The Hair Therapist

Melissa Alsemgeest
The Hair Therapist

Welcome to The Hair Therapist! I'm your host Mel. The Hair Therapist brings you real life stories from the salon chair and beyond. You will be introduced to guests from different backgrounds and experiences who have the courage to bring awareness to social issues, altering perceptions and changing stigmas. A community of daring individuals ready to transform lives, connected by stories woven from a collective of tapestries.   My life is a testament to one’s ability of the human strength and spirit to expand and rise to a challenge, battling through domestic & family violence, family drug & alcohol addiction, I barely made it through high school.   Starting my hairdressing apprenticeship at 15 was my saviour. With over 3 decades of listening to stories in the salon chair, I have heard it all as the poor man's unpaid, unqualified hair therapist.   My passion project is to use my skills to give back by doing hundreds of haircuts per year on our most vulnerable communities – people struggling and doing it tough. Sometimes it is not about the haircut it is about the meaningful connections through conversations, feeling seen and heard. I encourage my listeners to give back.   These stories are not just about survival; they’re about transforming pain into power and inspiring others to do the same.     https://infectiousbehaviour.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553910101419&mibextid=LQQJ4d   https://www.instagram.com/infectious_behaviour?igsh=ZXVjNXprZHlucmU0&utm_source=qr   Melissa Alsemgeest | LinkedIn   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    We Must Act: Protecting Children from the World of Sexual Abuse – Isabella’s Story Part II

    Isabella’s story is a stark reminder of the failures in our society and systems.   From enduring abuse at home to facing institutional neglect, her journey through the foster care system highlights the urgent need for reform.   Becoming a ward of the state at just five years old, Isabella was shuffled from one family to another, never finding the stability every child deserves. Her experiences of abuse, bullying, and neglect are a call to action for all of us.   We must do more to protect the innocence and well-being of our children, ensuring they grow up in safe and nurturing environments.   Let's work together to create a society where stories like Isabella's are a thing of the past.     Welcome to Bravehearts Beyond DV Blue Knot Foundation Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:     Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.   13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders   Home | 1800RESPECT (National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service)     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Isabella Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH: Infectious Behaviour Follow on Instagram Infectious Behaviour (@infectious_behaviour) • Instagram photos and videos and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553910101419&mibextid=LQQJ4d Email the show at mel@infectiousbehaviour.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 7m
  2. 9 DEC

    We Must Act: Protecting Children from the World of Sexual Abuse – Isabella's Story Part I

    Isabella’s story is a stark reminder of the failures in our society and systems.   From enduring abuse at home to facing institutional neglect, her journey through the foster care system highlights the urgent need for reform.   Becoming a ward of the state at just five years old, Isabella was shuffled from one family to another, never finding the stability every child deserves. Her experiences of abuse, bullying, and neglect are a call to action for all of us.   We must do more to protect the innocence and well-being of our children, ensuring they grow up in safe and nurturing environments.   Let's work together to create a society where stories like Isabella's are a thing of the past. Welcome to Bravehearts Beyond DV Blue Knot Foundation Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Podcast Summary:   The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:     Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.   13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders   Home | 1800RESPECT (National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service)     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Isabella Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH: Infectious Behaviour Follow on Instagram Infectious Behaviour (@infectious_behaviour) • Instagram photos and videos and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553910101419&mibextid=LQQJ4d Email the show at mel@infectiousbehaviour.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min
  3. 2 DEC

    How Childhood Trauma Manifests in Adulthood

    Ryan’s childhood was marked by turbulence — something not uncommon for those raised in the 70s and 80s, when many parents carried unresolved trauma from their own pasts, unknowingly passing it down.   His story of navigating the challenges of having an alcoholic father, alongside his mother’s determined efforts to keep the family intact, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging our past and working on ourselves to break destructive cycles.   I was deeply moved by Ryan’s candidness - he opened his heart and shared his life with such vulnerability. EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholics Anonymous The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:     Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.   13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders   Home | 1800RESPECT (National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service)     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Ryan Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH: Infectious Behaviour Follow on Instagram Infectious Behaviour (@infectious_behaviour) • Instagram photos and videos and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553910101419&mibextid=LQQJ4d Email the show at mel@infectiousbehaviour.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  4. 25 NOV

    Reducing Youth Crime – Constructively - YDF

    Gerry Blackwell is a strong, influential and resilient women, being all about taking action and overcoming the roadblocks that slow down the accessibility of support for our youth.   As CEO of Youth Development Foundation (YDF), Gerry and her Team have developed programs that achieve results, build mutual respect and establish solid relationships that support our youth in becoming responsible and employment ready members of our community.   Going further than most organisations that operate in this space, they provide wrap around support that takes time to consider an individual’s needs to give them the best chance in overcoming the barriers that lead them to reaching out to YDF.   Not afraid of calling out the bureaucratic nonsense that exists out there, Gerry and her Operations Manager, Ramona Wise, provide us an overview of YDF and all the great work they do.     The Youth Development Foundation – Improving the lives of our youth (7) Facebook The Youth Development Foundation (@theyouthdevelopmentfoundation) • Instagram photos and videos   Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:   Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention. 13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Home | 1800RESPECT (National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service)     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Gerry Blackwell, CEO - Youth Development Foundation Guest: Ramona Wise, Operations Manager - Youth Development Foundation Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH: Infectious Behaviour Follow on Instagram Infectious Behaviour (@infectious_behaviour) • Instagram photos and videos and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553910101419&mibextid=LQQJ4d Email the show at mel@infectiousbehaviour.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  5. 4 NOV

    Rent or Food? I can’t afford both. OzHarvest

    Today we’re talking to Celeste Schubiger, the Engagement Manager at OzHarvest, learning about one of Australia’s greatest super hero food rescue organisations!   OzHarvest was founded in 2004 by Ronni Kahn AO, after noticing the huge volume of food going to waste from her events business. Ronni did not set out to start a charity, rather just fix an obvious problem with a simple solution. Starting with one van in Sydney, she began rescuing food and delivering it to local charities.   As OzHarvest grew, Ronni and a team of pro-bono lawyers lobbied state governments to amend legislation allowing potential food donors to give their surplus food to charities without fear of liability. The Civil Liabilities Amendment Act was passed in NSW in 2005 and other states followed. OzHarvest is now Australia’s leading food rescue organisation with a driving purpose to ‘Nourish our Country’.   They have been working hard to eliminate food wastage through feeding those in need and educating society on the value of food. Through simply sharing food they are positively influencing our sustainability goals.   Make sure you give them a wave next time you see one of their iconic yellow food rescue vans out doing their good work.   OzHarvest Australia | Australia’s leading food rescue organisation Podcast Summary:   FOR SUPPORT:   Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732   CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Celeste Schubiger Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH: Infectious Behaviour Follow on Instagram Infectious Behaviour (@infectious_behaviour) • Instagram photos and videos and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553910101419&mibextid=LQQJ4d Email the show at mel@infectiousbehaviour.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  6. 28 OCT

    A Confronting Portrayal of Domestic and Family Violence.

    Elle has bravely told her story of domestic and family violence with the hope that sharing her experiences will change the lives of others, even possibly save an individual or family from the unspeakable.   One woman is murdered at the hands of a current or former partner every week in Australia.   Elle has experienced terrifying domestic and family violence, in the forms of financial, mental and physical abuse.   The financial and mental abuse is of coercive control, a powerful behaviour that involves perpetrators using patterns of abusive behaviours over time, in a way that creates fear, and denies the basic human right of liberty and autonomy.   Add the shocking experiences of physical abuse – no words can adequately describe the everlasting pain that results…   Thankfully Elle has escaped this world but in the process has literally lost everything. She is on the road of slowly rebuilding her life, remaining positive after experiencing a world no person should be subjected to. FOR SUPPORT:   Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732   CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Elle Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH: Infectious Behaviour Follow on Instagram Infectious Behaviour (@infectious_behaviour) • Instagram photos and videos and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553910101419&mibextid=LQQJ4d Email the show at mel@infectiousbehaviour.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 10m
4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Hair Therapist! I'm your host Mel. The Hair Therapist brings you real life stories from the salon chair and beyond. You will be introduced to guests from different backgrounds and experiences who have the courage to bring awareness to social issues, altering perceptions and changing stigmas. A community of daring individuals ready to transform lives, connected by stories woven from a collective of tapestries.   My life is a testament to one’s ability of the human strength and spirit to expand and rise to a challenge, battling through domestic & family violence, family drug & alcohol addiction, I barely made it through high school.   Starting my hairdressing apprenticeship at 15 was my saviour. With over 3 decades of listening to stories in the salon chair, I have heard it all as the poor man's unpaid, unqualified hair therapist.   My passion project is to use my skills to give back by doing hundreds of haircuts per year on our most vulnerable communities – people struggling and doing it tough. Sometimes it is not about the haircut it is about the meaningful connections through conversations, feeling seen and heard. I encourage my listeners to give back.   These stories are not just about survival; they’re about transforming pain into power and inspiring others to do the same.     https://infectiousbehaviour.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553910101419&mibextid=LQQJ4d   https://www.instagram.com/infectious_behaviour?igsh=ZXVjNXprZHlucmU0&utm_source=qr   Melissa Alsemgeest | LinkedIn   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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