Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change

Susan Day, Mindful Arts Therapy
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Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change is a podcast dedicated to amplifying meaningful conversations around mental health, resilience, and community. Hosted by Susan Day of Mindful Arts Therapy and first aired on Goldfields FM 99.1, each episode brings together inspiring guests who share lived experiences, practical strategies, and innovative approaches their organisations are using to raise awareness. Through these interviews, listeners gain insight into the people and ideas driving real change — offering hope, knowledge, and empowerment along the way.

  1. 4d ago

    Nesha_Canvas Creations

    Today on Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change, I’m speaking with the remarkable Nesha Mistry — the creative force behind Canvas Creations. Nesha’s work is deeply informed by her lived experience: years marked by bullying, heartbreak, and the kind of profound loneliness that can shape a person’s inner world. She has also lived through the experience of suicide, and her story includes themes of self‑harm and survival. These topics will be part of our conversation, so I invite you to listen gently. If you need to pause, step away, or seek professional support, please honour what you need. Nesha shares her story with honesty and courage, reflecting on the moments that almost broke her and the small, unexpected lifeline that helped her begin again — a simple box of paints. What started as a quiet act of self‑preservation slowly grew into a creative practice that now helps others feel seen, supported, and less alone. Through Canvas Creations, Nesha transforms pain into colour, connection, and hope. Her art isn’t just a creative outlet; it became a pathway back to herself. And today, she’s here to share that journey with us — a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of lived experience to spark change. You can see Nesha’s work and learn more about what she does here - Nesha_Canvas Creations And listen and follow her podcast - Vulnerable Voices Be My Guest If you’re interested in being a guest on Mental HealthMatters: Voices of Change, please complete the form on my website - https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/mental-health-matters-voices-of-change-podcasts/   About Mindful Arts Therapy Mindful Arts Therapy creates safe, empowering spaces wherecreativity becomes a pathway to healing. Through art, reflection, and trauma‑informed practice, it supports mental health by helping people of all ages build resilience, express emotions, and reconnect with their inner strength.   For more information check out my website - Mindful Arts Therapy - Mental Health Matters Voices of Change   🛑 Disclaimer: This episode does not replace professional mental or physical health care. Please consult a qualified therapist or medical practitioner for personalized support.

  2. Aug 10

    The Healing Power of Mindful Arts Therapy Book Interview

    In this special episode, I’m delighted to share a recent conversation I had with Robyn Hunter on Alice’s Restaurant. We spoke about my new book, The Healing Power of Mindful Arts Therapy, and explored how gentle creative practices can help us reconnect with ourselves, soften old patterns, and find steadiness in difficult seasons of life. Robyn asked such thoughtful questions, and together we touched on the heart of why mindful art-making matters — especially for women who have spent years caring for others before themselves. I’m so pleased to bring this interview to you here on the podcast, and I hope it offers a moment of calm inspiration in your day.Grab a copy of my book - The Healing Power of Mindful Arts Therapy Be My Guest If you’re interested in being a guest on Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change, please complete the form on my website - https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/mental-health-matters-voices-of-change-podcasts/   About Mindful Arts Therapy Mindful Arts Therapy creates safe, empowering spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to healing. Through art, reflection, and trauma‑informed practice, it supports mental health by helping people of all ages build resilience, express emotions, and reconnect with their inner strength.   For more information: Mindful Arts Therapy   🛑 Disclaimer: This episode does not replace professional mental or physical health care. Please consult a qualified therapist or medical practitioner for personalized support.

  3. Aug 3

    Andy Ferguson: Film Maker & Artist

    Today on Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change, I’m joined by artist and filmmaker Andy Ferguson, whose work is a quiet act of courage and connection. Andy approaches strangers—everyday people going about their lives—and invites them to pause, open up, and share a piece of their story on film. Through these conversations, he captures something rare: the unpolished, authentic humanity that sits beneath the surface of us all. His portraits don’t just show a face; they reveal a moment of truth, vulnerability, and presence. Find out more about Andy's amazing work: http://fergusonfilms.org/ Be My Guest If you’re interested in being a guest on Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change, please complete the form on my website - https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/mental-health-matters-voices-of-change-podcasts/   About Mindful Arts Therapy Mindful Arts Therapy creates safe, empowering spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to healing. Through art, reflection, and trauma‑informed practice, it supports mental health by helping people of all ages build resilience, express emotions, and reconnect with their inner strength.   For more information: ⁠⁠https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/⁠⁠   🛑 Disclaimer: This episode does not replace professional mental or physical health care. Please consult a qualified therapist or medical practitioner for personalized support.

  4. Jul 27

    Kerri‑Anne Schnoor: Gut Health and Mental Health

    Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change — with Kerri‑AnneSchnoor   In today’s episode, I’m joined by the insightful and deeply passionate Kerri‑Anne Schnoor for a conversation that so many of us need but rarely hear spoken with this much clarity and compassion. Together, we explore the powerful connection between gut health, everyday nourishment, and our mental wellbeing — not through trends or pressure, but through simple, supportive choices that help us feel morebalanced from the inside out.   Kerri‑Anne brings a refreshing blend of science, livedexperience, and kindness, reminding us that caring for our gut is really another way of caring for our whole self. It’s a gentle, eye‑opening conversation that invites you to rethink what “healthy eating” can feel like — calm, doable, and deeply grounding.   Discover more about Kerri-Anne’s amazing work here, on herwebsite: https://earthgoddesshealing.com.au/ Be My Guest If you’re interested in being a guest on Mental HealthMatters: Voices of Change, please complete the form on my website - https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/mental-health-matters-voices-of-change-podcasts/   About Mindful Arts Therapy Mindful Arts Therapy creates safe, empowering spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to healing. Through art, reflection, and trauma‑informed practice, it supports mental health by helping people of all ages build resilience, express emotions, and reconnect with their inner strength.   For more information: ⁠⁠https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/⁠⁠   🛑 Disclaimer: This episode does not replace professional mental or physical health care. Please consult a qualified therapist or medical practitioner for personalized support.

  5. Jul 20

    Lilly Gonoratsky: Beyond Roots Counselling

    Today I’m joined by someone whose work feels like asteadying hand on the shoulder—Lilly Gonoratsky from Beyond Roots Counselling. Lilly is a trauma‑informed therapist with extensive experience in EMDR and Somatic Therapy, and she brings a beautifully gentle, deeply informed presence to the healing process. Her approach is grounded, compassionate, and quietlypowerful. Lilly has a way of helping people reconnect with their bodies, their stories, and their inner resources without ever overwhelming them. Through EMDR, she supports clients in safely processing trauma and reshaping thepatterns that keep them stuck. And through somatic work, she helps them tune into the wisdom of the body—those subtle sensations and signals that often hold the key to real, lasting change. What I love about Lilly’s style is how accessible she makescomplex therapeutic concepts. She explains things with clarity and warmth, creating a space where people feel both informed and deeply cared for. I’m so excited to share this conversation with you.   Discover more about Lilly's work on her website: https://beyondrootscounselling.com/ Be My Guest If you’re interested in being a guest on Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change, please complete the form on my website - https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/podcasts/   About Mindful Arts Therapy Mindful Arts Therapy creates safe, empowering spaces wherecreativity becomes a pathway to healing. Through art, reflection, and trauma‑informed practice, it supports mental health by helping people of all ages build resilience, express emotions, and reconnect with their inner strength.   For more information: ⁠⁠https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/⁠⁠   🛑 Disclaimer: This episode does not replace professional mental or physical health care. Please consult a qualified therapist or medical practitioner for personalized support.

  6. Jul 13

    Craig Sotkovsky: From Survival to Transformation

    Some voices carry the weight of lived experience and thelight of hope. Craig Sotkovsky is one of those voices. His journey reflects resilience, self-discovery, and the power to turn adversity into meaningful change. A 9/11 Ground Zero volunteer and lung cancer survivor, Craighas faced profound challenges and emerged with a renewed purpose. Beyond survival, he has built success as a real estate investor and transformational coach, guiding others to unlock their potential. Through his work, Craig bridges the gap between mindset and mastery—helping people grow personally, spiritually, and professionally. His story is not only about overcoming hardship, but about inspiring transformation and empowering others to rise into their own strength.   Discover more about Craig here - https://www.craigsotkovsky.com/ Be My Guest If you’re interested in being a guest on Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change, please comment and Susan will be in touch.   About Mindful Arts Therapy Mindful Arts Therapy creates safe, empowering spaces wherecreativity becomes a pathway to healing. Through art, reflection, and trauma‑informed practice, it supports mental health by helping people of all ages build resilience, express emotions, and reconnect with their inner strength.   For more information: ⁠⁠https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/⁠⁠   🛑 Disclaimer: This episode does not replace professional mental or physical health care. Please consult a qualified therapist or medical practitioner for personalized support.

  7. Jul 6

    Jenny Elliot: Nutrition 101

    In this episode, we’re joined by a remarkable guest whose journey spans nursing, farming, and now holistic nutrition. After a career as a nurse and life running a farm with herhusband, John, she witnessed firsthand how many people in ICU were struggling with preventable illnesses. This sparked her passion to study nutrition—not only to support her own health and her husband’s, but to empower others to healthrough food. She challenges the old mantra of ‘eat less, exercise more,’showing us why it doesn’t work, and shares how dietary changes helped her overcome depression. With a strong belief in the benefits of fasting and a mission to help others reclaim their wellbeing, she founded Nutrition 101. Sheis living proof of what she preaches. Today, we’ll explore Jenny’s inspiring story, her insights into the power of diet, and how she’s helping people transform their health from the inside out. Discover more about Jenny's work here - https://nutrition101.com.au/ Be My Guest If you’re interested in being a guest on Mental HealthMatters: Voices of Change, please complete the form on my website - https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/podcasts/   About Mindful Arts Therapy Mindful Arts Therapy creates safe, empowering spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to healing. Through art, reflection, and trauma‑informed practice, it supports mental health by helping people of all ages build resilience, express emotions, and reconnect with their inner strength.   For more information: ⁠⁠https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/⁠⁠   🛑 Disclaimer: This episode does not replace professional mental or physical health care. Please consult a qualified therapist or medical practitioner for personalized support.

  8. Jun 29

    Patricia Gordon Stevens: Counsellor, advocate & Author

    Today on Mental Health Matters, I’m joined by Patricia Gordon Stevens — counsellor, advocate, and author of the powerful memoir Madness in Memphis. Patricia’s work sits at the intersection of lived experience and professional insight, and she brings a rare honesty to conversations about mental health, trauma, and recovery. In Madness in Memphis, Patricia opens a window into her own journey with extraordinary courage, tracing the complexities of mental illness, the impact of stigma, and the long, often nonlinear path toward healing. Her storytelling is raw, human, and deeply compassionate — the kind of narrative that helps others feel seen, understood, and less alone. Alongside her writing, Patricia has spent years working as a counsellor, supporting individuals through some of their most vulnerable moments. Her approach is grounded, empathetic, and shaped by both professional training and personal truth. She understands what it means to hold space for someone’s pain while also gently guiding them toward possibility. Today, she joins us to talk about her book, her work, and the wisdom she’s gathered along the way — wisdom that reminds us that healing is never a straight line, but a deeply human journey. Discover more of Patricia's Wonderful work on her websites - Maxwell House Counselling   Madness in Memphis Be My Guest If you’re interested in being a guest on Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change, please complete the form on my website - https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/podcasts/   About Mindful Arts Therapy Mindful Arts Therapy creates safe, empowering spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to healing. Through art, reflection, and trauma‑informed practice, it supports mental health by helping people of all ages build resilience, express emotions, and reconnect with their inner strength.   For more information: ⁠⁠https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/⁠⁠   🛑 Disclaimer: This episode does not replace professional mental or physical health care. Please consult a qualified therapist or medical practitioner for personalized support.

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Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change is a podcast dedicated to amplifying meaningful conversations around mental health, resilience, and community. Hosted by Susan Day of Mindful Arts Therapy and first aired on Goldfields FM 99.1, each episode brings together inspiring guests who share lived experiences, practical strategies, and innovative approaches their organisations are using to raise awareness. Through these interviews, listeners gain insight into the people and ideas driving real change — offering hope, knowledge, and empowerment along the way.

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