The Everyday Project

Mel Bouwmans

What is holding you back? Maybe it’s fear, decision paralysis, or overwhelm when the world feels too big. It could be a major leap, like booking a trip or starting something new. Or a small everyday moment: sending the email, striking up a conversation, or setting a boundary. Every choice like this builds a fuller life, and The Everyday Project exists to demonstrate that choosing curiosity is always worth the risk. Hosted by Mel Bouwmans, this is your pause to notice opportunities and find the courage to act.

Episodes

  1. 10h ago

    What brand design taught me about making visonary ideas reality

    When you’re trying to build something that only exists in your head, how do you actually start pulling it into the real world?Building a big idea when you can't even see the final shape yet is hard, quiet work. In this episode, I’m taking what brand design has taught me about turning imagination into reality and applying it to the creative hurdles we all face. If you’re sitting with a vision and feeling a little isolated in the process, consider this a pause to get grounded, gain practical momentum, and re-anchor into why your vision deserves to exist.Inside the episode:• How brand strategy directly correlates to bringing abstract ideas to life• Practical guidance for navigating the "lonely middle" of creation• Two key reflection questions to help you build your big idea🎧Mentioned in this ep: How to Start the Creative Idea (for grounded, practical steps to get moving without the generic "just start" advice)✦ Sponsored by Everyday Different Studio: Looking for brand strategy or creative direction to bring your vision to life? Connect with Mel at www.everydaydifferent.com.au.✦ Connect with the show:Instagram & TikTok: @theveryday.project | @theverydayprojectYouTube: The Everyday Project | Substack: Mel BouwmansIf this episode brought you a moment of clarity, subscribing or leaving a review helps build this corner of the internet for other creatives. Thanks for being here! Best, Mel :) x

  2. Oct 28

    Why you keep dating people who can't love you back | Is your nervous system choosing or are you?

    Who are you letting into your space? Who we choose to date is ultimately our responsibility, and when we stop waiting to be chosen, we can start noticing how much power we actually have over our dating experiences. In this episode, I share an honest reflection on my own dating journey and the hard truths I had to face when I finally took responsibility for who I was letting sit at my table. I get curious about how my nervous system kept me trapped in dating cycles with toxic or emotionally unavailable people, reflect on my own experience of raising my standards, and introduce a controversial post-date tool that helped me date with intention and choose myself first. This isn't about happy endings or how to get a boyfriend; it is simply a reflection on the hard truths I learned in my own dating life, and a little tough love to encourage you to get curious about your own. If this episode resonated with you, please rate the show! It really helps it become more searchable and open it up for further opportunities. Where to Find The Everyday Project: New episodes drop bi-weekly on Wednesdays! Listen on Spotify: Search The Everyday Project Listen on Apple Podcasts: Search The Everyday Project Watch on YouTube: Search The Everyday Project Connect on Instagram: @theeveryday.project Connect on Substack: @melbouwmansThanks for being here!Mel :)

  3. Oct 13

    How to Start that Creative Idea (When 'just start' isn't Helpful)

    Have you ever had an idea sitting in the back of your mind, living rent free while you do the dishes, drive to work, or go about your day, and felt stuck on how to actually bring it to life? We’ve all heard the advice to "just start," but when you're navigating self-doubt, fear of failure, or the overwhelm of the unknown, that advice falls short. In this episode of The Everyday Project, we break down what it actually takes to move from passing curiosity to real action. We talk about how to notice what’s calling you, why failure isn't as scary as it feels, and the practical, small steps you can take this week to begin building the side hustle, business, or creative project you’ve been holding back on. If you can, you must! Mentioned in this episode: • Emma Carey’s motto: "If you can, you must" • Building curiosity vs. rushing results • Defining success on your own terms New episodes every second Wednesday. If this conversation resonated with you, please leave a quick rating or review, it helps small shows like ours reach the people who need them most! Find me: IG @theveryday.project

  4. Oct 1

    What changed when I stopped judging my emotions and started listening to them

    This episode is all about noticing our emotions, finding the courage to be curious about what they are trying to tell us, and giving ourselves a gift of compassion in those moments. If you've been going through an ADHD diagnosis, overwhelming anxiety or just a rough season of life this episode might be the relief you need today. If this episode resonated with you, please don't forget to leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, give this video a like, and pass it on to a friend who might need to hear it today. Every interaction helps me grow the pod and you can follow along on the links below: Instagram: @theeveryday.project YouTube: @everyday.project Substack: melbouwmans Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Everyday Project If you are here, thanks for being here! I drop new episodes every second Wednesday. :)

  5. Sep 23

    Social Media Burnout: How to Show Up Online Without Losing Yourself

    When did Instagram stop feeling fun? When did I start posting just to perform?I used to be far more active online, and I got curious about why I stopped. Is it my own anxiety, a cultural shift, or a mix of both? The internet used to be a place to genuinely enjoy sharing and creating, but now it often feels like an audition.In this episode, I am taking an honest look at the internet then versus now, exploring why I got scared to post, and sharing what I hope for the future of creatives online. If you have been retreating or feeling overwhelmed by the social media landscape, this conversation is a reminder that we can actually create the internet we miss.Grab a cup of tea, and let us figure out how to show up online without losing ourselves.Mentioned in this episode:The Social Dilemma (Netflix)Article: Carving your digital space in the attention economy by Joanne Amarisa: https://medium.com/@joamarisa/carving-your-digital-space-in-the-attention-economy-26ee06654fddFollow the pod! YouTube: @everyday.projectInstagram: @theeveryday.projectSubstack: @melbouwmansFrom one creative to another...Please don't forget to share, like or comment to help support me and keep this side of the internet running. Thank you for being here and choosing to engage with me. Until next time, keep creating and showing up for the things you want! :)

  6. Sep 1

    Why I loved the World Cup (as someone who doesn't watch soccer)

    As someone who has never been a real fan of fútbol, I was so surprised by my sudden appeal to the World Cup. I found myself up at 4:00 AM watching games and caring about the scores, thinking: who am I right now? But that is really what sport does, it brings people together and sparks interesting conversations. Beyond the hype, why should we care about sport or relevancy in the world? Perhaps the answer is simply connection. It’s a huge facet of what makes us human, and something we are so often lacking in our daily lives. Join me for a pause as I reflect on this month of late-night games, why we crave belonging, and how we can bring more of that collective feeling into our everyday lives. YouTube: @everyday.project Instagram: @theeveryday.project Substack: @melbouwmans If you get a moment check out my Youtube channel and if you enjoyed this episode please don't forget to leave a star rating for me on Spotify!

  7. Aug 1

    My (spanish) language learning journey

    Two years ago I started taking Spanish classes in Melbourne and quickly this became a new hobby to a lifelong investment to learning. Since learning Spanish I have met my Argentinian partner, travelled to Buenos Aires and made a number of new friends. This episode is for anyone who is thinking of learning a new language. In this episode I share some tips for beginners, my experience, some of my favourite Spanish words and what Spanish has taught me about myself and life. Please don't forget to like and rate the show if you enjoyed this podcast and if you have something nice to say about it, I would be delighted to hear from you. Slide into my a DM's on the handles below: YouTube: @everyday.project Instagram: @theeveryday.project Substack: @melbouwmans Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

  8. May 26

    The world needs people doing different

    I’ve always been passionate about the idea of building your own life rather than fitting into someone else’s blueprint. So get cosy for this one. In this episode, I share a personal glimpse into what it is like to build a portfolio career , the ups and downs, the judgment, the job hunting, the rejection, and the incredible wins that have come with it. From meaningful connections and creative expansion to slowly carving out a path that feels genuinely aligned with who I am, more and more everyday. Throughout the episode, I reflect on insights from Stephanie Tyler’s wonderful article, 'The Thrill of Not Being for Everyone', and explore the freedom that comes when you stop trying to fit into society’s expectations and start belonging to yourself instead.This episode is for anyone who is doing life differently, questioning conventional career paths, or seeking the courage to create a life that reflects who they are. The world doesn’t need more people fitting in. It needs more people doing different!If you are here, thanks for being here. And if you know of anyone else who would find this poddy interesting, please do me a favor and let them know this exists. Article mentioned: https://www.badgirlmedia.com/p/the-quiet-thrill-of-not-being-for YouTube: @everyday.project Instagram: @theeveryday.project Substack: @melbouwmans Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Youtube.

  9. Apr 25

    Touching grass in Argentina

    Argentina was so epic! I’ve got heaps to say about this place, but mostly I feel like saying thank you for the richness it’s filled me with and the learnings I took from this culture. In this episode, I often describe this holiday as "touching grass." Genuinely, that is how it felt for me because I think that is because this country has some real grit to it and there are many inspiring traditions in this culture that had me returning from this trip feeling refreshed and energised for life again in Melbourne. This episode is a recap of my travels while staying with my boyfriend and his family in the capital, Buenos Aires, and our small venture out to Patagonia in San Martín de los Andes. But it’s also an episode filled with insight and analysis of my thoughts and opinions surrounding the country, the culture, the history and the main differences I notice between Melbourne and Buenos Aires. There is a message in this one that no matter where we are, life is always unpredictable and will find ways to surprise us. Just being aware of that can be the difference in your everyday. This episode is for anyone curious about Argentina and the culture, or anyone who is facing uncertainty in their life. If you are here, thanks for being here. And if you know of anyone else who would find this poddy interesting, please do let them know this exists. YouTube: @everyday.project Instagram: @theeveryday.project Substack: @melbouwmans Available on Spotify and Apple.

  10. Jan 17

    What makes a wonderful life to you?

    In a world obsessed with mortgages, promotions, and the "perfect" timeline, choosing a different path can feel like self-torture. We’re taught to measure success in digits and titles, but what happens when those milestones don’t mirror your heart? This episode is a raw reflection on the beauty of an unconventional life. From the grit of freelancing and the sting of job rejections to the freedom of a morning beach walk, I’m exploring the tension between society’s "shoulds" and our own "wants." We discuss why choosing curiosity over certainty isn’t just luck, it’s an intentional, courageous sacrifice. It’s about redefining work as more than a paycheck and realising that "falling behind" is an illusion when you’re finally walking your own way. If you’ve ever felt "less than" for choosing passion over a 9-to-5, this is your invitation to define your own version of wonderful. I'd love for this show to be a conversation, and since I’m just starting out, I’d love your feedback! DM me on socials with your thoughts, or if you want to help me grow, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. I’d love to hear from you. You can find me: Instagram @theeveryday.project Youtube @everyday.project Substack @melbouwmans Spotify and Apple Podcasts @theeverydayproject If you are here, thanks for being here!

  11. 12/12/2025

    Eat, pray, love in Airlie Beach

    Hello friends, and welcome to The Everyday Project! Let me introduce this project to you, share a little about my “found myself” moment in Airlie Beach, and reflect on the feeling of disconnection I have experienced in Melbourne. I’d love to use this platform to open up conversations, so if you ever have thoughts about an episode, leave a comment, DM the socials, or email hello.everydayproject@gmail.com I would love to hear from you. You can find me: Instagram @theeveryday.projectYoutube @everyday.projectSubstack @melbouwmans If you are here, thanks for being here!

  • 11 Episodes

About

What is holding you back? Maybe it’s fear, decision paralysis, or overwhelm when the world feels too big. It could be a major leap, like booking a trip or starting something new. Or a small everyday moment: sending the email, striking up a conversation, or setting a boundary. Every choice like this builds a fuller life, and The Everyday Project exists to demonstrate that choosing curiosity is always worth the risk. Hosted by Mel Bouwmans, this is your pause to notice opportunities and find the courage to act.

Information

  • Creator
    Mel Bouwmans
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mel Bouwmans
  • Show Website
    The Everyday Project