When the government announced sudden changes to the NDIS with only weeks’ notice, allied health business owners across Australia were thrown into crisis mode. For Judy Scott, occupational therapist and founder of My Therapy Crew, it meant pivoting her business while staying true to the values-led culture she’s nurtured over years of practice.

From starting out in a converted garage after redundancy, Judy has grown My Therapy Crew into a thriving multidisciplinary service with more than 80 staff. In this episode, she shares what the recent policy shifts mean for providers and clients alike – from systemic frustrations that place paperwork over people, to the ripple effects already being felt across the sector with closures, redundancies, and surging referrals to those still able to deliver care.

This episode is for anyone wanting to understand the human impact of NDIS reform, for clinicians navigating a rapidly changing system, and for leaders committed to building healthcare services that balance purpose with sustainability.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Judy's Organisations of Choice, The Christmas Party Darwin
The Christmas Parties are Australia’s largest events for children with disabilities and complex needs, with the Darwin Party giving up to 1,200 children from Darwin and surrounds the chance to experience the magic of Christmas in a safe, inclusive setting. Free and invitation-only, the event lets kids aged birth to twelve set aside therapies and treatments for a few hours to simply have fun, surrounded by a community wider than their family and carers.

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What happens when you say yes to adventure, purpose, and the unknown? In this episode, we meet oral health therapist Karli Grace, whose journey from private practice to working in Australia’s most remote Indigenous communities is as inspiring as it is impactful.

Karli shares what it’s really like delivering oral healthcare across Central Australia, East Arnhem Land and the Torres Strait, setting up mobile clinics in remote communities and building long-term relationships in places that often go months without dental services. And in true locum life fashion, her story includes unexpected twists, including a car accident that led to a love story with a pilot who now flies her to work.

Her warmth, resilience and genuine passion for improving Indigenous health outcomes shine through as she discusses her research into vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and its link to enamel development in children. This episode is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you follow your heart, stay curious, and use your skills to serve others.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Karli's Organisations of Choice, Darwin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Womens Shelter
Darwin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Womens Shelter (DAIWS) was established in 1986 as a safe place for women and children escaping violence. For over 36 years DAIWS remains a proud Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander domestic violence support service in Darwin and remote communities.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

What happens when rest doesn’t work? When even after sleep, time off, or a holiday, you still feel depleted? That’s the reality of burnout and it’s something Ruth Limkin has seen up close.

As Founder of The Banyans, Ruth shares how burnout often hides in plain sight - from professionals quietly struggling with addiction to healthcare workers pushing through chronic fatigue. She explains the difference between being worn out and being burnt out and why recovery takes more than just a good night’s sleep.

We explore the early signs many overlook, the six dimensions of wellbeing, and how The Banyans’ team of up to 14 specialists work together to support deep, whole-person healing. Ruth also shares simple, science-backed practices, like time in nature and quality sleep, that can shift your mental health for the better.

This episode is for you if you’re feeling constantly drained, supporting others through tough seasons, or ready to rethink what true wellbeing looks like.

The Banyans are generously offering listeners a free download of their Facets of Wellbeing Workbook - a practical tool to help you explore your personal wellbeing landscape and begin mapping a more resilient, sustainable path forward. Download for free here.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Ruth's Organisations of Choice, Sober in the Country.
Sober in the Country is a grassroots bush charity creating radical social change and saving the lives of rural and remote Australians affected by alcohol harm through their advocacy, straight talk, lived experience, partnerships, and their online peer-support group, the Bush Tribe. They don't preach prohibition... they teach communities the power of social inclusion.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

What does it take to truly fix healthcare in Queensland? According to Dr. Nick Yim, it starts with smarter systems, not just more funding. In this episode, we sit down with the AMA Queensland President to unpack a bold new idea: a statewide digital passport for clinicians. It’s a simple solution with the power to break down bureaucratic barriers and supercharge workforce flexibility across hospitals and communities.

But Dr. Yim doesn’t just talk policy, he brings lived experience. His winding path from would-be pharmacist to rural GP and now state advocate, reminds us that careers (and life) rarely follow a straight line. His passion for community-led solutions and patient-first care is as compelling as his insight into what today’s doctors really need to thrive.

With topics ranging from clinician burnout to the boundaries of AI, this episode is packed with heart, vision, and practical wisdom. Dr. Yim’s message is clear: great healthcare starts with great people and with the right support, we can build a system where everyone has a chance to flourish.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Dr Nick's Organisations of Choice, AMA Queensland Foundation
The AMA Queensland Foundation brings together medical colleagues and the business community to deliver vital services outside those catered for by the public health system. They were established in 2000 as the charitable arm of AMA Queensland, with a mission to improve medical conditions in areas of need.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

What would life look like if you couldn’t speak? No way to order your morning coffee, tell someone you love them, or ask for help. For people recovering from strokes or neurological conditions, this loss of communication can be one of the most isolating parts of their journey and it’s where speech pathologist Nikki Wells steps in with purpose and compassion.

Nikki shares how her unexpected start in a teenage sign language class sparked a lifelong commitment to adult rehabilitation. Unlike many who gravitate toward paediatrics, she’s drawn to supporting people through some of life’s most vulnerable moments. She explains how aphasia doesn’t affect intelligence, comparing it to being dropped in a country where you don’t speak the language and why moments of reconnection, like saying a grandchild’s name or sipping tea again, are so powerful.

We also explore how telehealth and technology are reshaping access to care, especially for rural patients, and why speech therapy is so much more than just words. This episode is for anyone who values empathy, resilience, and the power of human connection in healthcare.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Nikki's Organisations of Choice, Logan Hospital Fund
The Logan Hospital Fund supports the Logan community through funding patient support initiatives, staff education and equipment at the Logan Hospital. Donations support patients and their families and help create a happier and healthier community, where patients, their family, friends, and neighbours experience improved health outcomes.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

What drives a doctor to leave the safety of private practice and instead offer care inside prisons and homeless shelters? For Dr Juergen Landmann, it all started with a simple mindset: “Why not?” In this powerful conversation, Juergen shares how burnout led him to rethink the way he worked and opened the door to a more energising, purpose-led path.

Now splitting his time between general practice, correctional facilities, and Emmanuel City Mission, Juergen’s work is rooted in connection, trust, and consistency. He speaks openly about the realities of working with people who’ve experienced deep stigma - those sleeping rough, cycling in and out of prison, or simply falling through the cracks of traditional care. With each story, he shows how showing up, again and again, can create lasting change.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever wondered what it means to do work that truly matters, if you’re curious about alternative ways to practise medicine, or if you’re passionate about reaching the people who need care most.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Juergen's Organisations of Choice, Emmanuel City Mission
Emmanuel City Mission is a daytime sanctuary in South Brisbane that provides a safe, welcoming space for people experiencing homelessness. Open seven days a week, the mission offers meals, facilities, and genuine connection to those doing it tough.

You can find out more about the Vinnies CEO Sleepout here.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

Who cares for the carers? Discover how one foundation is quietly reshaping rural healthcare.

In this heartfelt episode, we speak with Fran Avon, CEO of the Rural Doctors Foundation, and rural GP Dr. John Buckley. Together, they reveal the hidden struggles faced by rural doctors who serve as the backbone of their communities. From responding to catastrophic floods to managing everyday burnout, we explore why supporting rural doctors is essential to sustaining healthcare in remote Australia.

You’ll hear the inspiring origin story of the Rural Doctors Foundation, born out of crisis and driven by compassion. Their flagship initiative, GPs for Rural Docs, brings confidential medical care directly to rural practitioners, care they often go without due to stigma or isolation. Dr. Buckley shares powerful moments from the field, reminding us just how deeply personal rural medicine can be.

This episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about improving rural healthcare, championing doctor wellbeing, or building stronger, more resilient communities. Fran and John’s mission reminds us that by caring for those who care for others, we ensure a healthier future for all.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Fran & John's Organisations of Choice, Rural Doctors Foundation
Rural Doctors Foundation is a national rural health charity committed to improving access to life-saving healthcare in Australia’s rural and remote regions. Led by rural doctors and local community members, the foundation supports healthcare where it’s needed most, from the remotest outback towns to vibrant coastal hubs and rural farming districts.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

Ever felt like your career was running on empty? Travelling Midwives Jess and Millie did and they chose the open road over burnout.

In this episode, we sit down with Jess and Millie, two Dual-Registered Midwives who turned burnout in healthcare into a journey of rediscovery, purpose, and friendship. They open up about the emotional toll of permanent roles and what finally pushed them to make bold moves into rural and remote contract work. From quitting multiple jobs to buying a caravan on a whim, their decisions may have been daring, but they were exactly what they needed to fall back in love with midwifery.

Introduced by their cmr consultant who knew they'd click, the pair met in Ceduna on an agency contract and quickly realised they’d found something special - in their careers, and in each other. Together, they reflect on the emotional highs and lows of midwifery, the importance of strong support systems, and the joy that comes from feeling truly valued again.

For healthcare professionals feeling stuck or burnt out, Jess and Millie offer an honest and hopeful perspective, proof that it’s possible to fall back in love with your work, and your life.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Jess & Millie's Organisations of Choice, Rednose & MND Australia.
Red Nose is Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep and safer pregnancy advice, and bereavement support for anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth, the death of a baby or child.

MND Australia is the national peak body of state organisations that support those living with and impacted by motor neurone disease (MND). Their national and international networks help increase understanding of the disease and advocate for the needs of those affected, funding world-class research for better treatments, improved care, and ultimately a cure.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.