What Are We Drinking? w/ Rachel Carey

What Are We Drinking?
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All the best conversations happen over a drink. Rachel Carey is a business owner, entrepreneur, coach, speaker, and leader in the NDIS space. With a passion for business, personal growth, and real conversations, she’s bringing people together to discuss the topics that matter most, all over a drink of the guest's choice. From business insights and industry trends to life, the NDIS, and everything in between, no subject is off-limits. So, the only question left is… What Are We Drinking?

  1. 6d ago

    Carol Ferrone on ABC's Back In Time, Personal Brand & Shaking Not Stirred | What Are We Drinking Ep 25

    Nine thousand families applied for Back in Time for Dinner. Carol Ferrone got it after a stranger tapped her on the shoulder outside a shoe shop and said she liked the look of her family. Seven days later the show was hers.Carol is a TV presenter, MC and storyteller who spent three seasons on the ABC's Logie-nominated Back in Time series, hosted by Annabel Crabb, living 170 years of Australian history in real time with her husband Peter and their three children. Their house was gutted eight times. She scrubbed laundry by hand in 44 degree heat, churned butter for a corner shop that opened to the public, wore original whalebone corsets, and boiled a calf's head for a Federation dinner. When her son Julian was sent to World War One in an Anzac uniform, the country cried with her.She and Rachel talk about the 1950s dinner where Peter ate alone at the head of the table and Carol threw a plate. What an 1870s corner shop taught her about community and why she thinks we've lost it. Why she quietly loved having no responsibility except the house, and what it costs to admit that out loud. And her view that a woman can run the room at work and still want to be led at home.Carol also wrote and shot Shaking Not Stirred, a documentary about her brother-in-law Ralph, who has lived with Parkinson's since his forties. She wrote it in one night, filmed it in a day on no budget, and had it finished in eight weeks. The premiere sold out in nine days and she upgraded the cinema four times. Every dollar of ticket sales goes to Shake It Up Australia. She has since received a certificate of recognition from the Governor-General for it. The third screening is at NSW Parliament House on 22 September.She finishes with the personal brand masterclass she normally charges for: the fool, the victim and the queen. One brand per category. The same skincare company for seven years. No filters on a 53 year old face.Carol drinks a mocktail espresso martini. A hundred and seventy years of costume, one zero-budget film, and her own eulogy: she never stopped, and she partied the whole time.

    Carol Ferrone on ABC's Back In Time, Personal Brand & Shaking Not Stirred | What Are We Drinking Ep 25

  2. Aug 12

    Sex Therapist: The Truth About Disability, Sex & Consent - Patrick Rory-John | What Are We Drinking?

    Audio Disclaimer:We apologise for some audio inconsistencies throughout this episode. We experienced some technical issues during recording and have done our best to enhance and clean up the audio in post-production. Thanks for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy the conversation regardless.In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel sits down with psychotherapist and psychosexual therapist Patrick Rory John for one of our most open and thought-provoking conversations yet.Patrick works across sexuality, relationships, disability, queer and trans identity, mental health and recovery. Their own lived experience sits at the heart of the work, having navigated addiction, disability, queerness, faith, discrimination and recovery before becoming a therapist.The conversation explores a topic that is still rarely discussed openly: sexuality and disability.Patrick challenges the idea that protecting people with disability should mean controlling their lives, and explains the difference between safeguarding someone and taking away their autonomy. They discuss privacy, dating, relationships, sex education, online safety, support workers, restrictive practices and the concept of dignity of risk.Rachel and Patrick also unpack queer relationships, pronouns, identity, heteronormativity, the impact of growing up without healthy queer relationship models, and why belonging and community matter so deeply.Patrick opens up about growing up in a Catholic Irish family in Sydney, coming out young, becoming heavily involved in the church, being excommunicated after their sexuality became known, and the addiction and recovery journey that ultimately led them towards therapy.They also talk about the future of sex education for people with disability, why support workers need better training, how providers can create safer environments without making people's worlds smaller, and the importance of actually listening to people with lived experience rather than speaking for them.And, because this is What Are We Drinking?, Patrick joins Rachel over a non-alcoholic margarita.This episode is funny, vulnerable, challenging and deeply human.

    Sex Therapist: The Truth About Disability, Sex & Consent - Patrick Rory-John | What Are We Drinking?

  3. Jul 27

    EMERGENCY: NDIS Reform Roundtable Podcast | What Are We Drinking E23

    The NDIS is changing. But are these reforms creating a better future for participants, or putting the entire ecosystem under pressure? In this special NDIS Reform Roundtable episode of What Are We Drinking? with Rachel Carey, industry leaders come together for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the biggest challenges facing the disability sector. From registration changes and SIL Practice Standards, to pricing, participant choice, provider sustainability, AI decision-making and the future of the NDIS, this conversation explores the questions many people are asking but few are willing to debate openly. Hosted by Rachel Carey, this roundtable brings together passionate voices from across the sector to discuss: • Does the NDIS actually need reform? • Will tighter regulation improve participant outcomes? • Should every NDIS provider be registered? • Are reforms prioritising savings over participant choice? • Could changes unintentionally impact the people the scheme exists to support? • What does the future of disability services look like in 5 years? The conversation also explores the role of quality providers, lived experience, innovation and collaboration in creating a sustainable NDIS that delivers better outcomes for Australians living with disability. This isn’t about being for or against reform. It’s about asking the harder question: How do we make sure the future of the NDIS works for the people who need it most? Featuring: Yasser Zaki - Global CEO of Tender Loving Care Chris Hill - COO of Allara Support Services Tim Roberts - General Manager of Ethical SDA Amanda Winslade - Business Relationship Manager at Plan Partners George Ayoub - Founder of Solution Ideas Ability Boutique

    EMERGENCY: NDIS Reform Roundtable Podcast | What Are We Drinking E23

  4. Jul 13

    Aden Perry on OurChoice Disability, Community Access & Building Real Capacity | What Are We Drinking? Ep. 22

    In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel sits down with Aden Perry — founder of OurChoice Disability — for a raw, funny and honest conversation about rugby league, disability support, community access, young leadership and building a business with purpose. Aden shares his journey from growing up in the Sutherland Shire and chasing rugby league, to entering the disability sector at 18 and being confronted by the reality of personal care, group homes and the lives of people who need genuine support. That experience became the foundation for OurChoice Disability — a business Aden started at just 21 years old with a simple mission: to give participants real experiences, real connection and real opportunities to build confidence, independence and capacity. Rachel and Aden unpack why community access is so much more than “just going out for fun.” From learning how to order a coffee, go shopping, build friendships, cook meals, move your body, regulate emotions and come home with a story to tell — this conversation is a powerful reminder of how much growth happens in everyday moments. They also discuss rugby league, resilience, knockbacks, mental health, tall poppy syndrome, the pressure of being a young founder, asking for help, building a young team, and the impact potential NDIS cuts to community participation could have on participants and families. This episode is energetic, emotional, hilarious and deeply relevant to the disability sector right now. Topics: Aden Perry’s upbringing in the Sutherland Shire Rugby league, resilience and knockbacks Playing footy across Sydney, Wollongong and representative pathways Rachel giving Aden his first job in disability Entering personal care at 18 The confronting reality of disability support work Working in group homes Supporting participants with complex needs Why Aden started OurChoice Disability at 21 What OurChoice is really about Community access as capacity building Helping participants build independence Social skills, confidence and friendship Giving participants “dinner table stories” Why community participation is not just playtime NDIS cuts and the risk to social/community participation The pressure of being a young founder Mental health, burnout and asking for help Tall poppy syndrome Building a young team and strong culture Why sport, movement and fitness matter Meal prep, life skills and future program ideas Rachel and Aden’s full-circle relationship

    Aden Perry on OurChoice Disability, Community Access & Building Real Capacity | What Are We Drinking? Ep. 22

  5. Jul 6

    Dain Walker on Personal Branding, Childhood Trauma & World Domination | What Are We Drinking? EP 21

    In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel sits down with Dain Walker — personal brand strategist, founder of Rivyl, author, speaker, creator and the man known as “the internet’s brand strategist.”Dain shares the full story behind his journey, from a chaotic childhood and time in foster care, to being $200,000 in debt, working at Telstra, and having a life-changing moment after seeing Gary Vee speak live. That moment became the spark that pushed him into content, branding, entrepreneurship and building the creative empire he leads today.Rachel and Dain dive deep into personal branding, why businesses without visible founders are already falling behind, and why people connect with people, stories and characters far more than logos. Dain breaks down the difference between authenticity and identity, why imperfect characters are more powerful, and how founders can use their story to build real trust online.They also unpack business growth, creativity, fatherhood, leadership, podcasting, content teams, trauma, resilience and the importance of designing the person you want to become.And yes — instead of whiskey, wine or a flashy cocktail, Dain chose vanilla custard. Naturally.This episode is funny, raw, practical and packed with gold for anyone building a brand, business or better version of themselves. Key Topics Discussed Who Dain Walker really is beyond the brandGrowing up in chaos and entering foster careHow childhood adversity shaped his empathy and creativityGoing from $200K debt to building RivylThe Gary Vee moment that changed his lifeWhy he chose vanilla custard as his drinkWhy personal brands matter more than everWhy people follow people, not logosThe difference between personal, product and company brandsSteve Jobs, Apple and the power of founder-led storytellingWhy authenticity can be a confusing wordBuilding a character, identity and online presenceSpider-Man, Batman and Iron Man as personal brand metaphorsHow to balance being real with being strategic onlinePersonal branding in regulated industries like the NDISThe role of entertainment and education in contentHow founders should think about social mediaInternal creative teams and modern content strategyPodcasting as business developmentFatherhood, family and staying presentWhat’s next for Dain, including live events

    Dain Walker on Personal Branding, Childhood Trauma & World Domination | What Are We Drinking? EP 21

  6. Jun 29

    Rhys & Jaxon on Belonging, Brotherhood & Building Empower Care | What Are We Drinking? Ep 20

    In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel sits down with Rhys and Jaxon from Empower Care Solutions Hub for a raw, funny and genuinely moving conversation about friendship, business, disability support and what it means to help young people feel like they belong. From becoming best mates and building a business together, to working long hours, navigating burnout and putting everything back into the people they support, Rhys and Jaxon open up about the real grind behind Empower Care. Their mission is simple but powerful: helping young people feel seen, heard, believed in and supported to take the next step. They share the stories behind Empower Care’s programs, including Teens Night, Fit Friends, 1:1 support and community-based activities that build confidence, connection and real-life skills. Empower Care’s own website describes these programs as spaces for young people to build confidence, friendships, independence and genuine connection. The conversation also dives into the viral learner licence moment, supporting young people through anxiety and isolation, the importance of genuine care in disability support, and why connection should always come before goals. This episode is about more than support work. It’s about belonging, confidence, brotherhood and the kind of impact that happens when people actually give a shit. Key Topics Discussed - How Rhys and Jaxon became friends - Building Empower Care from the ground up - The early grind of business ownership - Burnout, sacrifice and backing each other - Supporting young people with disability - Why young people need belonging and connection - Rhys’ personal experience with anxiety and feeling lost - Jaxon’s journey from stable employment into support work - Teens Night and the power of social connection - Fit Friends, cooking, gym and community activities - The viral learner licence success story - Building confidence through small wins - Professional boundaries vs genuine care - Why families want support workers who actually care - Imposter syndrome and showing up scared - Social media, storytelling and building a brand - Their long-term vision for an Empower Care community hub - Advice for young people and parents

    Rhys & Jaxon on Belonging, Brotherhood & Building Empower Care | What Are We Drinking? Ep 20

  7. Jun 23

    Amanda Rose on Tax, Small Business, Housing, Ai, & The Government's Lies | What Are We Drinking E19

    What Are We Drinking's first guest — Amanda Rose, returns, and she doesn't hold back. From women in business and government procurement to AI, taxation, entrepreneurship, financial independence and the future of Australia, Amanda doesn't hold back. As the founder of Small Business Women Australia, Amanda is on a mission to change how women access opportunities, contracts and economic power. She shares why only a tiny percentage of government contracts go to women-owned businesses, why she's built another business focused on changing that, and what she believes needs to happen to create genuine financial independence for women. Rachel and Amanda also tackle some of the biggest issues facing Australians right now — the cost of living crisis, small business pressures, AI's impact on jobs, payroll tax, housing affordability, government policy and why critical thinking matters more than ever. Whether you agree with Amanda or not, one thing is certain: she's never afraid to say exactly what she thinks.

    Amanda Rose on Tax, Small Business, Housing, Ai, & The Government's Lies | What Are We Drinking E19

  8. Jun 15

    Using Comedy to Challenge Disability Stereotypes | Madeleine Stewart on ABC, inclusion & NDIS cuts

    What happens when you combine sharp comedy, lived experience, and fearless advocacy?In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel Carey sits down with comedian, writer, filmmaker and disability advocate Madeleine Stewart for a candid conversation about using humour to challenge stereotypes and change perceptions around disability.Madeleine shares her journey from growing up in Campbelltown to performing stand-up comedy across Australia, appearing on the ABC, creating films, and becoming one of the country's most recognised disability advocates. Together, Rachel and Madeleine unpack the power of representation, the realities of dating and relationships with a disability, inclusion in mainstream media, and the impact current NDIS changes are having on people with disabilities.This episode is funny, honest, challenging and deeply important. Key Topics - Madeleine's journey into comedy and advocacy - Using humour to challenge disability stereotypes - Representation in Australian media - Working with the ABC and film projects - Growing up with a disability in Western Sydney - Dating, relationships and disability - Why "inspirational" can be a problematic label - Inclusion beyond performative diversity - The current state of the NDIS - NDIS cuts and their real-world impact - Creating social change through storytelling - The future of disability advocacy in Australia

    Using Comedy to Challenge Disability Stereotypes | Madeleine Stewart on ABC, inclusion & NDIS cuts
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All the best conversations happen over a drink. Rachel Carey is a business owner, entrepreneur, coach, speaker, and leader in the NDIS space. With a passion for business, personal growth, and real conversations, she’s bringing people together to discuss the topics that matter most, all over a drink of the guest's choice. From business insights and industry trends to life, the NDIS, and everything in between, no subject is off-limits. So, the only question left is… What Are We Drinking?

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