MFEP+ME

Mentally Fit EP
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Mentally Fit EP + Me podcast, a show that connects you with stories of every day people from across Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. We believe that mental health is everyone’s business. We’re all about smashing stigmas and raising awareness so that people gain a sense of empowerment to live mentally well. Please note that at times some of our episodes may contain stories that could be deemed confronting. Please read the episode blurb to determine if this episode is right for you. Find us on Facebook at Mentally Fit EP!

  1. 24/09/2025

    Jenny Podorozhnaya || From the UK to a Positive Future- One Therapist’s Journey Down Under

    *This episode discusses child protection, moving overseas, a range of therapies and neurodivergence. It is a gentle conversation. If these topics can be challenging for you, please take care when listening. Jenny Podorozhnaya is the founder of Positive Future Self. She is a psychotherapist, counsellor, clinical supervisor, and NLP coach who moved from the UK to Australia in 2015 with her family and a powerful vision for accessible, trauma-informed care. Jenny shares the story behind building her multidisciplinary therapy hub, which offers counselling, group work, EMDR, and NDIS support, with a special focus on neurodivergent young people and their families. With warmth and wisdom, Jenny reflects on her integrated approach to therapy, her passion for helping others heal from trauma, and how life, motherhood and holding space for others has shaped her understanding of resilience and emotional wellbeing. You can find PFS online at https://www.positivefutureself.com.au/ or their Facebook page at Positive Future Self. You can find the website that Jenny spoke about for parents of Neurodiverse children at Neuro Diverse Parents Project The link to the poem, Welcome to Holland, by Emily Perl Kingsley, is here: https://www.emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-holland If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards. We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes! *MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business! Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff! Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful! A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Thank you to Port Lincoln City Motors for their partnership in providing the Mentally Fit EP vehicle which helps us travel around the region to connect with the EP communities. Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page Lifeline 131 114 Regional Access 1300 032 186 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

    1h 3m

  2. 29/07/2025

    Julian Baillie || From Paddocks to Possibilities

    *This episode discusses all things farming, which may be challenging for some listeners. Please take care when listening. Julian Baillie, known to his mates as Julz, is a farmer with big dreams and deep roots. From appearing on Farmer Wants a Wife to managing the realities of rural life, Julz is as committed to his future as he is to the land he works. Whether it’s chasing sheep, dreaming of building his own farming empire, or simply making time to check in with his mates, Julz believes in doing the hard work- both on the farm and within himself. He’s a strong advocate for connection, conversation, and community, and he knows firsthand how important it is to speak up when things get tough. His story is one of ambition, heart, and the courage to grow- even through the dry seasons. If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards. We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes! *MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business! Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff! Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful! A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Thank you to Port Lincoln City Motors for their partnership in providing the Mentally Fit EP vehicle which helps us travel around the region to connect with the EP communities. Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page Lifeline 131 114 Regional Access 1300 032 186 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

    1h 16m

  3. 18/07/2025

    Ingrid Kennerley || Life, Loss, and a Lot of Quilts

    *This episode discusses suicide, grief and the challenges of menopause, which may be challenging for some listeners. Please take care when listening. Ingrid Kennerley has always had a passion for connection, whether that be in community for bringing pieces of fabric together to give them new life. Ingrid is a loving Mum, an active community member and a passionate mentor for people navigating grief; especially due to suicide. Life has many ups and downs and Ingrid does her best to ride them all with the optimism that, with the support of family and friends, she's got this... and she knows that you have got this too! If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards. We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes! *MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business! Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff! Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years throughfundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful! A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Thank you to Port Lincoln City Motors for their partnership in providing the Mentally Fit EP vehicle which helps us travel around the region to connect with the EP communities. Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page Lifeline 131 114 Regional Access 1300 032 186 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

    1h 6m

  4. 23/10/2024

    Mick, Ash, Emma and Lain || Mentally Fit EP's 10 Year Birthday!!

    Mentally Fit EP began in 2014 with a collective vision to flip mental illness on its head; to create conversation about mental health and to focus on wellbeing and what is in our control. A group of 'go-getters' came together to create magic. Some of the key players being Kirsty Traeger, Angela Cordon, Jo Clark, Ash Lawrie, Penny Will, Leonie Green, Sue Berry and some of the Port Lincoln Rotary Club members. It started out as an idea to hold a Gala Ball to raise funds to run a program to empower people to take charge of their lives by educating, reducing stigma and up-skilling community members. The "Life is a Circus" Gala Ball was held in October, 2014, at the Port Lincoln Race Course. 10 years later, Mentally Fit EP follows the same vision and goals. The program organises and conducts workshops, this Podcast, community forums, guest speaking roles, courses, events and campaigns, among other things. Enjoy the trip down memory lane as Mick Traeger, Ash Lawrie, Lain and Emma chat about the last 10 years. What a journey! We give special mention to Kirsty Traeger and Jo Clark who are now no longer with us, earthside, but well and truly in our hearts. If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards. We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes! *MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business! Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff! Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful! A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page Lifeline 131 114 Regional Access 1300 032 186 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

    1h 6m

  5. 18/08/2024

    Steven Johnson || If you can change your mind, you can change your life

    *This episode discusses anxiety and depression, which may be distressing to some listeners. Please take care when listening. Steven Johnson’s life path was pretty ‘straightforward’. He did pretty well at school. Got some great bonus points, thanks to living in Port Lincoln, and enrolled in Uni. A story that sounds like so many other people. Steve soon realised the course he chose wasn’t ‘right’ for him and that was the beginning of his journey of choosing many different life paths. Life certainly involves many twists and turns. If you can change your mind, you can change your life. If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards. We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes! *MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business! Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff! Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful! A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page Lifeline 131 114 Regional Access 1300 032 186 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

    53 min

  6. 14/08/2024

    Rachel Sherry || Life is tough, but so are you

    *This episode discusses domestic violence, sexual assault, stillbirth and other topics which may be distressing to some listeners. Please take care when listening. This episode is a conversation with Rachel Sherry. With the world at her feet, Rachel headed up to Whyalla as a teen to study hairdressing. At their intro day the lecturer said that one of the girls WILL get pregnant. They were right. That young woman was Rachel. What followed was a series of challenging times and many ‘red flags’ that led her to Yarredi Services in Port Lincoln. These days Rachel can still be found at Yarredi Services, but it looks very different to when she first connected with them. Take care and enjoy the inspiring conversation we were lucky enough to have with Rachel. If you are in a relationship or situation that is unsafe, please reach out. Yarredi Services vision is “An empowered, safe and respectful community”. Founded in 1979, Yarredi Services began operations as safe accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence. Currently the organisation offers service to women and children affected by, or at risk from, domestic violence. Yarredi provides a range of services that aim to support and empower clients. These services include; *Specialist domestic and family violence counselling utilising a case management framework. *Therapeutic Children’s Wellbeing Program and family liaison *Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) - providing an avenue for a person who may be at risk of domestic violence to get information about their partner or former partner, to help make decisions about their safety and the future of the relationship. https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/dvds *Community development initiatives, including group work, Healthy Relationships sessions in schools, and public speaking engagements. You can find out more about Yarredi at https://yarredi.org.au/ If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, please call the Domestic Violence Crisis Line (24 hours) 1800 800 098 or 1800RESPECT (24 hours) 1800 737 732 or Yarrow Place 8226 8777 or toll-free 1800 817 421 (after hours 8226 8787) If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of grief or mental challenges, then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards. We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes! *MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business! Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff! Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful! A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page Lifeline 131 114 Regional Access 1300 032 186 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

    58 min

  7. 28/07/2024

    Hayden McFarlane || A love of the land and the water

    *This episode discusses farming, suicide prevention and Ski for Life. Hayden McFarlane has had a few different career changes in his time. He is now working on his family farm but has the best of both worlds by living 'in town'. Hayden's love for water skiing, teamed with his own challenges with his mental health, has seen him take part in Ski for Life. Ski for Life events have been held over the long weekend in March for over a decade. Starting at Murray Bridge and finishing at Renmark, Ski For Life is a water-skiing relay held over 3 days. Ski for Life Inc is an incorporated body whose members are committed to raising awareness and promoting mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. Their fundraising is enabling us to provide grants to groups undertaking projects which align with our mission. This episode drop is perfect timing as Ski for Life are thrilled to announce the registration details for their 2025 event! After their biggest event yet in 2024, they’ve made some changes to keep things smooth, accessible, and safe. They’re capping the total number of boats at 40, including the chase boat. For more details check out their Facebook or head to their website, https://www.skiforlife.com.au/ If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of grief or mental challenges, then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards. We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes! *MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business! Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff! Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful! A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page Lifeline 131 114 Regional Access 1300 032 186 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

    49 min

  8. 22/05/2024

    Liz Habermann || Lessons from her teenage Son

    *Please be aware that this episode discusses childhood cancer, death of a child and Voluntary Assisted Dying. Circa 2021, Liz Habermann appeared on ABC TV and in the media, but not due to being a famous actress. Unfortunately Liz’s name became known to many across the Nation due to her heart breaking experience of losing her teen son, Rhys, to cancer. That wasn’t the only reason her name became memorable because Liz also became a fierce advocate for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD), spurred on by Rhys’ strong support for the option; one he unfortunately didn’t legally have access to. Take care when listening to our chat. It is emotional, but also insightful. Above all, it is a recount of Liz’s experience and Rhys’ wishes. VAD is not something that everyone is comfortable with or agrees with. It is a relatively new option for people in South Australia, enabling eligible people to voluntarily access and self-administer, or in some circumstances have a doctor administer, a medication that will cause their death, in accordance with the process set out in the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (SA). Although it is an overwhelming choice to be given, it is ultimately a choice that did not exist a few years ago. Not necessarily connected to a cancer diagnosis, but if you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of grief or mental challenges, then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards. We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes! *MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business! Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff! Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful! A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page Lifeline 131 114 Regional Access 1300 032 186 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

    1h 25m
See All (37)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Mentally Fit EP + Me podcast, a show that connects you with stories of every day people from across Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. We believe that mental health is everyone’s business. We’re all about smashing stigmas and raising awareness so that people gain a sense of empowerment to live mentally well. Please note that at times some of our episodes may contain stories that could be deemed confronting. Please read the episode blurb to determine if this episode is right for you. Find us on Facebook at Mentally Fit EP!

Information

  • Creator
    Mentally Fit EP
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mentally Fit EP
  • Show Website
    MFEP+ME