Six Hats

Dr Shamistra Barathan

How women strive to find balance in their lives by juggling their 6 roles each day; woman, partner, daughter, mother, business owner and professional. I am an Integrative General Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in helping women find solutions for managing weight, female hormone imbalances, gut issues, anxiety, depression, chronic diseases and fatigue. Stress is a significant player in the development of chronic ailments. I was inspired to start this podcast to help women become aware of the connection of stress, lifestyle and nutrition with their health and how we can support one another to achieve balance and lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

  1. JAN 20

    Money, Mindset, and Meaning: Breaking Free from Financial Stress with Michelle Campbell

    In this episode of SIX HATS, Dr Shami sits down with Michelle Campbell—founder of the social-impact nonprofit #Stability and author of Bluebird: A Memoir of Trauma, Heartbreak and Divine Beauty in the Struggle—to explore the emotional and systemic roots of financial illiteracy. From personal trauma to financial empowerment, Michelle shares how understanding money became her pathway to healing and how she’s now helping others escape cycles of economic instability. Together, we unpack the psychology of money, why financial education is a form of self-care, and practical ways to reclaim control, even when life feels uncertain. Listeners will learn: How early financial decisions can shape emotional wellbeing for decades The link between money, self-worth, and mental health Real-world strategies to rebuild financial security and confidence How community and mindset can rewrite generational patterns of struggle This episode is an invitation to face your financial fears, find peace with money, and redefine what wealth truly means. Connect with Michelle: https://bymichellecampbell.com Disclaimer: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast. Useful links: www.mintclinic.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  2. JAN 6

    Motherhood in your 40s: How to root down and rise differently with Steph Sta Maria

    In this intimate episode, Steph Sta Maria, writer and mother of two,  invites us into the quiet, unspoken corners of becoming a mother later in life. Drawing from her own journey of two pregnancies at 44 and 47, and conversations with other women walking the same path, Steph explores the unique challenges and strengths of motherhood in midlife.  You’ll hear about:The physical, mental and emotional changes unique to motherhood in your 40sHow being high-performing makes motherhood more challenging Why you need to put together a mental health toolkit during your pregnancy How grief can co-exist with the joy of motherhoodPlus, we explore Steph’s new pocket guide, Rooted & Resilient: A soulful guide for high-performing, first-time mothers over 40. It's a no-fluff guide with honest insights, practical tools and real stories to help you navigate this transition with both strength and softness.Whether you're a first-time mum or growing your family later in life, this conversation is for you. Connect with Steph here:  https://stephstamaria.gumroad.com/l/rootedandresilient - bit.ly/4heabgw Disclaimer: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast. Useful links: www.mintclinic.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min
  3. 12/16/2025

    The Scapegoating Trap: How to Spot and Stop Workplace Blame Games with Nathalie Martinek

    Scapegoating at work is one of the most subtle—and damaging—forms of workplace abuse. Unlike bullying, which is overt and direct, scapegoating often hides in plain sight: an individual is unfairly blamed, excluded, or sacrificed to protect the image of a team or leader. In this episode, Dr. Nathalie Martinek, author of The Scapegoating Playbook at Work, unpacks the predictable stages of scapegoating and how they unfold in professional settings. You’ll learn: Why scapegoating isn’t the same as bullying (though they can overlap). The stages of the scapegoating pattern and warning signs to look out for. How leaders and employees can interrupt the cycle before it causes long-term harm. Practical steps to create cultures of accountability that don’t rely on targeting individuals when problems arise. If you’ve ever felt unfairly blamed at work—or witnessed a colleague being sacrificed for the sake of “team harmony”—this conversation will help you name what’s happening, protect yourself and others, and inspire healthier workplace practices. Connect with Nathalie:  https://www.drnathaliemartinek.com/   Disclaimer: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast. Useful links: www.mintclinic.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min
  4. 12/02/2025

    Gallbladder Pain in Women: Dr. Romey Granek on Surgery, Recovery & Prevention

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Romey Granek, a Melbourne-based general surgeon who graduated from Monash University in 2014. With a career spanning acute general surgery, trauma, Aboriginal health, and surgical education, Dr. Granek brings a thoughtful, systems-focused approach to patient care. We explore: Why gallbladder issues are the most common cause of abdominal pain in women How women often present differently with abdominal symptoms—and what that means for diagnosis What to expect before and after gallbladder surgery Steps we can take to reduce the risk of gallbladder disease Broader insights into bowel pathology, education, and building stronger health systems Dr. Granek also shares his passion for running surgical outpatient clinics and supporting Aboriginal health initiatives, highlighting the role of surgery not just in acute care, but in improving long-term health outcomes. If you’ve ever wondered why gallbladder issues are so common—or what really happens behind the scenes in surgical care—this episode will give you both answers and practical takeaways. Disclaimer: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast. Useful links: www.mintclinic.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  5. 11/04/2025

    Pelvic Renewal: Jenny Bourke on Reclaiming Confidence with Hypopressives

    Join Jenny Bourke, a certified Create Lift Hypopressives Coach and Pilates Instructor, as she delves into her personal journey of overcoming pelvic organ prolapse through hypopressive exercises. In this episode, Jenny shares insights in the field, highlighting: Understanding Hypopressives: An introduction to hypopressive techniques and how they differ from traditional core exercises. Personal Transformation: Jenny's experience with prolapse post-childbirth and how hypopressives played a pivotal role in her recovery. Mental and Emotional Aspects: The psychological impact of pelvic floor dysfunction and strategies to navigate the emotional challenges. Common Questions Answered: Addressing frequently asked questions about hypopressives, including suitability, practice frequency, and expected results Empowerment Through Movement: Encouraging listeners to explore hypopressives as a tool for regaining confidence and control over their bodies. Whether you're postpartum, navigating menopause, or seeking solutions for pelvic floor concerns, this episode offers valuable insights and hope for recovery. Website - https://www.hypopressiveswithjenny.com/ Disclaimer: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast. Useful links: www.mintclinic.com.au https://www.podpage.com/six-hats-podcast-womens-health-stress--wellbeing/     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 min
  6. 10/14/2025

    Dignity, Divorce & Financial Safety: Empowering Women with Cassandra Kalpaxis, Lawyer

    What does personal safety really mean—and how do we protect it in relationships, especially when facing separation or control? In this empowering episode of SIX Hats, Dr. Shami sits down with multi-award-winning family and divorce lawyer Cassandra Kalpaxis—best-selling author, advocate, and creator of Australia’s first divorce retreat. From domestic violence prevention to helping women reclaim financial autonomy, Cassandra is rewriting the script for how women navigate separation with dignity and power. Together, they explore: What every woman needs to know about financial safety—before, during, and after divorce The warning signs of coercive control and why financial abuse often goes unseen Why Cassandra believes personal safety isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, legal, and financial The tools women need to exit controlling relationships and rebuild secure futures How to support teens through early education with programs like Not Another Girl This is essential listening for any woman who’s ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of her rights—and a reminder that dignity and strength can be reclaimed, one step at a time. Connect with Cassandra here: https://kalpaxislegal.com.au/ Disclaimer: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast. Useful links: www.mintclinic.com.au https://www.podpage.com/six-hats-podcast-womens-health-stress--wellbeing/       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 min

About

How women strive to find balance in their lives by juggling their 6 roles each day; woman, partner, daughter, mother, business owner and professional. I am an Integrative General Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in helping women find solutions for managing weight, female hormone imbalances, gut issues, anxiety, depression, chronic diseases and fatigue. Stress is a significant player in the development of chronic ailments. I was inspired to start this podcast to help women become aware of the connection of stress, lifestyle and nutrition with their health and how we can support one another to achieve balance and lead a healthy and fulfilling life.