Stand Out Life

Habits - all of us have them. Some we’re happy to keep, others we’d love to kick. This time of year is the perfect time to get forensic about the habits in your life and how they are serving you. As a trained dietitian, Dr Gina Cleo has helped people improve their health and well-being - however noticed that her clients struggled to maintain their progress over time, much like those elusive goals you might be grappling with at this start of this year. Driven by the desire to find lasting solutions, she pressed pause on her clinic and completed a Ph.D. at Bond University. It was there that she uncover the transformative power of habit change and its potential to impact every facet of life. In this conversation we talk about some of Gina’s personal experience, including an experience that left her questioning everything and required her to rebuild every habit in her life - starting with brushing her teeth. We talk about the importance of self-belief, of realising that steps backwards are part of the process (not proof it’s not working) and how important it is to chase rituals over results. Dr Gina Cleo’s new book ‘The Habit Revolution’ is a game-changer when it comes to practical tools to explore and understand habits. This conversation will leave you feeling empowered not embarrassed about habits, soak up the wisdom and warmth that is Dr Gina Cleo. ______________________________________ The Habit Revolution - https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-habit-revolution-gina-cleo/book/9781922616654.html Dr Gina Cleo - https://www.drginacleo.com Ali Hill - https://www.alisonhill.com.au

What would it take for you to be able to work with (almost) anyone? Michael Bungay Stanier helps people know they’re awesome and they’re doing great. He’s best known for his book The Coaching Habit which is the best selling book on coaching this century and is considered a classic His most recent book is How to Work with (Almost) Anyone and it shows how to build the Best Possible Relationship with the key people at work. He founded Box of Crayons, a learning and development company that has trained hundreds of thousands of managers to be more coach-like in organizations from Microsoft to Gucci. He left Australia about 30 years ago to be a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University ... where his only significant achievement was falling in love with a Canadian ... and which is why he now lives in Toronto, having spent time in London and Boston. Balancing out these moments of success, he was banned from his high school graduation for “the balloon incident” (you’ll hear about that) ... was sued by one of his Law School professors for defamation ... and his first published piece of writing was a Harlequin Romance-esque story involving a misdelivered letter ... and called The Male Delivery. Enjoy this conversation with the thoughtful Michael Bungay Stainer. _____________________________________________ Host / Producer: Ali Hill https://www.alisonhill.com.au/ Guest: Michael Bungay Stainer https://www.mbs.works/ Sound Editor: Jason Strozkiy https://www.strozkiymedia.com/ Talent Producer: Maddy Westbrook https://thenoblegroup.com.au/

Much of what we do is living life by default even when life has dished up hard-ships, maybe even trauma. We’re going through the motions….but what if we were to shake things up and become curious rebels. Yemi Penn is a global thought-leader on igniting our rebellious curiosity at an individual, team and organisational level. British born, Nigerian, living in Australia Yemi is an Engineer by profession, Entrepreneur by passion. Yemi fuses analytical thinking with creativity to produce superior outcomes. Transformation is the theme across Yemi’s focus, whether this is opening a F45 gym in London, a café in Sydney’s South-West Suburbs, authoring a book, managing complex projects such as Crossrail and Sydney Metro or producing an impactful documentary. Within this conversation we dive into how we can tap more into curiousity, the invitation to put ourselves in the way of discomfort, and to unlock a rebellious heart. This conversation is a deep one….it’s a beautiful one. Soak up the wisdom and invitation shared by Yemi Penn. _________________________________ Host: https://www.instagram.com/alihill/ or https://www.alisonhill.com.au/ Guest: https://yemipenn.com/ Sound Producer: Jason Strozkiy - https://www.strozkiymedia.com/ Talent Producer: Maddy Westbrook - https://thenoblegroup.com.au/

All of us can fall into trying to make sense of the unknown, drawn towards an insight, a theory or a story that seems just far-fetched enough to be true. But what makes rational people believe irrational things? As someone who studies behavioural scientists today’s guest is akin to chatting with an intellectual hero. It’s highly possible you haven’t come across Dan Ariely’s work, but his research drives much of what we know about irrational behaviour. Dan Ariely is Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University, his research is dedicated to answering questions about irrational behaviour, and help people live more sensible – if not rational – lives. He is a founding member of the Center for Advanced Hindsight, co-creator of the film documentary '(Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies', and a three-time New York Times bestselling author. This conversation focuses on Dan’s latest book 'Misbelief', which is a personal deep dive into an experience Dan faced through COVID with untruths being shared about him and his research. Believing he could just convince people they weren’t true lead him down the path of identifying what he calls the ‘funnel of misbelief’. This conversation is insightful, fascinating and practical for us all as we navigate the unknown. Take a trip into understanding the funnel of Misbelief with Dan Ariely.

When we look in the mirror there are times we might pause long enough to ask the question - Who am I? Identity, invisibility, magic and love are the themes not only of Trent Dalton’s work, but of his life. This conversation that left me with goosebumps, tears, laughter, joy and a desire to cartwheel into the magic moments life has in store, if we’re prepared to see them. Trent Dalton nearly needs no introduction but here a few things you ought to know about him. Trent grew up in housing commission in Brakenridge, Brisbane. He is a Walkley Award winning journalist, and in 2018 published his debut novel 'Boy Swallows Universe', which broke all the records and is currently being filmed for a Netflix series. With this book, and his other books 'All Our Shimmering Skies' and 'Love Stories' Trent has sold over 1.2 million copies in Australia alone. In this conversation we talk about Trent’s latest book ‘Lola in the mirror’. This book is filled with dark, light, magic, grit and a dash of the meaning of life. We explore who we are, we chat about love, enthusiasm, darkness, light, pulling your head out of your own arse, and so much more. Trent’s latest book is extraordinary, Trent is extraordinary, and this conversation is one you’ll want to revisit. Soak up the magic that is Trent Dalton ______________________________________________________ Host - Ali Hill - https://www.instagram.com/alihill/ Guest - Trent Dalton - https://www.instagram.com/trentdaltonauthor/?hl=en Grab a copy of Trent's book 'Lola In The Mirror' - https://www.booktopia.com.au/lola-in-the-mirror-trent-dalton/book/9781460759837.html Photo Image - David Kelly Editor - Jason Strozkiy - https://www.strozkiymedia.com/ Talent Producer - Maddy Westbrook - https://thenoblegroup.com.au/

This episode comes with a content warning. This conversation with Chanel Contos contains descriptions of sexual violence, assault and we talk about sexual acts. Parts of this conversation may be distressing for some listeners. The statistics Chanel shares are confronting which is why she has made it her mission to drive a conversation and impact policy change in this country about consent education. We can’t talk about consent without talking about what consent is not. I’m really proud of this conversation and believe it’s important to sit in the uncomfortable and the hard. But please be aware that discretion is advised before you choose to listen. And if this episode brings up anything for you please reach out to organisations like LifeLife on 13 11 14 Chanel Contos founded Teach Us Consent, a campaign that mandated consent education in Australia. In order to achieve this, she worked closely with politicians from across the political spectrum, including prime ministers. Chanel was the recipient of the Australian Human Rights Commission Young People’s Medal in 2021, and in 2023 she was named NSW Young Woman of the Year for her persistent efforts towards eradicating rape culture. Chanel has also been presented with the prestigious Diana Award for her humanitarian work, and in 2022 she was listed as one of the BBC’s 100 inspiring and influential women worldwide. Chanel has a Masters in Education, Gender and International Development from University College London and was recently appointed by Julia Gillard to chair the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership’s. She shares her message in her latest book ‘Consent Laid Bare’ - riding the gap between policy makers and the experiences of young people. Calling for greater awareness, education and at its core - empathy - in sharing what is healthy intimacy. Consent is complex - particularly in a society where messages are mixed at best, toxic at worst. Chanel’s book is a battle cry from a generation no longer prepared to stay silent. She is a powerhouse on a mission. This is an important conversation for those who care about youth and the generations to come. Youth Advisory Committee. www.teachusconsent.com Host: Ali Hill www.alison.hill.com.au Guest: Chanel Contos www.instagram.com/chanelc/ Editor: Jason Strozkiy https://www.strozkiymedia.com/ Talent Producer: Maddy Westrbrook https://thenoblegroup.com.au/

Falling into advertising photography was a happy accident according to today’s guest - a career that has incredible high’s but hasn’t always been easy. John Tsiavis has always had creativity in his world and found his flair at the intersection of advertising, photography, and directing. His break came at the age of 20 after producer Jane Scott contacted RMIT looking for someone to shoot stills for the Australian feature film Head On. He went on to work in the entertainment industry creating images for film such as Chopper (for anyone that can recall that image of Eric Bana that is John’s work), Ned Kelly and he also worked on television series including The Secret Life of Us and Summer Heights High. His work is fine art meeting commerciality - and it’s by holding onto a philosophy of shooting for ‘him’ that his style was created. Along the way John has learnt the value of treating people well; connection is a key theme. Within this conversation John talks about some of the images that have stretched him - including a striking portrait of actor Jackie Weaver. You’ll see these over on instagram @alihill or by following the links in the show notes to John’s work. John also shares his latest endeavour directing a series called 'A QUIET ROAR' - showcasing the stories and campaigns of young activists advocating for social, political, and economic change. A project that’s impacting him deeply. This is a personal, real and insight conversation about creativity, art, and the importance of deep connection with John Tsiavis.

What were you doing the first few months of 2020? Today’s guests were launching their business together in outdoor apparel. A business that, by starting in uncertain times has forged its way into new territory. Olympic freestyle aerial skier Kiley McKinnon, alongside Ariana Ferwerda initially set out to create a skiwear brand designed by women, for women. After competing at the 2018 Olympics in men's ski wear, Kiley knew the male-dominated outdoor industry needed to change. She shares the frustrations she found in trying to talk to sponsors about the subtle differences for women’s ski wear. Without any traction. This was a lightning bolt moment for her, Ariana, an avid recreational skier frustrated by the lacklustre outdoor apparel industry, had also struggled to find technical women’s apparel that fit correctly, functioned accurately, and looked good. With that, Halfdays was born. In this conversation we talk about the power of connecting with nature, navigating a fast growth business together, and the cross-over between Olympic level skiing and being in business. From a seed of an idea, to navigating the important things in relationship and work, enjoy this conversation with Kiley McKinnon & Arianna Ferwerda.

From a young age, journalism was always on the radar for Tracey Spicer. Exploring the stories of our time and uncovering truths. This drive continues in her latest book - Man Made. Tracey is a multiple Walkley Award winning author, journalist and broadcaster who has anchored national programs for ABC TV and radio, Network Ten and Sky News. Tracey is one of the most sought-after on stage and online keynote speakers and emcees in the region. In 2019 she was named the NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year, accepted the Sydney Peace Prize alongside Tarana Burke for the Me Too movement. Struck by 7 words said to her by her son, Tracey has spent the last few years researching AI, in particular exploring how the bias of the past is being built into the future. In this conversation we chat about Tracey’s journalism career and her experience with long covid. When it comes to AI we chat about where bias in AI comes from, how you can’t just 'program bias out of AI’, and practical ways that we can all seek to be mindful of AI, both the benefits and the inherent downsides. This is a thought-provoking, engaging, and fascinating conversation with someone who is an explorer of truth. Soak up the wisdom and insight that is Tracey Spicer. Host & Producer: Ali Hill - https://www.instagram.com/alihill/ Guest: Tracey Spicer - https://traceyspicer.com.au/ Book: Man-Made https://www.booktopia.com.au/man-made-tracey-spicer/book/9781761106378.html Editor: Jason Strozkiy - https://www.strozkiymedia.com/ Talent Producer: Maddy Westbrook - https://thenoblegroup.com.au/

Linda Marigliano is an Australian television and radio presenter, podcaster, musician and DJ, best known for her work on FBi Radio and Triple J. Linda has built a career out of performing for other people. In her day-job as an on-air presenter or in her family home, she contorted herself into 'the cool girl' or 'the good girl'. Exploring how to wrestle with long-distance love and learning more about herself in her key relationships (including with her Mum) has become the pursuit of Linda’s expressions - her podcast Tough Love is a podcast production masterpiece, and her book Love Language explore these theme’s. We chat about vocabulary of love in all forms - intimate partners, families, and friendships. The importance of holding expectations loosely - learning how to express what we want and the ways we like to be loved - and the importance of weaving the threads of creativity and true presence with others to continue to grow. I couldn’t have loved this conversation any more. Personal, practical, insightful and relevant for all who dance with love, soak up this conversation with Linda Marigliano. As she repeatedly over-committed and sought approval in all its guises, she started to ask herself: Why am I like this? Combing through her complex relationship with her mother, the sense of duty within her extended Italian and Chinese-Malaysian families, and the twisting turns of both her career path and her love life, she noticed a pattern emerging. Her love language had warped into acts of service that pleased everyone but herself, without boundaries or exceptions. And she'd lost the ability to translate the vocabulary of love being spoken all around her. Love Language is Linda's determined reclamation of her identity; a fiercely relatable and viscerally honest account of what it means to love and be loved.

We all have memories intertwined with food. From our earliest of days, to the food we reach for in heartbreak, celebration or connection. Charlotte Ree explores how food can be a way back to ourselves. Sharing her open and real stories of love, loss, and finding herself again in her book Heartbake, this is a bittersweet story with some tough tough moments. In this real and raw conversation Charlotte shares what is was like growing up with parents navigating mental illness, the experience of ending a marriage and being single in an apartment as Sydney went into lock-down, and the tough road back to herself. Food and recipes are a core part of her story, and I'm here to tell you that need to buy a copy of Heartbake for the brownie recipe alone (okay also for the Burnt Basque Cheesecake recipe, and the focaccia recipe!). Weaving together sweet moments with tough moments, loss and love, a single boiled egg to cooking four course dinner parties via her Supper Club; soak up the wisdom and words from the beautiful Charlotte Ree. Host & Producer: Ali Hill - https://alisonhill.com.au/ Guest: Charlotte Ree - https://www.charlotteree.com/ Editor: Jason Strozkiy - https://www.strozkiymedia.com/ Talent Producer: Maddy Westbrook - https://thenoblegroup.com.au/

Kathryn Eisman is a multi-Emmy Award Nominated television journalist, bestselling author and Internationally celebrated fashion "de-coder" and entrepreneur. A pioneer in the 'language of fashion', Kathryn has toured the globe as a speaker and columnist on the topic, noted by the media for her "uncanny ability to read a person based on the clothes they wear." Her unique combination of razor-sharp wit, deep analysis, warmth and insight into contemporary issues and trends coupled with her Live TV experience both in front and behind the camera has contributed to her becoming one of Australia's most successful media exports. Kathryn has also founded the global hosiery label High Heel Jungle, created to elevate the daily act of getting dressed into an empowering and joyful form of self-expression After more than a decade at the pinnacle of USA Media, Kathryn has returned to Australia to co-create, co-EP and star in "Undressed with Kathryn Eisman”. We chat about the power of clothing, expressing who we really are, and the importance of feeling comfortable in the skin we’re in. Before you get self-conscious about what you might be wearing as you listen to this episode - just know I was donning Ugg Boots the entire interview! Engaging, enticing and uplifting is this conversation with Kathryn Eisman.

Dr Rebecca Ray is a clinical psychologist, author and speaker who helps big-picture-thinking people master their psychology. Beck’s expertise as a professional zig-zagger sets her apart as one of Australia’s most in-demand and authoritative voices in the personal development space. Her science-backed, hard and heart truth approach is uniquely informed by her pivots from pilot to psychologist, from dating men to marrying a woman, and from being burnt out to bestselling author. Beck is the author of six books, including The Art of Self-Kindness, Setting Boundaries, Small Habits for a Big Life, and her latest book Difficult People. We explore boundaries, those hard conversations (that actually can be game-changers) and tools to reflect on the role we play in challenging circumstances. Personal, delightful and filled with practical tools you’ll take plenty away from this conversation with Dr Rebecca Ray. Host - Ali Hill https://www.alisonhill.com.au/ Guest - Dr Rebecca Ray https://rebeccaray.com.au/ Editor - Jason Strozkiy https://www.strozkiymedia.com/ Talent Producer - Maddy Westbrook https://thenoblegroup.com.au/

We dive into the hard things about bringing up age, illness and next steps with those we love the most. These are not easy conversations, and yet all too often they are left until it’s too late or not had at all. Being able to know and fulfil the wishes of those we love can be gratifying - but it starts with knowing what those wishes are. This conversation is one that will leave you thinking differently about aging. Melissa Levi is a clinical psychologist specialising in older people's mental health and dementia. With over a decade of experience at one of Australia's leading hospitals, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Melissa has helped more than a thousand older people and their families. Enjoy this conversation with Melissa Levi. Host: Ali Hill - https://alisonhill.com.au/ Guest: Melissa Levi - https://www.talkingageing.com/ Editor & Producer: Jason Strokziy - https://www.strozkiymedia.com/ Talent Producer: Maddy Westbrook - https://thenoblegroup.com.au/

There are times where we are so caught up in our own head that we can’t see a way to get out of the tangled threads. This conversation is an antidote to that feeling. Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She is an acclaimed, NY Times best-selling author with books including Happiness Project, Happiness at Home, Better Than Before amongst others. She’s known for her ability to distill and convey complex ideas with humor and clarity. We dive into her latest book ‘Life in Five Senses’ and talk about how tuning into your unique sensory experience can be one of the best ways to tap into delight and get out of your own head. I had so many aha-moments and you’ll hear Gretchen had one herself about the power of play in a world of discipline and habits. You can also take Gretechen’s quiz to discover your neglected sense at GR.com/quiz. You’ll hear what my neglected sense is and some ideas on how to tune more into this sense. This is a playful, delight-filled conversation that I’m sure will awaken your own senses. Tap into the explorations and insights shared by Gretchen Rubin. Host: Ali Hill - https://www.alisonhill.com.au/ Guest: Gretchen Rubin - https://gretchenrubin.com/ Editor: Jason Strozkiy - https://www.strozkiymedia.com/ Talent Manager: Maddy Westbrook - https://thenoblegroup.com.au/

One of the things I love about this podcast is how open and willing the guests are to sit with me in tough and important conversations. And this conversation with Chum Ehelepola stayed with me long after we’d finished. We went deep very early. Exploring living in war, decisions to immigrate, the raw face of racism, and making it in the world of screen and acting where we still have a long way to go in terms of diversity. Having walked away from an engineering career to follow his passion for acting Chum’s television credits include: The Straits playing the lovable rogue, Joseph; Sea Patrol, Laid, All Saints, and most recently The Newsreader which was awarded AACTA award for best Australian drama. We dive into Chum’s career, navigating Hollywood, the importance of diversity on our screens, and his decision to live with his family in the country. I loved everything about this conversation and there’s every chance you will too. Enjoy the depth and delight that is Chum Ehelepola. Host: www.instagram.com/alihill/ Guest: www.instagram.com/chumehelepola/ Editor: Jason Strozkiy -www.strozkiymedia.com/

Dr Sarah McKay is a neuroscientist and science communicator who specialises in translating brain science research into simple, actionable strategies for peak performance, creativity, women's health and wellbeing. Her previous book, The Women's Brain Book: The Neuroscience of Health, Hormones and Happiness, explores the female lifespan through the lens of neurobiology. In this conversation we dive into not only Sarah’s interest in neuroscience for women, but the changes and understandings of what happens in the brain when women become mothers. Pregnancy changes our brains but is there such a thing as a mother’s instinct and how does a mothers brain change not just in pregnancy and early years but across the lifecycle of her children? Sarah’s latest book Baby Brain explores this and more. Known as the person who explains the brain enjoy this fascinating conversation with Dr Sarah McKay.

What does a bollywood dancer / economist have to do with story-telling? Yamini Naidu is a Bollywood-dancing, economist, business story-teller. She has a deep belief that story-telling, particularly in business, is critical for engagement, motivation and connection. We remember the stories we hear more than the data we’re told. One of the ways to be a better story-teller is to unleash your X-factor. Hint: Yamini’s has something to do with Bollywood dancing. You’ve got an X-factor too….but it will take some work to uncover it. In this conversation Yamini shares the intersection of where to find your X-factor and it starts with going in-ward, before looking outward. Enjoy the story-telling, X-factor-creating wisdom that is Yamini Naidu. Host: Ali Hill - https://www.alisonhill.com.au/ Guest: Yamini Naidu - https://yamininaidu.com.au/ Editor: Jason Strozky - https://www.strozkiymedia.com/ Media & Guest Manager: Maddy Westbrook - https://thenoblegroup.com.au/

Yael is best known for her portrayal of Lorna Morello in Orange is the New Black. It’s her talent on the screen and stage that have gifted her the skills to bring to her latest endeavours around climate change. Yael is an actor turned activist. Her credits are long and I’m sure I’ll miss some of the most important one’s here so please dive more into Yael’s body of work. OITNB ran for 7 seasons and has been honoured with multiple SAG Award for Outstanding Comedy Ensemble award wins and Emmy Award Nominations for Outstanding Comedy and Outstanding Drama. Yael recently appeared in the See-Saw Films/AMC series Firebite. Other recent streaming credits include Wellmania, High Maintenance, Childhood’s End, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Deep Water where she received Logie Nomination for Most Outstanding Actress. In Jan 2020 at the height of the Australian bushfires, Yael announced that she would be abandoning her US Green Card, with major impact on her transatlantic film career, returning home to Australia as a symbol of her commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. Since then Yael founded Hi Neighbour; an organisation that uses solar projects to fund scholarships for local workers training for Technical Low Carbon jobs. She’s currently studying Sustainable Communities at University of Wollongong. www.hineighbour.com.au. A story-teller, a connector of people, and skilled in the art of ‘standing in someone else’s shoes’, soak up this conversation with the ever-delightful Yael Stone.

Jana Pittman has represented her country at three Olympic Games, and her story is a roller coaster of triumph, defeat, failure and success. Two times World Champion, four times Commonwealth Champion in athletics, she swapped the track for the ice joining the Australian Women’s bobsleigh team, to become the first women to represent Australia in both a Summer and Winter Olympic games. After sport she again shifted focus and qualified as a medical doctor. Jana is wife and mother to 6 beautiful children. She has conquered many hurdles in life including being the final women standing in the recent celebrity television show SAS Australia. Her resilience and passion for life is overflowing. Jana has just released her book ‘Enough’, where she shares her life: the good, the bad and the ugly. Her stories of sport, medicine, divorce, miscarriage, loss, solo parenting, and media shenanigans are told without embellishment or excuses. In this conversation we dive into Jana’s perspective on failure and why we should put ourselves in the way of failure more often. We talk about the chase for success vs the acceptance of the way things are, and why despite her ‘resume’ of achievements Jana is still unsure whether she’ll be able to achieve her next goal. This is a conversation for us all - soak up the stories and real talk with the insightful Jana Pittman. https://www.janapittman.com/ https://www.booktopia.com.au/enough-jana-pittman/book/9781760687991.html