In today's episode, I had a fantastic conversation with Rachel Johns, a multi-talented bestselling author who revealed her journey into the world of writing and entrepreneurship. We touched on the evolution of her career, highlighting that being an author today requires a strong marketing strategy beyond just writing. Rachel shared her experience transitioning to Substack, telling us about the organic growth of her readership and how this platform combines aspects of blogging and social media. W...
Jul 01, 2025•26 min•Ep. 159
In today's solo episode, I dive into the platform Substack, urging you to explore its potential for your business. Launched in 2017 and still privately owned, Substack has become a space for independent writers to publish newsletters and earn money through subscriptions. With over 20 million monthly active subscribers, this platform presents an alternative to traditional social media channels. I'm also sharing my personal journey as I undertake a 30-day Substack challenge to document my writing ...
Jun 24, 2025•26 min•Ep. 158
In today's episode, I had a conversation with Melissa, owner of MelissaMade with Love, about the crucial role of self-care in our busy lives. We delved into her entrepreneurial journey and how her passion for skincare merged with a mission to foster mindfulness in daily routines. One standout insight was her approach of "micro moments" of self-care, emphasizing that even brief, mindful practices can create a significant impact. Melissa encouraged us to treat daily tasks, like caring for our skin...
Jun 17, 2025•25 min•Ep. 157
In this episode, I sit down with Fi, the founder of Choose Healthy, to explore what a golden gap year in your fifties can look like. We talk about realising life can get more vibrant as you embrace new chapters. Fi shares how she turned a midlife crossroads into a thriving health and fitness coaching business for women over fifty. Together, we outline practical steps for designing your own midlife pause: experimenting with part-time passion projects, inviting a friend to tag along, and nourishin...
Jun 10, 2025•20 min•Ep. 156
If AI still feels like a foreign language, this one’s for you. In this episode, I share how AI — especially tools like ChatGPT and Gemini — can be practical and powerful without being overwhelming. I unpack what a prompt actually is, why you don’t need to buy them, and 5 smart ways you can use AI beyond just content creation. From market research to customer journeys, I walk through the real magic of AI when you use it with intention. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already dabbling, I prom...
Jun 03, 2025•22 min•Ep. 155
I’m joined by Hollyanne Martin, founder of Safe4Kids. Hollyanne draws on years of child-protection work to create courses and resources that help families, schools and communities keep children safe online. She’s a sought-after speaker and trainer in digital safety, especially for remote and underserved areas. Key Takeaways Start honest conversations about online risks with your child; ask about their favourite apps and listen without judgement. Set clear screen boundaries and use parental contr...
May 27, 2025•27 min•Ep. 154
In this episode, I sat down with the fabulous Annie Gashuru to explore how AI intersects with diversity, equity, and inclusion. We shared real-life stories, especially around the hidden biases baked into tech. Annie unpacked what digital bias looks like and why it's often unintentional but still damaging. We explored how as business owners, especially in the online space, we need to go beyond surface-level inclusivity and look at how our tools and systems may be unintentionally exclusive. Key Ta...
May 20, 2025•31 min•Ep. 153
This week on The Social Circus, I’m joined by the incredible Denise Duffield-Thomas – bestselling author of Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and Chill and Prosper. Denise is a leading voice in money mindset and has supported over 10,000 students through her signature Money Bootcamp. She’s a Hay House author, mum of three, and proudly calls herself a lazy introvert – which totally aligns with her “chill and prosper” approach to business. In our chat, we dive into the beliefs and blocks that ho...
May 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 152
This week, I’m diving into part two of why you're not making the sales you know you deserve. In this episode, I’m sharing the final five reasons from my top 10 list — and spoiler alert: it's all about mindset. I unpack how perfectionism, playing small, and not trusting yourself could be quietly sabotaging your sales. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” and still not seeing results, this one’s for you. I’m keeping it real, practical, and kind — because I want you to stop ...
May 06, 2025•24 min•Ep. 151
In this episode of The Social Circus, I'm diving deep into the mindset shifts that can make or break your business journey — especially when times get quiet. You’ll hear me chat about five powerful mindset moves you can embrace to keep momentum even when it feels like you’re standing still. I’m sharing how to reframe challenges, why your value isn't tied to your current results, and how to keep trusting yourself when things get wobbly. If you’ve ever felt a little stuck or uncertain, this is you...
Apr 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 150
In this episode, I sat down with Bianca from Indigo Tax, and we chatted about journey behind starting her business. We unpacked her leap into self-employment and how that bold move turned into a business she absolutely loves. We covered the real struggles small biz owners face with their finances and why understanding your numbers is one of the most empowering things you can do. Bianca shares tips for staying on top of your books, what to look out for as a new business owner, and why mindset mat...
Apr 22, 2025•20 min•Ep. 149
In this episode, I chat with the ever-inspiring Julia Clifton from 4MyEarth. Julia left behind her corporate career to follow her passion for sustainability, and since 2007, she’s been creating easy, everyday swaps for single-use plastic through her business. All her cloth products are ethically made in India, machine washable, and designed to last for years—making it simple for Aussie households to reduce waste without sacrificing convenience. We talk about how the business started, what it's r...
Apr 15, 2025•22 min•Ep. 148
In this solo episode, I open up about how 2025 is shaping up to be one of the toughest years I've seen in business—yes, even tougher than the COVID years. If your business feels quieter than usual, like it’s whispering instead of roaring, you’re not alone. I break down what’s happening globally and locally that's affecting spending and share some soul-soothing and practical advice on how to navigate this tricky season. This episode is a reassuring reminder that slow seasons don’t mean failure, a...
Apr 08, 2025•23 min•Ep. 147
I’m joined by the fabulous Jen from JenBe Brands. She’s a personal brand strategist and mentor known for creating “flamazing” brands that stand out like a flamingo in a flock of seagulls. With a background in graphic design and a passion for empowering midlife women, Jen helps her clients rediscover confidence, build presence, and bring their unique flair into their branding. Her program, Bring Back Your Pink, is all about reclaiming that bold, vibrant energy so many of us lose in the chaos of l...
Apr 01, 2025•23 min•Ep. 146
I’m joined by the lovely Sharon Wilkes-Burt — a certified Life Coach, speaker, and soon-to-be podcast host of Unravelling the Diary of a Midlife Mess. After three decades as a hair and makeup artist helping women look good, Sharon now supports midlife women in feeling good about who they are. She’s all about journaling, curiosity, and radical self-kindness as tools to help women navigate those big identity shifts in midlife. Honestly, she’s such a warm and honest soul, and I just know you’ll lov...
Mar 25, 2025•22 min•Ep. 145
I’m thrilled to introduce you to Julie Farrelly, founder of My Menopause Clinic. Julie’s a functional integrative nurse practitioner with lived experience of menopause. She’s passionate about supporting women through this transformative phase, offering holistic, personalised care that helps us not just survive but truly thrive during menopause. 💬 Episode Summary (800 characters): In this heartfelt chat, I’m joined by Julie Farrelly as we unpack the complex relationship between endometriosis and...
Mar 18, 2025•26 min•Ep. 144
In this episode, I dive into a deeply personal and important topic—endometriosis. As someone who has lived with it since my teenage years, I share my own journey, the struggles, and what I’ve learned along the way. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to shed light on this often misunderstood condition. I discuss the symptoms, misconceptions, and why awareness is crucial. I also explore the broader impact it has on women's health and quality of life. If you or someo...
Mar 11, 2025•27 min•Ep. 143
In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my 14-year business journey—sharing the highs, the struggles, and everything in between. I reflect on how my business has evolved, the lessons I’ve learned, and the mindset shifts that have helped me grow. From navigating changes in the digital world to staying resilient through challenges, I dive into what it really takes to sustain a business long-term. If you’ve ever wondered what running a business looks like over the years, this episode i...
Mar 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 142
In this episode, I chat with Sam Dhu about the intersection of mental well-being and business growth. We explore why self-compassion is a game-changer for entrepreneurs, how to embrace softness while still being successful, and the importance of giving yourself permission to grow without burnout. Business can be tough, but we don’t have to meet challenges with self-criticism—we can approach them with kindness and resilience. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to hustle at all costs, this episode w...
Feb 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 141
Lauren is the founder of Merio Product Lab, a company dedicated to helping product entrepreneurs and startups develop efficient, monetisable products. With years of experience in product development, she shares invaluable insights on navigating the challenges of launching and scaling a product-based business. Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Lauren from Merio Product Lab to talk all things product development. If you've ever thought about launching a product-based ...
Feb 18, 2025•27 min•Ep. 140
My guest today is Nikki, the founder of Accomplished Education. Nikki has over 22 years of experience in state and federal law enforcement in Australia. In her role, she has sat on recruitment and promotion panels, which inspired her to create Accomplished Education - a business focused on helping people write winning job applications and prepare for interviews. Nikki is passionate about empowering individuals to showcase their value and land their dream roles. Episode Summary: In today's episod...
Feb 11, 2025•19 min•Ep. 139
In this episode, I chat with Olga from Studio Thimble about her incredible journey from being a process engineer to launching a thriving sewing business. We dive into how she discovered her love for sewing, the transition from hobbyist to entrepreneur, and the challenges she faced along the way. Olga shares her insights on building a brand, creating an engaged community, and making a business out of a creative passion. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn something you love into a successful vent...
Feb 04, 2025•23 min•Ep. 138
Hi, I’m Sarah Thomson, and in this episode, I’m flying solo! I wanted to dive into the idea that starting now is always fine—no matter the time of year. So many of us feel pressure to start fresh in January, but life gets in the way. I’ll share my thoughts on how to reset, build momentum, and set goals that actually work for your business and life. Episode Summary: January can feel like a chaotic blur, especially for business owners juggling holidays, family, and the pressure of a ‘new year, new...
Jan 28, 2025•25 min•Ep. 137
In this episode, I’m joined by Mel Brown, a financial expert and author of My Financial Adulting Plan. With years of experience helping individuals and business owners take control of their money, she’s here to share her wisdom on making finance work for you. We unpack the myths around money, discuss practical strategies for managing cash flow, and explore why understanding your finances is crucial for business success. Mel shares her journey from struggling with money to becoming a financial po...
Jan 21, 2025•28 min•Ep. 136
In this episode, I’m diving into the tradition of picking a "word for the year" and how it can set the tone for everything you do. I explore why this practice is so popular and share practical steps for choosing a word that feels authentic and aligned with your goals. Whether you’ve been doing this for years or it’s your first time, I’ve got tips and anecdotes to guide you through the process. I’ll also reflect on the podcast’s incredible three-year journey, sharing my excitement for the episode...
Jan 14, 2025•17 min•Ep. 135
In this reflective episode, I take you behind the scenes of "The Social Circus" as we close out 2024. It’s been three amazing years of podcasting, and I’m sharing what I’ve learned along the way—the challenges, triumphs, and why we take a well-deserved break over Christmas. I delve into what it takes to keep a podcast running weekly, from the energy and planning to the constant creativity. This episode is a mix of gratitude, storytelling, and a sneak peek at what’s to come for the podcast in 202...
Dec 10, 2024•24 min•Ep. 134
Episode Summary In this episode of The Social Circus, I dive into the power of reviewing your year—yep, we’re talking about the highs, lows, and everything in between for 2024! I share practical steps to evaluate your business performance, unpack what worked (and what didn’t), and identify where you can level up. You’ll also hear about my own reflections as I gear up for 2025, because who doesn’t love a sneak peek? Whether you’re a pro at annual reviews or feeling a bit clueless, this chat is pa...
Dec 03, 2024•27 min•Ep. 133
In this episode, I’m joined by Chris from MopTops Hair, and together, we dive into her incredible journey from founding a children’s hair salon to running a successful business for nearly two decades. Chris and I reminisce about our first meeting when she cut my son’s hair as a toddler, and we explore how her salon became a haven for families. We also discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of building community, and why understanding your customers is key. Whether you're ...
Nov 26, 2024•23 min•Ep. 132
This week, I had an inspiring conversation with Jenni Harding, the brains behind Greatest Good. We dived deep into the world of purpose-driven business, exploring how Jenni’s unique approach helps businesses thrive while creating a positive impact. We chatted about the challenges of blending social media strategy with mindset shifts, and Jenni shared her secrets to building resilience and staying authentic in a competitive world. Whether you’re a small business owner or dreaming of starting one,...
Nov 19, 2024•27 min•Ep. 131
In this episode of The Social Circus, I dive into the power of goal setting and why starting with a big number can make all the difference in achieving success. As we approach the end of the year, it's natural to feel a bit drained, especially with the summer holidays and Christmas looming for those of us in Australia. But this is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and think about what we want to achieve in the coming year. I guide listeners through actionable steps on how to set big, meaningfu...
Nov 12, 2024•21 min•Ep. 130
