Carer Conversations

The Benevolent Society

Listen to interviews with experts and carers who share specialised information and inspiring stories about the caring role. Carer Conversations by The Benevolent Society, in association with Carer Gateway, is a podcast hosted by Patty Kikos to empower and inform carers across Australia.

  1. Navigating A Public Tantrum With Finesse

    10/30/2025

    Navigating A Public Tantrum With Finesse

    Gricel Mendez chats about migrating to Australia from Argentina, studying psychology and educational leadership. She also discusses founding an organisation that teaches Positive Behaviour Supports and takes us on a step-by-step journey on how to navigate a public tantrum with finesse.   GUEST: Gricel Mendez - https://set2learn.com.au/   SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook   CREDITS: Host – Patty Kikos Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc Sound Engineer – John Hresc   GET IN TOUCH: Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier.  You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au Got some questions or thoughts for the team? Email us at cgconnections@benevolent.org.au and put ‘Carer Conversations Podcast’ in the subject line. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    35 min
  2. Alternative Therapies For People With Alternative Needs

    09/29/2025

    Alternative Therapies For People With Alternative Needs

    Patty Kikos interviews Romy Holman, who shares her story about her daughter Milla being deprived of oxygen for ten minutes during her birth, and then being diagnosed with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Romy emigrated from South Africa with her husband, had two more children, and founded the One & All Hub, which is a holistic centre for mixed abilities, who are pioneering innovations in disability and mental health.   GUEST: Romy Holman - https://www.oneandallhub.org/   SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook   CREDITS: Host – Patty Kikos Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc Sound Engineer – John Hresc   GET IN TOUCH: Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier.  You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au Got some questions or thoughts for? Email us at cgconnections@benevolent.org.au and put ‘Carer Conversations Podcast’ in the subject line. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    32 min
  3. From Clinically Depressed For 5 Years, To Motivational Speaker

    08/28/2025

    From Clinically Depressed For 5 Years, To Motivational Speaker

    Graeme Cowan joins us to share his journey of being clinically depressed and unable to work for 5 years. His psychiatrist described it as the worst case he had ever treated, and since finding the medication that works best for him, Graeme helped co found the “RUOK” charity, and is now a motivational speaker who shares his wellness tips with organisations and individuals.   GUEST: Graeme Cowan - https://graemecowan.com.au/   SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook   CREDITS: Host – Patty Kikos Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc Sound Engineer – John Hresc   GET IN TOUCH: Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier.  You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au Got some questions or thoughts for the team? Email us at cgconnections@benevolent.org.au. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    30 min
  4. How Ronald McDonald House Charities Help Families

    06/29/2025

    How Ronald McDonald House Charities Help Families

    Patty Kikos interviews Barbara Ryan, the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia about the wonderful ways that RMHC supports families in need, from the house charities, hospital rooms, as well as the learning program that is available for students (and their siblings) who have missed a lot of school time and need help catching up.   GUEST: Ronald McDonald House Charities - https://www.rmhc.org.au   Contact Number: 1300 307 642   SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram   Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook   CREDITS: Host – Patty Kikos Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc Sound Engineer – John Hresc   GET IN TOUCH: Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier.   You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au   Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at cgconnections@benevolent.org.au and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.   ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    32 min
  5. The Best Ways To Have A Healthy Happy Brain

    04/29/2025

    The Best Ways To Have A Healthy Happy Brain

    Patty Kikos interviews Rose Rowlson, a health and wellness advocate, a dementia educator and a clinical counselling consultant and trainer. She's a carer herself, and has worked in the community, as a consultant for nearly 20 years. She services a number of aged care facilities, providing training to staff, counselling for residents and families and grief counselling.   GUEST – ROSE ROWLSON Rose Rowlson - https://www.roserowlson.com.au/   SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook   CREDITS: Host – Patty Kikos Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc Sound Engineer – John Hresc   GET IN TOUCH: Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier.  You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at cgconnections@benevolent.org.au and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    33 min
  6. Understanding Neurodivergence, Trauma & Self Regulation Through Different Decades

    03/30/2025

    Understanding Neurodivergence, Trauma & Self Regulation Through Different Decades

    Join Patty Kikos as she delves into the inspiring journey of Louise, who stepped into the role of a young carer at just 13, navigating the challenges of her mother's grief and her brother's sorrow. Louise's story doesn't end there; she later became a devoted carer to her two wonderfully unique neurodivergent children. Now, as a compassionate counselor, Louise empowers other carers, sharing invaluable techniques to help them self-regulate and heal from their own traumas. This interview is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of support.   GUEST: Louise Davis - www.carergateway.gov.au   SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook   CREDITS: Host – Patty Kikos Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc Sound Engineer – John Hresc   GET IN TOUCH: Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier.  You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au Got some questions or thoughts? Email us at cgconnections@benevolent.org.au and put ‘Carer Conversations Podcast’ in the subject line. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    34 min
  7. Sam Bloom's Healing Journey After She Became A Paraplegic

    02/27/2025

    Sam Bloom's Healing Journey After She Became A Paraplegic

    Join Patty Kikos for an inspiring and heartfelt interview with Sam and Cameron Bloom, the incredible couple behind the touching story of 'Penguin Bloom.' Hear firsthand how a freak accident in Thailand left Sam a paraplegic, and how their lives took an unexpected turn. Discover the magic that unfolded when a young magpie chick with a broken wing entered their lives, helping them heal together. Their journey, beautifully captured in their book and the movie starring Naomi Watts, is a testament to resilience, love, and the extraordinary bond between humans and animals. Don't miss this captivating conversation! GUEST: Sam and Cameron Bloom - https://bloomphotography.com/   SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook   CREDITS: Host – Patty Kikos Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc Sound Engineer – John Hresc   GET IN TOUCH: Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier. You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

    32 min

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Listen to interviews with experts and carers who share specialised information and inspiring stories about the caring role. Carer Conversations by The Benevolent Society, in association with Carer Gateway, is a podcast hosted by Patty Kikos to empower and inform carers across Australia.

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