Episode Introduction

What if the toughest parts of your life aren’t setbacks — but raw materials?

In this reflective Noise of Life medium episode, Steve sits down with Jade Miller to unpack the simple, human framework behind her philosophy of turning lemons into lemonade.

Jade breaks down the three steps that help anyone move from overwhelm to empowerment: knowing yourself, understanding your relationships, and clarifying your wider context.

She also shares how thinking like an artist — even if you don’t see yourself as one — builds resilience, creativity and emotional freedom.

If you’re stuck, depleted, or wrestling with change, this conversation is a reminder that you have more power, awareness and creative potential than you think.

About Our Guest

Jade Miller is a New Zealand–born artist, author and creative mentor whose work explores emotional resilience, identity and the healing potential of daily creativity. Through her platform Lemonade with Jade, she helps people reconnect with their inner artist through simple practices that promote self-awareness, expression and wellbeing.

Follow Our Guest

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemonade_with_jade/

Follow Us On

Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson

Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve

Episode Highlights

00:00 – How do you make your own lemonade? Jade outlines the simple three-step process.

00:07 – Step 1: Understanding yourself — looking in the mirror, owning your patterns, behaviours and emotional responses.

00:28 – Why awareness matters: most people try to change their environment before changing themselves.

00:43 – Step 2: Understanding your relationships — who you give energy to, who drains you, what needs forgiveness, and why releasing bitterness is freedom.

01:29 – “Water off a duck’s back”: learning to let go without excusing others.

02:03 – Step 3: Understanding your context — the systems, constructs and conditioning shaping your world.

02:34 – How knowing the macro helps you navigate your micro.

03:17 – Focusing your energy on what you can control instead of what you can’t.

03:47 – Stress, anxiety and the power of redirecting your energy to aligned action.

04:04 – Daily choices: how small practices counteract the noise of the world.

04:48 – Thinking like an artist: the mindset that helps people in life and business.

05:10 – The five traits artists embody:

• Perceptive awareness

• Social fluency

• Visionary communication

• Creative intelligence

• Resilient self-leadership

06:59 – Why artists are among the most resilient people in the world.

08:11 – Who is an artist? Jade’s answer: everyone.

08:51 – Creativity beyond painting: cooking, gardening, writing, movement, anything with your hands.

09:32 – The “I’m not creative” myth — and why everyone has creative bones.

10:28 – Why creativity is essential for a healthy, whole life.

10:50 – For those afraid to try: why being “not good” doesn’t matter.

11:04 – Good is subjective — a lesson we were taught the opposite of at school.

11:40 – The five-minute challenge: one notebook, one pen, five minutes before bed.

12:10 – “Everyone has five minutes”: replacing screen time with creative time.

12:54 – The quiet nudge inside us — the thing you know you should put energy into.

13:15 – A reminder from the great artists: unfinished, raw work can be iconic.

14:09 – Jade’s favourite Cézanne sketch — why imperfection tells the real story.

In this week’s episode, I had a grounding conversation with Laura Montesanti about why travel can be a practice of healing rather than a form of escape.

Laura shared how the silence of Covid helped her reconnect to purpose which led to creating Synergy The Retreat Show, a trade event designed to change how our industry does business by placing wellbeing, community and experiential practice at the center.

We explored the idea of destination energy, the importance of designing retreats that truly regenerate people and places, and the small accessible practices such as breathwork, smiling and mindful time in nature that can make wellness feel normal and available to everyone.

Laura’s stories from trekking in Nepal to living in Montenegro show what becomes possible when place and human connection align. If you work in travel, hospitality or wellness or if you want a holiday that feels meaningful and restorative this conversation offers a powerful lens for rethinking travel.

Inside this podcast:

The origin story of Synergy and how the quiet of Covid revealed a new purpose. Why retreats can be tools for transformation rather than escape. How community and experiential design create deeper and longer lasting business relationships. Practical and accessible practices that support wellness such as breathwork and mindful time in nature. The role of regenerative travel and authentic local connection in healing both guests and hosts.

Connect with Synergy & Laura:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/4oZu51b

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/4qsz3F1

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/3KyJDLj

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj

Episode Highlights

00:00 Meeting Laura Montesanti

03:13 Defining the noise of life and how the silence of Covid revealed purpose

04:19 Founding Synergy Retreat Show with a focus on community and healing the industry

09:31 What makes Synergy Retreat Show unique with experiential sessions and structured meetings

11:11 Why traditional trade shows drain people and how to do business more holistically

15:13 Creating retreats that speak to men and shifting the narrative around male vulnerability

17:10 Personal loss and the drive to support mental health within travel

21:31 Destination energy and choosing locations that match inner needs

26:21 Trekking to Kura Lake in Nepal and the power of community on the road

37:16 Wellness as a life necessity and why schools should teach basic practices

42:06 The power of smiling and simple rituals that support wellbeing

43:39 A shift toward regenerative business and more purposeful travel

54:06 Announcing Synergy’s next location in northern Croatia with themes of nature, adventure and freedom

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

Nick Bracks on Behaviour Change, Rock Bottom & Rebuilding Your Life One Step at a Time

Episode Introduction

What do you do when life falls apart — and you realise you can’t outrun yourself anymore?

In this grounded and practical Noise of Life medium episode, Steve sits down with Nick Bracks to unpack one of the most universal crossroads:

How do you change your life when you feel stuck, overwhelmed or at rock bottom?

Nick openly shares the steps that helped him climb out of severe depression, addiction and self-destruction — steps anyone can apply. From being dragged to a psychologist by his mum, to vomiting before university presentations, to learning that one small step is the true engine of change, Nick breaks behaviour change into simple, doable actions.

This episode is your invitation to stop trying to overhaul your whole life… and instead take one honest step forward.

About Our Guest

Nick Bracks is an Australian mental health advocate, speaker and founder of Move Your Mind, a global platform for behaviour change and wellbeing. After overcoming depression and addiction, he now teaches people how to build sustainable habits, lead themselves and create long-term change. He is also the author of Move Your Mind: How to Build a Healthy Mindset for Life.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Rock bottom: when everything feels impossible.00:38 – The unexpected gift of struggle: empathy.01:13 – The one thing you must not do: nothing.01:20 – Being dragged to a psychologist and discovering he was severely depressed.01:35 – The tiniest step: just putting one foot forward.01:53 – Re-enrolling in university despite feeling lost and unmotivated.02:12 – Vomiting before presentations and shaking through every talk.02:25 – Why being terrible at something builds real confidence.02:46 – Showing up badly is still showing up.03:07 – Letting go of old dreams and finding gratitude for a different path.03:19 – Awareness: the step most people skip.03:34 – How huge to-do lists sabotage change.04:20 – Behaviour change 101: simplify and pick one habit.04:43 – Why five minutes still counts.05:03 – Building identity through small wins.05:45 – Why tiny steps beat motivation and hacks.06:11 – Awareness as a superpower.06:41 – Speaking to yourself with grace.07:01 – Forgiveness as a behaviour tool.07:38 – Missing a day doesn’t matter — quitting does.08:23 – The Move Your Mind approach: sustainable and enjoyable.09:01 – Finding the deeper “why” behind your goals.09:57 – The missing ingredient: self-leadership.10:40 – Australia’s reactive approach to mental health.11:07 – Making wellbeing proactive.11:27 – Change must work for you.12:09 – Environment is everything.12:57 – Nick’s non-negotiables: exercise, meditation, curated circle.13:21 – Removing yourself from toxic environments.14:25 – Why he keeps a small, trusted circle.15:26 – Environments that reinforce the habits you’re trying to avoid.16:09 – The power of run clubs and group fitness.17:04 – You become the product of your five closest people.17:21 – Changing your relationship with alcohol.18:05 – Social pressure and discipline.19:02 – Alcohol in celebration and commiseration — and breaking the loop.20:05 – If you’re at rock bottom: write down everything weighing you down.20:43 – Then narrow it to one thing.21:09 – Tiny steps only — repeated.21:33 – Simplify.21:45 – The biggest lesson: you are enough.22:41 – Nick’s vision: prevention, policy and global impact.24:38 – How to connect with Nick and access his resources.

I sat down with Mellini Monique, a catalyst for connection and creativity through voice. Her approach to voice is unlike anything you’ve heard before. She explains why your voice is not just sound, but a tool of connection, presence, and emotional clarity.

We explore childhood vocal trauma, why so many adults feel unheard, and how to build the confidence to speak from your body instead of your fear.

This conversation is a masterclass in reclaiming your authentic voice in relationships, leadership, and everyday communication.

Inside this podcast:

- Why your voice is a tool for connection and meaning

- How childhood vocal trauma shapes your adult communication

- Why certainty is more powerful than loudness

- How to speak with emotional intelligence and resonance

- How to tune into yourself so others can truly hear you

Connect with Mellini:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/48ntwt0

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/3YbKFjh

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - Episode starts here, Reflection on Noise, Presence and being Heard

00:07:00 - Childhood lessons: the principal story and early listening

00:17:00 - Vocal repertoire: most people use only 30% of their range

00:28:30 - Breath and grounding exercises for public speaking

00:36:30 - Emotional constriction: how shame and stress tighten the voice

00:44:00 - Building rapport and reading the room (thermostat vs thermometer)

00:52:00 - Posture, presence and the limbic response to uprightness

01:00:00 - Relationships and vocal adaptation: choosing the nuance that connects

01:06:00 - Code switching vs vocal repertoire and building vocal bridges

01:18:00 - Reclaiming inner voice, play as practice, closing reflections and links

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

Esther Zeledon on the POWER Framework & Finding Alignment in the Chaos

Episode Introduction

What if the metrics you’ve been chasing aren’t the ones that matter?

In this deeply reflective Noise of Life conversation, Steve reconnects with Dr Esther Zeledon - scientist, diplomat, and founder of Be at Change - to explore how we rediscover purpose and power when life takes a different route than planned.

After losing her contracts and rebuilding from the ground up, Esther realised that fulfilment doesn’t come from titles, money or status, but from living in alignment with our values. She unpacks her POWER framework - a simple yet profound guide to finding clarity, purpose, and joy when you feel stuck - and shares practical tools for rewriting your story from within.

This episode is a gentle reminder that the view may change, but sometimes the detour leads to something far better.

About Our Guest

Dr Esther Zeledon is the founder of Be at Change, a global coaching and leadership consultancy helping people lead with purpose and authenticity. A former US diplomat and humanitarian scientist, she holds a PhD in Environmental Science and Policy and has dedicated her career to designing initiatives across Latin America, Africa and the United States that drive inclusion, sustainability and human potential.

She is also the author of Creating a Limitless Life: How to Discover Your Purpose, Redefine Success, and Build a Life You Love.

Follow Our Guest

Website: https://www.beatchange.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatchange

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherzeledon

Follow Us On

Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson

Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve

Episode Highlights

00:00 – The view changes — and sometimes it’s better than you imagined.

00:36 – Esther on rediscovering gratitude and impact after hitting rock bottom.

01:15 – The uncomfortable chase between ambition and alignment.

02:10 – Steve shares how The Noise of Life name came to him — and why it resonates so deeply.

03:20 – When you haven’t had enough “noise” yet to understand life’s lessons.

03:50 – The truth about resilience: why impact matters more than image.

04:05 – Introducing the POWER framework: Peace, Purpose, Organisational Flow, Work–life Integration, Enjoyment, and Resilience.

04:20 – Writing your “living obituary” — a transformative exercise to realign your life.

05:00 – Why legacy constantly evolves — and how to identify the gap between who you are and who you want to be.

06:10 – How to visualise your ideal day to uncover your truest purpose.

07:00 – The $40 billion question: what global problem would you solve, and how?

08:00 – Discovering your superpower — and how you uniquely solve problems.

09:30 – Steve’s revelation: helping people remove roadblocks is his true gift.

10:30 – How to turn your lifelong patterns into a roadmap for purpose.

11:40 – The importance of knowing your values — and living them daily.

13:00 – Meaningful work, contribution and why “alignment” is non-negotiable.

14:20 – Resilience as a daily practice — not a comeback story.

15:00 – The “love calendar” ritual: reminding yourself of your impact each morning.

I am with Dr Rob Williams for one of the most expansive conversations I have had on breath, resilience and what it means to be human in a world that moves faster than we can process. Rob shared his journey from near-death experiences to long distance running to teaching breath mastery and the cold as a teacher, and each moment revealed something powerful about how we reconnect to our bodies.

He walked me through the ways breath shapes our nervous system, the role of cold exposure in building resilience and why slowing down is the doorway back to ourselves. What struck me most was how he frames breathing as both a biological superpower and a spiritual practice that brings us into harmony with life.

This episode left me inspired to breathe with more intention, move with more awareness and stay curious about the flow that is always available when we tune in.

Inside this podcast:

- How breath connects the body and nervous system

- Why the cold can build resilience and mental clarity

- How voluntary stress strengthens mind and spirit

- The science behind nasal breathing and heart coherence

- How flow states emerge from conscious presence

Connect with Dr. Rob:

Instagram → /drrobwilliams

Website → https://nordicflow.io & https://thenordicwave.com/

Email → contact@doctorrobwilliams.comConnect with Steve:

Instagram → /thestevehodgson

LinkedIn → /stevehodgson

Episode Highlights

00:00 - Introducing Dr Rob Williams

01:46 - How breath shapes human experience

07:41 - Breath as a human superpower

10:46 - The deeper meaning of inspiration

14:23 - Heart coherence and emotional flow

19:53 - The biology of stress and fear

23:09 - Voluntary stress and resilience

25:12 - Cold plunging as a resilience tool

33:39 - Trauma held in the body and cold release

52:23 - Foundational breath practices for daily life

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW
The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

Jade Miller on Creativity, Comparison & Turning Life’s Lemons into Art

Episode Introduction

What if the thing you’ve struggled with your whole life is actually the source of your creativity?
In this warm Noise of Life episode, Steve sits down with Jade Miller — artist, author and creative guide — to explore neurodivergence, comparison, overwhelm and how creativity helps us regulate and reconnect.

From a late autism diagnosis to chronic illness to raising teens while rebuilding her identity, Jade shares how she turned breakdowns into breakthroughs. She shows how simple acts — journaling, scribbling, painting, gardening, cooking — can calm the nervous system, rebuild confidence and help us feel more like ourselves.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overstimulated or unsure where to begin, this conversation is a gentle reminder that you are more creative than you think.

About Our Guest

Jade Miller is a New Zealand–born artist, writer and creative mentor. Her upcoming book blends memoir with practical tools that help people use creativity for clarity, resilience and emotional healing. She shares daily art and reflection at Lemonade with Jade.

Follow Our Guest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemonade_with_jade/

Follow Us OnHost: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgsonShow: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Late autism diagnosis; understanding her “spicy brain.”00:28 – Introducing Jade: artist, author, creative thinker.00:50 – Creativity as emotional processing.01:13 – Why “good” in art is subjective.01:23 – What “noise” means to Jade.02:12 – Overstimulation, data overload, neurodivergence.03:14 – Rural NZ childhood and early imagination.04:12 – Art as comfort and escape.05:18 – Journaling as emotional release.06:04 – Colour, movement and visual journaling.06:36 – How school teaches comparison.08:05 – The clay elephant story.09:35 – Self-doubt and rebuilding worth.10:38 – “We’re all valuable in different ways.”11:04 – Creativity that dies because we don’t try.12:02 – Writing her book: answering the call.12:53 – Chronic pain and Chiari malformation.13:52 – Pouring thousands of raw words onto the page.14:20 – Working with editor Liane Hughes.15:12 – Shaping emotion into meaning.15:53 – Her lemon → lemonade framework: self, relationships, context.16:48 – Awareness as the first step.17:14 – Boundaries, relationships and forgiveness.18:19 – Understanding systems and conditioning.19:03 – Returning to what you can control.20:34 – Daily choices that reduce noise.20:56 – Thinking like an artist in life and work.21:29 – Five artist traits: awareness, social fluency, communication, creative intelligence, resilience.23:42 – Why artists are resilient.24:01 – “Everyone is an artist.”25:17 – Cooking, gardening, sketching as creative expression.26:04 – The myth of “I’m not creative.”26:50 – Five-minute rule for starting.27:56 – Choosing creativity over screen time.29:21 – Half-finished Cézanne sketch and the beauty of imperfection.30:38 – A day in the life: teens, wellness, art.31:30 – Showing up even when it’s messy.32:56 – Daily practice dissolves comparison.33:21 – Art as meditation.34:40 – Flow through movement and gardening.36:11 – Ideas arriving when we step out of our heads.36:28 – Tools for overwhelm.37:52 – What recovery after dysregulation really looks like.38:42 – Listening to what you actually need.39:40 – Lemons as growth.41:05 – Feel emotions; don’t stay stuck.41:20 – Creativity as processing.41:28 – Life-as-art metaphor: chaos + calm.42:47 – The role of contrast.43:04 – Noise she’s living with: autism.44:18 – Noise she’s letting go: past judgement.45:04 – Lemon she’s grateful for: clarity from diagnosis.46:17 – Thinking like an artist: curiosity + openness.46:31 – How to connect with Jade.

Matt Formston on Facing Fear, Redefining Limits, & Riding Giants

Episode Introduction

What does it feel like to stare down a five-story wave you cannot see? How do you quiet the noise of global doubt telling you "the blind guy is going to die"? In this powerful and condensed episode, Steve delves into the mindset of Matt Formston—world champion adaptive surfer, Paralympian, and Guinness World Record holder.

Matt opens up about the two distinct fights of his life: first, the desperate struggle to prove he wasn't disabled, and second, the purposeful fight to become the best version of himself. He shares profound insights on overcoming self-doubt, the practical process for tackling any fear, and why becoming a father changed his relationship with risk forever. This is a masterclass in resilience, presence, and turning perceived limitations into unparalleled strength.

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About Our Guest

Matt Formston is an Order of Australia member, a multiple-time world champion in surfing and cycling, and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed by a vision-impaired athlete. His incredible journey is documented in the film The Blind Side.

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Follow Our Guest

Website: https://www.mattformston.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattformston/

Follow Us On

Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/

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Episode Highlights

00:00 - The daunting global noise: "They're going to kill the blind guy."00:16 - The two types of fear: physical recklessness vs. the fear of being seen as "different."01:01 - The two fights of Matt's life: Proving he wasn't disabled vs. fighting for his best self.01:20 - Refusing to learn Braille and tackling the biggest kid to prove he was "normal."02:34 - The shift: Accepting his disability and starting the internal fight for self-mastery.03:59 - Steve's reflection: If a blind man can surf giants, what's stopping me?04:13 - The household rule: You were not allowed to use the word "can't."05:36 - Learning to surf blind, starting on a bodyboard to "feel" the wave at age five.07:41 - The documentary The Blind Side and surfing a record 51ft wave at Nazaré.08:15 - How you train for the "non-surfing" part of a giant wave: strength and breath capacity.09:48 - The crucial role of his support team and family.11:18 - The moment after a brutal wipeout when the safety team said, "No more."12:29 - Matt's 3-column framework for anyone scared to attempt something big.13:32 - How becoming a father introduced a new kind of fear and responsibility.15:02 - Battling the global media narrative and the doubt it creates.