The Work We Carry

Bianca Russell

Welcome to The Work We Carry. We often ask what people do for a living, but rarely about what that living does to them. This podcast explores the layers of the workforce through some really beautiful human stories. From those who hold space for our heaviest endings and health crises, to the people who curate our spaces of deep rest and even celebration, we dive into the unexpected impact of our labour. Join us for real stories, honest insights, and a look at the invisible imprints, wonder, and weight that people carry home when the "shift" ends.

Episodes

  1. 9h ago

    Episode 4 - Wedding Celebrant, Nicky Surnicky

    In this episode, Nicky Surnicky (of Marry Me Nicky) joins me who has married over 500 couples and seen it all when it comes to weddings! It was important for me to include a wedding celebrant from the first day I thought of this podcast. Holding space for people on one of the most emotional days of their lives requires a mix of grace, resilience, and high-stakes performance. Unlike many other professions, a wedding celebrant gets just one shot to conduct the orchestra, with barely any wiggle room to "switch off."  I loved chatting (and having a good laugh) with Nicky learning all about her experiences, the changes she has seen in the industry, what really matters on the big day, how to keep couples calm, and the rest. Hopefully I passed the pub test!  Special mentions and more information:  Great couple resources: Wedshed Venues: Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat, Kangaroo Valley (South Coast, NSW) Audley Dance Hall, Audley (Sydney, NSW) Adams Peak Country Estate, Broke (Hunter Valley)  Funeral training: The Funeral Fix  Cover image: Red Berry Photography

    Episode 4 - Wedding Celebrant, Nicky Surnicky

  2. Jul 13

    Episode 3 - Lesbians of Australia artist Stacey Bennett

    Artist Stacey Bennett joins me on this episode of The Work We Carry to discuss her project, Lesbians of Australia. Having recently painted 100 portraits of lesbians across Australia, she shares the inspiration behind her work and the impact of bringing these stories to light across the last two years. View the portraits and read all about the stories by following Stacey on Instagram via @stace.paints.queers   You can also visit the Australian Queer Archives (AQuA) who hold the world’s largest and most significant archives of historical Australian LGBTIQ+ material as well as Australia’s largest international LGBTIQ+ collection.  Support & Mental Health Resources are available in case this episode brought up some difficult or heavy feelings: Free, anonymous peer support is available at QLife (1800 184 527 or qlife.org.au).For immediate 24/7 crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.For young people seeking community and counseling, visit Twenty10 (twenty10.org.au).Indigenous community members can find dedicated mental health support at Yarns Heal (yarnsheal.org.au) and Black Rainbow (blackrainbow.org.au).Don't forget to share your own story or suggest a guest for future episodes.

    Episode 3 - Lesbians of Australia artist Stacey Bennett

  3. Jun 24

    Episode 2 - Founder of Sweat, Chill, Exhale

    In this episode, we look into the wellness and recovery space with Dave Ward, the founder of Sweat, Chill, Exhale.  Moving past the aesthetics of the industry, we look at the mechanics of Dave’s role, the practicalities of operating a contrast therapy space, and what it takes to handle the daily responsibilities of building a community hub. Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about anxiety, depression, addiction and other mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that support is available: In Australia: Call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636In New Zealand: Call or text 1737 to reach 'Need to Talk?', or call Lifeline at 0800 543 354In the UK: Call 111 to reach the NHS mental health services, or call Samaritans at 116 123. Learn more & find support based on other topics in our conversation: Endometriosis Australia: Expert information, education programs, and resources at endoaustralia.org.au.Jean Hailes for Women's Health: Trusted, evidence-based insights on PCOS (recently updated to PMOS) and managing hormonal health at jeanhailes.org.au.QENDO: A community-led support network and helpline (1800 ASK QENDO) for anyone navigating endo, PCOS (PMOS), and pelvic pain at qendo.org.au.ADHD Foundation: providing accurate and reliable information for anyone looking for ADHD pathways to diagnosis, information and support at adhdfoundation.org.au We're reviewing the best space possible to record in so thanks for hanging in there while we work on delivering the highest quality of audio as we go along.

    Episode 2 - Founder of Sweat, Chill, Exhale

  4. Jun 10

    Episode 1 - Death doula & death literacy educator

    In this episode, we dive into what "death literacy" means with death doula, mortality educator and death literacy educator, Danni Petkovic.  We talk about the positive impact that comes from planning for the end while we are well, and how stepping into the space of death can dismantle our heaviest anxieties.  This conversation is an invitation to strip away the fear, open up honest dialogue around the kitchen table, and understand that planning for the end is ultimately a profound act of love for the people we leave behind. Enjoy our very first discussion - don't forget to share your own story or suggest a guest for future episodes.

    Episode 1 - Death doula & death literacy educator
  • 4 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Work We Carry. We often ask what people do for a living, but rarely about what that living does to them. This podcast explores the layers of the workforce through some really beautiful human stories. From those who hold space for our heaviest endings and health crises, to the people who curate our spaces of deep rest and even celebration, we dive into the unexpected impact of our labour. Join us for real stories, honest insights, and a look at the invisible imprints, wonder, and weight that people carry home when the "shift" ends.

Information

  • Creator
    Bianca Russell
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Work We Carry