In today's episode, we're delving into the current heated debate in the world of AI, focusing on the ethical and political implications surrounding ChatGPT and Claude. With big tech companies making headlines over moral issues, listeners have flooded their feeds with claims of canceling ChatGPT and moving to Claude due to ethical concerns. I use both platforms, and today, I'll illuminate the...

In this episode, I delve into the complex landscape surrounding International Women's Day. I discuss the significance of this theme, contrasting it with the commercially-driven alternate theme, "Give to Gain". I share staggering statistics about the invisible workload of women and the stark inequalities that persist despite us being the global majority. By dissecting these issues, I emphasise...

In today's episode, I'm diving deep into my personal experience with endometriosis, a condition that affects so many and isn't spoken about enough. As someone who has been living with this invisible illness, I've had to adjust both my personal and professional life significantly. We'll explore how the statistics around endometriosis are changing and how ignorance and stigmas still persist. My...

In this episode, I'm thrilled to have Adrienne from Seed VAs share her journey from corporate operations to running three successful businesses, including Seed Virtual Assistance. Adrienne dives into her accidental discovery of the VA world and how word-of-mouth helped her transition into full-time entrepreneurship. She discusses the pivotal role of community and mentorship in the VA space and...

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dom of Held by Dom, who has been my personal coach for the last three months. We dive into her profound journey from personal trainer to a sought-after nervous system-led coach. Dom shares her struggles, such as dealing with chronic pain and overcoming personal adversities, which shaped her expertise today. We discuss the importance of...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Marie from Crafty Fox by Design, who is an absolute wizard when it comes to Canva. Marie shares her journey of starting a flexible business from a small town, fueled by her love for creative design and helping others. We discuss how Canva makes graphic design accessible and delves into the differences between its free and paid versions. Marie...

In today's episode, I dive into the real and relatable struggle of finding motivation and productivity, especially after a long, chaotic holiday season. We all know the pressure to hit the ground running once the kids head back to school. But guess what? It's perfectly okay to feel a little worn out and in need of some couch time with a favorite Netflix show. I share some tried and tested...

In this episode, I delve into the unique challenges faced by business owners who are also parents, especially as school resumes in Australia. I reflect on my experiences of juggling entrepreneurship with parenthood, sharing insights on transitioning back into work after lengthy school holidays like the summer break. Listeners will hear stories of finding balance, the importance of setting...

In this episode, I delve into the trend of choosing a "word of the year" alongside traditional New Year's resolutions. For 2026, my word is "connection," which signifies aligning with personal values, increasing connection in business, and promoting sustainability. I share my personal resolutions, like buying no new clothes and eliminating food waste, aiming for responsible living. The essence...

In this episode, I discuss the exciting shift and rebranding of the podcast from "The Social Circus" to "Digital Queens." This change mirrors my personal and professional evolution towards supporting women in building sustainable digital businesses. I delve into my journey, the switch from face-to-face training to embracing digital products during the COVID era, and the birth of the podcast's...

As we wrap up 2025, I'm excited to share how I approach the holiday season with a non-contact month in my business. This is a time to step back from live sessions and deadlines, allowing for a deeper focus on behind-the-scenes work and quality moments with family. I discuss the concept of non-contact weeks that provide the necessary downtime to reset and recharge, emphasizing that this isn't...

In episode 181 of The Social Circus, I dive into how we can thoughtfully review 2025, not as a year to critique but as a learning experience. I emphasize that one year does not define your business. Social media often portrays an idealized success story, whereas every business owner faces challenges. I explain that reflecting on the past year is not about just the numbers; it's about...

In this episode of the Social Circus Podcast, I chat with Nikki from "She is Mental" about her personal and professional journey into mental health advocacy. Nikki shares how she transitioned from her career in the justice system after experiencing traumatic events that led to complex PTSD. She emphasizes the significance of acceptance and the healing power of journaling to manage trauma. Nikki...

In today's episode of the Social Circus Podcast, I had a captivating conversation with Jane from Jane O'Reilly Transformations. We dove deep into the world of hypnotherapy, exploring its role in managing stress and anxiety. Jane beautifully explained how hypnotherapy serves as an effective tool to tap into the autonomic nervous system and combat the overwhelming pressures we face in our...

 Today I chat with Chris Ross, an amazing resilience coach and author. We dive into her journey from a traumatic life event to becoming a beacon of hope for others. Chris shares valuable insights on transforming adversity into personal growth, balancing expectations, and embracing vulnerability in storytelling. Her book "Holding on to Hope" is a testament to her belief that everyone can unlock...

In this episode of The Social Circus, I chat with the amazing Carmen from Scribe Cartel about her inspiring journey into entrepreneurship amidst unexpected personal challenges. Carmen shares how she transitioned her side hustle into a full-time business and bravely navigated hidden homelessness after a series of life changes, including a relationship breakdown and the challenging housing market...

In this solo episode of The Social Circus, I’m shaking things up by exploring creative alternatives to the typical Black Friday frenzy. With November 28th fast approaching, I delve into ideas that align more closely with our values and economic realities, offering refreshing concepts like coworking sessions, clear out Friday, and client love day. The aim is to foster peace and alignment during a...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Cassie from Stardrop Cleaning. We took a deep dive into her fascinating career change from a voiceover artist to a cleaning business owner, focusing on the neurodivergent community. Cassie shared her love for Twitch, a live streaming platform she has been passionate about for years. Together, we explored the vast opportunities Twitch offers...

In this episode, we dive deep with Jo, an experienced graphic designer and the founder of Creativault. Jo shares her journey from starting as a freelancer to creating Joanne Tapodi Creative. We explore how she launched Creativault to connect creatives and offer them a platform to collaborate and support each other. Jo discusses the importance of community, particularly post-COVID, and shares...

Today, I had an insightful conversation with my friend and business ally, Kasia from McNaught Media. We delved into the intricacies of Facebook (Meta) ads, a field where Kasia excels, especially in the e-commerce domain. Despite common fears around ad spending, Kasia reassures us that understanding metrics like ROAS (return on ad spend) is crucial for tracking the success of ad investments. She...

Hey there, welcome to episode 172 of The Social Circus! If you missed the first part of this series, make sure to catch it for the full picture. Today, we're diving into the final three of my six-marketing pillars beyond social media. First up is podcasting and long-form content, which I absolutely love for its deep connection capabilities. Then, we delve into digital products and funnels, my...

Hey there, lovely listeners! Today, I kicked off the first part of a super insightful two-part series based on one of my most popular webinars, "Beyond the Scroll: Marketing Without Social Media." We're diving into why so many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed by social media and how significant changes in 2025 have made it even more challenging. My focus today is on three key pillars of marketing:...

In this episode, I have an enriching conversation with Nina from Mindful Parenting Lifestyle. Nina shares her journey into podcasting, sparked by her passion to help parents discover calm and joy in their parenting journey. She candidly discusses the process of starting her podcast "Mindful Parenting Lifestyle" in 2025, offering insights on overcoming technical challenges, and the importance of...

In this episode, I'm joined by the ever-insightful Marianne of Thrive Admin Services, a recurring guest who never fails to deliver fresh insights. We dive deep into the world of tech stacks and explore the vast potential of Microsoft 365 tools. Maz shares her journey from corporate EA to Microsoft 365 trainer, highlighting her passion for creating flexible systems that cater to individual...

In this episode, I explore the latest in AI with the release of GPT-5 by OpenAI. I discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of this new version, touching on the accessibility across all plans and its alleged improved conversational abilities. However, I candidly share my skepticism, highlighting issues like hallucinations, sycophantic responses, and the broader ethical dilemmas surrounding AI. I...

In this episode of The Social Circus, I dived deep into a topic that's not widely discussed but crucial for every entrepreneur - boundaries in business. I shared insights on how to identify the signs of weak boundaries like exhaustion, feeling undervalued, or dealing with resentment. I discussed why it's essential to establish and maintain boundaries, not just with clients but also within...

In this exciting episode, I’m thrilled to share that The Social Circus Podcast has been recognized at the Ausmumpreneur Awards, ranking second in the Podcast of the Year category! Today, I dive into a fascinating topic: custom GPTs and how they can revolutionize the way you operate your business. I break down the differences between standard chats and projects that help you stay organized....

In this episode, I have an inspiring conversation with Dr. Anita Heiss about her journey as an author and her mission to improve representation within Australian literature. We discuss how her background shaped her aspirations and her groundbreaking decision to launch Bungee, an imprint focused on First Nations authors. Anita shares powerful insights into why representation matters, not just in...

In this episode, I chat with Mel from Little Biz about the rapidly changing landscape of websites and online business. Mel shares her journey into entrepreneurship, starting from humble beginnings with a focus on helping micro-businesses access valuable coaching. We dive deep into the importance of WordPress, the benefits of page builders like Elementor for easier website updates, and the...

In this episode, I dive deep into my recent 30-day Substack challenge, where I committed to daily blogging and utilized AI, specifically ChatGPT, to enhance my writing. I discuss my past blogging experiences and how I hoped to bring personality into my content, blending my authentic voice with AI's capabilities. Along the way, I share my firsthand experiences of being a beginner on Substack, the...

In today's episode, I'm diving into how to get recommended by ChatGPT – a topic I stumbled upon recently but quickly saw its potential for business growth. I discuss how AI is no longer on the horizon; it's already here, and it's crucial for competitive advantage. I explain how being active on ChatGPT offers visibility through reputation signals and strong profiles and emphasize the importance...

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sunita, a corporate medium and mindset coach. We dove into the importance of understanding our energy and addressing internal blocks to thrive in business. Sunita shared her transformative journey, from her corporate past to becoming a medium after a personal tragedy. We discussed how personal growth and spiritual development go...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lily from Align Marketing. We discussed the importance of niching down and how it can help service providers attract their ideal clients. Lily emphasizes that many entrepreneurs hesitate to choose a niche, fearing they might miss out on potential clients. However, the key takeaway is that specificity in messaging fosters better connections. We...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

In Episode 129 of The Social Circus, I'm diving into the year-end hustle and the exciting energy of November as we gear up for the big finale of 2024. I'll chat about the unique rhythm of December, especially for those of us in Australia preparing for the summer holidays. With December as a hectic month, November is our golden window to finish strong! I’ll also share a peek into my Digital...

In this episode, I dive into a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Mel Stibbs, the founder of ADHD Village. We explore the unique challenges neurodivergent women face, especially in the business world, where typical structures and approaches don’t always fit. Mel opens up about her personal journey, from her late diagnosis of ADHD and autism to the drive to create a community where...

In this episode, I sit down with Julie, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, to explore what sets this approach apart from traditional healthcare. We dive into the differences between a nurse practitioner and a general practitioner (GP), highlighting the unique blend of experience and advanced training that nurse practitioners bring to the table. Julie shares insights into the core...

In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring founder of Aijan Skincare to uncover the story behind her brand. We dive into her transition from the world of finance to the skincare industry, and why redefining ageing is at the core of her brand's mission. She shares her insights on the misconceptions surrounding skincare, the importance of trust, and what it means to create a product line that...

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with the wonderful Caryn from Firefly Graphics about something super important but often overlooked: inclusive design. If you’re like me and hadn’t even heard of this concept until recently, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Caryn and I dive into what inclusive design really means, why it matters for small businesses, and how it can create a more welcoming experience...

In this episode of The Social Circus, I dive into the importance of entering awards, especially for women in business. I reflect on my own experiences, sharing how I’ve gone from being a finalist several times to winning my first major award this year. It wasn’t an overnight success, and I discuss how persistence and believing in yourself are key ingredients. Many of us hesitate to put ourselves...

In this episode of The Social Circus, I chat with the amazing Roslyn Thompson, founder of Cheerful Days Co. We dive deep into the idea of blending business growth with positivity and mindset strategies. Roslyn shares her journey of building a business that focuses on creating joyful work environments while also driving success. We discuss how social media plays a role in fostering connections,...

In this episode of The Social Circus, I chat with Ash Battye from Career Pursuit HR, and we dive deep into the world of human resources for small businesses. We cover everything from the common HR challenges that business owners face to how to build a strong and efficient team. Ash shares her top tips for creating a positive work culture and the importance of compliance. This episode is packed...

In this episode, I sit down with Tania Carcenac, an inspiring entrepreneur, to talk about the rollercoaster that is running a business. We explore that familiar mix of excitement and fear, which Tania brilliantly coins as "terrified yet excited." We dig into her journey, touching on the moments when fear actually pushed her to make bold moves. Throughout our conversation, we explore how business...

In this episode, I'm diving deep into the world of ChatGPT, the AI tool everyone seems to be buzzing about. We’ll explore what ChatGPT is, how it works, and why it’s relevant for small business owners. I'll walk you through the basics, break down the jargon, and share some practical tips on how you can start using AI to save time and enhance your business operations. Whether you're feeling...

In this solo episode of The Social Circus, I’m diving into the world of AI and sharing my absolute favourite tools that can transform how you run your business. AI can feel a bit overwhelming and even a tad intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m breaking down my go-to AI tools that are not only powerful but also user-friendly, even if you're not a tech wizard. From streamlining your daily...

In this episode of Social Circus, host Sarah  chats with Megan Summers, the founder of Megaglow Yoga. They talk about why self-care, mindfulness, and staying active are so important for busy entrepreneurs who spend long hours at their desks. Sarah and Megan stress the need to balance personal well-being with work demands. Megan explains how sitting for too long can harm your core muscles and...