The Hair Therapist

Melissa Alsemgeest

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.    @InfectiousBehaviour | Linktree   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Concrete Isn’t A Bed - Part 1

    Norm grew up knowing that his father had spent his final years homeless on the streets of London - a fact he didn’t fully comprehend as a child, but one that stayed with him as a quiet, defining thread. That early awareness shaped his understanding of how quickly people can fall through the cracks, and it planted the conviction that safety and dignity should never be out of reach for anyone.   Years later, that conviction crystallised when he noticed a near‑empty carpark at night and recognised its untapped potential. That moment sparked the creation of Beddown, the social enterprise he founded in 2018 to transform underutilised carparks into safe, temporary accommodation for people sleeping rough. After several years establishing and growing the initiative, Norm stepped away from Beddown and has since moved into new purpose‑driven work.   Today, Norm channels his energy into Prison Transport Group, where he serves as CEO, focusing on connection, safety, and dignity for families navigating the justice system. His mission has evolved, but the through‑line remains the same: creating practical, compassionate solutions for people who are too often overlooked. His early life didn’t give him grief to carry, it gave him clarity about the kind of change he wanted to make. Norm McGillivray | LinkedIn https://prisontransport.com.au/ (17) Facebook - Beddown   On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.   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 Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Norm McGillivray Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  2. 2 MAR

    Dignity Rights Choice Voice

    In this episode, Mel sits down with Janelle and Penny from Respect Inc, Queensland’s sex worker–led organisation advocating for safety, rights, and dignity in an industry long shaped by stigma and criminalisation. It’s a conversation arriving at a historic moment: after decades of campaigning by groups like Respect Inc and DecrimQLD, Queensland has now passed laws to decriminalise sex work, a reform designed to improve safety, workplace rights, and personal autonomy for sex workers across the state.   Janelle and Penny unpack what this shift really means on the ground, how outdated laws once restricted basic safety strategies, forced most workers outside the legal framework, and criminalised everyday practices that other industries take for granted. They speak candidly about the challenges that still remain, from the legacy of policing practices to the gaps in support services and the ongoing need for community education and cultural change.   The conversation also explores the recent updates to Queensland’s consent laws, and how these reforms intersect with the lived experiences of sex workers - particularly when it comes to reporting violence, navigating the justice system, and holding offenders accountable. They highlight the reality that while legislative change is a crucial step, true safety requires a shift in how society, institutions, and systems value and protect sex workers.   Together, they offer a clear, grounded picture of where progress has been made, where barriers persist, and what a fully equitable future for sex workers in Queensland could look like. It’s an honest, insightful, and deeply necessary discussion with two advocates who have spent years pushing for evidence‑based reform, human rights, and respect.   Laws in Queensland https://respectqld.org.au/sex-work-and-the-laws-in-queensland/ Consent Laws https://respectqld.org.au/new-consent-laws-for-qld-what-you-need-to-know/ Respect QLD | Support for Queensland sex workers (10) Facebook Respect Inc (1) Instagram Respect Inc   On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.   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 Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Janelle and Penny Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 22m

  3. 23 FEB

    Forged Into Unstoppable Strength

    A conversation with Tiffanee Cook is never just a conversation, it’s an invitation to step into the ring with your own story, to face the parts of yourself you’ve outrun, and to discover what strength really feels like when it’s earned from the inside out.   Tiffanee’s early years shaped her in ways she wouldn’t fully understand until much later. She carried unspoken pain, unprocessed experiences, and a quiet determination that kept her moving even when she didn’t yet have the tools to make sense of it all. Everything began to shift the day she stepped into a boxing gym. What started as a physical outlet quickly became a lifeline - a place where discipline met emotion, where movement unlocked memory, and where she finally had the space to confront what she’d spent years suppressing.   Through boxing, Tiffanee didn’t just build strength; she found herself. She found language for her story, compassion for her younger self, and a pathway to healing that would eventually shape her life’s work. Today she’s a speaker, coach, and the creator of Roll With The Punches, a platform grounded in raw honesty, resilience, and the belief that our hardest moments can become our greatest catalysts for change.   In this episode, Mel and Tiff explore: The pivotal experiences that shaped her early lifeHow boxing became a mirror, a teacher, and a turning pointThe connection between physicality and emotional healingWhat it means to process long‑suppressed trauma through movementHer evolution into a coach, speaker, and storytellerWhy she believes resilience is something you build, not something you’re born with  This is a conversation about healing through honesty, finding identity through adversity, and learning to roll with the punches, literally and metaphorically. Tiffanee brings grit, humour, vulnerability, and a fierce commitment to growth that makes her story not just inspiring, but deeply human.   Roll With The Punches Podcast | Speaker, Coach, Podcaster (1) Instagram Tiffanee Cook Tiffanee Cook | LinkedIn (20+) Facebook Tiffanee Cook Mark Seymour & The Undertow - The Boxer (Official Video) - YouTube   On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.   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 Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Tiffanee Cook Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 16m

  4. 16 FEB

    Your Thoughts Shape Your Life

    In this episode, Mel sits down with Heidi Horne, speaker, author, traveler, coach, stress strategist and the creator of the One‑Minute Reset™, a simple but powerful method for shifting your state of mind in just 60 seconds. Heidi’s story is one of movement, across countries, careers, and inner landscapes. For years, she was the woman who could do everything, juggling work, family, and life at full speed. But it was a single moment of clarity that changed her trajectory, prompting her to rethink what it means to live well, feel grounded, and truly choose your mindset. Her journey through travel, reinvention, and self‑discovery now fuels her mission: helping people interrupt stress in real time and reclaim calm, clarity, and energy. Together, Mel and Heidi explore the experiences that shaped her, from the adventures that expanded her worldview to the challenges that taught her how quickly our inner state can spiral, and how quickly it can be reset. They dive into the science‑backed tools behind the One‑Minute Reset™, the power of micro‑moments, and the idea that wellbeing doesn’t require hours of meditation or perfect routines. Sometimes, it starts with a single breath, a pause, or a shift in attention. This conversation is for anyone who feels stretched thin, stuck on autopilot, or curious about how to influence their mindset in a way that’s practical, compassionate, and sustainable. Heidi brings warmth, honesty, and a grounded sense of possibility - reminding us that change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be transformative. If you’re ready to rethink stress, reframe your day, and rediscover the small choices that shape your life, you’re in the right place. Heidi Horne HEIDI HORNE | LinkedIn One-Minute Reset Book - Heidi Horne One-Minute Reset: Reset Your Mind, Reclaim Your Life in Just 60 Seconds : Horne, Heidi: Amazon.com.au: Books Today Show Interview: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oaCwqcgxwHooegebXp72JHjt0TAnkuYq/view?usp=sharing On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.   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 Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Heidi Horn Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min

  5. 9 FEB

    Haus_of_Jools No Filter

    In this episode, Mel sits down with Jools Purchase, the creative force behind Haus of Jools, whose path has taken her from the salon floor to the stage and back again, returning to hair with a renewed sense of artistry, purpose, and connection.   Jools began her career as a hairdresser, but it was dance that pulled her into a world of movement, discipline, and self‑expression. When she eventually found her way back to hair, she brought all of that with her, the storytelling, the emotion, the intuition - transforming her craft into something far deeper than technique. Today, she’s built a space and a philosophy that challenge the idea of being “just a hairdresser,” honouring the intimacy, creativity, and emotional labour that define the industry.   In this conversation, Mel and Jools explore the choices that shaped her journey, the realities and rewards of running her own salon, and her honest perspective on the beauty world - the connection, the pressure, the identity, and the love that sits at the centre of it all. They talk ambition, artistry, community, and the power of creating a space where people feel seen.   This is a story about evolution, courage, and choosing the life you want. Jools brings warmth, wisdom, and a spark that makes her impossible to forget. Instagram - Jools Purchase Instagram - Haus_of_Jools Haus of Jools   On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.   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 Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Jools Purchase Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 25m

  6. 2 FEB

    Clawing Your Way Out of Hell

    A raw, redemptive, and deeply human conversation with Jason Blyth, a motivational speaker and youth advocate whose journey from chaos to purpose now fuels his mission to inspire change.   In this episode, Mel sits down with Jason Blyth, whose life story moves from childhood trauma and instability through addiction, violence, and rock bottom, and then into a profound, self‑driven transformation. Jason speaks with unfiltered honesty about the moments that nearly broke him, and the moment he realised he had to become the hero he was waiting for.   Today, Jason uses his lived experience to empower young people, communities, and anyone standing at the edge of their own life. His message is simple but powerful: no matter where you start, you can choose a different ending. Through speaking, advocacy, and mentoring, he helps others understand that hope is a discipline and change is always possible.   This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, lost, or unsure if they can rise again. Jason’s story is a reminder that resilience is built, not inherited, and that even from the darkest places, a new path can be carved. Jason Blyth: The Motivational & Resilience Speaker for People Who Need Change (17) Jason Blyth | LinkedIn (1) Instagram - Jason Blyth Autobiography - The Life I Was Given and The Life I Chose (pending release)   On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.   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 Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Jason Blyth Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 15m

  7. 26 JAN

    The Human Property Movement

    In this episode, Mel sits down with Laura Valenti, Director at McGrath North Lakes and Moreton Bay, to explore the unique role property managers play in shaping safer communities. With years of experience leading teams in real estate, Laura brings both professional expertise and a deep commitment to community wellbeing. Their conversation highlights how property managers, often overlooked as frontline professionals, are uniquely positioned to notice signs of distress and provide pathways to support.   Laura shares her involvement with The Priority Project, an initiative by The Constellation Project that equips property managers with the awareness and tools to respond to domestic and family violence. She explains how entering homes, managing tenancies, and building trust with tenants gives property managers a rare window into people’s lives, one that comes with responsibility and opportunity. By recognizing subtle signs and knowing how to connect individuals with the right services, property managers can play a vital role in early intervention.   Together, Mel and Laura discuss the intersection of housing, safety, and advocacy, and why the real estate industry must embrace its potential to foster resilience and protection. Their conversation underscores that everyday professionals, through empathy and awareness, can make a profound difference in the lives of those experiencing hardship.   This episode is both a call to action and an invitation: to see property management not just as a business function, but as a community service with the power to change lives. Through Laura’s insights and the work of The Priority Project, listeners are reminded that housing is more than shelter - it can be a pathway to safety, dignity, and hope.   Laura Valenti | LinkedIn https://mcgrathmb.com.au/about-us/#community-initiatives The Priority Project – The Constellation Project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jt_6PBnCJE - The Finland Housing First Approach Project   On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.   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 Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Laura Valenti Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  8. 19 JAN

    Smiles That Shift Worlds

    In this episode, Mel sits down with Sally Pymer - empowerment coach, speaker, and the driving force behind a movement that proves the simplest human gestures can create extraordinary change. Sally’s work centres on one powerful idea: a genuine smile can shift energy, soften stigma, and reconnect people who’ve forgotten what it feels like to be acknowledged.   Drawing from more than two decades across psychology, AOD counselling, community development, fitness, and coaching, Sally blends lived experience with evidence‑based insight. Her message is grounded in compassion and backed by science, showing how something as small as a smile can reduce stress, build trust, and strengthen the social fabric of workplaces and communities.   This episode is a reminder that connection doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it begins with eye contact, a moment of warmth, or the courage to show up authentically. Sally’s work teaches us that when we choose to smile, genuinely, intentionally - we create ripples that reach far beyond what we can see.   Tune in for a conversation that feels like a deep breath: grounding, hopeful, and full of heart. %Empowered with Sally (9) Facebook - Empowered with Sally Sally Pymer | LinkedIn On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.   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 Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services     CREDITS: Host: Melissa Alsemgeest Guest: Sally Pymer Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
See All (101)

4.8
out of 5
17 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.    @InfectiousBehaviour | Linktree   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Alsemgeest
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Melissa Alsemgeest
  • Show Website
    The Hair Therapist

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