TACT The Owl - University of Canberra

Respectful relationships – both romantic and platonic – are an important part of a healthy life. These connections are critical for both our mental and physical health, and they have the ability to bring out the best in us. Unfortunately, so many of us aren’t taught how to start and maintain healthy relationships and are often exposed to examples of unhealthy or abusive relationships during our childhood.



In this episode of TACT, Jen is joined by Dr Sheridan Kerr, who is a Senior Director at Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, to talk about how to build and maintain respectful relationships with the people in our lives. Dr Kerr and Jen discuss the qualities of a healthy relationship, signs of abusive behaviour and how to improve communication with your loved ones. It is important that you feel safe, seen and comfortable in all your relationships, and work on practicing open and honest communication. Recognising areas within yourself that need improvement is also fundamental to building long-term and fulfilling relationships with your friends, family and partners.

"When you’re young, all you want to do is fit in, but what I would encourage people to do is realise that there’s someone else who feels the same way as you, or is struggling with the same decision that you’re struggling with, and that’s where you can find your community" - Dr Kate Grarock



This week’s episode of TACT is about mental health, wellbeing and resilience.



There’s a lot of pressures in young adulthood to live a fulfilling life when you may be juggling entering the workforce, finding your identity, travelling, studying, home life, meeting or making new friendships, becoming independent, and taking on new responsibilities. 



Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is an ongoing process of finding the right balance to physical health, a sense of purpose, feeling connected with others, and feeling safe and supported.



The trait of resilience is embodied by Jen's guest in this episode, Dr Kate Grarock. Kate is an ecologist, hiker, superstar of STEM, mum and YouTube creator.



Perhaps you’ve seen Kate on the SBS reality series Alone Australia, where Kate maintains a joyous respect for her environment and conditions despite being alone and reliant only on herself and her abilities, mental and physical, to survive.

Let’s talk about sex.



In this episode of TACT, Jen is joined by Dr Kym Robinson to get to the heart of those topics many of us think of as too intimate or embarrassing to discuss. Jen and Kym talk candidly about a range of issues surrounding intimacy, sexual health and communication. Kym is a sex therapist who works with couples, individuals and groups to help people explore the diverse topics of sexuality, pleasure and the importance of consent. She uses a person-centred approach in her counselling to support her clients in a safe and judgment-free environment and believes everyone has a right to a happy and healthy sex life. 



It can be intimidating to talk about issues relating to sexual health, but they are important conversations to have. Many people lack basic knowledge about reproductive health and are unsure how to navigate the topic of sex in new relationships. Better sexual education programs are necessary to ensure everyone has the resources to engage in safe sex and be treated with respect. And remember, no one has the right to pressure you into doing anything you don’t want to do, and always get consent from your partner before engaging in any sexual activity.



Episode producer: Sarah Grieb

This episode of TACT is about body image.



What are the biggest contributors to a person’s body image, positive or negative?



What are ways we can improve our own thoughts and feelings about our bodies?



What can we do if we’re worried about the visible effects a negative body image is having on someone?



What is meant by body positivity, body acceptance and body neutrality?



How much is our mental health and body image interconnected?



Jen’s guest for this body image episode is Dr Vivienne Lewis, a Clinical Psychologist who specialises in the treatment of people with body image issues and eating disorders. Vivienne has written two books -- Positive Bodies: Loving The Skin You’re In & No Body’s Perfect -- to help and guide children, young people and adults who experience body image issues. She is in the process of writing her third book which will assist health professionals working with people with eating disorders.



Episode producers: Sarah Grieb and Haidyn Vecera

In this episode, Jen Seyderhelm is joined by TACT collaborator Jodie Kirkness to talk about how you can be your own best health advocate. Jodie is a journalist at Women’s Health Matters and a promoter of patient self-advocacy. At age 17, Jodie was diagnosed with a high-grade malignant Phyllodes tumour that resulted in five weeks of intensive radiation and a radical mastectomy. She chose not to tell people what she was going through, including many of her family and friends. Now at 24, Jodie is a passionate health advocate for both herself and others.



Many people often feel intimidated, confused and overwhelmed when visiting their doctor and navigating the healthcare system. Jen and Jodie discuss how to combat these issues by advocating for yourself and knowing your rights as a patient. They share tips for seeking appropriate health care, accessing health information, resolving health issues and identifying available treatment options. They discuss how to become an active participant in your healthcare journey by creating an open dialogue with your doctor and giving feedback to ensure you are receiving quality care. Knowing how to advocate for yourself protects your rights and ensures that you are heard.



Episode producer: Sarah Grieb





TACT is made possible thanks to a YWCA and Beyond Bank grant, and with the support of Women’s Health Matters, the voice for women’s health and wellbeing in the ACT; and Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT. The series is produced in partnership with The Owl at the University of Canberra.



You can share your thoughts, ideas and feedback by email (tactpodcast@gmail.com) or via the TACT podcast Facebook page.



Our theme song is Satisfied Minds by the fabulous Canberra band Miroji.



If anything we’ve talked about has raised concerns for you, there are many free support services you can reach out to for help, including:



Lifeline
13 11 14
Online chat



1800RESPECT
(1800 737 732)
Online chat



13 YARN
(13 92 76)
Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander support service

In this TACT season preview, Jen Seyderhelm chats with University of Canberra students at a Faculty of Arts and Design morning tea about sex, dating, bodies, pronouns and more! The first full episode of TACT will hit your podcast feed in a couple of weeks.



TACT is made possible thanks to a YWCA and Beyond Bank grant, and with the support of Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT and Women’s Health Matters, the voice for women’s health and wellbeing in the ACT. The series is produced in partnership with The Owl at the University of Canberra.



You can share your thoughts, ideas and feedback by email (tactpodcast@gmail.com) or via the TACT podcast Facebook page.



Our theme song is Satisfied Minds by the fabulous Canberra band Miroji.



If anything we’ve talked about has raised concerns for you, there are many free support services you can reach out to for help, including:



Lifeline
13 11 14
Online chat



1800RESPECT
(1800 737 732)
Online chat



13 YARN
(13 92 76)
Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander support service