Beyond The Tube: Real Stories, Real Advice

Podvan Media
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Being a caregiver to a child with a feeding tube can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. This a podcast for parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating the world of tube feeding. Hosted by Fi Rodrick, a mum who has been through it firsthand, this podcast brings you expert advice, real-life experiences, and the support you need. Each episode explores the challenges and triumphs of caring for a tube-fed child, with insights from medical professionals, parents, and people with lived experience. Whether you’re looking for practical tips, emotional reassurance, or a sense of community, this podcast is here to help. Hit follow and be part of the conversation. You don’t have to go through this alone. Produced & distributed by Podvan Media, a network dedicated to helping creators share their stories and reach new audiences through high-quality podcast production. For inquiries, contact: info@podvan.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Ep21: Maddie's Mission to Support Australia's Youngest Carers

    FEB 11

    Ep21: Maddie's Mission to Support Australia's Youngest Carers

    In this episode, I'm joined by Maddie (the CEO of Little Dreamers Australia) to discuss the vital role of young carers in our community. Maddie shares her personal story of caring for her brother and mother (a journey that began when she was just six years old) and how it inspired her to create a national support network. I wanted to explore how we can better identify the two or three young carers who sit in every Australian classroom without formal recognition. We discuss the various programs Little Dreamers offers to help kids manage their mental health and education, and Maddie outlines the four main pillars of support they provide to ensure these young people can thrive. It was a truly enlightening conversation that helped me realise how much work is still needed to support these hidden heroes! This episode is proudly sponsored by Tubie Love, now part of the Independently You family. Offering practical, beautifully designed products, these are a must for families navigating tubie life. Use code BTT20 to receive 20% off any Tubie Love product or the full range of products on Independently You. Valid until 15th March 2026. Visit independentlyyou.com.au We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out! Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast Email: beyondthetubepodcast@gmail.com This is a Podvan Media production.

    19 min
  2. Ep20: Routines - How to Manage Morning Chaos and School Drop-offs

    12/17/2025

    Ep20: Routines - How to Manage Morning Chaos and School Drop-offs

    It's the final episode for 2025 and Eliana joins me to wrap up the year with some incredible stories and practical advice. We discuss the reality of establishing feeding schedules (flexible or strict), managing big emotions in the morning, and transitioning from NG tubes to G-tubes. Eliana shares an amazing story about Luke’s button popping out mid-flight and how preparation saved the day. She also opens up about the shift from feeling overwhelmed to eventually enjoying normal family days at the beach. This chat also covers the importance of advocating for your family when medical plans don't fit your lifestyle. Eliana offers advice on navigating the festive season, reminding tubie parents to focus on the fun rather than the food! We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out! Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast  Email: beyondthetubepodcast@gmail.com This is a Podvan Media production.

    32 min
  3. The Butterfly Pig - How a Nurse Started Making Medical Toys

    12/10/2025

    The Butterfly Pig - How a Nurse Started Making Medical Toys

    Nurse Mary (The Butterfly Pig founder) shares her journey from paediatric oncology to designing over 90 different medical play toys (from G-tubes to miniature ultrasound machines). She explains how tangible, realistic medical toys are a vital resource for children managing medical conditions and procedures. Mary highlights that play is the gold standard for patient education and is an essential tool for helping children express and process their fears around medical procedures. She and host Fi Rodrick discuss the lasting effects of medical trauma (even from one-off incidents) and the need for a system-wide shift in providing more child-friendly, trauma-informed care. Check out The Butterfly Pig here: https://thebutterflypig.com/ We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out! Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast  Email: beyondthetubepodcast@gmail.com This is a Podvan Media production.

    46 min
  4. Ep18: NDIS Evidence Pyramid - The Key Documents Families Need to Succeed

    11/26/2025

    Ep18: NDIS Evidence Pyramid - The Key Documents Families Need to Succeed

    In this episode, Fi welcomes law graduate Tomika, who has a special interest in helping families navigate the complex world of the NDIS. Tomika clarifies the differences between a plan reassessment and a change in circumstance . She also shares practical advice on handling plan rollovers and escalating issues to your MP. You'll hear about the essential evidence checklist to help families with their NDIS applications (including the Functional Capacity Assessment), and the importance of a detailed daily life log and a Carer’s Impact Statement (due to high rates of carer burnout). If you'd like the checklist mentioned in this episode, just shoot me an email and I'll get it straight out to you! Email: ⁠beyondthetubepodcast@gmail.com⁠ We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out! Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast This is a Podvan Media production.

    34 min
  5. Ep17: Be a Pest! Why Persistent Advocacy is Your Best Tool

    11/12/2025

    Ep17: Be a Pest! Why Persistent Advocacy is Your Best Tool

    In this episode, I’m joined by Reidena Barrett, Complex Care Coordinator, to explore the vital role care coordinators play in supporting families of children with medical complexity. Reidena shares her experience working alongside families, health professionals and support networks to make sure no detail is missed and every child gets the care they need. From navigating hospital stays to coordinating services at home, Reidena gives an inside look at what makes effective care coordination truly life-changing for families. This episode is proudly sponsored by Spewy - the versatile must-have for families. From spills to bed protection, Spewy makes life easier for parents and carers, and they also accept NDIS orders. ✨ Enjoy 15% off your order with the code BEYOND 🌐 Shop now: https://spewy.com.au and follow on Insta @spewyau We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out! Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast Email: beyondthetubepodcast@gmail.com This is a Podvan Media production.

    30 min
  6. Ep16: NDIS Admin - How to Remove the Burden

    10/29/2025

    Ep16: NDIS Admin - How to Remove the Burden

    In this episode, I'm joined by Simone from Plan Tracker, to explain the often confusing world of NDIS plan management. She breaks down the three ways you can manage NDIS funding (plan managed, self managed, and agency managed) and explains the statistics on which options are most popular. Simone also clarifies what a plan manager actually does, focusing on how they remove the administrative burden from families. I share my personal experience with being self-managed but still using Plan Tracker's support to successfully gain funding for critical equipment. We also discuss the different tools available (like the 'Number Cruncher') and the community work PlanTracker does. This episode is proudly sponsored by Plan Tracker. Plan Tracker specialise in helping families get the most from their NDIS funding with tools, guidance, and community support to make plan management simple. Follow on Insta: @plantracker or online at plantracker.com.au We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out! Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast Email: beyondthetubepodcast@gmail.com This is a Podvan Media production.

    25 min
  7. Ep15: What Makes a Great Support Worker and Why Finding the Right Person Matters!

    10/15/2025

    Ep15: What Makes a Great Support Worker and Why Finding the Right Person Matters!

    Finding a reliable support worker can be stressful, especially during an emergency. What happens when your regular support worker calls in sick, has an accident, or you need to find someone new at short notice? Trent from Care Agency Services joins me to talk about how his agency provides a safety net for families and NDIS providers. He explains their process for hiring, vetting, and training a pool of support workers who are ready to fill roster gaps (often at the last minute). Trent also provides essential tips for families who are looking to hire a support worker for the first time, covering what questions to ask and the importance of professional boundaries. This episode is proudly sponsored by Care Agency Services, who specialise in providing experienced, compassionate support workers - even at short notice - to help families when they need it most. Follow on Insta: @care_agency_services or visit them at www.careagencyservices.com.au We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out! Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast  Email: beyondthetubepodcast@gmail.com This is a Podvan Media production.

    34 min
  8. Ep14: A Sibling's Perspective - Life with a Medically Complex Brother

    10/01/2025

    Ep14: A Sibling's Perspective - Life with a Medically Complex Brother

    What is it really like to be the sibling of a child with additional medical needs? In this episode, I sit down with my two older kids, Keira and Asher, as they share their honest perspective on what it’s like having Ezra as their brother. From the challenges to the changes, and the resilience they’ve built along the way, this conversation shines a light on the often-unseen impact of medical complexity on siblings. We’re also joined mid-episode by Tash and Nikki from Coasties Magazine, who are amplifying local voices and sharing community stories across the Central Coast. You can follow them on Instagram: @coastiesmag or visit them at coastiesmag.com.au. This episode is proudly sponsored by Spewy - the must-have product making family life easier (and less messy!). Listeners of Beyond The Tube can access an exclusive 15% discount using the code BEYOND at checkout.You can follow them on Instagram: @spewyau or visit them at spewy.com.au. I'd love to hear from you - please feel free to reach out! Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast  Email: beyondthetubepodcast@gmail.com This is a Podvan Media production.

    25 min
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About

Being a caregiver to a child with a feeding tube can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. This a podcast for parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating the world of tube feeding. Hosted by Fi Rodrick, a mum who has been through it firsthand, this podcast brings you expert advice, real-life experiences, and the support you need. Each episode explores the challenges and triumphs of caring for a tube-fed child, with insights from medical professionals, parents, and people with lived experience. Whether you’re looking for practical tips, emotional reassurance, or a sense of community, this podcast is here to help. Hit follow and be part of the conversation. You don’t have to go through this alone. Produced & distributed by Podvan Media, a network dedicated to helping creators share their stories and reach new audiences through high-quality podcast production. For inquiries, contact: info@podvan.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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