Let’s Check In Podcast

Suzie McErvale

The Let’s Check In Podcast helps you navigate life’s most uncertain seasons through candid conversations and expert insights. We explore the parts of life no one prepares you for, so you can better understand what you’re feeling, why it matters and how to move through it.

  1. 6d ago

    Let's Check In Podcast Season Three Wrap Up

    None of us have it all figured out. And that’s really why I created the @LetsCheckInPodcast . Life has a way of taking us into seasons we didn’t necessarily see coming. Change, uncertainty, self-doubt, relationships, identity, the pressure to know what comes next. I wanted to create a place for honest conversations about those moments; conversations that help us understand what we’re experiencing and ourselves, a little better. Season 3 brought eight very different conversations. But the thread running through all of them was deeply human: When we talk honestly about the uncomfortable and uncertain parts of life, we realise we’re not experiencing them alone. To Maria Ruberto at Salutegenics, Martin Heppell at The Resilience Project, Deanna Depetro at Mossman, Catie Gett from The Staple Store, Penny Moodie from It's Not What You Think Podcast, Grace Lam, Lael Stone and Danielle Weber who trusted me with their story, experience and perspective; thank you. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or you’ve only just discovered the Let's Check In Podcast thank you for listening, watching, sharing and being part of these conversations. A special thank you to Pulito Group, our Founding Sponsor of Season 3, for believing in what we’re building and helping these conversations reach further. There’s more to come. But for now, thanks for checking in, that’s a wrap on Season 3. 🤍 #LetsCheckInPodcast #Connection #Podcast

  2. Sep 13

    #24 Creativity, Success & the Long Game | Danielle Weber

    What happens when someone else sees something in you before you fully see it yourself? For Australian artist and muralist Danielle Weber, a message from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson became an unexpected turning point. Eleven years later, Danielle has created large-scale portraits of some of the world's most recognisable people, including Kobe Bryant, Serena Williams, Eminem and The Rock and worked with brands including Nike and Jordan. But this conversation is about much more than the finished artwork. Danielle joins Suzie McErvale on the Let's Check In Podcast to talk about finding your own path, backing yourself before the outcome is guaranteed and what it really takes to build a sustainable creative career. They explore the less visible parts of the journey, years of learning, working other jobs, creating for very little money, dealing with criticism and uncertainty, and learning how to keep going. Danielle also shares the story behind D Collective, the creative community she built to help artists navigate the business side of their careers, and why she now sees community and helping other creatives as part of her purpose. They talk about creativity, success, perfectionism, resilience, self-awareness and “Lock-In Danielle”, the state where she can completely disappear into a project, and why learning when to switch it off may be just as important as knowing when to switch it on. As Danielle prepares for a future that may see her splitting her time between Australia and the United States, uncertainty is still very much part of the journey. Because, as this conversation reminds us, meaningful work isn't built overnight. It's built through consistency, courage, curiosity and continuing to show up long before anyone else can see where you're going. Connect with Danielle Weber: Instagram: 📱@daniellesartwork 📱@thedcollective YouTube: 📱@daniellesartwork TikTok 📱@daniellesartwork Facebook: 📱@daniellesartwork Thanks for checking in. 💛 Competition Details Season 3 is proudly supported by Pulito Group. To celebrate, they're giving one lucky business the chance to win $1,000 towards a professional commercial clean for a retail, hospitality or commercial space. To enter, fill out this form, https://offer.pulitogroup.com.au/form... follow @pulito_group on Instagram, like the competition post and comment by tagging a business owner or someone opening or refreshing a commercial space. 🎙️About the Let's Check In Podcast The Let's Check In Podcast explores the uncertain middle of modern life through candid conversations, expert insights and practical tools for navigating change, growth and wellbeing. Subscribe for new episodes and conversations that help make sense of life's challenges, opportunities and everything in between. In this episode: • The moment The Rock noticed Danielle's work • Building a career without knowing exactly where it would lead • The reality of working as a commissioned artist • Creating D Collective and building community • Why success means something different to everyone • Creativity, curiosity and never reaching a finish line • “Lock-In Danielle” and the danger of burning out • Managing criticism, doubt and online negativity • Nervous system regulation, boundaries and self-awareness • Finding purpose through helping other creatives • Embracing uncertainty and what's next If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to the Let’s Check In Podcast and share this episode with someone you think needs to hear it. #LetsCheckIn #DanielleWeber #AustralianArtist #MuralArtist #Creativity #CreativeCareer #SelfBelief #Burnout #success Chapters: 00:00 The Rock Saw Something Special 00:46 Welcome to the Let's Check In Podcast 02:38 From Dreaming to Becoming an Artist 03:37 When The Rock Reached Out 05:00 Learning the Hard Way 06:16 When Murals Go Wrong 07:09 Pulito Group Sponsor Offer 08:10 The Birth of D Collective 10:02 Finding Purpose Through Community 10:18 Why Creativity Never Really Ends 11:21 The Truth About Commissioned Art 12:33 Why The Pulito Group Partnership Makes Sense 14:01 Redefining Success 15:23 Finding Peace in the Creative Process 16:54 What Is "Lock-In Danielle"? 17:47 The Mindset Behind Creative Longevity 18:39 D Collective and Supporting Artists 20:21 Dealing With Criticism and Online Bullying 22:56 Protecting Your Nervous System 24:04 What Danielle Is Uncertain About 25:35 Learning to Surrender 25:57 Keep Showing Up 26:31 What We Can Learn From Danielle's Journey 27:34 Thanks For Checking In

  3. Aug 30

    #23 The Stories We Carry | Lael Stone

    What if the way we react today has more to do with what happened to us in the past than we realise? In this episode of Let’s Check In Podcast, Suzie McErvale sits down with educator, counsellor, author and TEDx speaker Lael Stone to explore the stories, emotional imprints and patterns we carry from childhood into our adult lives. Lael explains why we can become disconnected from ourselves in an increasingly distracted world, how our childhood experiences shape the way we relate to others, and why creating safety and connection is so important for both children and adults. They explore emotional regulation, attachment, co-regulation, parenting, relationships and the different ways we learn to protect ourselves when we don’t feel safe. Lael also shares a powerful story about an argument with her husband that was transformed when they stopped blaming each other and recognised the younger parts of themselves underneath the conflict. The conversation also looks at why emotional work can sometimes feel different for men and women, how we can invite our partners into this work without making them wrong, and what it means to truly own our stories rather than unconsciously repeating them. Connect with Lael Stone: 📖 Own Your Own Story 📖 Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children 📱 @laelstone 📱 @woodlineprimary Thanks for checking in. 💛 Competition Details Season 3 is proudly supported by Pulito Group. To celebrate, they're giving one lucky business the chance to win $1,000 towards a professional commercial clean for a retail, hospitality or commercial space. To enter, fill out this form, https://offer.pulitogroup.com.au/form... follow @pulito_group on Instagram, like the competition post and comment by tagging a business owner or someone opening or refreshing a commercial space. 🎙️ About the Let's Check In Podcast The Let's Check In Podcast explores the uncertain middle of modern life through candid conversations, expert insights and practical tools for navigating change, growth and wellbeing. Subscribe for new episodes and conversations that help make sense of life's challenges, opportunities and everything in between. In this episode: • Why we’re becoming increasingly disconnected from ourselves • Helping children develop connection and emotional awareness • Attachment, attunement and co-regulation • How childhood imprints shape adult relationships • Recognising when our younger selves are being triggered • Breaking patterns of blame and making each other wrong • Why emotional safety matters in relationships • How to invite a partner into the work • Letting go, grief and the changing role of a parent • Learning to own your story with compassion Learn more about Lael Stone and her work through the links in the show notes. Chapters: 00:00 Can I Be Me With You? 02:05 Are We More Disconnected Than Ever? 04:17 Helping Children Reconnect With Themselves 06:18 Pulito Group Sponsor Offer 07:19 How Do We Connect With Ourselves? 09:05 Creating Space to Discover Who We Are 12:07 Moving Beyond the Hustle 13:06 What Every Human Is Looking For 16:06 Connection, Attachment & Co-Regulation 18:07 Sitting With Difficult Emotions 21:50 What We Bring Into Relationships 25:07 The Emotional Imprints We Inherit 27:04 “I’m Only Lovable When I’m Good” 29:03 When Your Younger Self Shows Up 32:06 Breaking the Pattern of Blame 33:19 Why Emotional Work Can Be Hard for Partners 37:37 How Do We Make It Safe to Feel? 39:28 What Are You Feeling Uncertain About? 39:44 Letting Go, Grief & the Mother Heart 42:32 Suzie's Final Thoughts 43:27 Thanks For Checking In

  4. Aug 16

    #22 Menopause, Confidence & Becoming More Yourself | Grace Lam

    What happens when the person you’ve become no longer quite matches the way you show up in the world? In this episode of the Let’s Check In Podcast, Suzie McErvale talks with Grace Lam — Fashion Stylist and Podcaster, Former Fashion Editor, Vogue China, creative consultant and women’s health advocate, about style, confidence, menopause and the uncertainty that comes with changing through midlife. Grace believes style isn’t about following trends or hiding the parts of ourselves that have changed. It’s about finding ways to express who we are now and having the confidence to own it. Grace shares her own experience of perimenopause, including the brain fog and insomnia that led her to discover just how little the fashion industry was talking about menopause. Through Me Not Pause, she is helping challenge the stigma around menopause and changing perceptions of what women in midlife are supposed to look like. They also explore: * Why style comes from the soul, rather than simply following fashion * How what we wear can influence our confidence and even our mood * Finding your style again when your body or identity changes * Why you don’t need a whole new wardrobe to reinvent yourself * Using small changes and accessories to step outside your comfort zone * What Grace learned from her years at Vogue China * Why trying something new can help us build resilience * The importance of challenging the assumptions we have about ourselves * Grace’s work to open up conversations around menopause and transgender experiences * And the question that may be worth asking at any stage of life: Who do I want to become? Above all, this is a conversation about owning who you are, refusing to disappear as you change, and giving yourself permission to have a little more fun along the way. As Grace puts it: “They’re not you. Period.” Thanks for checking in. 💛 Competition Details Season 3 is proudly supported by Pulito Group. To celebrate, they're giving one lucky business the chance to win $1,000 towards a professional commercial clean for a retail, hospitality or commercial space. To enter, fill out this form, https://offer.pulitogroup.com.au/form... follow @pulito_group on Instagram, like the competition post and comment by tagging a business owner or someone opening or refreshing a commercial space. 🎙️ About the Let's Check In Podcast The Let's Check In Podcast explores the uncertain middle of modern life through candid conversations, expert insights and practical tools for navigating change, growth and wellbeing. Subscribe for new episodes and conversations that help make sense of life's challenges, opportunities and everything in between. Chapters 00:00 — Meet Grace Lam 01:39 — How style can change your confidence 01:40 — Adelaide Colour Analysis 03:00 — Fashion vs. style: dressing from the soul 03:38 — Grace’s perimenopause journey 05:28 — Why women struggle to dress during midlife 06:09 — Pulito Group Sponsor Offer 07:11 — What Vogue China taught Grace about identity 09:37 — Styling without breaking the budget 11:32 — How what you wear can create boundaries 13:55 — When the outside doesn’t match how you feel 15:02 — Finding your own style as you change 16:20 — Helping women rediscover their style 18:18 — Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable 19:29 — Grace Lam Chats and building resilience 21:10 — What Tokyo taught Grace about fashion 22:29 — Learning through Me Not Pause 25:52 — Finding purpose at 53 26:37 — Authenticity, confidence and owning your style 27:00 — Why trying something new matters 28:36 — Changing the way we see menopause 30:45 — Who do you want to become? 32:17 — Living with uncertainty and focusing on what you can control 33:14 — “They’re not you. Period.” 34:02 — Suzie’s final thoughts 34:56 — Thanks for checking in

  5. Aug 2

    #21 The Work We Do Within Ourselves | Penny Moodie

    What if the hardest battles in life are the ones no one else can see? From childhood OCD and intrusive thoughts to motherhood, identity, self-compassion and raising a neurodivergent family, Penny Moodie shares an honest and deeply moving conversation about what it means to live with uncertainty. Best known as the author of The Joy Thief, mental health advocate and Co-host of @ItsNotWhatYouThinkPodcast , Penny explains why OCD is so often misunderstood, how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy changed her life, and why compassion, not perfection, is often the key to healing. The conversation also explores the invisible identity shift that many parents experience, the challenges of raising neurodivergent children, and why modelling emotional regulation matters more than trying to be the “perfect” parent. Whether you live with OCD, love someone who does, or simply want to understand yourself and others with greater compassion, this episode offers practical insight and genuine hope. In this episode you’ll discover: • What OCD really feels like beyond common stereotypes • Why uncertainty fuels anxiety - and how to respond differently • How self-compassion can interrupt shame • The identity challenges of becoming a stay-at-home parent • Lessons from raising a neurodivergent family • Why modelling behaviour is more powerful than giving advice • Balancing openness with protecting children’s privacy If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who might need to hear it. Competition Details Season 3 is proudly supported by Pulito Group. To celebrate, they’re giving one lucky business the chance to win $1,000 towards a professional commercial clean. To enter, visit @pulito_group on Instagram, complete the form via the link in bio, follow @pulito_group, like the competition post, and tag a business owner, operator or decision-maker in the comments. About the Let's Check In Podcast Let's Check In Podcast explores the uncertain middle of modern life through candid conversations, expert insights and practical tools for navigating change, growth and wellbeing. Subscribe for new episodes and conversations that help make sense of life's challenges, opportunities and everything in between. 00:00 Parenting Changed Me First 00:30 Introduction 02:53 When OCD First Appeared 06:33 Learning To Live With Uncertainty 09:13 Pulito Group Sponsor Offer 10:15 The Biggest Misconceptions About OCD 14:15 Why Self-Compassion Matters 15:51 Losing Yourself In Parenthood 20:00 Your Children Become Your Greatest Teachers 22:30 Raising Neurodivergent Kids With Compassion 25:28 Family Diagnoses & Rediscovery 25:50 Hugh's Diagnosis 26:35 Why Penny Started It's Not What You Think Podcast 28:15 Breaking Shame, Protecting Privacy 31:06 Suzie's Reflections

  6. Jul 19

    #20 When Looking After Your Health Starts to Feel Like Another Job | Catie Gett

    Healthy living shouldn't feel out of reach. In this episode of the Lets Check In Podcast, Suzie sits down with naturopath, health educator and founder of The Staple Store, Catie Gett, for a refreshing conversation about what real health looks like when life feels busy, expensive and overwhelming. Catie shares how her journey shifted from aspirational wellness to making healthy eating practical, affordable and achievable in everyday life. Together they explore food insecurity, decision fatigue, nervous system regulation, motherhood, burnout and why the simplest habits are often the most powerful. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting health advice or struggled to prioritise yourself, this conversation offers a grounded perspective on making health practical, affordable and achievable in everyday life. In this episode we discuss: • Why optimisation culture can make health feel impossible • Food insecurity and the hidden cost of eating well • Reducing the cognitive load around meals • Why breakfast, rest and simple food matter more than supplements • Nervous system regulation and everyday habits that create safety • The importance of joy, connection and community • Motherhood, burnout and learning to care for yourself • Building a healthier relationship with food without shame Connect with Catie 📖 The Staple Store Cookbook Volume One 📱 @thestaplestore 📱 @catie_gett Catie has generously offered Let's Check In Podcast listeners $10 off the digital cookbook using the code: LETSCHECKIN Competition Details Season 3 is proudly supported by Pulito Group. To celebrate, they're giving one lucky business the chance to win $1,000 towards a professional commercial clean for a retail, hospitality or commercial space. To enter, fill out this form, follow @pulito_group on Instagram, like the competition post and comment by tagging a business owner or someone opening or refreshing a commercial space. About the Let's Check In Podcast The Let's Check Podcast explores the uncertain middle of modern life through candid conversations, expert insights and practical tools for navigating change, growth and wellbeing. Subscribe for new episodes and conversations that help make sense of life's challenges, opportunities and everything in between. Follow on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok. For free subscriber only content, sign up here. Episode Chapters 00:00 Why There Are No Shortcuts to Health 00:00:31 Welcome 00:00:46 Meet Catie Gett 00:01:58 From Naturopath to The Staple Store 00:05:03 Leaving the Wellness Bubble 00:07:07 The Recipe That Changed Everything + and Caught Jennifer Garner’s Attention 00:08:29 Pulito Group Sponsor Message 00:09:31 Finding Her Real Mission 00:10:53 Reducing the Cognitive Load of Food 00:11:40 Why We Overcomplicate Health 00:13:14 Rest Is More Important Than Optimising 00:13:44 Pulito Group Sponsor Message: The Invisible Work Behind Exceptional Cleaning 00:14:47 Illness Changed Everything 00:16:06 Safety vs Danger Signals 00:17:40 How to Regulate Your Nervous System 00:19:28 Why Joy and Human Connection Matter 00:21:53 Simple Food with Dignity 00:23:01 Food Insecurity and Hidden Privilege 00:25:49 Looking Through an Intersectional Lens 00:27:42 Learning to Put Yourself First 00:29:38 Living with Uncertainty in Small Business 00:32:05 Catie's Final Thoughts 00:33:16 Suzie's Reflection

  7. Jul 5

    #19 The Weight of Carrying the Vision | Deanna Depetro

    Behind every recognised brand is someone making difficult decisions long after everyone else has gone home. From the outside, success can look effortless. Behind every brand are decisions, uncertainty, self-doubt and the responsibility of leading others while continuing to trust your own instincts. In this episode of Let’s Check In Podcast, Suzie McErvale sits down with Deanna Depetro, Creative Director and Owner of Australian fashion label Mossman. Rather than focusing on fashion trends, this conversation explores the emotional reality of leadership, creativity, perfectionism and uncertainty. Together they discuss: • The unseen pressure of leading a growing business • Why creativity and responsibility can collide • Learning to trust your intuition • Building a resilient team culture • Managing perfectionism without losing momentum • Emotional regulation as a leader • Why mistakes are part of growth • Staying true to your values when the path isn’t clear Whether you’re leading a business, raising a family, managing a team or navigating life’s unknowns, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into what it means to carry the vision while staying grounded in what matters. If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest conversations exploring uncertainty, resilience and personal growth. Competition Details Season 3 is proudly supported by Pulito Group. To celebrate, they're giving one lucky business the chance to win $1,000 towards a professional commercial clean for a retail, hospitality or commercial space. To enter, fill out this form, follow @pulito_group on Instagram, like the competition post and comment by tagging a business owner or someone opening or refreshing a commercial space. About the Let's Check In Podcast The Let's Check Podcast explores the uncertain middle of modern life through candid conversations, expert insights and practical tools for navigating change, growth and wellbeing. Subscribe for new episodes and conversations that help make sense of life's challenges, opportunities and everything in between.

  8. Jun 21

    #18 What To Do When Your Life Doesn't Go To Plan | Martin Heppell

    In this episode of the Let’s Check In Podcast, Suzie McErvale sits down with Martin Heppell from The Resilience Project to explore identity, uncertainty, resilience and what happens when life doesn’t go the way you expected. Martin shares stories from his childhood growing up in Borneo, his journey through elite football, the years he spent feeling lost after sport ended and the lessons that eventually helped him find purpose working with young people. Together they discuss: • Why comparison can leave us feeling like we're falling behind • The power of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness • How growing up in Borneo shaped Martin’s outlook on life • How to navigate uncertainty and anxiety • Why feeling lost is often part of growth • The importance of connection and vulnerability • Raising resilient children in a complex world • Learning to live according to your values, even when it’s difficult This conversation is a reminder that resilience isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about continuing to show up, staying connected and trusting that the difficult seasons won’t last forever. If you’ve ever felt behind in life, uncertain about your direction, or caught comparing yourself to everyone around you, this episode is for you. Competition Details Season 3 is proudly supported by Pulito Group. To celebrate, they're giving one lucky business the chance to win $1,000 towards a professional commercial clean for a retail, hospitality or commercial space. To enter, fill out this form, follow @pulito_group on Instagram, like the competition post and comment by tagging a business owner or someone opening or refreshing a commercial space. About the Let's Check In Podcast The Let's Check Podcast explores the uncertain middle of modern life through candid conversations, expert insights and practical tools for navigating change, growth and wellbeing. Subscribe for new episodes and conversations that help make sense of life's challenges, opportunities and everything in between.

About

The Let’s Check In Podcast helps you navigate life’s most uncertain seasons through candid conversations and expert insights. We explore the parts of life no one prepares you for, so you can better understand what you’re feeling, why it matters and how to move through it.