptop and testing out the microphone, to go visit her in person. Over a cup of coffee, we'll contemplate what the most important things in her life might be). 

If you think of any questions you'd like answered by a woman in her 100th year, please don't hesitate to send them through to me at susan@susandunlop.com.au. 

Thank you and take care,

Susan Dunlop

Professional Coach ICF NLP

Aug 13, 202003:15