How to Be a Hero in Real Life

In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Margaritas to discuss a subject that is finally beginning to receive the attention it deserves: perimenopause.
Lauren grew up in Melbourne, Australia, in a proud Greek family. Like many of us, she absorbed the beliefs, values and expectations of the people around her. She was naturally loud, expressive and full of life, but was often told to quieten down.
Then, in her forties, things began to change.
Lauren started experiencing brain fog and forgetfulness. Her confidence disappeared, anxiety and depression began to build, and she gradually lost her motivation to go out and enjoy life. She describes becoming a shell of the person she once was.
She was exhausted, struggling with tinnitus and unable to sleep properly. She developed tennis elbow, followed by frozen shoulder, and was placed on high doses of medication. For around two years, her symptoms were dismissed as a midlife crisis, with doctors suggesting she simply take tablets and carry on.
Eventually, Lauren reached rock bottom. She struggled to get out of bed and felt as though she had lost her will to live.
On Christmas night, while sitting with her family, she realised she could not continue living this way. She had to make a choice.
Lauren left her successful career in lending at one of Australia’s major banks—a decision that brought fear and guilt because so much of her self-worth had become connected to her income. For the first time in years, she allowed herself to slow down, spend meaningful time with her family and rediscover who she was.
Podcasts played a huge role in changing her life. Instead of listening to music while driving, she began listening to conversations that helped her understand her body, challenge her beliefs and find a new sense of purpose.
By learning to listen to the messages her body was sending her, Lauren began to transform her health naturally. Today, she is free from the pain and rheumatoid symptoms she once experienced, although she is honest that managing hormonal changes is still something she works on every day.
We discuss the difference between menopause and perimenopause, the physical and emotional symptoms women may experience, and why so many women are still being dismissed or misunderstood.
Lauren is now studying further certifications and coaching women one-to-one through their own transition into menopause. Her work also incorporates areas such as the law of attraction, human design and Mind Movies, helping women understand themselves and find practical ways to create change.
Her message is clear: you do not have to suffer silently through perimenopause or menopause. Your body is communicating with you, and with the right support, understanding and action, there can be something much better on the other side.
Lauren also shares why she contributed her story to the Start Over books and what it meant to speak at the Start Over Sydney live event. Her mission is to help women realise that they are not alone and to reach as many people as possible with her story.
You can connect with Lauren on Instagram at @lauren_theperimenopausecoach or visit laurenmargaritas.com.

In this episode, I sit down with the wonderful Amanda, someone I first met through the Start Over Movement. From the moment we connected, I knew her story would inspire others.
Amanda grew up in a family of eleven, where life was filled with adversity. She shares the challenges her family faced, from siblings being taken into care to witnessing addiction, illness, and loss. Through it all, her faith gave her strength and hope.
Amanda also opens up about surviving an abusive relationship, finding the courage to walk away, and rebuilding her life after one of its darkest chapters. Her journey is a powerful reminder that our past doesn't have to define our future.
Today, Amanda is living with purpose, travelling the world, helping others through health and fitness, and encouraging people to choose joy, gratitude, and self-awareness every single day.
I'm incredibly grateful our paths crossed, and I know you'll take something meaningful from this conversation.
You can connect with Amanda here: @HappyAmanda8.

In this deeply honest and inspiring episode, we sit down with Melanie Gilchrist to explore a lifetime of adversity, healing and transformation.
Growing up, Melanie experienced significant family trauma, including her father's schizophrenia, her sister's bipolar disorder and the emotional weight of taking on responsibility from a young age. As the years went on, she found herself battling relentless depression, chronic stress, domestic abuse, grief and a series of debilitating health conditions that left her feeling completely disconnected from herself.
After years of searching for answers, Melanie began to discover the powerful connection between emotional wellbeing, the nervous system and physical health. Through changes to her lifestyle, nutrition, running, psychological support and energy healing, she gradually rebuilt her life and found a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, Melanie is a Reiki Master Teacher, transformational therapist, speaker and mentor who helps women reconnect with themselves, build confidence and realise their true potential. Her own experiences have shaped a mission to help others understand that healing is possible, even after years of suffering.
In this conversation we discuss:
Growing up surrounded by trauma and mental illness.
Living with relentless depression and chronic stress.
Domestic abuse, shame and finding the strength to leave.
The impact stress can have on physical health and the immune system.
Living with conditions including Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and PMDD.
Her journey away from antidepressants alongside professional support and lifestyle changes.
The role of nutrition, movement, psychology and Reiki in her recovery.
Why she now believes our greatest challenges can become our greatest gifts.
Helping women transform their lives through healing, confidence and self-belief.

Melanie's story is one of remarkable resilience. It's a reminder that while healing rarely happens overnight, it is possible to move from surviving to truly living. If you've ever struggled with your mental health, experienced trauma or wondered whether change is possible, this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired.
Learn more about Melanie:
🌐 melaniegilchrist.com
📱 Instagram: @melaniegilchristreiki

After spending much of my life battling severe depression, I was terrified that happiness and wellbeing were experiences reserved for other people. My journey became my own hero's journey—one of courage, self-discovery, and holistic transformation. Through exploring the connection between mind, body, emotions, and energy, I not only overcame depression but created a life I genuinely love—one filled with joy, peace, purpose, and confidence.
Today, as a Reiki Master Teacher, Neuro Transformation Therapist, Wellness Coach & Speaker, I empower others to move beyond merely surviving and begin creating lives of wellness, radiance, and fulfilment.
My story is a testament to the fact that even our deepest struggles can become the catalyst for our greatest transformation and greatest gift to the world.

A couple of years ago, I met Barry- and his story has stuck with me ever since.
Barry Carey, a number one bestselling author in the Start Over Series (Volume 4), is originally from Northern Ireland and moved to Australia in 2008, planning to stay for just a year. Like many, that year turned into something much bigger- but not without its challenges.
What started as a lifestyle of partying in his early 20s quickly spiralled into heavy drinking, anxiety, and declining mental health. After a series of difficult events, including a car crash and struggles with depression, Barry reached a breaking point.
But that wasn’t the end of his story.
Through running and discipline, Barry began to rebuild, training at an elite level and completely shifting his mindset. Yet even after physical progress, he faced further setbacks, including injury, trauma, and deep depression that led to hospitalisation.
After surviving a life-threatening accident, Barry had a realisation: if he was still here, there had to be a reason.
From that moment, everything changed.
He committed to working on his mind, rebuilding his life through fitness, mental health support, and personal growth. Today, he’s a speaker, author, and advocate, helping others find their way through dark times.
In this episode, we talk about rock bottom, resilience, and what it really takes to start over.
Barry’s message is simple:
Never give up on yourself. Ask for help — and keep going.
Connect with Barry on Instagram: @careybarry