Imagine a filmmaker who doesn't just tell stories, but transforms them into powerful catalysts for change. Today on the show, we're diving deep into the world of Genna Chanelle Hayes—a storyteller who journeyed from a remote sheep farm in Victoria to become a globally recognised voice that connects cultures, challenges perspectives, and ignites social transformation.

From backpacking across six continents to crafting award-winning films that have swept the Australian awards circuit, Genna's path is anything but ordinary. After dabbling in journalism and acting, Genna found her true calling behind the camera, crafting films with heart, purpose, and an eye for justice. Her debut feature AKONI swept the 2022 Australian Awards circuit, and her upcoming films tackle critical issues like gender violence (OLIVIA) and exploitation in the Pacific (GIRL).

Today I’m joined by a financial superstar and all round fashion-icon, Melissa Browne. Mel was a guest in my very first season and I wanted to bring her back to talk about our topic of the moment - reinvention. 

Mel is an award-winning, ex-accountant and ex-financial advisor who had her own successful business for almost 20 years. She has written 4 books about business and money including the global bestseller, Unf*ck Your Finances.

Today’s guest, Dr. Ceri Cashell, is transforming the conversation around women’s hormonal health. With 20 years of experience as a practising GP and as the co-founder of Healthy Hormones, a groundbreaking menopause education platform, Dr Ceri is on a mission to empower women and clinicians alike with knowledge about how hormones impact every cell in the body.

In this episode, I reflect on the past year and share my personal experiences and insights. I discuss the importance of vulnerability in creativity, the value of setting intentions for the new year, and I want to really encourage listeners to embrace change and happiness in their lives. I’d like to emphasize the significance of a 'don't do list' this year in order to enhance personal fulfillment and hopefully reduce stress. Ultimately - I’d like to encourage you to take full control of your life in ‘25 and design a life that’s perfectly right for you!

My guest today is one of the most beautiful humans you could ever meet. The divine Tess Brouwer is a practitioner of positive psychology and wellbeing and the CEO of Awake Academy, a business she runs with another formidable human, Layne Beachley.  As a former corporate athlete and now a mum, stepmum and mental wellness mentor, Tess complements Layne’s expertise with her deep understanding of corporate dynamics and mental wellbeing. They are making such an impact on the groups of people they are working within their business, they decided to write a book in order to reach more and I wanted to dive in deeper with her.

Today’s guest is Simone Clow, a visionary at the forefront of creative technology and immersive storytelling. After a dynamic career in visual effects for advertising and film, Simone co-founded Zebrar, Australia’s award-winning creative tech company, in 2017. As CEO, she’s led her team to collaborate with global giants like IBM, Disney, Meta, and Salesforce, crafting transformative, interactive experiences that captivate audiences and elevate brands.

Mark Falzon is a visionary entrepreneur and serial investor with a track record of building and scaling businesses that deliver transformative impact. With over 25 years of experience in founding, managing, and advising high-growth ventures, Mark brings a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and an unyielding commitment to making a difference.

As a co-founder of MAD Ventures, Mark channels his passion for innovation and sustainability into fostering businesses that address some of the world's most pressing challenges. From food security and renewable energy to clean technology and social impact, Mark’s work exemplifies the potential for purpose-driven enterprises to deliver both societal benefits and financial returns.

Today, I’m joined by Thomas Nhan Tri Nguyen who has a fascinating story that I wanted to learn more about. From music halls to the battlefield and now boardroom, Thomas (or Tom’s) journey is anything but conventional.

Tom is of Vietnamese heritage. He grew up in Adelaide, the only child of migrants who were fleeing war-torn Vietnam. While his early years were filled with music and academia, he started his working life as a public servant in the Queensland Government. A desire for a greater challenge led him down an unexpected path: the Australian Defence Force.

Today, I sit down with the wonderful Monique van Tulder who has been inspiring mid-life women to shake things up a bit and encouraging them to step into their ‘second-act’ where, after decades of looking after others, they now get to spend time and resources on themselves.

Monique is leading Conversations on Mid-Life Wellbeing. Teaching others on how to expand a mid-life in joy and creating space for themselves. Encouraging them to design their guidebook for A Grown Ups Gap Year.

If you missed last week’s episode, go back and have a listen first as this is Part two! We are back with the Queen of Reinvention herself - the gorgeously talented Valerie Khoo. Valerie is the first guest in a ‘series’ we’re currently running on the show - where all guests will be asked to talk about the same topic, and that topic is REINVENTION!

A recap on today’s guest; Valerie Khoo is an award-winning feature writer who is also CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre - an organisation she founded over 18 years ago. Val does many things - some of which include podcaster, incredible artist and author of seven books. Val & I often have such incredible conversations in our studio and it was fitting that she kicks off this series about Reinvention as she’s had a fascinating journey that’s led her to where she is today.

We are kicking off a ‘series’ for the first time on the show - where I bring on guests to talk about the same topic over the coming weeks, and that topic is REINVENTION! 

It’s a topic I get asked about a lot;  how I reinvented myself, why, the process, and I wanted to talk to others about their incredible transitions and hear about their reinvention stories too. 

So, our first guest in this series is my dear friend, incredible entrepreneur and fellow creative studio buddy, Valerie Khoo who I’m sitting with here in our joint creative studio, Atelier 9 in Avalon. Valerie is an award-winning feature writer who is also CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre - an organisation she founded over 18 years ago. As you’re about to hear, Val does many things - some of which include podcaster, incredible artist and author of seven books.

Today I get the tables turned on me as we hit a wonderful milestone here on the One Question Podcast. I’m lucky enough to once again sit down with Helene Thomas, a Hobart based creative audio producer with a PhD in journalism.

It’s a frank and honest interview- I was a little nervous before we started as I know Helene has a knack of bringing out stories we often keep under wraps. And as you’re about to hear.. she certainly caught me off guard with a few of her questions. This is a conversation about life, love, the love of life and it’s ultimately a story about living a life more aligned with self and creative reinvention. I hope you enjoy it.

The Elixir of Life - Eternal Youth. We spend billions of dollars every year trying to make ourselves look and feel younger and yet the solution is staring right at us. Apparently, all we need to do is re-introduce PLAY back into our daily lives! 

Tim Jack Adams is a thought leader and speaker in the Wellness Industry. He founded GreenX7 in 2012, an innovative company that created an overarching framework for wellbeing that enables leaders, teams and organisations to thrive sustainably. 

Ariane Beeston is a child protection worker and newly registered psychologist when she gives birth to her first child – and very quickly begins to experience scary breaks with reality. Out of fear and shame, she keeps her delusions and hallucinations secret, but as the months pass Ariane gets worse. Much worse. Finally admitted to a mother and baby psychiatric unit, the psychologist is forced to learn how to be the patient.

Today you’ll meet a truly beautiful and inspirational person. Her work has positively impacted so many kids and families trying to overcome some extra challenges that life has thrown at them. Her name is Michelle Mennillo and she’s spent the past 20 years building a globally recognised occupational therapy business that has transformed the lives of over 10,000 young people and counting.

Throughout your life have you ever felt the need to do something just because someone else wants you to? Perhaps it’s wearing something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or going to a party or an event you really don’t want to.. but how would you feel if that was your career.

Marija Duka is a speaker and workshop facilitator who works specifically with lawyers helping them to uniquely design their careers. She is a commercial lawyer, with both in-house and private practice experience, having previously worked for renowned Australian brands. Marija is also the host of The Career Confidence Podcast, designed for those in the legal profession looking to step out of the traditional path and build fulfilling and purposeful careers. Whilst I have a bit of experience in re-inventing yourself, this is a topic I’m keen to hear more perspectives about, so let’s meet Marija.