• 059 Embracing the Spiritual Side of Nursing and Authentic Leadership with Todd Angelucci
    Aug 26 2025

    In this deeply insightful conversation, Todd, a transformational coach, mentor, and advocate for authentic leadership, shares his unique journey from an Army medic and ICU nurse to corporate leader and transformational coach. Todd opens up about his personal brushes with mortality—surviving a brain tumor—and how it propelled him into a profound mindset shift that fuels his coaching practice today. He offers a powerful perspective on the spiritual side of nursing, the hidden wounds carried by nurses, and the urgent need for coaching programs tailored to healthcare professionals.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Todd's transformative experience with a brain tumor and how it became a catalyst for growth rather than a setback
    • The unspoken spiritual connection among nurses and the need to openly discuss this aspect of caregiving
    • Challenges faced by nurses including burnout, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and soul tiredness
    • The concept of "soul shots"—emotional hits nurses absorb from their work environment—and how to protect oneself
    • The role of vulnerability, curiosity, and self compassion in leadership and personal healing
    • Insights into toxic workplace cultures in nursing and how to approach such challenges with compassion and curiosity
    • The importance of inside out leadership and reconnecting with one's true identity beyond performance
    • How confronting mortality reshapes priorities and fosters gratitude for life's small joyful moments
    • Practical advice for nurses on emotional regulation, supporting each other, and fostering authentic connection
    • Todd's ongoing work to empower nurses and leaders to reclaim their voice and step into purposeful living.

    Who Should Listen:

    • Nurses and healthcare professionals seeking support and inspiration
    • Leaders in healthcare wanting to foster authentic leadership and compassionate workplaces
    • Anyone interested in personal growth, vulnerability, and the intersection of spirituality and professional life
    • Coaches and mentors working with clients facing burnout or trauma

    Resources & Links:

    • Todd’s Website: toddangelucci.com (new programs launching soon!)
    • Follow Todd on LinkedIn for more insights on authentic leadership and transformational coaching.

    Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are seeking support for your mental health or wellbeing, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area immediately.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 058: Unpacking my Journey with Michelle
    Aug 11 2025

    Unpacking My Journey with Michelle

    Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode, Elaina Mullery reconnects with her dear friend Michelle to discuss a deeply personal journey. After a significant absence from the podcast, Elaina opens up about the serious health challenge she faced over the past few years. This episode is a candid exploration of her path to recovery, emphasising the importance of self care and mindfulness.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Elaina's Absence: Elaina shares the reasons behind her sudden disappearance from the podcast and the serious health challenge she faced, which required her to practice what she preaches about self care and mindfulness.
    • Impact on Family and Friends: The discussion delves into how Elaina's health condition affected not only her but also her family and those around her.
    • Being a Patient: Elaina reflects on the difficulty of transitioning from a nurse to a patient and the insights gained from this experience.
    • Human First: A reminder that nurses and healthcare professionals are human beings first, deserving of the same support and compassion they provide to their patients.
    • Transparency and Authenticity: Elaina discusses the struggle with publishing this episode, initially feeling it was self indulgent, but ultimately recognising the importance of authenticity and transparency.

    Takeaways:

    • The journey of recovery is deeply personal and requires patience and self compassion.
    • Nurses and healthcare professionals must remember to prioritise their own wellbeing.
    • Sharing personal challenges can foster authenticity and support within the community.

    Listen to the Episode: Join Elaina and Michelle in this insightful conversation that highlights the importance of self care and the human side of nursing.

    Enjoy the episode and take away valuable lessons on compassion and authenticity.

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    42 mins
  • Navigating Life's Roller Coaster: A Journey Through Trauma, Wellness, and True Sisterhood with Michelle Powell
    Mar 11 2024

    Welcome back, seasoned listeners! In the latest episode of our podcast, Elaina Mullery kicks off the new season with the incredible Michelle Powell. If you've been following us, you're familiar with Michelle, a trauma coach specialising in trauma and mental health.


    Michelle, the author of "The Mastery of Wellness,"
    brings a wealth of expertise to the table, including equine therapies and
    clinical hypnotherapy. Join us as we dive into personal and professional
    experiences, sharing stories, tips, and advice.


    In this heartfelt conversation, Elaina and Michelle highlight
    the importance of true sisterhood, authentic relationships, and safe spaces.
    They discuss the challenges life throws at us, both professionally and
    personally, emphasizing the need for support during tough times.


    The episode also touches on overcoming the lowest of lows, with
    Michelle reminding us that challenging chapters in life are not the end of our
    stories. Elaina reflects on the wisdom of surviving 100% of our worst days and
    how adversity shapes us into resilient individuals.


    Join us on this insightful journey through life's roller
    coaster, where we explore the duality of joy and pain, the power of true
    sisterhood, and the resilience that emerges from our shared experiences.


    Don't miss out on the uplifting and empowering insights from
    Elaina and Michelle as they navigate the complexities of life together. Tune in
    and discover the beauty of finding joy amidst challenges!

    Michelle Powell is a highly experienced and qualified clinical therapist and holistic health practitioner with more than 20 years of experience. Michelle specialises in trauma, mental health, and wellness recovery. She supports and empowers groups and individuals to rediscover themselves beyond the challenges they have faced, helping them to regain their self-esteem and confidence and start living life with direction and vigor. She is also the author of the Amazon bestseller, ‘The Mastery of Wellness’, a book she wrote to empower women.

    Beyond the personal development space, Michelle is a lover of nature, preferring to leave the hustle and bustle behind to retreat to the mountains where she enjoys hiking and outdoor adventures. She is also an experienced and passionate equestrian and when she’s not working with clients or hosting events, you’ll find her with her beloved horses."

    CONNECT WITH MICHELLE POWELL
    https://themichellepowell.com.au/
    Connect with Michelle on Facebook and Instagram
    Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel here.

    Grab a copy of Michelle’s book The Mastery of Wellness.

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    50 mins
  • 056: Understanding How We’re Feeling Through Mindfulness and Meditation
    Jun 16 2022
    Being mindful of the present is not an easy thing to do. We either get caught in the rabbit hole of the past, or we get too anxious about the future.

    While recovering from COVID, I had deep reflections about what was going on in my inner world. The isolation worked in my favour as it gave me enough time to ponder on being mindful.
    For this episode, you will hear my insights about how mindfulness can help us understand how we’re feeling. You will also be guided through a meditation practice that I regularly use in workshops and seminars. It’s a challenge to be at peace with stillness. We overlook the fact that being mindful allows us to fully live in the moment and eliminate the judgement we have on ourselves and others. If you’re looking for ways to better understand your thoughts and emotions, be sure to listen to the episode.

    TOPICS WE DISCUSSED INCLUDE:
    What does mindfulness mean? (02:37)
    The value of engaging in the present or flow state (04:05)
    Three spheres of influence (06:23)
    The benefits of being aware of our senses and emotions (06:58)
    Why we should not listen to respond but listen to understand (09:15)
    The dangers of being judgmental towards ourselves and others and how to deal with it (11:37)
    Meditation practise (16:09)

    CONNECT WITH ELAINA MULLERY HappyNurse.com.au
    Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook
    Connect with me on LinkedIn
    Subscribe to my Youtube channel

    For more information got to: happynurse.com.au/podcast/
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    33 mins
  • 055: How You May Be Hijacked By Your Nervous System with Michelle Powell
    May 30 2022
    The pressure of everyday life can become unreasonable at times. The effect of this can have us operating from our fight or flight response. In this episode, we’ll unpack the impact of the nervous system on our well-being with Michelle Powell. Michelle is a world-renowned trauma and wellness expert, and a regular guest on The Happy Nurse Podcast. She shares her knowledge of how the nervous system influences thoughts, actions, and responses, and how It’s important for to create a strategy that can help regulate our inner self. If we’re aware of the impacts of the nervous system, we learn how to navigate its activation and quickly return to homeostasis. Michelle reveals the methods she uses to manage stressful situations, how to recenter focus, and bring us back to a grounded space. TOPICS WE DISCUSSED INCLUDE: Why we need to talk about the nervous system (03:46) Recognising our default fight or flight reactions (05:30) Regulating our inner voice (12:25) What can you do when your nervous system is activated (17:05) A good relationship with ourselves matters (18:25) Strategies that can help recenter and reground (21:00) The power of breath-work (26:35) Therapeutic zone of breathing (29:10) The significance of 5-5 and 468 breathing techniques (35:05) CONNECT WITH MICHELLE POWELL https://themichellepowell.com.au/ Connect with Michelle on Facebook and Instagram Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel here. Grab a copy of Michelle’s book The Mastery of Wellness. CONNECT WITH ELAINA MULLERY HappyNurse.com.au Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Subscribe to my Youtube channel For more information got to: happynurse.com.au/podcast/
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    41 mins
  • 054: Sharing Our Stories To Support Our Colleagues with Nichola Browning
    May 17 2022
    In this episode, I chat with Nichola about the importance of sharing our stories with others. Nichola's nursing career spans over three decades and has a depth of knowledge and experience. She shares her wisdom about her career, reflective practice, and the importance of self-reflection. It's time to share our stories about burnout, as this has the potential to assist others to recognise that they may be heading toward burnout and seek early intervention. Burnout can be very isolating but knowing you are not alone and having the support of peers and community is a powerful aid to recovery. TOPICS WE DISCUSSED INCLUDE: Nichola’s volunteering journey (05:30) Her personal burnout experience (11:29) The effects of compassion fatigue and burnout (16:40) Her commitment to being well for life (19:55) The Five Aspects of Self-Care (22:00) The importance of having a support system (26:39) The power of me too movement (31:33) How journaling helped Nichola with her burnout (33:45) CONNECT WITH NICHOLA BROWNING Connect with Nichola on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out the Burnout No More courses here. Learn more about the Young Stroke Project here. CONNECT WITH ELAINA MULLERY HappyNurse.com.au Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Subscribe to my Youtube channel For more information got to: happynurse.com.au/podcast/
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    53 mins
  • 053: Establishing A Space for Psychological Safety For Healthcare Professionals with Liam Caswell
    May 2 2022
    There is a growing demand to create a space for psychological safety in the healthcare industry. It’s vital for producing a high-performance team. Healthcare professionals focus on the psychological safety of their patients. They look after patients to the best of their abilities and ensure that they’re set up for success. However, this safe space is often not offered to themselves or their colleagues. In this episode, I have another astounding conversation with Liam Caswell, a High Performance Nurse Coach. With 10 years of international healthcare experience, he aims to coach, educate, and transform the lives and careers of nurses. In our conversation, Liam emphasized the importance of setting a space for psychological safety in the workplace. If the healthcare industry really wants to establish this, they’ll create an environment that stimulates self-awareness and self-compassion, so nurses can perform as their authentic selves. TOPICS WE DISCUSSED INCLUDE: Getting clear about your why in life (04:38) Why we need to increase our tolerance for failure (12:11) The benefits of establishing psychological safety in healthcare (18:45) Why self-awareness and self-compassion matter (26:05) Reframing burnout as something positive (31:52) How to step into your authentic self (35:20) CONNECT WITH LIAM CASWELL https://www.liamcaswell.com/ Connect with Liam on LinkedIn Connect with Liam on Facebook and Instagram Listen to Liam’s podcast, High Performance Nursing, here. CONNECT WITH ELAINA MULLERY HappyNurse.com.au Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Subscribe to my Youtube channel For more information got to: happynurse.com.au/podcast/
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    42 mins
  • 052: Retreat as the Gateway to Recovery From Moral Injury With Janie Hoogesteger
    Mar 31 2022
    There is a second pandemic currently occurring. Burnout in our healthcare staff. Many of us are beyond burnout and we are having to shift our focus from prevention, to burnout recovery. The environment that is pre disposing us to burnout and compassion fatigue is creating “moral injury.” Moral Injury is leading to nurses feeling undervalued, trapped, exhausted, unappreciated and lost in a very broken system. In this episode, I had the pleasure to chat with Janie Hoogesteger. She is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of nursing experience. She believes that for the longest time, nurses have been focusing their energies on their patients and neglecting self-care. Janine shares a holistic approach to self-care, her non-negotiable when it comes to self-care and how she helps heal the healers through her retreats. TRIGGER warning - Suicide is discussed in this episode. TOPICS WE DISCUSSED INCLUDE: Why do nurses experience a moral injury? (03:25) The dangers of gaslighting nurses (05:52) The negative effects of being resilient (09:00) Janie's non-negotiable in self-care (12:35) The benefits of sleep in productivity (21:08) Finding what works for you (24:32) Indulgent self-care (26:15) What inspires Janie to be the best version of herself? (31:27) Trigger Warning: Janie discusses her flatmate’s suicide & how it changed her (31:59) Janie's motivation for creating retreats (37:00) CONNECT WITH JANIE HOOGESTEGER https://www.rnretreats.com/ Connect with Janie on Facebook and Instagram Register for the Reset Retreat here.
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    52 mins