The Significant Others

From our Instagram video podcast series 13/08/2021

Our video content from Instagram of Friday Night Footy with Meg Hutchins and Steph Carroll and Amy Burgoyne on 01/07/2021

For any listeners not following on Instagram we have shifted to putting up some video content on a Friday Night as alternative viewing at half time of the AFL games.

This was the third instalment of Friday Night Footy chats which was split between a conversation with Meg Hutchins and her wife Steph Carol and Amy Burgoyne. 

We discussed Megs retirement from her football career of 250 V/AFLW games and the special on field celebration after kicking a match sealing goal.

The second interview with Amy Burgoyne was ahead of her husbands Shaun Burgoyne's 400th AFL game. A massive achievement that she has watched and supported for over 20 years. 

Our video content from Instagram of Friday Night Footy with Prue Gilbert from 19/06/2021.

For any listeners not following on Instagram we have shifted to putting up some video content on a Friday Night as alternative viewing at half time of the AFL games. 

This was the second instalment with Prue Gilbert of Grace Papers, "A digital coaching platform empowers working  parents through parental leave and beyond".

Prue discusses parental leave off the back of criticism of two St Kilda players leaving an interstate hub to be with their young families. 

(https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/st-kilda-saints/afl-news-2021-seb-ross-st-kilda-leave-to-be-with-family-statement-caroline-wilson-comments-latest-updates/news-story/a64b57ba750b367b7e660c9f33d4fa3f) 

Our video content from Instagram of Friday Night Footy with Gemma Bastiani (from 11/06/2021)

It’s the final episode of season 2! Wowee that came quickly!

In this episode we review our chat with business queen Emily McKay, including her path to success and that topic that we can never escape- the media (both traditional and social).

But we can’t have this conversation alone, so we welcome to the microphone internet superstar, writer, speaker and appearance activist Carly Findlay.

Carly runs us through her history of internet connection and we chat about our highs and lows of social media engagement.

Carly is absolutely stacks of fun! We hope you enjoy this chat as much as we did!

This week on the Significant Others we hear from Emma Pocock - the mastermind behind the organisation ‘Front Runners’ that aims to empower athletes to speak out about climate conservation.

Emma speaks about meeting her husband, ex wallabies captain David Pocock, their conservation efforts in his home country of Zimbabwe, misrepresentation she has faced in the media, her passion for conservation and the environment and how she is bringing athletes along on that journey.

In this episode of The Review Mardi and Hess chat about their weeks that both crossed paths with the incredible sisters that are Emma and Lucy Race. Hester joined them on The Outer Sanctum Podcast and Mardi joined them for the beginning of their second round of the Making The Call program.

They reflect on both Trent Miller and Amy Finch’s interviews. Trent's back to back amazing stories and Amy's decisions in life that although hers are make more publicly that many will be able to relate to. 

This week on the Significant Others we hear from AMY FINCH a woman with an immense work ethic that she is conflicted with when having to make compromises to invest in her relationship with Australian cricketer Aaron Finch. She finds her identity tied to her work and independence, it is a balance that Mardi and Hester related to so strongly.

She also speaks of the negative side of social media and the recent posts that she decided to call out. Amy says “by no means was it the worst" but enough was enough.

In this episode we review the week in AFLW, including the grand final and W Awards with broadcaster, writer, inclusion consultant and presenter Rana Hussain.

And then, Rana talks to the team about what sports clubs at all levels can do to support and help Muslim players celebrate the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan Kareem!

Wow have we got a story for you! This week on the Significant Others we hear about the almost unbelievable life of TV camera man Trent Miller.

Trent talks about his time travelling the world covering stories ranging from behind the scenes with Beyoncé and Barack Obama to war and disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the conflict in Gaza.

Trent tells us about falling in love at first sight with TV presenter and Geelong’s number one ticket holder Rebecca Maddern, experiencing the highs and lows of her career together and parenting their wonderful daughter Ruby.

In this episode of ‘The Review’ Mardi and Hess talk about highlights from the week that was including what they took from their interview with Ella Walter.

And then, it’s all about the weekend that’s coming with the AFLW grand final between Adelaide and Brisbane being played at Adelaide Oval this Saturday.

The team are joined by AFLW superstars and housemates, Meg McDonald and Darcy Vescio. Meg and Darcy chat about their own 2021 seasons and off seasons, their predictions for the weekend and the special relationship they share.

This week on The Significant Others we speak Neonatal Intensive Care nurse Ella Walter.

Ella explains how her love of care giving led her to career, her philosophies on life and gives us an insight into her experiences in her wonderful relationship with Australian swimmer Mack Horton.

Visit us at

In this weeks episode of "The Review" Hester and Mardi talk about the challenges interview guest Amy Findlay faces in the music industry as she heads up an all girl band with her three younger sisters called Stonefield. We draw comparisons to her partners career who is also a musician and the greater discussion of gender bias.

We waffle on about our excitement for the AFLW finals and ride the emotional rollercoaster of each game.

The highlight of this episode is welcoming none other than The Outer Sanctums LUCY RACE! She talks to us about diversity in board casting as her program "Making the call" is about to commence their second round of programs in partnership with the Office for Women in Sport.

This week on The Significant Others we hear from Samantha Jetta, who introduces herself as a Yorta Yorta woman, a wife, a mother of two, an education support worker and owner of ‘Wanala Weaving.’

Samantha shares her own backstory, as well as filling us in on how she met her husband Neville, how she found herself in her chosen vocation and her experiences of parenting her two children.

Sam gives us some unexpected and humorous anecdotes from the world of football as well are sharing some more serious insights into dealing with anxiety and racial bias in the media.

And of course, Sam talks about starting her amazing weaving business, Wanala Weaving.

You can follow Wanala Weaving at @wanala_weaving and Samantha’s personal page at @samantha.jetta.

In this episode of ‘The Review’ Mardi and Hess sit down for a chat about parenting and the perceived loss of identity that can come with the privilege of staying home with your children.

This week on The Significant Others we hear from Donna Johnson, the mastermind behind the ‘Zena Vest’ - the impact protection vest designed for women playing contact sports.

Donna talks to the team about growing up in the west with her now husband Brad Johnson and how they navigated growing up and becoming parents together - including Brad’s long career at the Western Bulldogs.

Donna gives an honest account of feeling under qualified and down on confidence when she considered re-entering the workforce after her children were older and football commitments had slowed down.

And of course, Donna explains how she got her groove back and how the ‘Zena Vest’ came to be.

Please welcome Jordan Ablett to the microphone.

Jordan generously gives us an insight into the hardships that 2020 brought her family; from her young son’s diagnosis to the passing of mother. Jordan’s account is honest, brave and heartbreaking and it is an honour to share her story.

Content warning: this episode may be difficult for some listeners due to the themes mentioned above.

In this episode of ‘The Review’ we are proud to bring you Part 2 of our extra special content in partnership with Mimco and Our Watch in celebration of International Women’s Day.

This week we bring you short, sharp discussions on gender equality with Our Watch ambassadors Tiffany Cherry, Ben Brown and Tarang Chawla with a particular focus on the role sport can play in being part of the change. 

This episode is sponsored by Mimco. We are so grateful to Mimco for their commitment to gender equality and 6 year support of Our Watch.

What’s better than one AFLW superstar and super human? Two of them!

This week we welcome Kara and Ebony Antonio to the mic.

Kara and Ebony chat to the Signifiant Others about their sporting journeys, their careers outside of football and how they are balancing those vocations in a season where the fixture has been changed more times than you can count.

Kara and Ebony discuss the difficulty of having their 2020 finals campaign cut short by the global pandemic and Fremantle’s ‘unfinished business’ in season 2021.

And of course, these wonderful wives talk love, relationships at work and how they balance the personal with the professional.

Welcome to the very first episode of ‘The Review’ for season 2 of The Significant Others. We are kicking things off with a bang this season! 

We are honoured to be able to share with you, over the next two Thursdays, some extra special content in partnership with Mimco and Our Watch in celebration of International Women’s Day.

In this first ‘Review’ we welcome Our Watch Chair Natasha Stott Despoja and Our Watch ambassador Khadija Gbla to help us break down gender stereotypes, with a focus on the effect of the global pandemic on women and insuring our approach to gender equality is rooted in intersectionality.

This episode is sponsored by Mimco. Shop at MIMCO, online and in-store, on International Women’s Day (8 March 2021) to donate to Our Watch. Be a voice for change, challenge gender bias and connect with likeminded communities using #BePartOfTheChange and #ChooseToChallenge on social media.

Welcome back to The Significant Others Podcast. In this teaser episode Mardi and Hester chat about what’s changed since season 1 wrapped up, how AFLW is fairing in 2021 and their intentions for an exciting second season that will kick off with some extra special content in partnership with Mimco and Our Watch.

Welcome to the last episode of ‘The Review’ for season 1 of The Significant Others Podcast. 

This week Mardi and Hess are answering listener questions about the podcast season that has been, how they met and much more.

Mardi and Hess send their thanks to their amazing team of family members - Lucas, Ruby and Andy for making their dream a reality, as well as the wonderful sponsors, guests, experts and lovely listeners who have given their time to The Significant Others Podcast in season 1.

It is a pleasure to welcome the highly-requested Anna Scullie as our final guest of Season 1 of The Significant Others Podcast.

Anna gives us insight into her 2020, which has included having baby number 5 on the way, managing two businesses and two separate QLD quarantines as she attempted to balance her commitment to her career with reuniting her children with their father, Eddie Betts.

Anna talks women in business, self belief, finding love, her journey with sub-fertility, parenting and social media “commentary” with both insight and humour.

For the second last episode of ‘The Review’ of season 1, Mardi and Hess discuss the end of the football for 2020, including how it feels to be part of a losing grand final side and the positives of spectator sport in a difficult year.

The team also reflects on a familiar theme raised by guests this season - having personal and medical information leaked early in the media.

This week we are joined by kick-ass physio, avid student, birth nerd and mother of two - COURTNEY DARLING.

Courtney talks to The Signifiant Others team about finding her passion for women’s health physiotherapy, her own raw and emotional birth stories, how she met her husband Jack and the life they share together in Perth.

The Review this week touches base with Mardi as she experiences a different grand final week in Queensland while Hester brings us some insight from Melbourne. 

Inspired by this week's interview guest - Sarah Scott - We asked for the help of some of our significant others, three AFLM footballers, who bravely and vulnerably share their own experiences of pregnancy loss and miscarriage.

What a week to be joined by business boss and kind-hearted soul SARAH SCOTT.

Content warning: this episodes contains discussions around miscarriage and pregnancy loss. 

Sarah shares her story from growing up in Tokyo, to trialling nursing, marriage celebrancy, business and much more on her way to co owning natural beauty store Natural Supply Co.

Sarah also tells her very personal story of experiencing multiple miscarriages with husband Chris and the joy and completion they now allow themselves to feel as a wonderful three person family. 

Plus, of course, an insight into the life of the partner of an AFL senior coach.

Following on from a brilliant interview episode this week we are joined by HANNAH MOUNCEY for The Review. 

We discuss the importance of safe and supportive environments at sporting clubs from elite to local level and how a LGBTQIA+ resource at school could support students by osmosis 🧘🏽

Please welcome LILI CADEE-MATTHEWS to The Significant Others Podcast. 

Content warning: On this week's episode Lili shares her very personal story that includes some serious and difficult topics such as abuse of children and dealing with mental health challenges.

Lili talks to Mardi and Hess about her personal growth and her journey from someone who had to leave school early to a highly accomplished teacher who is using her experiences to make school a more welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ students to thrive in.

We are also lucky to get an insight into the funny and hopelessly romantic relationship she shares with her fiancé Sabrina Frederick.

PATTY KINNERSLY of Our Watch is back for Part 2! Patty again helps Mardi and Hess understand and break down the impacts of strict gender norms and roles on our society, in particular when it comes to parenting and sporting role models as inspired by this week’s interview guest Carla Rodan.

This week’s special guest on The Significant Others Podcast is the wonderful CARLA RODAN.

Carla shares with us how her own upbringing has influenced her passion for parenting and  laid the foundations for her extremely successful blog and Instagram page ‘Styling the Tribe’ and the advocacy work she does through her online platform.

Carla also lets us in on her own passion for football and participation in women’s football very early in the piece. 

Carla gives us a wonderful insight into how some of football’s least considered families (those of the game’s adjudicators) have fared during an unprecedented 2020 season, as well as comparing and contrasting life as the significant other of her husband David during his playing career.

This week we are excited to welcome BEN O’NEILL to The Significant Others Podcast.

Ben is a father and firefighter who talks to us about finding his career, meeting the love of his life, Daisy Pearce, as well as navigating not just twin birth and parenting but the pressures that come with taking that journey with someone with a public profile.

Ben is now back at work but tells us about his 12 months as a stay-at-home-dad and the privileges as well as the presumptions he has experienced in fatherhood.

This week on The Review, Mardi and Hess swap stories on post season wrap ups, and Mardi goes deeper into what it was like when her husband Patrick sought a trade back home to Victoria. 

This week on The Significant Others Podcast we introduce to you to the undiscovered legend that is SOPHIE HODGES.

This episode features two separate interviews with Sophie, one from May 2020 and one from September that enable us to follow her journey of defining and rediscovering her own identity and goals after 7 years supporting her partner Nathan Hrovat through his football career.

Sophie articulates the ups and downs of life of a significant other of a lower profile footballer with honesty and good humour. 

She also lets us in on her road to finding her career as an analyst in the beauty industry and how she copes with diagnosed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

ISABELLA CARLSTROM-HOPE  is our next guests for The Significant Others Podcast and we can’t wait for you to fall in love with her as we did.

In this episode Bella eloquently explains her personal growth to understanding her sexuality .

She speaks in depth about her journey to pregnancy and passionately about her relationship with Moana and their dreams to keep growing their family. 

Bella is extremely generous with her story including sharing a very detailed account of her IVF journey. So if this content is difficult for you, you can skip between 11:45 and 23:16.

Welcome back to another episode of The Review! We're again joined by EMMA HAWKINS who returns to answer some questions from you, our lovely listeners. Emma chats living in AFL hubs in Queensland, being bold in business and parenting.

The Significant Others Podcast allows partners of well-known Australians the freedom to tell their own stories - handing a microphone to the people who are often spoken about, but rarely spoken to. In this introductory episode hosts Mardi Dangerfield and Hester Brown give a quick overview of what to expect from the show including the types of conversations they plan to have, the guests they are going to be talking to, and the ambitions they have for the podcast.