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It's a Mindset

Emma Lagerlow

What becomes possible when you change the way you think?


Join wealth and mindset coach Emma Lagerlow, author of Worthy & Wealthy, for honest guest conversations and solo reflections on self-worth, purpose, money and wellbeing. Explore fresh perspectives and practical ideas to build confidence, navigate life’s changes and create a life you love.


New episodes every Wednesday. Follow It’s a Mindset and discover what’s possible when you put your mind to it.

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  • 22 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 54 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • Tuesday · 1 hr 2 min

    The Conversations We Avoid: Getting Better at Conflict with Tim Duggan

    Have you ever held back what you really wanted to say because you were worried about how the conversation might go? The concern you leave unspoken. The disagreement you brush aside. The conversation you keep rehearsing in your head, but never quite begin. In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by Tim Duggan, author, founder and optimist, to explore how we can get better at conflict and approach difficult conversations with more intention. Tim co-founded Junkee Media and writes a weekly column on work for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. His latest book, Clear in Tension: How to Get Better at Conflict, grew from his own experience of avoiding conflict and his curiosity about how we can learn to handle it differently. We explore why we swallow our words, how trust and values shape disagreements, and what it means to listen generously when we’re tempted to jump in with our own answer. Tim introduces his Four Terrains of Conflict and CLEAR method, offering ways to better understand the situation we’re in before deciding how to respond. Our conversation also takes us into creativity, making space to think, and the choices we make around AI. Tim shares why he uses it for some tasks while protecting the writing and thinking he values doing himself, including the uncomfortable work of a personal apology. After researching Tim, I was looking forward to hearing how to lean into conflict rather than avoid it, and it didn’t disappoint. He’s a master communicator, and I particularly enjoyed his reflections around AI. There’s plenty here to consider in our relationships, our work and the conversations we’ve been putting off. Key Episode Takeaways: Getting better at conflict takes practice. Starting with lower-stakes conversations can help us build familiarity with the discomfort and prepare for more difficult moments. Trust and values shape how disagreement feels. Tim’s Four Terrains of Conflict offer a way to understand why some conversations allow a productive exchange of ideas while others feel much harder to navigate. Listening generously means noticing the urge to interrupt or solve. Tim’s CLEAR method invites us to clarify what matters, listen generously, explore what’s underneath, align on a shared direction and reset our story. Resolution is one possible outcome. Tim also explores what it means to repeat or release a conflict, and why recognising these possibilities can change how we approach it. Choosing which disagreements deserve our energy matters. Understanding what is important can help us be more intentional about the conversations we take on. AI raises questions about the skills we want to keep practising. Tim shares his concerns about outsourcing the effort involved in writing, thinking and making a meaningful apology. About the Guest: Tim Duggan is an author, founder and optimist. He co-founded Junkee Media, is the Chair of the Digital Publishers Alliance and writes a weekly column on work for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. His work explores complex ideas about how we live and work. His latest book, Clear in Tension: How to Get Better at Conflict, draws on his research into disagreement and communication, alongside his own experience of learning to approach conflict. Show Resources: Explore Tim’s book, Clear in Tension Read Tim’s writing on Substack Connect with Tim on LinkedIn Follow Tim on Instagram: @tim_duggan Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Explore Emma’s website If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @tim_duggan. I’d love to hear what stayed with you. Yours in courageous conversations, Emma. X.

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  • October 13 · 57 min

    Episode 114: Beyond Willpower: Hypnotherapy and Changing Old Beliefs with Lynnsey Robinson

    What if a belief you’ve carried for years no longer reflects what you want for your life? You want to try something new. You can imagine what might become possible. And then a familiar thought arrives: that’s not for me. In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by spiritual hypnotherapist Lynnsey Robinson, founder of the Align Your Mind™ mindset app and co-host of the High Vibin’ It and Spiritual Kinks podcasts. We explore Lynnsey’s approach to hypnotherapy, the subconscious mind and the beliefs that can influence how we see ourselves and our possibilities. She shares how she works with clients to examine familiar patterns, and explains the distinction between hypnotherapy for personal change and stage hypnosis for entertainment. Having experienced hypnotherapy and been hypnotised myself, I was curious to understand those differences and hear more about Lynnsey’s work. We also discuss the fear of being seen, the stories we tell ourselves about what we’re capable of, and why those stories can be worth revisiting. Lynnsey’s own journey brings another layer to the conversation. After becoming a mum, she found herself drawn back to studying hypnotherapy while also feeling the pressure to choose a familiar, financially predictable path. Her story opens up an honest discussion about following an interest, making room for uncertainty and beginning with small steps. I share how that has appeared in my own life, from changing direction at 45 to listening to the nudge towards yoga teacher training—something I’m enjoying exploring as a hobby. We also talk about how our definition of success evolves. Can you be grateful for what you have and still want to grow? Can you appreciate where you are without deciding that you’re finished? This conversation offers a chance to become curious about your inner dialogue, consider what you’d like to move towards, and explore Lynnsey’s perspective on hypnotherapy, intuition and manifesting. Key Episode Takeaways: Explore the distinction between hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis, including Lynnsey’s explanation of awareness and choice during a session. Become curious about familiar beliefs rather than automatically treating them as permanent truths about who you are. Make an intimidating goal more approachable by starting with a small, practical step. Consider what you want to move towards, alongside what you’d like to leave behind. Allow gratitude and ambition to coexist—you can appreciate your life and still be interested in what comes next. When a discouraging thought appears, ask: “What would I like to believe instead?” About the Guest: Lynnsey Robinson is a spiritual hypnotherapist and founder of the Align Your Mind™ mindset app. Her work focuses on helping women explore limiting beliefs, connect with their intuition and move towards a life that feels aligned with them. She brings a spiritual perspective to hypnotherapy, mindset and manifesting, and co-hosts the High Vibin’ It and Spiritual Kinks podcasts. In this episode, she shares both her approach to working with clients and the personal decisions that brought her into this work. Show Resources: Explore Lynnsey’s offerings Follow Lynnsey on Instagram: @lynnseyrobinson Try Align Your Mind free for 7 days Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Explore Emma’s website If you explore hypnotherapy recordings, choose a safe place where you can rest undisturbed. Don’t listen to them while driving or operating machinery. If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @lynnseyrobinson. Yours in curiosity and possibility, Emma. X.

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  • October 6 · 56 min

    Episode 113: Listen Before Your Body Shouts: Reconnecting with Yourself with Melissa Lever

    What is your body trying to tell you — and how often do you pause long enough to listen? A little tension. A feeling of restlessness. Tiredness you keep promising yourself you’ll deal with later. When life is full, it’s easy to brush those feelings aside and keep going. But becoming more aware of them can open up a different conversation with yourself. In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by Melissa Lever, a physiotherapist, Pilates instructor and founder of Body Intuition Collective, to explore interoception: our ability to notice signals from within the body. Drawing on 20 years of clinical experience, Melissa shares how seeing people return to her practice with recurring discomfort prompted her to explore the relationship between physical sensations, stress and the demands of daily life. She introduces her four-step approach — notice, interpret, regulate and align — and explains how we can begin asking what we’re feeling, what it might mean in context, and what support or adjustment we might need. We explore the habit of pushing through, the importance of boundaries, and the added complexity of interpreting how we feel during perimenopause. Melissa also shares how movement, time outdoors and connection fit into her own life, alongside seeking appropriate professional support. Melissa and I first connected on Instagram, and as I learnt more about her work, I was intrigued. With many of us navigating menopause, perimenopause and busy lives, I wanted to understand how we could become more attentive to ourselves. Our conversation also reminded me that loving what you do doesn’t mean you can do everything. Beyond her professional work, Melissa reflects on seven months travelling around Australia with her husband, three children and their dog. The experience challenged her love of planning and helped her clarify what she wanted to make more room for at home. We also talk about the courage involved in building something new after an established career, and how success can evolve from professional achievement to a life with greater connection, wellbeing and presence. This conversation is an invitation to become curious about how you feel, rather than automatically carrying on. Key Episode Takeaways: Interoception is awareness of signals from within your body. Melissa explains how noticing those sensations can become a skill we practise in everyday life. Pause before you push through. Her four-step approach — notice, interpret, regulate and align — offers a way to consider what you’re feeling and what you might need. Context matters, particularly during perimenopause. Hormonal changes, sleep, stress and workload can overlap, making curiosity and appropriate professional support valuable. Boundaries help create room for wellbeing. Saying yes to something can also mean giving up time for rest, connection or another personal priority. Success can change as your life changes. Melissa shares why good health, time and presence have become central to her definition of wealth. About the Guest: Melissa Lever is a physiotherapist with 20 years of clinical experience, a Pilates instructor, clinic co-owner and mum of three based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Her clinical work includes physiotherapy and Pilates, with a focus on helping people move in ways suited to their individual needs. She founded Body Intuition Collective to help people develop greater awareness of their body’s internal signals. Through education, retreats and online programs, Melissa brings together her physiotherapy experience and interest in interoception, supporting women to explore their wellbeing and make choices that reflect what matters to them. Show Resources: Explore Melissa’s website Follow Melissa on Instagram: @bodyintuitioncollective Habits Program — Perimenopause Edition Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Explore Emma’s book, Worthy & Wealthy If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @bodyintuitioncollective. We’d love to hear what resonated with you. Yours in listening to yourself, Emma. X.

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  • September 29 · 54 min

    Episode 112: The 500 Lunches Effect: Why Action Comes Before Confidence with Nick Bendel

    What might become possible if you stopped waiting to feel confident and acted first? We often assume confidence is something we need before we introduce ourselves, ask a question, extend an invitation or pursue an opportunity. But what if confidence is actually created by doing the very things that make us uncomfortable? In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by speaker, author and social courage expert Nick Bendel. In August 2019, Nick began an ambitious project to have lunch with 500 strangers. What started as a way for a natural introvert to improve his social skills and build relationships became a six-year exploration of courage, confidence, rejection and human connection. The project eventually inspired his book, The 500 Lunches Effect: How Social Courage Changes Everything. I was immediately intrigued by Nick’s story. I certainly enjoy a long lunch, but meeting 500 strangers is an entirely different proposition. I wanted to understand what compelled him to begin, what kept him going and what he discovered through talking to people from vastly different professions, ages and backgrounds. Nick explains that social courage means taking action when we don’t feel completely ready or when we risk being judged, rejected, criticised or embarrassed. It might involve asking for a promotion, speaking in front of an audience, approaching someone at an event or inviting somebody on a date. We explore why fear of another person’s reaction can create hesitation, how easily we turn rejection into a judgement about our worth and why somebody else’s “no” is generally far less personal than we imagine. Nick also shares practical ways to make social connection feel less intimidating. We don’t need a brilliant opening line or an impressive story. A simple introduction, genuine curiosity and thoughtful listening can be enough to begin a meaningful conversation. Our conversation moves beyond networking to consider the deeper importance of human connection. In a world where so much communication now occurs digitally, it is possible to move through our days surrounded by people without truly connecting with any of them. Nick’s experience is an invitation to become a little more courageous, a little more curious and more willing to take the small social risks that can open the door to new relationships and opportunities. Key Episode Takeaways: Confidence follows action. Waiting until we feel confident can keep us stuck indefinitely. Confidence grows when we take action despite feeling uncertain or uncomfortable. Social courage is personal. Speaking publicly may feel natural to one person and terrifying to another. Courage isn’t determined by the action itself, but by what taking that action requires from the individual. Rejection is rarely the judgement we imagine it to be. Someone may decline an invitation because of their time, responsibilities or insecurities. Their answer does not automatically say anything about our worth. We don’t need to be particularly clever to begin a conversation. A simple introduction and genuine interest in another person can be far more effective than trying to deliver the perfect opening line. Listening helps people feel valued. Asking thoughtful questions and giving someone room to share what matters to them can create stronger rapport than dominating a conversation. An imperfect plan can produce meaningful progress. Social courage doesn’t require an enormous leap. Choosing the smallest realistic step and building from there makes change more sustainable. Connection is an important part of success. Money, status and achievement can feel hollow without meaningful friendships and relationships in our lives. About the Guest: Nick Bendel is a speaker, author and social courage expert who helps people overcome hesitation and create more opportunities in their careers and lives. He is the author of The 500 Lunches Effect: How Social Courage Changes Everything, based on his six-year project to have lunch with 500 strangers. Drawing on his background as a journalist and business owner, Nick explores how small acts of social courage shape relationships, confidence and success. He speaks and writes about social courage, networking, confidence, personal growth and the hidden role hesitation plays in human potential. Show Resources: Visit Nick’s website: https://www.nickbendel.com Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bendel Follow Nick on Instagram: @mrnickbendel Follow Emma Lagerlow on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Discover more about Emma and her work: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/ If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us at @emmalagerlow and @mrnickbendel. Yours in courage and connection, Emma. X.

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  • September 22 · 55 min

    Episode 111: Who Cares for the Carer? Breaking the Silence Around Mental Ill Health with Sarah Martin

    What happens to a family when mental ill health enters their lives without warning? The focus understandably turns to the person who is unwell. But surrounding them are often parents, partners, siblings and friends trying to make sense of an unfamiliar system while carrying fear, uncertainty and responsibility of their own. In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by perioperative nurse, carer peer worker, SANE peer ambassador and author Sarah Martin. Sarah and her family became what she describes as “accidental carers” when one of her children experienced a mental health crisis while travelling overseas. What followed changed the course of their lives and eventually inspired Sarah’s first book, Dear Psychosis. Her second book, Dear Carer, turns its attention to the people standing beside someone living with complex mental ill health. Sarah shares how little support her family could find for themselves and why stigma, privacy and the desire to protect a loved one caused them to become increasingly silent. We explore the isolation this can create for carers and the difference it makes to feel genuinely seen, heard and understood by someone who is willing to listen. We also discuss the practical knowledge families may need when navigating mental health services and emergencies, from understanding the roles of different clinicians to recognising a loved one’s triggers and preparing a toolkit before a crisis occurs. At the heart of our conversation is Sarah’s message that carers must be cared for too. She speaks candidly about the years she spent placing her own needs aside, why accepting invitations and seeking psychological support became important parts of her own wellbeing, and how looking after yourself ultimately helps the person who depends on you. I first met Sarah through the Expert Author Community, and her first book, Dear Psychosis, left an enormous impression on me. With my own children entering adulthood, I found her family’s experience riveting, moving and confronting. Sarah also showed me what an honest and incredibly compelling book could be, so it was a genuine honour to finally have this conversation with her. Key Episode Takeaways: Families can become carers without warning or preparation. When complex mental ill health enters a family, everyone can be affected, yet support and information are often directed only towards the person who is unwell. Stigma can leave entire families navigating mental ill health in silence. Carers may be reluctant to speak openly because they want to protect their loved one’s privacy, but that silence can also deepen their own isolation. Mental ill health deserves the same curiosity and compassion as any other chronic illness. Sarah encourages us to ask respectful questions, learn more and challenge the way mental and physical illnesses are treated differently. Carer self-care is essential, not selfish. Accepting help, maintaining connection and having somewhere safe to talk can support both the carer and the person relying on them. Preparation can make an overwhelming situation more manageable. Understanding possible triggers, knowing what support is available and creating a practical toolkit before a crisis can help families make more informed decisions when pressure is high. Feeling heard and seen can create an extraordinary ripple effect. Sarah’s work is grounded in helping people recognise that they are not alone and that even one person’s story can make a meaningful difference to someone else. About the Guest: Sarah Martin is a perioperative nurse with more than 40 years of experience, a carer peer worker and a SANE peer ambassador. She is also a mum of three, one of whom lives with bipolar affective disorder. Sarah is the author of Dear Psychosis, which shares her family’s experience of complex mental ill health, and Dear Carer, created to provide carers with the information, perspectives and practical guidance Sarah wished her own family had been able to access. Through her writing and advocacy, she is committed to reducing the stigma and silence surrounding mental ill health and helping carers feel less alone. Show Resources: Connect with Sarah Martin on Instagram: @sarahmartin.author Connect with Sarah Martin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088825839661 Connect with Sarah Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-martin123/ Follow Emma Lagerlow on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Discover more about Emma and her work: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/ Mental Health Support: If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. You can also access information and peer support through SANE. If this episode raises concerns for you or someone you love, please contact an appropriate mental health support service or emergency service in your location. If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us at @emmalagerlow and @sarahmartin.author. Yours in compassion and connection, Emma. X.

    • Transcript
  • September 15 · 56 min

    Episode 110: For the Long Run: How to Perform at Your Best Without Sacrificing Your Wellbeing with Jessica Spendlove

    What if performing at your best didn’t have to come at the expense of your health? For so many ambitious and driven people, looking after ourselves can become something we continually plan to return to later. Once the deadline has passed. Once the project is finished. Once life becomes a little less demanding. But what if our wellbeing isn’t separate from our ability to perform? What if it’s actually the foundation that allows us to keep doing the work that matters to us? In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by Jessica Spendlove—speaker, coach, advisor and author of For the Long Run: Build Your Daily Operating System for Energy, Recovery and Wellbeing. Jess has spent 15 years working at the intersection of wellbeing and high performance. Her career began in performance nutrition, working with hundreds of elite athletes, Olympic medallists, seven professional sporting teams and the Special Forces. Today, she brings those lessons into her work with corporate leaders, high-performing teams and organisations. Together, we explore why even some of the best performers in the world are still working to master the fundamentals, and why the increasingly complicated world of protocols, optimisation and extreme routines can make wellbeing feel harder than it needs to be. Jess shares her philosophy of upgrading rather than overhauling. Instead of measuring ourselves against an ideal routine—or even a previous version of ourselves—she encourages us to create rhythms that suit our current season and can be maintained on our busiest days, not only our best ones. We also discuss why knowledge alone doesn’t always lead to change. Drawing on her experience in professional sport, Jess explains how our environment, systems and relationships can influence our behaviour far more than another piece of information. Connection is another important part of the conversation. Jess explores why sustainable wellbeing includes our relationships, values and sense of purpose, and what can happen when achievement begins to take priority over everything else. Jess and I first met at a speaker training workshop with Sally Prosser, and it was lovely to reconnect. I continue to be blown away by Jess’s drive—particularly knowing that she wrote this book while navigating business and motherhood with a very young daughter. Yet what I found most interesting was how that season shaped the book itself. Rather than presenting a rigid formula, Jess has created an approach that recognises that our capacity changes and that sustainable performance needs to leave room for the reality of our lives. This is such a thoughtful conversation about ambition, energy, recovery, relationships and redefining success so that we can continue doing meaningful work without losing ourselves in the process. Key Episode Takeaways: Sustainable high performance isn’t about lowering your ambitions. It’s about building the foundations that allow you to pursue meaningful goals without continually sacrificing your health and wellbeing. Upgrade rather than overhaul. Extreme routines and short-term challenges can be difficult to sustain, while one or two consistent changes can help create momentum and greater capacity over time. Your approach needs to work on your busiest days—not only your best ones. Jess encourages us to stop benchmarking ourselves against an ideal routine or a previous season of life and create rhythms that reflect our current capacity. Even the highest-performing people in the world are still mastering the fundamentals. Nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management, recovery and connection remain central, regardless of how advanced someone’s performance environment may be. Knowing what to do isn’t always enough. Our systems, environment and relationships can make healthy behaviours easier to follow and often matter just as much as information or motivation. Connection is part of wellbeing. Our relationships, values and sense of purpose affect how well we live and perform, and success can feel increasingly empty when it takes us out of alignment with them. Our definition of success can evolve. Jess reflects on moving beyond externally driven achievement and considering the kind of life she wants to live, the person she wants to be and her capacity to enjoy what she is creating. About the Guest: Jessica Spendlove speaks, coaches and writes about sustainable high performance and wellbeing. She is a keynote speaker, advisor and author of For the Long Run: Build Your Daily Operating System for Energy, Recovery and Wellbeing. Across her 15-year career, Jess has worked with hundreds of elite athletes, Olympic medallists, seven professional sporting teams, the Special Forces, corporate leaders and high-performing organisations. Her work helps people embed wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable performance and leadership. Jess is also an Associate with Monash University’s Corporate Education program and host of the Stay at the Top podcast. Through her speaking, coaching and writing, she is working to change the narrative so that success is achieved not at the expense of our health, but because of it. Show Resources: Learn More About Jessica’s Book, For the Long Run: https://jessicaspendlove.com/book/ Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaspendlove/ Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessicaspendlove Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Visit Emma’s Website: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/ Learn More About Emma’s Book, Worthy & Wealthy: https://www.amazon.com.au/Worthy-Wealthy-Discovering-Abundance-Fulfilment/dp/1998528022 If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @jessicaspendlove. Yours in Sustainable Success, Emma. X.

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  • September 8 · 59 min

    Episode 109: When Wellness Becomes Overwhelming: Rethinking Midlife Health with Susan Hunter

    Has looking after your health started to feel like another full-time job? There’s always something else we’re told we should be doing. Another habit to add. Another number to track. Another expert telling us what we’re getting wrong. And with so much information available, it can sometimes feel harder—not easier—to know where to begin. In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by author, speaker and naturopath Susan Hunter, whose work challenges the story the wellness industry has been selling Gen X women. Susan has worked predominantly with women for more than 20 years and is the author of the book, The Health Edit: How Gen X Women Are Resetting the Script on Midlife. Together, we explore why women have become both the wellness industry’s biggest market and some of its most confused consumers. We talk about the guilt and overwhelm that can arise when caring for our health becomes another long list of things to manage, particularly for women already carrying full professional, family and mental loads. Susan shares her approach to simplifying health by identifying the area that needs our attention most, focusing on one essential change and allowing that change to become part of our lives before trying to do more. Rather than continually adding new routines, treatments or targets, she encourages women to develop the clarity and confidence to make health decisions that are genuinely relevant to them. We also explore movement as an important health foundation, why constantly tracking our bodies can sometimes disconnect us from how we actually feel, and what a post-optimisation approach to health could look like. As a woman in midlife myself, I found this conversation incredibly informative. I loved Susan’s hopeful perspective that our forties and fifties can be a time to think more intentionally about our long-term health, while also becoming clearer about our purpose, values and the way we want to live. This is a thoughtful conversation about moving beyond health overwhelm, trusting ourselves more and recognising that caring for our wellbeing doesn’t need to mean doing everything at once. Key Episode Takeaways: The wellness industry can make health feel like an additional burden. When women are continually reminded of everything they aren’t doing, looking after themselves can become another source of pressure rather than support. More information doesn’t always create greater clarity. Conflicting advice, emerging trends and health content on social media can make it difficult to understand what is relevant to our individual circumstances. One meaningful change can be more useful than trying to change everything. Susan explains how focusing on the area that needs our attention most can make health feel more manageable and create benefits that flow into other parts of our wellbeing. The foundations still matter. Movement we enjoy, real food, sleep and learning to listen to our bodies may not sound as exciting as the latest optimisation trend, but they can provide a practical place to begin. Complex or persistent concerns, however, may require appropriate professional investigation and support. Tracking can become counterproductive. Susan explores how an intense focus on scores, targets and data can create anxiety and draw us away from how we actually feel. Midlife can be approached as an opportunity rather than a decline. This stage of life can invite us to make more intentional choices about our health, redefine success and consider what we want the decades ahead to look like. About the Guest: Susan Hunter is an author, speaker and naturopath who believes the wellness industry has been selling Gen X women the wrong story. Through her work, Susan encourages women to view their health as a source of creative power in the second half of life—not as another part of themselves that needs to be continually optimised. Her debut book, The Health Edit: How Gen X Women Are Resetting the Script on Midlife, offers an alternative to the overwhelm and complexity surrounding women’s health. Susan’s approach is grounded in greater clarity, realistic change and moving away from the idea that more is always better. She is also launching The Health Edit podcast alongside the book. Show Resources: Visit Susan’s website: https://www.susanhunter.com.au/ Read Susan’s Substack: https://susanhunterhealth.substack.com/ Follow Susan on Instagram: @susanhunterhealth Connect with Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-hunter-67282024/ Follow, Emma the Podcast Host on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Visit Emma's website: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/ If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @susanhunterhealth. Yours in Simplicity, Emma. X.

    • Transcript
  • September 1 · 46 min

    Episode 108: Who Are You Without What You Do? Identity, Love & Conscious Living with Dion Jensen

    Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Who am I without what I do? Without the job title. The achievements. The roles you play. The expectations you’ve spent years trying to meet. It’s one of life’s most important questions, in my opinion: Who are you, really? And it’s exactly the question at the heart of my conversation with author, speaker and coach Dion Elliott Jensen, whose new book Conscious Footsteps explores what can happen when we begin looking beyond what we do and reconnecting with who we are underneath it all. For much of Dion’s life, his identity and sense of worth were intertwined with achievement, career, status and the roles he played. But when life began dismantling so much of what he believed defined him, he was faced with a confronting question: Who am I when everything I thought defined me is gone? What followed wasn’t, as Dion describes it, a process of reinventing himself. It was one of remembering who he already was. I believe so much of our lives can be spent attaching our identity to external markers — what we achieve, how successful we are, the work we do and what other people think of us. So when I discovered Dion’s philosophy of “I am who I am, not what I do,” how could I not take the opportunity to interview him? And there is so much more to his story than this alone. In this episode of It’s a Mindset, Dion and I explore identity, authenticity and what it means to live more consciously. We talk about the masks and roles we can accumulate throughout our lives, and what may be waiting underneath them when we become curious enough to look. We explore the power of journaling and why putting our thoughts onto paper can be incredibly cathartic, as well as the importance of curiosity — not only about ourselves, but about the people around us. And we delve into Dion’s fascinating perspective on love: why he believes love is the one true emotion and why it can be okay for love to be a one-way street. At its heart, this is a conversation about looking beyond what we’ve achieved and asking ourselves some bigger questions about who we are, how we want to live and what really matters. Key Episode Takeaways: I am who I am, not what I do. Our careers, achievements and roles may be important parts of our lives, but Dion challenges us to consider what happens when we stop allowing them to define our identity and worth. Transformation may be less about reinventing ourselves and more about remembering ourselves. Sometimes becoming more authentically ourselves requires letting go of the identities, expectations and masks we’ve accumulated along the way. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery. Dion shares the role writing has played in his own journey and how putting our thoughts and experiences onto paper can be cathartic and help us understand ourselves more deeply. Curiosity can change the way we relate to ourselves and others. Rather than rushing to judgement or assuming we already know, becoming genuinely curious can open the door to greater understanding, compassion and connection. Love doesn’t always need to be reciprocated. Dion shares his perspective on why it can be okay for love to be a one-way street and what changes when we view love as something we choose to embody rather than something we give only in exchange for receiving it. Conscious living asks us to look beneath the roles we play. When we separate who we are from what we do, we create space to consider what feels authentic, purposeful and meaningful to us. About the Guest: Dion Elliott Jensen is an author, speaker and coach whose work explores identity, leadership, authenticity, purpose and love. For much of his life, Dion believed his worth was measured by what he achieved, building his identity around career, success, status and the roles he played. When life began dismantling many of those external markers, he found himself confronting the question: Who am I when everything I thought defined me is gone? That question became the beginning of a profound personal journey — one Dion describes not as reinvention, but as remembering. Today, Dion helps individuals and organisations redefine identity, lead more authentically and live with greater purpose, challenging people to look beyond titles, expectations and the masks they have learned to wear. He is the author of Conscious Footsteps and is guided by a simple but powerful philosophy: “I am who I am, not what I do.” Through his writing, speaking and coaching, Dion encourages us to consider whether our greatest transformation comes not from becoming someone new, but from letting go of who we thought we had to be. Show Resources: Follow Dion on Instagram: @dionelliottjensen Check Out Dion's Website: https://dionelliottjensen.com/ Learn More About Dion's Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Conscious-Footsteps-Dion-Elliott-Jensen/dp/1764311922 Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Learn More About 1:1 Coaching with Emma: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/become-the-butterfly-coaching-program Book a FREE Call with Emma: https://calendly.com/hello-emmalagerlow/30mincall If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @dionelliottjensen. Yours in Being Conscious, Emma. X.

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  • August 25 · 56 min

    Episode 107: How to Be Happy Without Being Happy All the Time with Declan Edwards

    Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’ll be happy when…”? When I achieve the goal. When I earn more money. When the kids are settled. When work calms down. When I finally get through this busy season of life. But what if being happier isn’t about reaching a point where we feel happy all the time? In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by happiness researcher, educator and philosopher Declan Edwards, founder of BU Happiness College and author of How To Be Happy. With a Masters Degree in Positive Psychology, Declan has dedicated his career to understanding the science and skillsets behind happier workplaces, communities and lives, sharing his insights with organisations including the United Nations General Assembly, PKF Global, TEDx and The Red Cross. And really, who doesn’t want to be happier? I know I certainly do. But what I took most from this conversation wasn’t about trying to feel happy all the time. In fact, it was almost the opposite. Declan and I explore why we need to become more curious about all of our emotions rather than labelling some as good and others as bad. Our emotions move and change when we allow ourselves to experience them, and perhaps by making room for the full spectrum of being human, we create more room for happiness too. We unpack what positive psychology actually is and explore the PERMAH model of wellbeing, our natural human bias towards noticing the negative, and the value of sometimes simply doing something because it makes us feel good. We also talk about the “I’ll be happy when” trap — our tendency to postpone happiness until something in our lives changes — and why our own happiness matters not only for us, but for the ripple effect it can have on the people around us. This is such an insightful and uplifting conversation about understanding our emotions, letting go of the expectation that we should be happy all the time and recognising that happiness is something we can actively cultivate within the lives we’re already living. Key Episode Takeaways: Positive psychology isn’t simply about positive thinking. Declan explains what positive psychology actually explores and introduces the PERMAH model and the different elements that contribute to our wellbeing. Happiness doesn’t mean being happy all the time. Making space for the full range of our emotions can be an important part of experiencing greater happiness and wellbeing. Sometimes it’s valuable to simply do things that make you feel good. Not everything needs to be productive, impressive or moving us towards another goal — pleasure and enjoyment have value too. All of our emotions have a place. Through the wheel of emotions, we explore why becoming curious about what we’re feeling can be more helpful than trying to avoid or suppress the emotions we’d rather not experience. Our brains naturally pay more attention to the negative. Understanding our human negativity bias can help us recognise why noticing and cultivating the good in our lives sometimes requires intention. Beware the “I’ll be happy when” trap. Constantly attaching happiness to the next achievement, milestone or change can keep moving happiness somewhere into the future instead of allowing us to experience more of it now. Your happiness matters. Prioritising your own happiness isn’t selfish. How we feel and how we show up creates a ripple effect that can influence our relationships, workplaces, families and communities. About the Guest: Declan Edwards is a happiness researcher, educator and philosopher with a Masters Degree in Positive Psychology. As the founder of BU Happiness College, Declan has dedicated his career to sharing the science and skillsets that contribute to happier workplaces, happier communities and happier living. His work has seen him invited to share his insights with leading organisations including the United Nations General Assembly, PKF Global, TEDx and The Red Cross. Declan is also the author of How To Be Happy, which explores five foundational happiness skills designed to help people understand and actively cultivate greater happiness in their everyday lives. Ultimately, Declan is driven by the hope that his work creates a ripple effect — helping individuals become happier and, in turn, making the world around them just a little bit happier. Show Resources: Learn More About the BU Happiness College: https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/ Check Out Declan's Website: https://declanedwards.com.au/ Learn More About Declan's Book, How To Be Happy: https://amzn.to/40AU8BT Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Check Out Emma's Website: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/ If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @declanedwards_bu. Your in Being Happy, Emma. X.

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  • August 18 · 52 min

    Episode 106: When Holding It Together Becomes Too Much: Burnout, ADHD & Self-Sacrifice with Pam Espin

    Have you ever looked like you were holding everything together on the outside, while underneath it all you were completely overwhelmed? For so many women, being capable, reliable and the person everyone can depend on becomes part of our identity. We keep going, keep giving and keep meeting everyone else’s needs — sometimes without realising just how depleted we’ve become ourselves. In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Counsellor and author Pam Espin, founder of Beyond Purpose Therapy and author of Not Built to Break: How to Stop Surviving and Lead from Wholeness. Pam has a wealth of knowledge across so many areas, and I loved having the opportunity to explore just a few of them in this conversation. Together, we unpack the roots and symptoms of burnout and why simply treating what we see on the surface may not address what’s really going on underneath. We explore women’s tendency towards self-sacrifice, the importance of understanding and allowing our emotions rather than labelling them as “good” or “bad”, and Pam’s Trifecta Method for understanding where we may be carrying our survival load. We also delve into the late diagnosis of ADHD in women — why it can go unrecognised for so long, what receiving a diagnosis can mean, and how years of trying to meet expectations while navigating life differently can take their toll. At the heart of our conversation is an idea that beautifully reflects Pam’s work and her book: we weren’t built simply to survive our lives. Sometimes there is value in becoming curious about what’s actually happening beneath the surface rather than continually trying harder, pushing through or becoming better at coping. This is such an insightful conversation about burnout, emotional wellbeing, neurodivergence, self-sacrifice and what it can mean to move beyond survival mode towards greater understanding and wholeness. Key Takeaways: Burnout is about more than feeling tired. Pam explores some of the deeper roots and symptoms of burnout and why it’s important to understand what may be driving our exhaustion rather than simply finding new ways to push through it. Women can become conditioned to self-sacrifice. Constantly prioritising the needs and expectations of others can come at a cost, particularly when we lose connection with our own needs in the process. There are no “good” or “bad” emotions. Our emotions provide us with information, and learning to experience and understand them without judgement can change the way we relate to ourselves. Pam’s Trifecta Method helps us look beneath the surface. We explore how Pam uses this framework to understand where our survival load may be showing up across the mind, body and heart. ADHD can present differently in women and remain unrecognised until later in life. Pam shares insights into late diagnosis and what understanding your neurodivergence can mean for the way you make sense of your past and move forward. We weren’t built simply to survive. Pam’s work and her book Not Built to Break explore what can happen when we move beyond coping and survival mode and begin addressing the deeper patterns underneath them. About the Guest: Pam Espin is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Counsellor, author and founder of Beyond Purpose Therapy, a telehealth-based practice providing trauma-informed therapy to adults across NSW, Queensland, the ACT and Victoria. Pam works particularly with people who may appear capable, responsible and high-functioning on the outside while internally navigating burnout, emotional exhaustion, ADHD-related overwhelm, unresolved trauma or long-standing stress responses. Her integrative, trauma-informed approach draws on EMDR, Schema Therapy and somatic approaches, with an emphasis on emotional safety, nervous system regulation and addressing underlying patterns rather than focusing solely on symptom management. Pam is the author of Not Built to Break: How to Stop Surviving and Lead from Wholeness and host of The Burnout Recovery Podcast. Through her therapy, writing and conversations, she encourages people to move beyond simply coping and develop a deeper understanding of the patterns keeping them in survival mode. Pam’s work is grounded in the belief that healing doesn’t come from pushing harder or performing better, but through support, understanding and creating enough safety to begin to soften. Show Resources: Follow Pam on Instagram: @pam_espin Check Out Pam's Website: https://beyondpurposetherapy.com/ Learn More About Pam's Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Not-Built-Break-surviving-wholeness/dp/1764551192 Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Check Out Emma's Website: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/ If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @pam_espin. Yours in Wholeness, Emma. X.

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  • August 11 · 56 min

    Episode 105: The Kind Way: Burnout, Boundaries & Becoming More Yourself with Sophie Bretag

    Have you ever reached a point where life has forced you to reconsider what really matters? For bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker and executive HR consultant Sophie Bretag, experiences of burnout and cancer became part of a much bigger journey of rethinking how she wanted to live, work and show up in the world. In this episode of It’s a Mindset, Sophie joins me for a deeply personal conversation about kindness, boundaries, resilience and what it means to become more of yourself — particularly as we move through midlife. As the founder of Metta Leaders and author of The Kind Way, Sophie has spent almost two decades working in executive HR and leadership. But her understanding of kindness extends far beyond the workplace. We talk about her own experience of burnout, her cancer journey and the lessons that came from being forced to reassess the way she was living. We also explore the many different facets of HR and its impact on people and organisations, why boundaries are an essential part of kindness, and why putting yourself at the centre of your own life isn't selfish. One of my favourite parts of our conversation was our discussion about midlife and the permission it can give us to stop trying to be who we think we're supposed to be and instead become more of who we already are. Sophie is genuinely one of the kindest, most vibrant, beautiful and generous souls I know. She has been a huge supporter of me and my work — something I was so grateful to hear again during this conversation — and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to learn more about her story and the experiences that have shaped the work she does today. This is a conversation about what can happen when life asks us to slow down, reassess what matters and choose a kinder way forward — not only for the people around us, but for ourselves. Key Episode Takeaways: Burnout can be a powerful signal that something needs to change. Sometimes slowing down gives us the opportunity to reconsider how we want to live and what truly matters. Kindness includes boundaries. Being a kind person doesn't mean constantly saying yes, putting everyone else first or abandoning your own needs. Midlife can be an invitation to become more of yourself. Rather than reinventing ourselves entirely, this chapter can give us permission to embrace more of who we've always been. Putting yourself at the centre of your life isn't inherently selfish. There are times when prioritising your own wellbeing, needs and dreams is exactly what you need to do. HR has the potential to profoundly shape people's experience of work. Sophie shares some of the different facets of HR and why human-centric leadership matters. Success can be measured differently. Through The Kind Way, Sophie challenges traditional ideas about performance and explores kindness as a life-changing metric for leadership, success and the human spirit. About the Guest: Sophie Bretag is a bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker and executive HR consultant specialising in kindness-led, human-centric leadership. As the founder of Metta Leaders, Sophie brings almost two decades of executive HR and leadership experience working with organisations across Australia and internationally. Drawing on both her professional expertise and her own experiences of burnout and significant health challenges, Sophie is passionate about redefining performance by placing human capacity and kindness at the centre of leadership. Her book, The Kind Way, explores kindness as a life-changing metric for leadership, success and the human spirit, encouraging us to reconsider how we lead, work and live. Show Resources: Follow Sophie on Instagram: @sophiebretag Connect with Sophie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiebretag/ Check Out Sophie's Book, The Kind Way: https://www.mettaleaders.com/book Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Check Out Emma's Book, Worthy and Wealthy: https://www.amazon.com.au/Worthy-Wealthy-Discovering-Abundance-Fulfilment/dp/1998528022 If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @sophiebretag. Yours in Kindness, Emma. X.

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  • August 4 · 50 min

    Episode 104: Rediscovering Yourself Through Art, Fashion & Courage with Anastasia Cairns

    Have you ever lost sight of who you are while building a life for everyone else? So many women spend years putting their own dreams on hold, believing there'll be time "one day". But what if it's never too late to rediscover yourself, reconnect with your creativity and have the courage to build a life that truly reflects who you are? In this episode of It's a Mindset, I'm joined by renowned artist and fashion designer Anastasia Cairns, founder of a.nty story. Born in Indonesia and trained in fashion design in both Milan and Australia, Anastasia has created a beautiful slow fashion label that combines wearable art with a powerful mission: to empower women to embrace their individuality, strength and inner goddess. Having known Anastasia for several years and supported part of her journey, I've had a front-row seat to the passion, courage and resilience behind a.nty story. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch her rediscover herself and transform a dream into reality through her stunning, vibrant designs. This conversation is deeply personal as we reflect on the challenges she's overcome, the lessons she's learned and the woman she's become. Together, we explore what it means to lose yourself in a relationship, rebuild with courage, reconnect with your dreams and redefine success on your own terms. This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, creativity and remembering that it's never too late to create a life that feels authentically yours. Key Episode Takeaways: How wearable art can empower women to express their individuality, strength and inner goddess. Why losing yourself in a relationship doesn't have to define the rest of your life — and how it's possible to rebuild with courage. How reconnecting with your creativity can help you rediscover who you truly are. Why true success isn't measured by achievements, but by finding inner peace and having the courage to follow your dreams. About the Guest: Anastasia Cairns is an Indonesian-born artist and fashion designer whose work celebrates the beauty, strength and individuality of women. After studying fashion at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni in Milan and completing a Master of Design in Australia, she founded a.nty story — a slow fashion label that combines vibrant wearable art with a mission to empower women to embrace their authentic selves. Through both her paintings and fashion collections, Anastasia inspires women to reconnect with their inner strength, celebrate their uniqueness and express themselves with confidence. Her journey of rebuilding her life, following her dreams and creating a purpose-driven business is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to rediscover yourself and create a life that feels truly aligned. Show Resources: Follow a.nty story on Instagram: @a.ntystory Check Out the a.nty story Website: https://antystory.com.au/ Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Learn More About Become the Butterfly: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/become-the-butterfly-coaching-program Book Complimentary Call with Emma: https://calendly.com/hello-emmalagerlow/30mincall If you loved this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @a.ntystory. Yours in Empowerment, Emma. X.

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  • July 28 · 47 min

    Episode 103: The Happiness Pathway with Charu Moorjani: Why You're Already Enough

    Have you ever found yourself chasing happiness, believing you'll finally feel enough when you achieve the next goal, reach the next milestone or tick one more thing off your list? I think, if we're honest, most of us have. No matter where we come from or what our story looks like, we're all searching for the same thing in one way or another — happiness, peace and a life that feels meaningful. In this episode, I sit down with author, mindset coach and wellbeing storyteller Charu Moorjani, whose beautiful debut book, The Happiness Pathway, explores what it really means to create happiness from the inside out. What struck me most about this conversation was just how many shared beliefs we have. From the importance of slowing down and spending time alone, to recognising that self-worth isn't found in external validation, it felt like I'd met a kindred spirit. It was one of those conversations that leaves you feeling calmer, more hopeful and inspired to make small, intentional changes in your own life. Key episode takeaways: Why spending time alone is one of the greatest ways to reconnect with yourself. Simple daily rituals — like gratitude, pausing and making time for yourself — that can help cultivate lasting happiness. The difference between happiness and fulfilment, and why living in alignment matters more than chasing the next achievement. Why your self-worth isn't found in external validation, but in believing you're already enough. About the Guest: Charu Moorjani is an Australian author, mindset coach and wellbeing storyteller known for her honest memoir-style writing and grounded approach to personal growth. Her debut book, The Happiness Pathway, blends her lived experiences with practical tools to help readers rebuild their self-worth, create healthy boundaries without guilt and develop simple daily habits that cultivate lasting happiness. Every chapter includes personal stories, reflections and gentle exercises to help readers create meaningful, lasting change. Through her writing, workshops and community conversations, Charu creates safe spaces for reflection, healing and personal growth, reminding us that happiness isn't something we find once — it's something we choose to create every day. Show Resources: Follow Charu on Instagram: @thehappinesspathway Check Out Charu's Website: https://thehappinesspathway.com/ Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Check Out Emma's Website: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/ If you loved this episode, I'd be so grateful if you shared it on your Instagram Stories and tagged us @emmalagerlow and @thehappinesspathway. Your in Happiness, Emma. X.

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  • July 21 · 1 hr 8 min

    Episode 102: The Power of Mindfulness, Movement & Community for Better Mental Health with Danielle Coppleson

    What if protecting your mental health didn't require a complete life overhaul—but simply learning to pause? In a world where stress, overwhelm and constant busyness have become the norm, it's easy to put our own wellbeing at the bottom of the list. But what if some of the most powerful ways to support our mental health were also the simplest? In this episode of It's a Mindset, I'm joined by my beautiful friend Danielle Coppleson, an accredited Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator, certified Modern Qigong Teacher and Mental Health Nurse with more than 25 years' experience helping people navigate life's challenges. Danielle and I have known each other since high school, but we reconnected when we both became mums and attended prenatal yoga together. Since then, it's been such a joy to watch our paths evolve in similar ways, each of us creating spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves and feel supported. Together we explore how mindfulness, meditation, Modern Qigong and, perhaps most importantly, community can become powerful tools for protecting our mental health and helping us live with greater presence, resilience and connection. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, craving more calm, or simply looking for practical ways to support your wellbeing, this conversation is a gentle reminder that you don't have to do it alone. Key Episode Takeaways: Why protecting your mental health starts with simple daily practices rather than dramatic life changes. How mindfulness, meditation and Modern Qigong help calm the nervous system and reconnect the body and mind. The powerful role community and connection play in supporting our wellbeing. Practical tools to reduce stress and create more presence in everyday life. Danielle's unique perspective after more than 25 years as a Mental Health Nurse. Why creating safe, inclusive spaces can help people feel seen, supported and empowered to thrive. About the Guest: Danielle is an accredited Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator and certified Modern Qigong Teacher, with over 25 years of experience in public health settings as a Mental Health Nurse. Qigong is an ancient, gentle, movement practice which relieves tension, cultivates, and balances energy between the body and mind. Danielle is also a daughter of European parents, mum to two beautiful young adult girls, wife, sister, friend and part of the local Cronulla community. She is passionate about mental health, creating safe, inclusive spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to learn skills which enhance their health and wellbeing. Show Resources: Follow Dan on Instagram: @a_mindfulmovement Check Out Dan's Website: https://amindfulmovement.com.au/ Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Check Out Emma's August Sound Healing Event: https://events.humanitix.com/soulful-sound-immersion-august Support Resources : If this conversation has brought up anything difficult for you, please know that support is available. NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for NSW residents) Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support) Beyond Blue Support Service: 1300 22 4636 (24/7 mental health support) If you loved this episode, I'd be so grateful if you shared it on your Instagram Stories and tagged us @emmalagerlow and @a_mindfulmovement. Yours in Mindfulness, Emma. X.

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  • July 14 · 58 min

    Episode 101: Behind the School Gates: The Reality of Being a School Principal with Susan Simon

    Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of a school — and the challenges a school principal faces? As a mother of four almost-adult children, I feel like I've spent a significant portion of my life navigating the school system. So, I was fascinated to sit down with former school principal, author and yoga teacher Susan Simon to hear her perspective from the other side of the school gates. In this episode of It's a Mindset, Susan shares the realities of leading a school and the challenges principals face behind the scenes. We explore how much teaching has changed in recent years, particularly with the increasing demands of administration and curriculum, and the impact these changes can have on educators and school communities. But Susan's story extends well beyond the school gates. We also explore her transition from school principal to yoga teacher and the shift in identity that can come when we leave a role that has defined us for so long. Susan also opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis and how it profoundly changed the way she values her life and the people in it. This conversation made me reflect on how closely we can tie our identity to what we do — and the courage it can take to step into a new chapter when a role we've held for so long comes to an end. Key Episode Takeaways: The challenges school principals face behind the scenes and the complexity of leading a school community. How teaching has changed, particularly with increasing administrative and curriculum demands. Susan's transition from school principal to yoga teacher and the identity shift that can come when we leave a long-held role. How a breast cancer diagnosis changed Susan's perspective and deepened her appreciation for life and the people she loves. About the Guest Susan Simon lives on five acres of natural bushland in Tanawha, in south-east Queensland. She and her husband Geoff head up a lively family of six adult children and an emerging gaggle of grandchildren. Simon loves spending time with family and friends, and her passions include writing, yoga, travel, art and music. Simon has been writing creatively all her life, in journals, poetry and short stories. The Secrets of St Jude’s is her first full length novel. She was inspired to write it through the encouragement of colleagues in a creative writers’ group. Born in Suffolk, England, Simon went to school in Cambridge. She studied at the University of Nottingham and graduated with Joint Honours in English and Fine Art. After working in London, she moved to Australia. Simon took up the profession of teaching and eventually became a school principal of three independent schools, including being the founding principal of St Andrew’s Anglican College in Peregian. She graduated with her doctorate in 2008 which paved the way for a career in academia with a focus on teacher education and school leadership. Show Resources: Connect with Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-simon-4181b630/ Follow Susan on instagram: @susan.simon_author Connect with Susan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SueSimon11/ Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Check Out Emma's Website: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/ If you LOVED the episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @susan.simon_author. Yours in Valuing the Life You Have, Emma. X.

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  • July 7 · 31 min

    Episode 100: 100 Conversations Changed Me: 10 Lessons I'll Carry Forever

    Have you ever looked back and realised you're not the same person you were a few years ago? When I hit record on Episode 1 of It's a Mindset, I had no idea where this podcast would lead. What started as a way to share conversations and build confidence before publishing my book has become one of the greatest gifts of my life. Nearly 100 guests (and plenty of solo episodes), thousands of downloads, countless stories, and more lessons than I ever imagined. In this special 100th episode, I'm reflecting on the biggest insights I've gathered - not just from my incredible guests, but from the journey of showing up week after week for the past two years. Looking back, I can see how much I've changed alongside the podcast. The conversations haven't just shaped the show - they've shaped me. Whether you've been here since Episode 1 or you've only recently discovered It's a Mindset, thank you for being part of this journey. If you've ever listened to an episode, shared one with a friend, left a review or simply taken something valuable away from a conversation, this episode is for you. Key Episode Takeaways: The criticism we fear is rarely as powerful as the growth that comes from showing up anyway. Every person has a story - and curiosity is one of the greatest teachers. Success looks different for everyone, but living in alignment with your values matters more than external achievement. Community, mentors and expanders can completely change the direction of your life. Vulnerability creates connection far more than perfection ever will. True wealth isn't just financial - it's purpose, wellbeing, relationships and freedom. Midlife isn't about winding down; it's an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Small, consistent actions create extraordinary outcomes over time. Some conversations stay with you forever because they arrive exactly when you need them. The biggest lesson of all? We never stop becoming. I also mention some favourite episodes along the way, including conversations with Bernard Cates, Chelsea Pottenger, Kerryn Harvey, Donna McGeorge, Helen Baker, Caitlin Judd, Tamsin Simons, Gayle Smerdon, Penelope Barr and many more who have generously shared their wisdom on It's a Mindset. Show Resources: Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - @emmalagerlow Check Out Emma Website - https://www.emmalagerlow.com/ Learn More About Emma's Book, Worthy & Wealthy - https://www.amazon.com.au/Worthy-Wealthy-Discovering-Abundance-Fulfilment/dp/1998528022 If you enjoyed this milestone episode, I'd love you to share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @emmalagerlow so I can personally thank you. Thank you for being part of the first 100 episodes. Here's to the next 100 episodes, Emma. X.

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  • June 30 · 59 min

    Episode 99: How to Sleep Better and Perform at Your Best with Penelope Barr

    Have you ever found yourself lying awake at 3am, desperately wishing you could switch your brain off? For so many of us, especially in midlife, getting a good night's sleep can feel elusive. Yet quality sleep is one of the most powerful foundations for feeling our best, performing at our best, and living a healthier, happier life. In this episode of It's a Mindset, I'm joined by portfolio careerist, advisor and author Penelope Barr. Drawing on more than 25 years of executive experience, Penelope has made it her mission to help high performers create more aligned and sustainable ways of working and living. Her new book, Win the Night to Win the Day: Sleep Well. Work Better. Live Best., explores why our best days are created the night before and shares practical strategies to help you sleep better. As a menopausal woman, sleep can be elusive for me, so I was fascinated to hear what Penelope had to say on the subject, given she's written an entire book about it. This conversation challenged the idea that sleep is something we simply hope for and instead showed how we can intentionally create the conditions to sleep better, improve our performance and feel more energised each day. If you've ever struggled to switch off at night, wake feeling exhausted, or wondered how better sleep could improve every area of your life, this episode is for you. Key Episode Takeaways: We are biological beings, and no matter how hard we try, we can't outsmart our need for quality sleep. Winding down for optimal sleep isn't just about willpower - it's about creating intentional systems and habits that support better rest. Success isn't about looking good to others; it's about creating a life that genuinely feels good to you. Discover Penelope's 6:3:3 lifestyle framework and whether it could help you sleep better, perform at your best, and create more sustainable success. About the Guest: Penelope Barr is a Portfolio careerist, Advisor, Author and working parent. Penelope draws on more than 25 years of executive experience to help high performers and organisations design more aligned and sustainable ways of working and living. She’s the creator of the 6:3:3 concept, focused on the connection between rest, performance, and strategic, sustainable success. Penelope’s new, “Win the Night to Win the Day. Sleep Well. Work Better. Live Best.” It's a strategic guide for high performers created by research, interviews with global experts and years of experiments to help you design your personal best days to sleep well. Your best days are made at night. Show Resources: Connect with Penelope on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/penelopebarr/ Follow Penelope on Instagram - @ penelope_barr Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - @emmalagerlow Check Out Emma's Book, Worthy & Wealthy - https://www.amazon.com.au/Worthy-Wealthy-Discovering-Abundance-Fulfilment/dp/1998528022 If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram Stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @ penelope_barr. Yours in Winning the Night, To Win the Day, Emma. X.

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  • June 23 · 52 min

    Episode 98: How Not to Turn a Bad Day Into a Bad Life with Dr Gayle Smerdon

    Have you ever had one of those days where everything seems to go wrong? The alarm doesn't go off. Someone says something that rubs you the wrong way. Work feels overwhelming. Your confidence takes a hit. And before you know it, one bad day starts feeling like a bad week, a bad month, or even a bad life. In this episode of It's a Mindset, Emma sits down with Learning and Organisational Development specialist, speaker and author Dr Gayle Smerdon to explore why bad days happen, how we can recognise them early, and most importantly, what we can do to stop them spiralling. Gayle is the author of The Bad Day Playbook and founder of the "Make Work Less Sh*t" philosophy. Drawing on decades of experience working with leaders, teams and organisations, she shares practical and compassionate strategies for navigating life's inevitable difficult moments. Who hasn't had a bad day? I know I've experienced a few recently, and this conversation really landed for me. One of the things I loved most about speaking with Gayle was her reminder that while bad days are inevitable, staying stuck in them isn't. This episode is filled with practical wisdom, self-awareness and gentle reminders that we have more agency than we often realise when we're struggling. Key Episode Takeaways: How a bad day can slowly turn into a bad week, a bad month or even depression if left unchecked The early warning signs that you're having a bad day Why recognising what's happening is often the first step towards changing it The powerful questions you can ask yourself when you're struggling How to identify what is within your control and what isn't The role of self-awareness in navigating difficult emotions Why connection can be one of the most important tools during a bad day How to know whether you need support, space or something else entirely Why bad days are part of being human and don't define who you are One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is that while we can't always control what happens to us, we can influence what happens next. Bad days may be inevitable. Staying stuck in them isn't. About the Guest Dr Gayle Smerdon is a Learning and Organisational Development specialist, speaker and author who helps people make work less exhausting and more meaningful. For more than two decades, she has worked across universities, government and not-for-profits, helping leaders and teams navigate change, build capability and create healthy workplace cultures. With a PhD in Sociology and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Gayle studies how organisations function (and malfunction), exploring the interplay between systems, culture and behaviour. She is the author of The Bad Day Playbook and founder of the "Make Work Less Sh*t" philosophy - a practical, funny and deeply human approach to improving work without pretending everything is fine. Gayle believes bad days may be inevitable, but staying stuck in them isn't. Show Resources: Connect with Gayle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayle-smerdon/ Follow Gayle on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gaylesmerdon/ Check Out Gayles Website: https://www.gaylesmerdon.com/ Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Purchase Worthy & Wealthy: https://www.amazon.com.au/Worthy-Wealthy-Discovering-Abundance-Fulfilment/dp/1998528022 If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @gaylesmerdon. Remember: A bad day doesn't mean you have a bad life. Go Gently, Emma. X.

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  • June 16 · 1 hr

    Episode 97: What If the Life You Want Is Just One Experiment Away? with Tamsin Simounds

    Have you ever known exactly what you needed to do, but still found yourself stuck? We live in a world overflowing with information. Books, podcasts, courses and advice are more accessible than ever before. Yet many of us still struggle to bridge the gap between what we know and what we actually do. In this episode of It's a Mindset, Emma sits down with leadership expert, keynote speaker and author Tamsin Simounds to explore why information alone doesn't create change - experience does. Drawing on the principles from her book, The Experiment Mindset, Tamsin shares a brain-aligned approach to growth that challenges the way many of us think about personal development. Together, Emma and Tamsin unpack why high achievers often become trapped by their own success, why waiting until something feels comfortable is holding us back, and how embracing experimentation can create lasting transformation. As someone who has recently launched The Next Chapter Collective, Emma deeply resonated with Tamsin's message. Building something new always involves uncertainty, vulnerability and a willingness to step into the unknown. In many ways, every next chapter is simply one big experiment - and perhaps that's exactly the point. If you've been waiting to feel ready before making a change, this conversation may be exactly what you need to hear. One of the most powerful reflections from this conversation is considering how much you've changed over the past ten years compared to how much you expect to change over the next ten. Most of us dramatically underestimate our capacity for growth. This episode is a reminder that the life you want isn't created through more information alone. It's created through action, experimentation and a willingness to step into the unknown. Key Episode Takeaways: Why information alone doesn't create lasting change The difference between progress and genuine growth How successful people can unknowingly become trapped by their own identity The three levers that drive behaviour and transformation Why waiting for confidence before taking action rarely works How adopting an experimental mindset can help you navigate uncertainty and change Why the life you want may be much closer than you think Why you don't have to stay the same person you've always been About The Guest: Tamsin Simounds is a leadership expert, keynote speaker, entrepreneur and author of The Experiment Mindset. Her work focuses on helping people bridge the gap between what they know and what they actually do by creating experiences that generate meaningful behavioural change. She is also the founder of JumpProof, a platform designed to help individuals and organisations embrace experimentation as a pathway to growth, resilience and transformation. Show Resources: Follow Tamsin on Instagram: @tamsinsimounds Connect with Tamsin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsinkate/ Check Out Tamsin's Website: https://www.tamsinsimounds.com/ Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmalagerlow Learn More About The Next Chapter Collective - https://www.emmalagerlow.com/the-next-chapter-collective If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @tamsinsimounds Here's to embracing the experiment, Emma. X.

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  • June 9 · 20 min

    Episode 96: What Dream Have You Put on Hold?

    Have you ever had a dream that wouldn't quite leave you alone? Not a fleeting idea. Not a New Year's resolution. A dream that keeps quietly tapping you on the shoulder, year after year, even as life gets busy. In this solo episode of It's a Mindset, Emma explores why so many women put their dreams on hold while they focus on everyone else. From careers and caring responsibilities to being the "good girl" and meeting expectations, it's easy to lose sight of what we truly want. Emma shares her own journey of following dreams that once felt impossible - leaving a 25-year corporate career, writing an award-winning and bestselling book, launching a podcast, travelling the world, hosting sound healing events, and now finding herself drawn towards a new possibility: yoga teacher training. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect and ask yourself a powerful question: What dream have you put on hold? If you've been feeling restless, stuck, unfulfilled, or like there's something more waiting for you, this conversation is for you. As Emma shares in Worthy & Wealthy, true abundance begins with understanding who you are, what you want and having the courage to take the next step. And perhaps your next step starts today. Key Episode Takeaways: Why so many women put their dreams on hold while prioritising everyone else's needs Why the "good girl" conditioning can keep women playing small Why your next chapter doesn't need to be dramatic to be meaningful Three powerful questions to help you reconnect with what you truly want Why permission, support and accountability are often the missing ingredients for change How to recognise when you're ready for your next chapter Journal Prompts Take some time to reflect on these questions: ✨ What dream have I put on hold? ✨ Why did I put it on hold? ✨ What would happen if I finally gave myself permission to pursue it? ✨ If nothing changed over the next five years, how would I feel? Doors Are Now Open to The Next Chapter Collective If this episode stirred something within you... If you've been thinking about the dream you've put on hold... If you've been wondering what's next... Or if you're simply ready to invest in yourself again... I'd love to invite you to join The Next Chapter Collective. This brand-new five-week coaching experience has been designed for women who know they're ready for something more - more purpose, more fulfilment, more clarity and more intention in the next chapter of their lives. Together, we'll explore the same five pillars that sit at the heart of Worthy & Wealthy: ✨ Self-Worth ✨ Purpose ✨ Wellbeing ✨ Financial Empowerment ✨ Freedom These are the same five pillars that transformed my own life and became the foundation of my book, Worthy & Wealthy. This is the work we'll be doing together over five weeks - moving beyond inspiration and into action, with the support, accountability and encouragement to create meaningful change. Program begins: Tuesday 23 June Weekly Live Coaching Calls: Tuesdays at 7:30pm AEST Includes: ✔ Five weeks of live coaching, support and accountability ✔ Weekly Zoom sessions ✔ Recordings available if you can't attend live ✔ Reflection exercises, practical tools and workbook activities ✔ A supportive community of like-minded women ✔ A complimentary 60-minute private coaching session Places are intentionally limited to ensure a personalised and supportive experience. If you're ready to stop putting your dreams on hold and start intentionally creating your next chapter, I'd love to support you inside the program. You can find all the details and enrol via the link in the show notes. Show Resources: Follow Emma, The Podcast Host on Instagram - @emmalagerlow Learn More About The Next Chapter Collective - https://www.emmalagerlow.com/the-next-chapter-collective Check Out Emma's Book, Worthy & Wealthy - https://www.amazon.com.au/Worthy-Wealthy-Discovering-Abundance-Fulfilment/dp/1998528022 So let me leave you with one final question: What dream have you put on hold? Maybe your next chapter isn't about becoming someone new. Maybe it's about finally becoming more of who you've always been. If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram stories and tag @emmalagerlow. Here's to Your Next Chapter, Emma. X.

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