There She Is: A Womensport & Recreation Tasmania Podcast

Womensport and Recreation Tasmania

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This is a space for celebrating women in sport — the athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers, and leaders who shape our sporting communities. We talk pathways, visibility, lived experience, and what works for women in sport — right here in Tasmania and beyond. Because representation matters. And every story deserves to be seen.

6d ago

Ep 18 | Kim Holcombe: A World Champion at 77

People often assume there's an age when competition ends, ambition fades and it's time to slow down. Kim Holcombe is living proof that's simply not true. At 77 years old, Kim became the 2026 World Masters Table Tennis Champion in the Women's Over 75 Doubles, but her journey to the top wasn't straightforward. She didn't discover table tennis until she was 39, battled self-doubt for decades, and spent years believing she wasn't good enough—even when others could see her potential. In this episode of There She Is, Philippa sits down with Kim to explore the mindset behind becoming a world champion later in life, the role confidence plays in performance, and why staying active has given her purpose, friendships and a reason to keep striving. From training in Vietnam and funding her own international competition through her handmade crafts, to challenging perceptions of ageing, Kim's story is one of resilience, determination and lifelong learning. In this episode we discuss: - Why Kim didn't take up table tennis until she was 39. - How self-belief became the biggest factor in her success. - The mindset lessons that helped her become a World Champion. - Why lifelong participation in sport matters for physical and mental wellbeing. - The realities of funding Masters sport and competing internationally. - How sport continues to create purpose, friendships and adventure later in life. - Why Kim believes women should never stop challenging themselves—regardless of age. Whether you're a competitive athlete, a weekend walker, or someone wondering if it's too late to try something new, Kim's story is a powerful reminder that there is no expiry date on growth, achievement or the joy of sport. If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member:https://wsrt.org.au/membership
Jul 28

Ep 17 | Corina McCarthy: Building Community Through the Get Active Program

Getting active isn't just about exercise—it can be the first step towards building confidence, making new friends and discovering a healthier, more connected life. In this episode, Philippa sits down with Corina McCarthy, Health Promotion Worker and one of Tasmania's most experienced Get Active Program (GAP) facilitators. Having delivered almost 30 programs across the state, Corina shares why GAP is changing lives by making physical activity welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Together, they explore:- What the Get Active Program (GAP) is and who it's designed for. - How the program combines health education with fun, local physical activities. - Why social connection is just as important as exercise for long-term wellbeing. - How trying new activities helps build confidence and lifelong healthy habits. - The role local community organisations play in supporting participants beyond the program. - What makes a great GAP facilitator and how you can become one. - Why creating welcoming environments helps more people enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Whether you're looking to become more active, support your community or become a GAP facilitator, this episode will inspire you to take the first step. Learn more about the Get Active Program or become a GAP facilitator: https://www.wsrt.org.au/getactive If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://www.wsrt.org.au/membership
Jul 14

Ep 16 | Monica Beazley: You're More Ready to Lead Than You Think

Too many capable women aren't stepping into leadership roles they could absolutely flourish in. If you've ever doubted whether you're ready to lead, this conversation is for you. In this episode of There She Is, Philippa sits down with Leadership Coach Monica Beazley to explore why so many capable women doubt themselves, what psychological safety has to do with speaking up, and how sporting organisations can create environments where women feel they truly belong. Together they unpack why confidence isn't always the issue, how women can recognise the incredible leadership skills they already possess, and practical strategies to step into coaching, committees, board positions and leadership roles with greater confidence. In this episode we discuss: • Why confidence is often confused with psychological safety. • Practical strategies to speak up in meetings and leadership environments. • The leadership skills women develop through sport, work and motherhood. • Why women are often over-mentored but under-sponsored. • How sporting organisations can intentionally create pathways for more women to lead. • Simple mindset tools to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. • Why visibility and representation matter for the next generation of women and girls. This is an episode to listen to on repeat, pause often and come along with your pen and paper. Follow Monica and learn more here: https://www.monarchmanagement.com.au/coachinghttps:// www.instagram.com/monarchleadership/ https://www.facebook.com/monarchleadership/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership
Jul 7

Ep 15 | Kaity Fassina: Why Motherhood Made Me a Better Athlete

Every athlete wonders how they'll balance life, ambition and the unexpected—but what happens when motherhood enters the picture? In this episode of There She Is, Philippa sits down with Commonwealth Games silver medallist, educator and athlete Kaity Fassina to explore the realities of returning to elite sport after becoming a mother. Kaity shares the emotional journey of discovering she was pregnant while pursuing Olympic dreams, the challenges of navigating sporting systems that weren't designed with mothers in mind, and why becoming a mum ultimately became one of the greatest strengths of her athletic career. Together, they explore: - Why becoming a mother doesn't have to mean the end of a sporting career. - The emotional realities of pregnancy, identity and elite performance. - How motherhood transformed Kaity's mindset and became her greatest competitive advantage. - The importance of support, flexibility and psychologically safe environments for athlete mothers. - Practical ways sporting organisations can better support women through pregnancy, parenthood and beyond. - Why we need to stop seeing mothers as a barrier and start recognising them as an incredible asset to sport. This is an inspiring conversation for athletes, coaches, sporting organisations and anyone passionate about creating environments where women don't have to choose between family and pursuing their sporting ambitions. Follow more of Kaity's journey on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kt_weightlifting_coach/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership
Jun 30

Ep 14 | Prof Margo Mountjoy: Fuel to Perform and Preventing REDs

Every athlete wants to perform at their best—but what happens when your body simply doesn't have enough energy to keep up? In this episode, Philippa sits down with internationally renowned sports physician and researcher Professor Margo Mountjoy, one of the world's leading experts on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Together, they unpack what REDs actually is, why it's far more common than many people realise, and the early warning signs that athletes, parents and coaches should never ignore. In this episode, we explore: - What REDs is and why it affects far more athletes than many people realise. - The early warning signs every athlete, parent and coach should know. - Why losing your period is not a sign of athletic success. - How low energy availability impacts performance, recovery, bone health and long-term wellbeing. - Why adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to REDs. - The role coaches, parents and sporting organisations play in creating healthier sporting environments. - How we can shift the conversation away from body size and towards performance, health and longevity. This episode will give you a greater understanding of how to better support the women and girls in your sporting community. Learn more about Margo here https://margomountjoy.com/ Follow Margo on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drmargomountjoy/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership
Jun 22

Ep 13 | Prof Philip Morgan: The Power of Dads in Keeping Girls in Sport

What if one of the most powerful ways to keep girls in sport, is about strengthening the relationship they have with the adults who support them? In this episode, Professor Philip Morgan, founder of the Daughters & Dads program, shares more than a decade of research exploring how fathers and father figures can help girls build confidence, competence, resilience and a lifelong connection to sport and physical activity. Through an innovative program that combines sport, parenting strategies and quality one-on-one time, Phil and his team have seen remarkable outcomes—not only in girls' participation and skill development, but also in wellbeing, self-belief and family relationships that continue years after the program ends. In this conversation, we explore: - Why confidence and competence are critical to girls' participation in sport- The unique influence fathers and father figures can have in girls' lives - How co-participation in physical activity strengthens relationships and wellbeing - The subtle gender stereotypes girls still encounter every day - Building resilience and helping girls navigate barriers and setbacks - What keeps girls engaged in sport through adolescence - Practical parenting strategies that support connection, communication and confidence - Why belonging may be even more important than participation This is a powerful conversation for parents, coaches, teachers and sporting organisations alike. It highlights how small, intentional actions can have a lasting impact on girls' confidence, opportunities and lifelong relationship with sport. Learn more about Daughters & Dads (become a partner or a facilitator) https://www.daughtersanddads.com.au Are you looking for an innovative approach to ensure girls stay in sport?Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered is an evidence-based program that brings together fathers/father-figures and their primary-aged daughters to: - Improve wellbeing - Strengthen the father-child bond and improve family functioning - Advance gender equity - Promote physical activity in families Daughters and Dads sport-specific programs include cricket, football, basketball and cycling. We have experience partnering with dozens of national and international partners to empower thousands of girls to thrive through sport and positive father involvement. If you are interested in learning more or partnering with the University of Newcastle, please contact DaughtersAndDads@newcastle.edu.au If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member. Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership
Jun 18

Ep 12 | Dr Zali Yager: Building Body Confidence in Sport

Body image is one of the leading reasons girls disengage from sport, yet many of the barriers are things we can change.In this episode, Dr Zali Yager from The Embrace Collective joins us to explore the powerful connection between body image, confidence, belonging, and participation in sport. Drawing on years of research and practical experience, Zali shares simple but impactful strategies that parents, coaches, clubs and sporting organisations can implement to create more inclusive environments where girls feel comfortable, confident and supported. In this conversation, we explore: -Why body image can have such a significant impact on girls' participation in sport - The role uniforms play in confidence, comfort and belonging - How parents can support positive body image at home - Practical ways coaches can build confidence without focusing on appearance - Helping girls navigate social media and comparison culture - Why representation and diversity matter in club marketing and communications- Understanding body talk, body shaming and the lasting impact of seemingly small comments - The simple changes sporting clubs can make to create safer and more welcoming environments From uniform flexibility and inclusive club culture to social media habits and positive coaching practices, this conversation is packed with practical ideas that can help more girls feel like they belong in sport. You'll walk away with simple actions that can make a meaningful difference in helping girls stay active, confident and connected. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Embrace Hubhttps://theembracehub.com/ Activate Playbook for Sporting Clubs https://theembracecollective.learnworlds.com/activate Sport Integrity Australia – Sport Is For EveryBODY Resourceshttps://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/SportIsForEveryBODY If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership
May 26

Ep 11 | Nicola Hughes: Creating Your Own Adventure

Adventure doesn’t have to look one way — and neither does recreation. In this episode, Nicola Hughes from The Swag Family shares the story behind an extraordinary decision to step outside the expected path and cycle around the world with her husband and three children — travelling for 696 days and covering almost 14,000 kilometres together as a family. Along the way they discovered that adventure isn’t always about going further or faster, but about slowing down, embracing uncertainty, and creating space for connection, growth, and possibility. This conversation explores motherhood, raising capable kids, doing things differently, and what can happen when you stop waiting for perfect conditions and simply have a go. Nicola reflects on challenge, flexibility, community, and the powerful lesson that some of life’s most meaningful experiences begin with one small decision to step outside your comfort zone. A beautiful reminder that there are many ways to participate, move, explore, and create your own version of adventure. Learn more: https://swagfamily.au/ https://open.spotify.com/show/7253JUESv3MupkqBDwKxGy?si=201b612690794f9c https://www.instagram.com/swagfamilyhughes/ If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport & recreation, you can support our work by becoming a WSRT member for only $20. Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

This is a space for celebrating women in sport — the athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers, and leaders who shape our sporting communities. We talk pathways, visibility, lived experience, and what works for women in sport — right here in Tasmania and beyond. Because representation matters. And every story deserves to be seen.

Creator

Womensport and Recreation Tasmania
Years Active

2026
Episodes

18
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Womensport and Recreation Tasmania