She Wasn't Born Yesterday

Hope 103.2

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday tackles the many unique issues affecting women who are 40+ fabulous. “Nothing’s off limits and we dive headfirst into topics from homelessness to women using porn, true crime obsession and life after divorce and DV,” says Janet. “We think women (and hopefully guys too) will resonate.  She Wasn’t Born Yesterday is available on the Hope 103.2 app and major podcast platforms. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

  1. 6D AGO

    Aged Care Costs Exploding: Support at Home Reality - Beverly Baker

    Beverly Baker is the president of the National Older Women's Network. With extensive experience in advocating for the rights and well-being of older women, Beverly is dedicated to ensuring that aging populations have access to dignity, security, and well-being. Under her leadership, the network focuses on empowering older women through community engagement and lobbying for policy changes. Key Points: The "Support at Home" initiative is meant to allow elderly Australians to live independently, but is fraught with structural and financial challenges. Many elderly Australians are struggling with increased costs and lengthy wait times for care package approvals. Despite government intentions, the aged care system remains provider-focused and lacks sufficient oversight and accountability. The privatization trend in aged care is placing profit over provision of services, impacting the quality and accessibility of care. Active political engagement and local advocacy are crucial for holding politicians accountable and driving reforms in the aged care sector. Notable Quotes: "It's really a complete cyclone that's just sucking everybody into it and who knows where they fly out." - Beverly Baker "This should come as no surprise to people that people are going, oh, look at all the old people we're getting." - Beverly Baker "The trouble with you, Bev, is that I know what it's like to be your age. You have no idea what it's like to be mine." - Beverly Baker "Growing old should be with dignity, respect, and well-being that they are things that are absolutely essential." - Beverly Baker   Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
  2. FEB 5

    School Funding Truth: Jane Caro on Public vs Private

    Jane Caro is an accomplished Australian author, broadcaster, documentary maker, and social commentator. A Walkley Award winner, Caro has penned two best-selling novels and is frequently featured on the ABC show, "The Gruen Transfer". She is a passionate advocate for public education in Australia and critic of the funding disparities between public and private schools. Her career spans across various media, where she showcases her expertise and fervor for equitable education systems. Key Points: Jane Caro critiques the significant funding gap between public and private schools in Australia, calling for an alignment of support with students' needs, rather than parental choice. The episode discusses the inequalities perpetuated by a neoliberal funding system, which often leaves public schools under-resourced while private schools thrive on public money. Caro suggests that a cohesive, inclusive education system benefits society as a whole, enhancing societal prosperity, equality, and overall well-being. The dialogue explores potential solutions such as revising funding models, promoting public school enrollment, and enacting policy changes that ensure fair access to quality education for all students. Caro emphasises the detrimental impacts of educational segregation, advocating for a more comprehensive and equitable approach to school funding. Notable Quotes: "It's bizarre. I mean, it's the same way we tax university students for their degrees more than we tax the fossil fuel industry." "Basically, successive…governments have used education funding to reward the parents they approve of and punish the parents they don't approve of." "If you can afford, send your child to a private school, and agitate to change the funding." "Public schools remain comprehensive schools, so they tend to enroll the community's entire range. Those schools tend to do better academically." "My sympathy for, oh, my kid was in a hard position. Yes, I get it, but what's the public good?" Resources: Jane Caro's Book: "The Stupid Country: How Australia is Dismantling Public Education."   Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    53 min
  3. JAN 29

    My Husband's Gay: Blindsided After 27 Years

    About the Guest(s): Donna Hanlon: Donna is an experienced advocate for women who have gone through complex marital challenges, specifically related to mixed orientation marriages. She utilizes her insights and experiences to lead initiatives like Divorce Care in her church, providing support to those navigating divorce within conservative communities. Karen Bieman: Karen Bieman is a counselor and coach focusing on the experiences of straight spouses in mixed orientation marriages. She founded "Not My Closet", a support service dedicated to helping people cope with the revelation of a partner's hidden sexual orientation. Karen's work is influenced by her personal experience, driving her empathetic and specialized approach. Episode Summary: In this revealing episode, Jenni Woodhouse and Janet Evans sit down with Donna Hanlon and Karen Bieman, who bravely explore the intricate and often painful dynamics of mixed orientation marriages. Donna shares her personal story of being blindsided by her ex-husband's coming out as gay after 27 years of marriage, while Karen provides a counselor's perspective, offering understanding and guidance for others in similar situations. The discussion unfolds with a deep dive into the emotional and social impacts these revelations have on families, particularly in conservative or faith-based communities. As the conversation progresses, the focus shifts to the psychological and social aspects of these unique marital challenges. The episode emphasizes how these hidden truths can deeply affect self-worth and family dynamics, highlighting the vital need for networks and resources tailored to these issues. Karen introduces her organization "Not My Closet" as a beacon of support, emphasizing the importance of empathy and targeted counseling. This episode is rich with insights, making it a must-listen for listeners interested in understanding the complexities and emotional nuances faced by those in mixed orientation marriages. Key Takeaways: Emotional Betrayal: Discovering a spouse's hidden sexual orientation can undermine trust and alter the perceived history of a relationship, leading to complex emotional fallout. Support Networks: Both personal friends and specialized groups like "Not My Closet" provide crucial support and validation for those processing mixed orientation marriage revelations. Children's Impact: The experiences of children in these situations are complex, often dealing with betrayed trust and family dynamics reshaping their perceptions. Healing and Identity: Reclaiming personal identity and self-worth is essential for those recovering from the discovery of a partner's concealed orientation, requiring deep emotional work. Counseling and Resources: Access to understanding and empathetic counseling is critical in providing necessary support and perspective to navigate these challenging revelations. Notable Quotes: "It just feels like a huge scam, you know, I was just… Our marriage was doomed from the start." - Donna Hanlon "This is not your closet… It never should have been." - Karen Bieman "There's something really beautiful about being in the room together." - Karen Bieman "It takes such a battering to our self-worth, our sense of who we are." - Karen Bieman "You're not allowed to be angry at someone for being gay… But you're angry at them for hiding it from you and using you." - Karen Bieman Resources: Not My Closet: notmycloset.com Our Path: Global network for those in mixed orientation relationships. Karen Bieman's Email: Available through her website for those seeking support or further information. Listen in to fully explore these important conversations and gain a deeper understanding of the personal and emotional journeys tackled by those affected. Stay tuned for more illuminating content in upcoming episodes. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min
  4. Supporting Teens After the Bondi Terror Attack

    12/17/2025

    Supporting Teens After the Bondi Terror Attack

    Collett Smart has been a guest on the podcast and she recently posted some great advice on supporting teens (or children) going through questions surrounding the Bondi Terror Attack. Have a listen and we hope this helps you. Remember, the first 2 weeks are crucial.  Key Takeaways: Parents should model emotional regulation and prioritize checking in on their own mental health to support their children effectively. Engage in open yet age-appropriate dialogues with children, allowing them to process their emotions and ask questions about the crisis. Limit media consumption to protect mental health, as repeated exposure to distressing news can exacerbate anxiety and fear. Maintain normalcy through regular activities while providing psychological first aid to comfort and reassure children. Seek professional help promptly if a child exhibits prolonged signs of distress, leveraging community resources like helplines. Notable Quotes: "It's very normal to feel overwhelmed at this stage, even as adults." "This is an opportunity to teach our children that we are all part of one world and that we actually all need to help each other." "Your children will learn how to deal with emotions and these events by watching how you approach it." "We can give them that kind of psychological first aid for where they are there and then with you." "Please consider seeking professional support. Get support from Helplines, Lifelines, Beyond Blue Childline." Resources: Beyond Blue: Website Lifeline: Website Colette Smart's Professional Profiles: Website | Instagram | Twitter   Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    15 min
  5. 12/11/2025

    Shane Gould: Life In the Fast Lane

    About the Guest Shane Gould is a legendary Australian swimmer and an influential figure in the world of sports. At the 1972 Munich Olympics, she achieved an unprecedented feat by winning three individual gold medals—all in world record times—while also capturing a silver and a bronze. Notably, she is the only swimmer in history to hold all freestyle world records simultaneously. Beyond her athletic career, Shane successfully earned a PhD from Victoria University, focusing on the cultural study of swimming in Australia. She has also contributed to literature with a book on sports career transitions and continues to inspire through various roles, including her work with the New South Wales Art Gallery. Key Takeaways: Shane Gould's unparalleled success at the 1972 Munich Olympics and her simultaneous hold of all freestyle world records. The pivotal role of early identification and consistent training, coupled with scientific and systematic coaching, in achieving athletic greatness. Insights into her unexpected retirement at 16, sparked by intellectual aspirations and her quest for independence. The psychological and emotional aspects of athletic training, career transitions, and maintaining an athletic identity post-retirement. Shane's diverse pursuits post-swimming career, including academia, authorship, and public speaking, aimed at empowering others through personal and career transitions. Notable Quotes: "Even though I'm the best in the world at the time, how can I keep ahead of everyone else?" "It's very different. Yeah, harder in a lot of different ways… You can't really compare it, but being an athlete sets you up to manage your time." "To be able to perform under the pressures, you have to be responsible to the crowd and acknowledge them because they're cheering you on." "Life is physical… I try to see value in my past experiences." "Transitions: Life is full of them. Moving home, changing jobs, re-educating yourself… I realised this is relevant to anyone." Resources: Shane Gould's Autobiography - Tumble Turns  Shane's latest book on titled Sports Career Transition  She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker Join the discussion of being 40+ faaabulous on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    54 min
  6. 12/04/2025

    Sleep Expert: Perimenopause & Hormone Tips - Olivia Arezzolo

    About the Guest Olivia Arezzolo is an acclaimed sleep expert from Australia, recognised for her extensive knowledge and practical approach to improving sleep quality. With a deep understanding of the biology behind sleep, Olivia has positioned herself as an authoritative figure in the wellness industry. She frequently educates on effective sleep strategies through various media channels, workshops, and her bestselling book "Bear, Lion, Wolf," which delves into understanding different sleep chronotypes. Olivia's work emphasizes the importance of aligning one's sleep habits with their natural circadian rhythms to enhance overall health and wellbeing. Key Takeaways: Understanding Chronotypes: Olivia explains the concept of chronotypes—bears, lions, and wolves—and how they dictate individual sleep needs and patterns. Sleep Hormones and Mental Health: Adequate sleep is crucial for regulating hormones like serotonin and cortisol, affecting mood and stress levels. The Impact of Technology: Overuse of screens before bed disrupts circadian rhythms and suppresses melatonin production, making quality sleep elusive. Perimenopause and Sleep Challenges: Hormonal changes during perimenopause, particularly in estrogen and progesterone, significantly impact women's sleep. Effective Sleep Strategies: Aligning sleep routines with natural circadian rhythms, combined with natural supplements and lifestyle changes, can enhance sleep quality and mental function. Notable Quotes: "For 99% of the population, if you get four or five hours consistently, this leads to catastrophic impacts." - Olivia Arezzolo "Sleep is an asset that allows you to be mentally clear, calm, sustained energy, present, productive." - Olivia Arezzolo "Your circadian rhythm gods are boss. Okay. So yes, you know, white noise can be helpful." - Olivia Arezzolo "Kiwi fruit are the fruit or the food which has the most abundant natural melatonin there was." - Olivia Arezzolo "My favourite nap though is called a NASA nap, and it was able to boost cognitive performance by 34%." - Olivia Arezzolo Resources: Olivia Arezzolo on Instagram Olivia Arezzolo on LinkedIn Olivia Arezzolo's Website: oliviaarezzolo.com.au Book: Bear, Lion, Wolf" by Olivia Arezzolo   She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker Join the discussion of being 40+ faaabulous on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min
  7. 11/27/2025

    HRT & Menopause: Sleep, Mood & Real Talk for Women 40+

    Key Takeaways: HRT can significantly improve quality of life for women experiencing menopause by alleviating symptoms like sleep disturbances and mood imbalances. Michelle highlights the shift in perception and formulation of HRT over the years, noting reduced associated health risks. Open communication with a healthcare provider, preferably one experienced in women's health, is crucial when considering HRT. Personal experiences with HRT can vary widely, underscoring the importance of individual consultations for tailored treatment strategies. Awareness and acceptance of menopausal changes in social and professional settings can help normalize the conversation around aging in women. Notable Quotes: "It's all about quality of life… if I can now sleep all the night through since I've been taking it, for me, that's going to impact my life a lot." "The way that it's made up now is a lot different to what it used to be." "For me, it's about just making my quality of life better." "I think a positive way to look at it is… it's a new thing for everyone, just working and being at that age where you are menopausal and dealing with hot flashes." "Speak to your GP and just have the conversation and talk to them about what's happening with your body." She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker Join the discussion of being 40+ faaabulous on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  8. 11/20/2025

    Floods - Molong Lawyer Vs Insurance Giants (Kirsty Evans)

    About the Guest: Kirsty Evans is a distinguished commercial and property lawyer and director at Cheney Suthers, a legal firm with offices in Orange and Molong, New South Wales. Recognised for her community-focused work, Kirsty was named the New South Wales Regional Woman of the Year in 2025. Her dedication shines through her advocacy and her role in aiding businesses and individuals affected by the devastating flash flood in Molong in 2022. Kirsty is celebrated as an inspiring voice in the law community, showing a profound commitment to social justice and community resilience. Key Takeaways: Kirsty Evans was pivotal in navigating insurance claims for businesses affected by the 2022 Molong flood, highlighting the nuanced definitions of flood versus stormwater in insurance policies. Her work led her to participate in a 2024 parliamentary inquiry aimed at reforming insurance response strategies to natural disasters, although the recommendations are yet to be officially acknowledged by the government. Kirsty’s determination and legal expertise have realigned how communities can recover from disaster, emphasising the role of social capital and community stories in driving systemic change. Her firm, Chaney Southers, exemplifies community-centered legal services, offering pro bono support to address regional challenges, demonstrating the importance of legal support in community resilience and recovery. Kirsty's advocacy is a lesson in the power of grassroots activism to inspire legislative reform and encourage broader regional engagement in disaster preparedness. Notable Quotes: "Insurers won't cover you for water that escapes the natural confines of a creek, but if it's stormwater, that's an insurable event." "Sharing stories is how we get people to listen. That's why your metro readers or listeners will resonate with the stories because they want that connection." "Every policyholder that we were able to assist, we either overturned their decline or increased their payout." "One of my most heartwarming moments is calling a client to tell her we'd overturned her policy limit denial." "It's a bit of that impostor syndrome sometimes, but they're such great champions. I just helped them obtain what they should have got in the first place." Resources: Cheney Suthers: Learn more about the firm led by Kirsty Evans Service New South Wales: For information on emergency disaster payments, visit Service NSW's official site  Kirsty Evans: Follow her insights and updates on LinkedIn She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker Join the discussion of being 40+ faaabulous on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

About

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday tackles the many unique issues affecting women who are 40+ fabulous. “Nothing’s off limits and we dive headfirst into topics from homelessness to women using porn, true crime obsession and life after divorce and DV,” says Janet. “We think women (and hopefully guys too) will resonate.  She Wasn’t Born Yesterday is available on the Hope 103.2 app and major podcast platforms. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

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