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

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 12 JAN

    No More Shit Hair

    Kylie Dwyer’s story is one of artistry, leadership, and heart. Beginning her career in 1986, she quickly rose from stylist to salon owner, educator, and mentor, shaping the hairdressing community with her vision and dedication. Her work has taken her from local apprenticeships to international stages, representing Australia at the World Skills Olympics and Mondial Paris, while also showcasing her talent at Sydney and Melbourne Fashion Week, Miss Universe events, and Olympic team launches.   Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through in the creation of Elite Hair Education, a training platform designed to give stylists confidence, precision, and commercial readiness. Alongside her husband Mick, she also co-founded Elite Scissors, a brand that produces premium, ergonomic tools trusted by professionals worldwide. Their philosophy “Excellence is an Attitude” runs through every venture, including Kylie’s innovative SNIPT app, which brings streaming education to stylists everywhere.   At the core of Kylie’s success is her belief in empathy, positivity, and surrounding herself with good people. She has built a career not only on technical mastery but on fostering community, resilience, and empowerment. Her journey is a powerful reminder that skill and kindness together can create lasting impact, leaving a legacy that elevates both individuals and the industry as a whole. Elite Hair Education - Excellence is an attitude. Instagram - Elite Hair Education (10) Elite Hair Education | Facebook (12) Kylie Dwyer | 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: Kylie Dwyer Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m

  6. 5 JAN

    When Policy Fails People

    Mel sits down with Salli Cohen, founder of The Policy Room and a seasoned policy practitioner with over three decades of experience, for a powerful conversation about advocacy, resilience, and the role of good policy in shaping communities. Salli shares her personal journey, the tribulations she has faced, and the lessons learned from working across government, the not‑for‑profit sector, and community organisations. With a background spanning criminology, public administration, and frontline service delivery, she brings a rare blend of lived experience and professional expertise.   Together they explore youth advocacy and empowerment, the importance of amplifying young voices, and how well‑crafted policy can positively impact communities. Salli reflects on the challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Northern Territory, highlighting the urgent need for culturally informed, community‑driven solutions. She also speaks to the resilience required to navigate personal and professional hurdles while staying committed to advocacy, and why curiosity, courage, and capability are essential for leaders and policy teams.   This conversation is not just about policy, it’s about people. Listeners will walk away with insights into how advocacy and good governance can transform lives, especially for young people navigating systemic challenges. Salli’s story is a testament to resilience, and her work underscores the power of policy done well to create lasting social impact. (1) Salli Cohen | LinkedIn Policy Room | Policy Services   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: Salli Cohen Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 14m

  7. 29/12/2025

    Hep C is No Longer a Life Sentence

    Today’s episode brings us into the heart of what community care looks like when it’s done with courage, creativity, and an unwavering belief in people. And there’s no one who embodies that more fully than Mim O’Flynn.   For more than two decades, Mim has dedicated her nursing career to walking alongside people who are too often pushed to the margins, those experiencing homelessness, stigma, incarceration, or the heavy weight of health challenges. As the driving force behind Queensland’s Kombi Clinic, she’s helped transform hepatitis C care by taking it out of sterile rooms and into the real world: drop‑in centres, correctional facilities, community gatherings, and the streets where people live and sleep.   What makes Mim extraordinary isn’t just her clinical expertise, though she’s recognised globally as a leader in mobile hepatitis C point‑of‑care testing and treatment. It’s the way she shows up. With humour. With bright Hawaiian shirts. With a yellow van named Ruby. And with a message that cuts through shame and fear: We’re not here to judge. We’re here to help.   In this conversation, Mim shares how she found her way into this work, what she’s learned from the communities she serves, and why she believes that giving back isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about consistency, compassion, and meeting people exactly where they are.   This is a story about innovation, humanity, and the quiet power of choosing to care. Let’s dive in. Home - Kombi Clinic Mim O'Flynn - Kombi Clinic Ltd | 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: Mim O'Flynn Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  8. 22/12/2025

    The Invisible Homeless Minority

    In this powerful episode, Mel sits down with PJ Humphreys, Community Development Officer at Sunshine Coast Council and the driving force behind Street Up - a grassroots homelessness initiative built on one simple but transformative belief: nothing about us, without us. Street Up was established in 2023 to harness the strength, insight, and leadership of people with lived experience of homelessness, ensuring their voices shape the policies, services, and community responses that affect them most.   Joining PJ in this conversation are Irene and Jacqui, two remarkable Lived Experience Leaders whose courage and clarity cut straight through the noise. Their stories illuminate the realities of homelessness, its complexity, its human cost, and its moments of unexpected resilience. More importantly, they share how Street Up has given them not just a seat at the table, but a platform to influence real change in their local community through presentations, training, peer support, and policy consultations.   PJ reflects on the evolution of Street Up, the importance of community‑led solutions, and the role local government can play when it chooses to listen deeply and act collaboratively. Together, the group explores what happens when lived experience is not only acknowledged but centred, how it shifts conversations, strengthens communities, and leads to better outcomes for everyone. Street Up   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 Guests: PJ Humphries / Irene / Jacqui Editor: Robert Alsemgeest   GET IN TOUCH:       https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 13m
See All (97)

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
    97
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Melissa Alsemgeest
  • Show Website
    The Hair Therapist