The Hair Therapist

In this episode, Mel connects online with Gary Strachan, the dynamic founder of Deadly Hair Dude, for a conversation that cuts straight to the heart of community transformation. Despite the virtual setting, Gary’s passion for creating opportunity in remote Indigenous communities comes through loud and clear.

We explore how Deadly Hair Dude is redefining what a haircut can mean - from building vocational pathways to sparking pr...

What drives someone to rob a bank and what does it take to rebuild a life after that moment?

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Emily Cooper, a peer advocate and changemaker whose journey from heroin addiction and incarceration to frontline leadership in harm reduction is as raw as it is inspiring.

Emily opens up about the day she walked into a bank and committed a robbery, an act born from desperation and addict...

In the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, a quiet revolution is unfolding—one that challenges outdated laws, redefines what home means, and puts compassion at the centre of housing advocacy.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jacqueline, Angela, and Judy, three women at the forefront of the fight to protect small community living in Belli Park. What began as a generous act - Jacqueline opening her 13 hectare prope...

Step inside the world of circular innovation and purpose-driven impact in this special episode featuring Ewelina Soroko, co-founder of Sustainable Salons - a social enterprise transforming the way the feel-good industry thinks about waste. From humble beginnings on a road trip around Australia to building a movement that now diverts over 2 million kilograms of salon waste from landfill, Ewelina shares the story behind the mission: ...

Today, we’re joined by Helen Andrew, a passionate advocate for housing reform and the founder of the Tiny Community Living Campaign. Based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Helen has been leading efforts to change local laws, ensuring that tiny homes can be a viable, permanent housing solution for those seeking affordability, sustainability, and security.

Her journey began with a simple act of kindness, offering space for a p...

Welcome to The Hair Therapist, where we explore stories of resilience, recovery, and transformation. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Cathy Kezelman AM, a medical practitioner, advocate, and President of the Blue Knot Foundation. Dr. Kezelman’s journey is one of courage—having lived through childhood trauma herself, she has dedicated her life to empowering survivors and driving systemic change in trauma-informed ca...

What started as a chance encounter in Manila has grown into a global movement. Selina Tomasich, founder and CEO of Hair Aid Inc., was inspired to take action after meeting two nuns working with abandoned children in the Philippines. Their mission to reunite families and provide parents with sustainable skills resonated deeply with her. Initially, she organized sewing training, but when locals expressed a need for haircutting skills...

In this episode, we sit down with Clive Allwright, a visionary in the hairdressing industry whose career has taken him across the globe - from the bustling streets of London, to the dynamic energy of Hong Kong, and the creative pulse of Los Angeles. His journey has been one of artistry, innovation, and relentless ambition.

But behind the success was a battle with addiction - alcohol and cocaine - a struggle that threatened to ...

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Lisa, who bravely shares her harrowing journey of survival. From experiencing sexual violence as a teenager to enduring domestic abuse as an adult, Lisa has faced unimaginable challenges. On top of it all, she was unjustly separated from her daughter - another devastating chapter in her fight for justice.

Despite the pain, Lisa chooses to speak out, hoping her story will serve as...

In this episode, we sit down - virtually - on Zoom with Brianna Myors, Program Manager of Prevention and Education at Fvree, to discuss the vital work being done to combat domestic and family violence. Brianna shares insights into Fvree’s mission and the importance of prevention in breaking the cycle of abuse.

We also explore the HaiR-3Rs program, which equips hairdressers and beauty professionals with the tools to recognise, ...

Marco Renai, founder of Men of Business Academy, shares his journey in youth empowerment and crime prevention. What started as a simple fitness program for at-risk boys has become a transformative educational institution, providing an alternative to traditional schooling through small class sizes, hands-on learning, and workforce readiness programs. Built on respect, mentorship, and unconditional support, MOB Academy fosters confid...

Join us as Zach opens up about the profound importance of supporting our community and offering hope to those who long to feel seen, heard, and cared for. Through his inspiring life journey, Zach sheds light on the complexities people face every day, bringing awareness to struggles often left in the shadows. This feel-good episode celebrates Zach's incredible experiences, his dedication to giving back, and his relentless pursuit of...

In this episode, we welcome Dean Cooper, the Products and Programs Lead at White Ribbon Australia, to discuss his impactful work in the fight against men's violence towards women. White Ribbon is a movement dedicated to creating a nation where every woman can live free from fear and abuse, and Dean plays a pivotal role in driving programs that educate, empower, and inspire change.

Dean shares insights into his journey with Whi...

In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring Lindsay Brown to delve into her incredible work with Dig In, a Brisbane-based charity dedicated to providing wholesome, home-cooked meals to the homeless and disadvantaged. Co-founded by Curtis Sciacca and a passionate team of like-minded individuals, Dig In has grown into a beacon of hope for the community, serving thousands of meals since its inception in 2017.

Lindsay shares t...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with child protection advocate and former detective Kristi McVee. With years of experience investigating abuse cases, Kristi shares invaluable insights into the realities of child safety, the importance of awareness, and actionable steps to create safer environments for children. From addressing hidden dangers to empowering communities, this conversation sheds light on the cruci...

In this heartfelt episode, Elliott, a transgender boy, and his mother, Angela, share their powerful journey of love, resilience, and advocacy. Despite Queensland’s decision to halt access to hormone therapies for new transgender patients under 18, Elliott is able to continue his transition, offering a glimpse of hope amid a challenging time. Angela reflects on her unwavering support and the bittersweet relief of knowing her son’s c...

In this episode, we are joined by Genevive Chadwick from CPR Hair to discuss their inspiring partnership with HaiR-3Rs, a program of FVREE, a leading specialist family violence service in Victoria. Genevive shares how CPR Hair is empowering salon professionals to recognise, respond, and refer clients experiencing domestic and family violence, turning salons into safe spaces for those in need.

We explore the transformative impa...

On this special episode, we welcome Behavioural Scientist Dave Kramer, a passionate advocate for creating safe, equitable, and inclusive communities. After the tragic loss of his best friend, Hannah Clarke, and her three children in 2020, Dave dedicated his life to turning grief into transformative action, becoming a driving force behind the work of Small Steps 4 Hannah.

Dave sheds light on the HALT Program, his groundbreaking...

In this powerful and moving episode, we sit down with Michael, whose life story is a testament to the complexities of human experience. From enduring harrowing trauma in his childhood at the hands of the church to navigating a life marked by incarceration, systemic targeting by law enforcement, and his own struggles with crime, Michael opens up about the raw realities he's faced.

But this isn't just a story of hardship - it's ...