Two Natural Ladies Conversations

Are you looking for new ways to eliminate toxins in your home?

Two Natural Ladies discuss alternatives to the supermarket cleaner’s. With longevity and a heap of knowledge behind them, they share the many benefits of using a gentle, pleasant to use and economical range of products. Great information and some fun as well.

A fun little snippet from the Two Natural Ladies

What particular things about our mums (or dads) drive us crazy? Jo shares a few of hers before Vicki reads out something from the book “Older but not wiser”  How crazy do we get when we are told “you’re getting just like your mother!” And finding ways to communicate some of our frustrations without being grumpy.

“If I’d known I was going to live this long I'd have taken better care of myself!”

“At my age I can say exactly what I like” Listen to this delightful little snippet for more.

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A quick discussion on energy efficiency – how to save our energy. The hot water on the back with the doona and what a difference this makes. Using a rug, an Oodie a hot water bottle.

Then Jo & Vicki go back to a discussion about electricity – sharing facts from Natalie Issacs book. “Every woman’s guide to the planet” The average household has 60-70 gadgets plus light bulbs. How many can we turn off when not in use and how many can we do without.

Ditch the dryer – 12% of use in a household. Half a ton of carbon dioxide per year! AND if one million of us made our shower 4 mins or less it would be the same as planting 900,000 trees.

What’s the best way to turn off our gadgets! if one million women took on #Letsdoit321, picking up three bits of rubbish, what a difference that would make!

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‘They had fear in their eyes’: how to handle motherhood rage - The Age newspaper article.

https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/they-had-fear-in-their-eyes-how-to-handle-motherhood-rage-20210602-p57xg3.html

Before getting onto the more serious topic of motherhood rage, Jo has a present for Vicki – a photo album of themselves and the people they have interviewed. Our photo’s stay on our phone and never get seen.

Two Natural Ladies then discuss this line -‘they had fear in their eyes’ around the rage parents can have with their children’ Something Vicki regrets – like most mums, particularly in our culture. “It was either me or them” in those moments when we get caught up in whatever has happened. Afterwards we regret, apologise and ‘hug it out’. But sometimes we have been at the effect of such rage and not had the apology.

The isolation that Mum’s feel. And we don’t have the same ‘village support’. Two Natural Ladies share what worked when their kids were young and what didn’t. Running a business from home with four kids. We are left on our own too.

Jo questions “Parental burnout’ – do people need to work as hard as they do? For some people they could work less? Quantity does not cancel out quality. This is not about being against mums working but for some, who could be OK without working crazy hours and be with their children more.

We are “Victims of our own culture’. How can women working full time do it? Not a judgement an admiration. And we need to be something other than a mother sometimes. “I don’t want to lose me”

It’s like a see-saw. We can only have a balance for a short time. When our children are little there is so much going on, finances, being the best mum, creating a legacy or our children’s future.

This is a great podcast for all Mums whether you are a ‘stay at home mum’ work part-time or full time.

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We are fluid just like the ocean. But is a door always a door? 

Two Natural ladies discuss the need for some certainties – nature for one!   While Jo was packing boxes, Vicki was chilling out on the top of Mt Baw Baw. Editing shows. Walks up to the summit. 

Feeling abundant and thankful. Connection and Community.  In downtown Parkdale, Jo was trying to get her sun rays and Vitamin D (a bit like a solar panel) and then she shares she is perplexed! Having a plan and getting things done and then things happen.   Kids pop in, boxes to be sorted. Things shift and change as people walk in and out of our lives. 

The enquiry: How to enjoy the moment and not get caught up in the ‘Must do’ Find something to be Thankful for: – how lucky are we to have the flexibility to be able to hang out with our kids!

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Jo created a book with five other people during a 10 part seminar. With Landmark Education.

Two Natural Ladies discuss the different phases in a project

1. First thing is to Formulate the project

What is needed and wanted out of the space of possibility?

Declaration

Communications

Reporting

Time line

Beginning Middle & End

2. Concentration Phase

Box yourself in

Giving others clear instructions

Establishment of trust

Short term results

Keeping your word

Resilience

High input Low output

Can get stuck

3. Momentum

Release of energy

Spontaneity

Inspiration

High activity

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Two Natural Ladies share what many of their community are doing to give back as well as the health benefits for all involved. Making people feel they matter. Below are just some of what people are doing to volunteer:

· Care packages

· Collecting litter from “Beach patrol” and “Love our street”

· Local S.E.S group

· ‘Save a dog’

· Pro Bono clients

· Talk Migrants English

· Blood Bank

· Mentoring VCAL students.

· Community Garden & Community House

Vicki & Jo share their own experiences of volunteering over many years from helping at their kids schools to fostering rescue dogs.

So easy to make a difference.

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What do I do? How do I declutter? Mushrooms? Is that a solution? And what about our Oceans? A spotlight on some of humanities modern issues.

Two Natural Ladies enquire into making decisions and decision fatigue. Someone thinks like Vicki? Decluttering seems too hard and going through it means so many decisions. Jo suggests decluttering could be an adventure in discovering treasures from years ago.

We can reduce what we have and discover what we can reuse. This leads into an unexpected Segway topic - Plastic eating Mushrooms – solving humanities plastic problem – which is definitely a clutter problem as well as an eco-disaster! Jo & Vicki give some stats and then chat about the clutter in the ocean.

Mass production of plastic began in the 1950’s. Here are some stats:

· 9 billion tons of plastic has been produced

· Plastic takes more than 400 years to degrade.

· Only 9 percent is recycled and

· Only 12 percent has been incinerated

Plastic pollution is not the biggest problem. Fishing nets are almost 50% of the pollution in our water ways.

93% of our CO2 is stored in our Oceans. It’s time to put the spotlight on the Ocean and keep it there until we clean it up! And we can bypass the fish and eat the algae that give us the fatty acids. AND Damon Gameau is warning against the salmon farms that are having a toxic impact on the pristine waterways in Tasmania and affecting the resident's way of life.

We do have the solutions to regenerate our system! One of these solutions is 4 Oceans who are cleaning the oceans one pound at a time. Two Natural Ladies are in complete agreement with the 4Oceans comments: ‘Small acts add up, which means every piece of single-use plastic you refuse, every habit you change, and every pound you pull makes a difference.’ #Letsdoit321

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Two Natural Ladies share and discuss the advantages of the Doughnut economy. Jo & Vicki first became aware of this through Damon Gameau’s film 2040. Since then they have continued to research the benefits for everyone and everything on our Earth

“The Doughnut offers a vision of what it means for humanity to thrive in the 21st century - and Doughnut Economics explores the mindset and ways of thinking needed to get us there.

Kate Raworth and her book Doughnut Economics: seven ways to think like a 21st century economist, explores the economic thinking needed to bring humanity into the Doughnut, drawing together insights from diverse economic perspectives in a way that everyone can understand. The book soon became an international bestseller and has now been translated into over 20 languages.

Think of it as a compass for human prosperity in the 21st century, with the aim of meeting the needs of all people within the means of the living planet.”

There is always a way and through collaboration we can find the way. Collectively we have the answer.

“Sometimes those that try to bring you down don’t realise you are part of the reason they are still standing” Anna Idibia. We are not present to how reliant and interconnected we are.

And Two Natural Ladies are here holding the space and letting people know there is an answer - showing us all what’s possible.

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JO starts the conversation with some information from Brene Brown talking about Vulnerability and Connection

We don’t want to feel vulnerable yet it is a great connector. In order to connect we have to be seen, really seen - be vulnerable

Brene Brown collated 6 years of data with people’s stories and journals regarding shame. Those who have a sense of worthiness have a strong sense of belonging because they believe they are worthy. That belief is the only difference between those who do have a strong sense of love & belonging and those that don’t

What did those people who felt worthy have in common?

· Courage: were willing to share their story and be imperfect

· Compassion with self and others

· Authenticity leading to connection

· Vulnerability- the Birthplace of joy and creativity

Two Natural Ladies love peoples stories – there is a realism about it and it enables us to feel closer to people than being told what to do. Being willing to share can open up our worlds. There are extraordinary results. Unexpected things happen.

Jo & Vicki share their stories from ‘Landmark Forum’ days and how being vulnerable actually had them come closer to the people in the room. Even though they felt uncomfortable and even stupid that’s not how others saw them.

‘We numb vulnerability through eating, drinking and taking drugs - we are a society of addicts

When you numb one part- being vulnerable -it numbs the other parts of joy, love and laughter

Vicki shares some words from the book Vive by Debra Pascoe: Mental Stamina, physical stamina. Unstoppable days. Doing the smallest things on the days of struggle can make such a difference.

Fighting with ourselves in getting out of bed: Going for a walk can shift the energy. – taking those steps forward. Allow ourselves to have time to rest and recuperate. Do I need to have some time off? Or are we listening to the negative conversation?

Knowing our happiness triggers: a hug, clean sheets, fragrances, acts of kindness, dancing, walking

This is a wonderful podcast with great conversations for everyone. 😁

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“Fitness isn’t a punishment; it’s a blessing. Nutrition isn’t restrictive; it’s healing. Health isn’t a one- size- fits- all thing and may not look the same for everyone, but it’s something worth fighting for” ~ Unknown

The main thing is to move your body! Two Natural Ladies discuss the many ways we can get our exercise:

Yoga, walking, gym, incidental; gardening – the list is endless

Jo reads a beautiful poem by Hollie Holden – accepting who we are 💜

"Today I asked my body what she needed,

Which is a big deal

Considering my journey of

Not Really Asking That Much.

I thought she might need more water.

Or protein.

Or greens.

Or yoga.

Or supplements.

Or movement.

But as I stood in the shower

Reflecting on her stretch marks,

Her roundness where I would like flatness,

Her softness where I would like firmness,

All those conditioned wishes

That form a bundle of

Never-Quite-Right-Ness,

She whispered very gently:

Could you just love me like this?"

Comparing ourselves with others. Join in with others.

Blue Zones: it’s all about community. The people who live the longest are connected. All ages being together. THIS IS WHAT WORKS! The story of the elderly gentlemen and his garden: his joy for his garden and then sharing the food with his community

Our struggles and preconceived ideas that everyone over there is having a great time while we are suffering. This is particularly true during our teenage years and all of us deal with some form of conversation where others are doing better than us

Outward expressions can be different, some perform while others withdrew.

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Two Natural Ladies discuss what they did on the weekend-

Vicki’s jaunt to Ripponlea and her on air discussion on Southern FM 88.3 with some of the other radio personalities. They talked gardening, cooking and the things Vicki doesn’t do 😂 Vicki did some bird watching & Gin tasting – not expected but there it was. A discussion ensued on the experience of listening for the birds and watching their antics

Sacred Space with our grandchildren. Going away: Jo shared her weekend away with her grandson Jacob. Phillip Island and Dromana. Their special walk on the beach arm in arm. The shared experience of walking the beach and ‘feeling’ the ocean. Meditative and relaxing. Giving them both a feeling of joy.

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Moving past a problem– a problem shared is a problem halved

BAD NEWS: Jo shares her annoyance about major issues in the world being given a 5 second time slot between the weather and the cricket scores.

Vicki discusses the documentary “Seaspiracy”. The issue of the fishing industry. Dragging huge nets on the seabeds destroying everything in its path. The issues in the ocean are so much bigger thank on land partly because we don’t see so we are less aware of what is going on. What is the answer? Stop eating fish?

Two Natural Ladies recommend everyone watch the show: knowledge is power

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Two Natural Ladies start with a celebration of Dolphin Day 🐬🐬

Jo shares her journey watching of the TV show, ‘Old People’s home for 4 year olds’. The amazing results being seen in just two weeks. The noticeable difference with most of the elderly and the four year olds.

The show is looking at Intergenerational support and helping the elderly stay young for longer and the young to create caring and empathy  As we see in small communities, village life, all ages mix. A true community.

In the show the elderly people are being physically and mentally pushed AND having fun. The connections being made between the two age groups is quite extraordinary. 💜

Vicki and Jo then discuss segregating our children from an early age. Putting kids in a grade with just one age group. Is this normal? Natural? Children in multi age group settings learn leadership and many other skills

As a young mum we can feel isolated and a heavy burden of responsibility .With a more integrated community there is support and everyone is involved – it’s what works!

Trying to get a school to create a program can be difficult -When it’s unusual it’s hard to implement, when it’s normal its normal!

This leads to a discussion about older people becoming more regimented with time AND Jo shares her parents groovy past with parties every weekend.

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The extraordinary in the ordinary

Two Natural Ladies have a lively discussion around creation, judgement and healing. They start by talking about The Lotus League and the unique offering they are giving to women

• Finding our place in the world.
• Make a difference, help others and eat!
• We all have diamonds in our back yard. AND we all need to give ourselves time to retrain our brain. It takes 10-12 exposures before people get what it is we are doing.
• Steeping ourselves into the unknown. Like when we learnt to walk. We didn’t stop because we weren’t sure what the outcome was.

While we are creating relationships we can be creating the business of our dreams in the conversations. We can just be us. We don’t have to be polished speakers and even if we may occur as ordinary, we are extraordinary.

Sometimes we feel misunderstood and misinterpreted and harshly judged and then we can question ourselves. And yet we know who we are if we allow ourselves to be who we are and be in our power miracles occur.

This leads onto to Jo & Vicki sharing Lynne McTaggart’s latest discoveries:

“I’ve been studying the power of thoughts for nearly 20 years, and I’ve discovered one unsettling truth: your thoughts are not locked inside your head but are being broadcasted 24/7 – and have a powerful effect on others, particularly those who are battling medical conditions.”

Lynne talks about our judgments doubts and how every statement we make can affect the healing ability of our friends and family and for those who are professional counsellors, our clients. “As scientific evidence has shown, just one disagreement can delay wound healing by an entire 24 hours. So imagine the effect of just one ill-timed thought by you, particularly as a dearly trusted therapist.

But there’s a flip side here.

Imagine the effect of sending out positive and loving intentions in addition to giving your patients medicine or treatment.”

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Carpe Diem: Seize the day “There is only one day left, always starting over: it is given to us at dawn and taken away from us at dusk”. Jean-Paul Sartre

Jo reads a dolphin poem written by Adrian Wood. This is followed by a discussion on embracing the day.

Two Natural Ladies share some information from the book “Carpe Diem Regained: The Vanishing Art of Seizing the Day” by Roman Krznaric.

Krznaric discusses how death is no longer talked about. We put our elderly people away and concentrate on the young. This gives us a false sense of ‘living forever’ and can stop us from living each day to the full.

Two Natural Ladies has a discussion about seeing each day as new and embracing it. And also the pressure we can put on ourselves when trying to ‘seize the day’.

Finishing off with a bit of banter - Two Natural Ladies style 😁

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Two Natural Ladies introduce a special guest, Vicki’s husband Shane, sharing his encounter with the dolphins in Port Phillip Bay, whilst on his paddle board. Amazing! 🐬

The dolphins gave Shane a wonderful show. Which lead onto Jo talking about her many encounters with dolphins in the late 80’s early 90’s. The joy and sense of wellbeing these beautiful creatures create for us – it’s magic!

Shane shared the Dolphin Research Institute’s (DRI) request for recording any sightings on the DRI website. If possible photos, time and place.

The life of the dolphin and the life of the bay was of particular interest to Shane when he visited the DRI. He shared that the prime source of ‘tucker’ for dolphins is octopus! Shane also discussed the different species of octopus we have in Port Phillip Bay and the amazing videos they were shown during their excursion. 🐙

It is a Diving Mecca in Port Phillip Bay – Melbourne’s amazing sea life is the best kept secret.  Shhh

A fun and entertaining podcast which will leave you feeling uplifted 💜

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DOLPHIN 🦈: Pushing through green waters, Symbol of Joy, You leap from the depths, To touch the sky…. ~ Horace Dobbs 1982

Jo shares her adventures with Dolphins for the past 34 years and her research on Horace Dobbs.

Vicki, Shane and their adventures with their four kids at the Dolphin Research Institute (DRI). Was their arm twisting to go? Well the outcome was some amazing info from Jeff Weir the founder. Boy does he know his stuff!

DRI are heavily focused on community groups, particularly school programs, where they are empowering the school ambassadors by educating and thrilling them with dolphin adventures. The young ambassadors then take their new information back to their schools and share.

Help DRI: when you sight a dolphin, take a photo if you can, or if on a paddle board, swimming etc, share the information on their website once on dry land.

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Keep your Purpose and Passion at the fore: Don’t let the Nay Sayers take you off course

Two Natural Ladies share a great paradigm from Lauren & Annette’s Weekly Rocket

‘In 1889, the "iron lady" was opened to the world. She was the tallest structure in the world for over 40 years and not everyone loved her.

Of course, we are talking about Eiffel Tower in Paris and many artists and poets slated it as 'useless, barbaric and monstrous", saying it was a hateful column of bolted sheet metal that would dominate Paris like a gigantic black smokestack".

The Eiffel Tower has gone on to be one of the most recognised structures in the world, an icon of France and the most-visited paid monument, with over 250 million visitors since it was opened.

This just goes to prove, that if you build something iconic, do not worry if not everyone loves it. You are going to have haters. It's more important that you have a vision for your brand, a purpose and passion, and that you create something monumental, that is easily recognised.’  From Lauren and Annette Weekly Rocket.

Jo & Vicki share some of their insights from their discovery sessions with their coach, Geoff Kelly. He doesn’t tell them what to do. He says lovingly: “You have so many diamonds in our backyard – you need to discover them.”

And listening to those who are negative can cause stress. Even though we know most people are wanting to be helpful it is not always useful

Two Natural Ladies share Stephanie Rother’s blog “The secret life of stress”

• Pain and how it affects us
• Not getting enough sleep and worrying about waking up early the next day
• Gut issues
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Driving
• Intense meetings
• Irritability

What comes first the chicken or the egg?

What can we do?

• Acknowledge the stress
• Move the body
• Time in Nature
• Breathing / Mindfulness / Meditation
• Eat regularly
• Supplements
• Get a relaxation tool box

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“Being part of a like-minded community helps to make the task at hand more achievable, while also improving mental health through connection and participation.” Two Natural Ladies

Two Natural Ladies could create a cabinet very quickly – they are ready to take on Prime Minister. Starting with daily press conferences telling people everything is OK, sharing quotes and sharing the love and of course asking everyone to pick up three pieces of rubbish #Letsdoit321

Vicki and Jo ask: How do we get people to act? When there was disruption to city traffic by an environmental group the women running it, a psychologist in her 50’s said this was the only way their organisation could be heard. How do we get the awareness, the understanding to be heard by people?

During disasters we all show up. We are there asking: How can we help?

We do want to make a difference and Two Natural Ladies are experts in this area and we promote others who are also looking at ways to help.

Small steps are easy, become part of a likeminded community.

Beach Patrol – a five year study showed nothing has changed. In fact there is more plastic than ever. So let’s pick up those three pieces of rubbish. Jo’s struggle with herself when going for a walk.

Good Edi 1 billion coffee cups thrown out per year – let’s use edible cups!

The Impact of

Looking at seed to source. Connecting the dots. If we are using something harsh on the environment is it harsh for us?

We often have questions but not the answers. Which leads to Jo & Vicki having a discussion about organisations helping their employees and finding productivity and profits increase! A four day week works better than five!

Ecosia: every 45 searches enables a tree to be planted – How? We don’t know!

Sustainable clothing: Nina Gbor talks about waste, Fast Fashion and ways we can combat the 23 kilos of textiles each of us put into landfill each year!

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“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller.  

Two Natural Ladies start with a discussion about what they did on the weekend and finished with how to decrease your Eco anxiety  What did the TNL do on the weekend: 

* Hanging out in the local community  

* Picking up rubbish: Jo with her grandson; Vicki with her hubby.  

A quick discussion about weather and how to catch rubbish as it flies past then onto the rituals we create. Jo shares her daily “I experience” and then the constant rubbish that goes on in our heads.  

“Everyone has it handled better than us”  Realising that we are all human and all have stuff going on. And that we need each other – are we all energy? We are not in competition we are all part of the same Universe. 

Vicki talks about gossip and how we can see people as infallible yet they are vulnerable as us.   Jo suggests Two Natural Ladies become Prime Minister starting with their first edict:  “Joy and compassion” everywhere.   

And for the Two Nautral Ladies to achieve this dream of being Prime Minister they will need a TEAM 

T.E.A.M: (Together Everyone Achieves More) 

Using each other’s strengths Making a difference on all levels and taking time to ‘BE’ – the balance between ‘doing’ and ‘being’ and it goes out of balance so quickly.  

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.’ ~Margaret Mead  Eco anxiety:  

Do we feel this because we aren’t doing anything?   

Take a first step:   Natalie Isaacs’s story about starting her Eco journey by cutting her energy bills. There are so many different ways we can help.   

Damon Gameau’s 2040 film – watch it and take the first step #Letsdoit321 –start picking up three pieces of rubbish and ask others to do the same.  

What makes the difference?  A UK grandma, in her 70’s took a year to clean up 52 beaches – but this is not possible for all of us – just start doing something. 💜

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Two Natural Ladies discuss part of their yet to be released book:

· “We are powerful and strong – it’s really just getting out of the way of ourselves constantly so I keep thinking the jobs done when I’ve got out of the way of myself but there I am in the way again.” ~ Two Natural Ladies

· We know not to eat junk food but how often do we think junk thoughts?

· And how like Homer are we? Getting distracted by shiny objects? Vicki and Jo share their creative abilities – together. And the difference it makes being two – together making the perfect person (Laugh)

· We know bad stuff happens 10% is what happens to us and 90% is how we react to it. Not dwelling in the bad stuff. “Battling with myself to get out of my own way – I’d rather just stay home I say to myself. Yet once I get out I love it!”

· We have to get out into life – it doesn’t normally knock on the door – though …Hugh Jackman, Jo would love it if you would (knock on her door)

A poem from our resident poet: and experience of Covid

Two Natural Ladies finish with some good news about dolphins.

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Two Natural Ladies start with the 101 really disgusting things according to author Andy Griffiths. Jo feels very vindicated as Number 1 is Brussel Sprouts.  

Quickly Vicki and Jo move onto Random Acts of Kindness and finding passion in your life.  

‘You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” ~ Zig Ziggler.  

We don’t have to be a visionary, we can find someone who we connect with, who sparks our interest and take on their vision. ‘If we feel passionately towards it, it gives our life purpose’. ~ Simon Sinek.  

How do the Two Natural Ladies get inspired? Look for inspiring quotes or listen to some upbeat music and…pick up rubbish.  #Letsdoit321. Jo shared her adventure of picking up rubbish with her grandson and Vicki did the same with Jeanette Peterson on their two hour walk.  

Everyone was left feeling good – our endorphins were released! Then the opposite can happen – a traffic story with tooting! Left feeling upset.  The visible made visible…if we had sensors on our head we could see the colours as we go from feeling happy to feeling sad.  

What Random Acts of Kindness did you do this week? Donating Lego to The Sixth Child – Jo didn’t want to give away her ‘generational Lego’ so she went online and bought some kits! 

When we are feeling great we are more likely to do something nice. Being available for your family.  What’s important to you? 5 things you value and do you give time to them? An entertaining look at some important topics.

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Jo & Vicki start their discussion with Lynne McTaggat’s research.

“In the field of quantum physics, the most recent research has shown that the universe is the result of a dynamic process in which the basic elements that constitute everything we see and touch are in a constant state of exchange.” Lynne McTaggart.

What would we be capable of if we lived that we are a ‘single organism of interconnected energy fields?’ It is difficult as our culture does not support us being one – rather we are in competition with each other.

‘Collaboration and connection’ Two Natural Ladies discuss the benefits of the communities who do this. Examples in the Longevity film show those that work together live longer and healthier.

Jo shares the story of her mother in law returning to her village in Lebanon and being ‘called’ to participate – she was the happiest she has been for a long time

We stumble into looking after each other and are surprised with how it makes us feel.

Vicki declares it is time for a paradigm shift! Let’s make this the norm.

“The key to changing that perception lies in shifting our focus and our awareness to the proof that is all around us of just how tied together we truly are” Lynne McTaggart.

Two Natural Ladies then delve into the world of water fasting and healthy eating. As Vicki was discovering Dr Alan Goldhammer who founded True North in America, Jo discovered Dr John Fielding who founded The Clohesy River health farm out of Cairns in Australia.

Dr Hammer talks about people going vegan who don’t go vegan healthy! Overweight; High blood Pressure; Cardiovascular disease; Cancer; Arthritis are all side effects of the standard American diet.

Jo & Vicki continue their discussion on supervised water fasting and teaching people to eat healthier. Educating us all on food and how we can process it “Processing is anything you do to the food to alter its natural state. You can cut it into smaller pieces to make it easier to eat. You can cook it, which softens it and makes the nutrients more available. You can grind it up to avoid having to chew, as in blended salads. These are fairly minimal forms of processing, and thus do not change the nature of the food too much.” Dr Goldhammer.

A deep dive into health and wellbeing.

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Jo & Vicki enquire – ‘Is it a fruit or is it a vegetable’?

It is a fruit the masses say but we eat it them like a vegetable

Some people hate them AND some people have a fear of them!

Two Natural Ladies share their Groupies ideas on how to use a tomato: It is a multi-purpose fruit: roast them, fry them, in soups, the main ingredient of bruschetta, in salads and eat whole for lunch!

A poem is read from Vicki & Jo’s resident poet – Adrian.

A fun little snippet with some insights into this fruit.

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Join the Two Natural Ladies on remembering all the amazing guests they have had over 100 episodes and years of being on Southern FM. Are you on the list?

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Jo and Vicki continue their discussion from Episode 98

Dreams don’t minimise your dreams. When we get a no, or we get advice and follow their advice and change what we were doing we can lose our way.

Questioning what we are doing and what difference we are making. If you know you are on the right path – don’t get swayed. And when you are doing something new people will knock it.

Having that AHHH moment confirming we are on the right track. Humans don’t like

Forgiveness: when we have been deeply hurt we want to hold onto that ‘you’re wrong’ righteous feeling. And yet when we forgive there is a freedom for us as well as the person we are forgiving

JOY: the essence of why we live – to feel and give joy!

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1. Living with less should never mean less community – building our relationships in communities

Vicki & Jo discuss connecting with people, connecting with our local neighbourhoods and learning how to communicate with the different people in the different mediums – how to you connect with our kids.

We now have so many different communities in different mediums such as Whatsapp communities, Messenger communities and Zoom communities to name a few. These online communities allow those of us who aren’t close in proximity to have a relationship and as we know this is so important to our mental health and living a full and happy life

2. Gratitude. ‘Believing what you have is enough’

We are wired to strive. And when we finish one thing we want to move onto the next.

We are enough just as we are right now and it’s important for us to bask in the glory of what we have accomplished

3. Empathy for others and what their challenges may be difficult at times.  Two Natural Ladies discuss the difference between people choosing to live in a caravan and go Grey Nomads and choose what you have to do – give you power when you choose what is. Acknowledge where you are first and then go forth

4. Generosity if we don’t have a lot sometimes we can find it difficult to give. Fill your cup and then have it overflow and give so everyone does well.

· Letting people in when driving

· Helps our endorphins to POP

5. Education: Unforeseen benefits in all education. ‘To minimise our education is to minimise our potential to change the world. For any educational investment, we gain, at the very least, a deepened capacity to think and to relate to the world bustling around us’

Even if you ‘know’ everything in a course there will be something you can get from your time. If you have to do it go in with …‘I’m going to get the most out of it!”

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Two Natural Ladies have a chat about the importance of recycling and the exciting new innovation from the Victorian Government with the creation of ‘CEBIC’

Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre

‘You spoke, we listened and now here we are. Welcome to the Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre, also known as CEBIC (pronounced 'see-bik').’

“Going circular can generate significant benefits for all business types and sizes, from creating jobs to providing opportunities for growth. But, going circular is also about our environment – reducing waste generation, making more from less, increasing re-use and repair, and ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Opportunities for reducing waste generation are particularly prevalent in material-intensive sectors such as construction, manufacturing, food, and fibre.”

We all need to be looking at what we can repair not throw out

This follows on to a discussion around Nina Gbor, how amazing she always look in her recycled clothes and what she is up to now! Jo shares Nina’s LinkedIn Post “Dumping rubbish at charity shops is out of control”

Decluttering, taking to the op shop and then the Op shops putting into landfill. Only a small percentage of what we take to the Op shop is sold – the rest is thrown out!

Vicki talks about her recent visit to some óld clothes’ in a wardrobe not used. Now they are new clothes again! An Op shopped at home J

Also discussed:

· Reuse before taking it away and going elsewhere to find something else.

· Fast fashion, Fast food Fast everything!

· Planned obsolescence: Don’t expect anything to last

· Products designed for short term use

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Two Natural Ladies have an awesome discussion with Elizabeth French on her journey through health and natural hygiene.

The Natural Society started in 1960 and Elizabeth and her husband Roger, joined in 1973. After becoming interested in natural childbirth, Elizabeth expanded her interest into what they were eating and for the past 38 years she has been eating a natural food diet consisting mainly of raw foods.

Vicki became very excited when Elizabeth spoke about her idol, Dr Alan Goldhammer, sharing the benefits of fasting for healing the body.

We hear an amazing story of a gentlemen who fasted for two weeks after being diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver (and he wasn’t a drinker!) – He had been given less than three months to live!

Exercise, rest and taking time away from artificial lights and screens are also part of our road to wellness. Deep breathing, particularly through Yoga and drinking pure water will also make a difference. Jo shared her journey into the world of water filters, eliminating the chlorine and fluoride that has been added to our water. Fresh Air and Sunshine and a good dose of Vitamin D can also make a huge difference to our mental strength.

And one of the Two Natural Ladies favourites: Positive thinking! Look on the bright side. It is so easy to get depressed looking at the world and seeing all that is ‘wrong’ we need to see what we can do to make a difference. “I can’t make a difference to the whole world and I can do something in my world” As we feel good we affect others to feel good.

Vicki is star struck by Dr Goldhammer and his passion for water fasting

This leads to a chat about …

Oranges: Winter is when they come into their own. From freshly squeezed oranges to roasted with veggies. Two Natural Ladies have a great discussion about this voluptuous fruit. Jo gives the facts and history of how oranges got to us in Australia, while Vicki shares Two Natural Ladies Groupies Facebook posts on this topic, including a fabulous poem about the orange.

Jo confesses she is a good dances and Vicki talks about the importance of Bees: plant plants in your garden that bees love, We can’t do it all and as Woolworths has shared, without bees we will find fruits and vegetables including avocado, apples, cucumbers, pumpkins, rockmelons, blueberries, zucchini, macadamias, kiwi fruit would become scarce.

Some 65 per cent of Australian horticultural and agricultural crops require honey bees in order to pollinate, amounting to more than $14 billion of food each year.

Let’s give Bees a chance – find one way you can help!

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Jo & grandson Jacob had plans to clean up Australia but Jacob hurt himself so it will happen soon ☺ Vicki discovers people coming out of the bushes – what were they doing? They were cleaning up -in the bushes. Vicki cleans up other people’s dog poo as she is a responsible dog owner! And then dogs are discussed and where they poo.

Nomadland film 3rd highest rated film. A fabulous film about people.

Two Natural Ladies discuss Lynne McTaggat’s latest blog talking about quantum physics.

‘We are all part of the Cosmic Soup constantly being stirred!’ everything is in a constant state of exchange and we are all part of the same basic elements and we are all tied together! Is Jo a string bean?

We have all felt connected at some time in our life. Where did the conversation that we are separate come from?

Vicki & Jo finish this podcast with a quick discussion about Elizabeth Scharpf who is creating sanitary pads made from banana fibre in an effort to prevent waste in Africa. @environmentaltalk

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If you want love give love, if you want friends be friendly if you want money – give money? No give value ☺

Stop trying to be everything to everyone – be everything to one person. Want to be everybody’s friend. Try and please everyone. Feeling bad when we choose not to be that person’s friend. This relationship is not a good one – and step back. Sometimes it is timing and sometimes cut your losses and move on!

Do what you know is right. “Stop being honest” People at odds with each other. Maybe saying a similar thing. Occasionally do something opposite like George from Seinfeld You have to be you! Spend your life with a rule book

Don’t cheat, be faithful, be kind. “Integrity is the essence of everything successful.  When you break the rules of integrity you invite serious complications into your life.  Keep life simple and enjoyable by doing what you know in your heart is right.

When we are out of integrity things start to drop. Sometimes hard for us to see what is integrity for us? And this probably changes over time.

Friendship – who is really important to you? Now? When you were 20? Has it changed?

Organise your space, get rid of clutter, can be stressful when things are everywhere. Your efficiency – streamline your life -your systems – make them clear and simplify your life.

Let things be less than perfect – a discussion around paper and becoming paperless – writing things help you remember. There is something about the act of writing.

Smile every chance you get; not because life has been easy, perfect, or exactly as you had anticipated, but because you choose to be happy and grateful for all the good things you do have, and all the problems you know you don’t have.

What is perfection? The real world doesn’t reward perfection? Those who choose to ‘fix’ their bodies, face etc to be ‘perfect’

Be imperfect 99% of the time. Not caring about what other people think of you – follow your heart - this leads to a discussion about the film “Nomadland”, community and adventure!

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Marc and Angel Hack Life

Very coming the pull of consumerism.

Learn from the past and get the heck out of there: We have all our past ‘stuff’ we are carrying.

Never regrets!

The op shops are full of peoples clearing – taking on someone’s energy when we are buying – attracted to the scarf because of the energy of the person who owned it. Is this woo woo?

Vicki chats about her psychology around decluttering–  “I get ‘poopy’ when I have to look back. I’m addicted to moving forward and it feels like back tracking and yet I need to declutter the past hoarding”

And then the emotional stuff that may be now no longer relevant but still there Sally Wilson and Stephanie Rother discuss these ‘hidden’

Then back to physical stuff – books to go back to the UK!

And will the Two Natural Ladies separate

Focus on what’s truly important

Focus on being productive not busy – get the right things done! Is what you are working on worth the effort? 4 Hour work week – is that possible. Being busy. Be effective in less time Even when you are not flat out you can spend more time doing what you really want to be doing.

When having a conversation – being in the moment not rush the chat. Be there for the person and connect with them and be going on in people’s world? Dealing with the overwhelm of being busy

Unconsciously unskilled to unconsciously skilled and the steps in-between– like learning to drive a car and then driving without thinking about it. When we first learn something new it takes more of our time and effort. Discovering new realms.

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Jo watched some moves on the weekend!  “I am Woman” about Helen Reddy’s life, the womens’ movement and equal rights. And “Military Wives” the first choir set up by a group of military wives after their men are deployed.  Both movies discuss friendship, power and shining in the face of adversity- so Two Natural Ladies!

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Two Natural Ladies start their discussion with some words of wisdom from the book “Thrifty Household  - more than 1000 hints & tips” by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria.

· A needle is easy to thread when …

· Catching cockroaches with ease

· Mending clothing, letting pants down and adding length with socks

· Make a photo album for the kids on a rainy day

Eco friendly ideas using what we already have in our home

Vicki & Jo have a quick chat about their book (still to be finished) and then move onto edible weeds. Pickled purslane and what else we can eat that looks like something to pull out!

Another fun packed, filled with great information Podcast for the whole family.

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Two Natural Ladies discuss a real life situation where people are not able to see from each other’s perspective. Using Bill & Ben in a hole fighting over the colour of the dirt, as an example, shows us all how often our perspective is only seeing part of what is..

Coming out of the hole, all the colours of the dirt can be seen as well as the grass, the trees and the birds?

It can take a paradigm shift which then enables us to focus on what is important.

There is truth in all of it. From where Bill was standing the dirt was grey and from where Ben was standing the dirt was brown. They were both right!

This leads to Vicki & Jo discussing generational wealth, a way to have everyone win. And it’s in the enquiry, the discussion that the discoveries are made – even if it is sometimes uncomfortable

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Two Natural Ladies discuss the roller coaster of life. One minute we are loving humanity then something happens and we are out of sorts! How do we find a way back to that good feeling?

Jo & Vicki talk about the helpers high and how people who give live longer

· Finding a structure where everyone wins

· Volunteering

· Ripple effect – pay it forward

· Conscious giving leads to infinite giving. There is a point where we transform how we are giving so it is ongoing and sustainable.

Looking after ourselves is important. ‘Give from the saucer not from the cup’

Transforming our community and then the world. Start local- one person at a time.

Asking for help and being vulnerable is a strength not a weakness and people love to help. It is a symbiotic relationship which has everyone win.

What do you love doing to help others?

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Two Natural Ladies asked their tribe what they do with their empty glass jars.

Sterilise and use for jams, pickling or nails. Jars are so useful for a variety of objects. Once cleaned, Vicki & Jo discover jars can be used for all the dried herbs. Or to bury a spare key in the garden without getting it dirty.

One very clever use is to put the unused part of an onion into and then refrigerate – no smell!

Putting hot fats in a glass jar NOT in the sink. Once it’s full you can dispose of it.

A fun info packed discussion on the wonderful amazing jar– enjoy.

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Going Grey continues to be a discussion for Jo & Vicki. How long should grey hair be? What’s the best style? And then there is what going grey means to us.

We are getting older! Going grey is loaded with all the age concerns which creep up on us. Two Natural Ladies talk about the way people in our society talk about growing older. “it’s horrible getting old!” How can we breakthrough this ‘old’ conversation and embrace our new wisdom. 

In some cultures being older is revered – and it’s about time we did this as well!

Two Natural Ladies chat with Jerry Penny founder of Nurture Queen Videos about the benefits of ‘Paying it Forward’.

Jerry was one of the contributors of “The Book of Inspiration for Women by Women” and she discusses, in the book, the benefit ‘paying it forward’ has on everyone involved. When someone lets you in to their lane when driving, it gives us ‘feel good’ endorphins and we are likely to pay it forward to the next car that needs to move into our lane.

Jerry is often asked to help people with products in the supermarket that are up high and finding directions. Vicki, Jo & Jerry talk about The Laws of Attraction and reciprocity and how what we give comes back to us.

As a marketing expert Jerry talks about “the Shiny Object Syndrome” so many people get caught up in paying thousands of dollars for a program that is not what they need. A bit of advice and some hard work is the answer!

Jerry & Two Natural Ladies discuss the benefits of charities and how easy it is to be part of the solution. Jerry is a generous and inspiring woman whose aim is to make a difference in the world. She loves connecting people and seeing how we can all work together to create a wonderful world.

Enjoy

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Two Natural Ladies kick off with a poem “Intention” by Jo.

This leads to a discussion on:

“What are you proud of?”

“What are you sorry for?”

During a training course Vicki was asked to look at these questions.

Pride in Swimming & winning

Sorry for not building sandcastles

The beauty is those things we are sorry for, in many cases, we can do now! So Vicki and her family, at night, went down the beach and made a huge sandcastle! 💜

Jo shared how sorry she was for the way she sometimes treated her eldest son, Chris. The expectation on him as the oldest. AND the things Jo stepped over, that maybe could have had a different outcome.

We can apologise, we can change what we can and parents who feel sorry and did what they can to do the best possible are ahead of the game!

Do better not perfect!

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