In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue Kennedy and CJ address a challenge that every entrepreneur and small business owner encounters: overwhelm. Drawing from their own recent experiences — from the pressures of being the sole income earner, to moving house while managing client commitments, to balancing caregiving responsibilities — they share candid insights into recognizing, managing, and recovering from periods of intense stress.

The discussion covers practical strategies such as identifying and focusing on high-priority tasks, creating an effective “quick look” list to avoid decision fatigue, and building restorative breaks into the day without guilt. Sue and CJ also explore why stepping away from work, even briefly, can improve productivity and prevent burnout.

Whether you are navigating a busy season or seeking sustainable ways to manage your workload, these insights will help you protect your energy and maintain focus.

Listen now!

Highlights:

• (02:01) Why overwhelm can be more acute when you are the business.
• (07:04) Why “working harder” is counterproductive in times of stress.
• (11:26) The lasting impact of burnout and post-viral fatigue.
• (13:20) Techniques for prioritizing tasks effectively.
• (17:00) The value of intentional breaks to reset and refocus.
• (26:05) How planning your to-do list on Friday can reduce Monday stress.
• (28:08) Applying the “oxygen mask” principle in business.

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue and CJ explore the history, cultural significance, and evolving perceptions of the word BOSSY. From its Dutch origins to modern interpretations, they examine how context, tone, and audience shape its meaning — and why it is more often directed at women than men.

The discussion covers linguistic evolution, gendered language, and the power of words to influence identity and behavior from an early age. CJ and Sue also address how “bossy” intersects with leadership, confidence, and societal expectations, offering insights on reclaiming or reframing the term in professional and personal contexts.

Whether you work in leadership, communications, education, or are simply curious about the cultural weight words can carry, this episode provides a thoughtful look at how language shapes our perceptions.

Listen now!

Highlights:

• (01:32) Historical origins of “BOSS” and its colonial context
• (02:29) Positive, neutral, and negative uses of “bossy” in different settings
• (04:46) The gender bias in how “bossy” is applied
• (07:43) How dictionary history reflects social bias in word selection
• (10:01) Impact of labels like “bossy” on children’s confidence and behavior
• (12:12) Gendered modifiers in professional titles (“girl boss” vs. “boss”)
• (17:29) Examples of reclaimed language and shifting meaning over time
• (20:59) How current events can reshape the meaning and perception of words
• (22:13) Evaluating whether “bossy” can ever be truly empowering

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue Kennedy and CJ welcome Brian Parana — a seasoned health coach with over 23 years of experience in fitness, nutrition, and behavior change. Brian has guided clients from all walks of life, from Olympians to everyday professionals, helping them achieve sustainable results through the power of small, consistent steps and intentional communication.

Brian shares how the language we use can either move us toward our goals or hold us back. He explains how strategic questioning and reframing can unlock deeper self-awareness, shift limiting beliefs, and inspire meaningful action. From helping clients achieve significant weight loss to empowering them to make bold life decisions, his approach is rooted in empathy, clarity, and consistency.

Whether you are seeking to improve your health, boost your confidence, or simply communicate more effectively with yourself and others, this episode offers insights you can apply immediately.

Tune in now!

To learn more about Brian’s coaching approach and explore his “30 Tips in 30 Days” program, visit www.brianparana.com or connect with him on social media at https://bit.ly/coachbriansocials.

Highlights:

• (01:39) Brian’s background and the importance of meeting clients where they are
• (02:37) Transitioning from in-person training to remote health coaching
• (08:07) Asking key questions that uncover unspoken challenges and aspirations
• (09:49) A client’s journey to losing over 40 pounds and making a major life change
• (17:48) The power of role embodiment in achieving personal and professional goals
• (20:25) Addressing daily environmental temptations through conscious language
• (27:32) Why consistency is the most important word in long-term success

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

Guest Links:

Website: Www.thecalltorise.com
Social Media: https://bit.ly/coachbriansocials

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue Kennedy and CJ are joined by Nikki Everett — author, former justice system professional, and founder of She Is Mental. With a career spent supporting some of society’s most vulnerable individuals, Nikki shares her remarkable personal and professional journey through complex PTSD, systemic reform, and healing through storytelling.

After experiencing multiple traumatic events while working within prisons and mental health systems, Nikki found herself unable to speak the way she once did — a profound loss for someone whose work depended on communication. What followed was a deep personal journey that eventually led to her memoir, Uncomfortably Comfortable, and the birth of a new mission: helping others find strength through their own stories.

This episode explores how trauma affects language, identity, and purpose — and how self-expression, creativity, and metaphor can become powerful tools for recovery. If you work in high-stress environments, support others through trauma, or are navigating your own healing journey, this episode is for you. So, listen now!

Explore Nikki Everett’s work at sheismental.com.au , where you can download her free trauma reframing guide and companion eBook.

Highlights:

• (01:32) Nikki’s background in prisons, mental health, and trauma-informed programming
• (02:28) The incident that changed everything — and how PTSD reshaped her communication
• (06:42) Bridging gaps between prisoners, courts, and community through tailored support
• (13:02) Recognizing burnout and the silent signs of unresolved trauma
• (14:17) How Japanese art and plant care became unexpected metaphors for healing
• (17:05) The book that became a voice for many: Uncomfortably Comfortable
• (24:48) A guide to reframing trauma and reclaiming your personal narrative
• (27:17) Why mental health challenges do not diminish your worth — they deepen it

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

Guest Links:

Website: https://sheismental.com.au/

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, CJ and Sue are joined by Beverly Chambers, career strategist and communication expert, and Dr. Belinda McMahon, vocal communication coach and voice science specialist. Together, they share the inspiration behind their collaborative program Be Seen, Be Heard, designed to help professionals enhance their presence, confidence, and communication skills.

Drawing on their combined expertise, Beverly and Belinda explore the subtle yet powerful ways in which voice, body language, and personal style impact how we are perceived — often within milliseconds. They highlight the importance of intention, authenticity, and awareness when showing up in personal or professional settings.

Listen now!

Beverly and Belinda are hosting a free one-hour webinar, Strategic Speaking: Matching Message, Tone & Audience. This is a great opportunity to experience their approach firsthand and gain practical tools you can apply immediately.

Highlights:

• (01:19) How Be Seen, Be Heard began: from conference connection to collaborative program
• (04:45) Understanding personal branding and first impressions
• (07:26) Why visual presence creates immediate judgments — and how to shape them with intention
• (12:25) Style identity and authenticity: dressing to reflect who you are, not who you think you should be
• (19:04) The disconnect between competence and delivery — and how to bridge it
• (22:47) The power of pauses and vocal emphasis in shifting meaning and tone
• (31:00) The neuroscience of connection: how aligned communication creates shared understanding

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

Guests Links:

Website: www.voiceprintprofessionals.com
Website: https://academy.numensa.com.au/

Free Gift:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/strategic-speaking-matching-message-tone-and-audience-tickets-1575159427249?aff=oddtdtcreator

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue and CJ are joined by Ngahina Richards, founder of Nriched Living and creator of the Total Sensory Wellbeing framework. Ngahina shares her expertise on how understanding and working with our senses can help restore clarity, energy, and focus — especially in an overstimulating modern world.

Drawing on her background in health science, environmental psychology, and brain chemistry, Ngahina explains how our senses are constantly influencing us — often without our awareness. She discusses how small, practical adjustments to our environment and daily routines can improve our mood, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing.

If you’re navigating the challenges of open-plan offices, digital distractions, or simply seeking more balance and focus in your life, this conversation offers valuable insights.

Ngahina also introduces her forthcoming book, Come to Your Senses, which provides a comprehensive guide to sensory wellbeing tailored to individual preferences and lifestyles. Listen now!

Highlights:

• (01:28) Ngahina’s personal journey to sensory wellbeing and her “accidental author” story.
• (05:57) The intersection of brain chemistry, environmental psychology, and human behavior.
• (09:38) Understanding the “happy D.O.S.E.”: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins — and how modern life overstimulates them.
• (23:46) The importance of personalized sensory strategies for mental energy and mood regulation.
• (28:54) Practical workplace examples: how sensory irritants can lead to cognitive fatigue.
• (38:31) About the book Come to Your Senses and how it equips readers to optimize their environments for wellbeing.
  
  
  

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.nrichedliving.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/total_sensory_wellbeing/

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue Kennedy and CJ are joined by Patricia Stepler, founder of Creating Top Producers, to explore the transformative power of mindset, language, and the subconscious in achieving personal and business success.

Patricia shares her expertise in helping business owners and teams unlock greater potential by shifting thought patterns, reprogramming limiting beliefs, and harnessing the written and spoken word. Together, they delve into how our subconscious programming—often shaped by early experiences and the language we internalize—can significantly impact our outcomes, both professionally and personally.

Whether you're a business owner, leader, or individual striving for personal growth, this episode offers insightful and actionable approaches to elevating your mindset and outcomes.

Tune in now!

Highlights:

• (02:12) The role of positive language in personal growth
• (05:15) How early feedback—positive or negative—shapes our self-image and potential.
• (09:26) The impact of language and alignment on team cohesion and performance.
• (12:21) The science behind visualization, writing down goals, and achieving desired outcomes.
• (17:51) How focus and consistency reveal opportunities many overlook.
• (24:46) Insights from working with Bob Proctor on shifting limiting beliefs around income and success.
• (28:43) Patricia’s recommended daily practice for goal clarity and mindset transformation.

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

Guest Links:

Website: https://patricia.creatingtopproducers.com/business

Instagram: pattystepler

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue Kennedy and CJ sit down with Michelle Steiner—writer, speaker, photographer, and passionate advocate for disability inclusion.

Diagnosed with a learning disability in kindergarten, Michelle’s journey has been marked by determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others feel seen and understood. From early academic struggles to being told she wouldn’t succeed in college, Michelle faced repeated doubts and obstacles. But with the power of storytelling, self-advocacy, and community support, she forged her own path—graduating from Slippery Rock University and building a mission-driven platform to educate others about invisible disabilities.

Michelle shares how nature inspires her writing, how misconceptions around learning disabilities continue to persist, and why language and dignity matter in advocacy. She also offers practical strategies for those living with disabilities—and for anyone supporting them—to navigate challenges and reclaim their own version of success.

Whether you're an educator, writer, advocate, or someone exploring your own identity, this conversation is a reminder that limitations do not define us—how we respond to them does.

To learn more about Michelle’s work or access her free advocacy guide.

Highlights:

• (01:18) – How photography and nature became part of Michelle’s creative process.
• (03:33) – Early diagnosis, academic hurdles, and discovering reading and writing as strengths.
• (07:23) – Facing stigma in higher education—and finding the tools to succeed.
• (12:19) – The need for safe, supportive communities for individuals with learning disabilities.
• (16:30) – Addressing common misconceptions around “invisible” disabilities.
• (19:28) – Michelle’s free guide: How to Advocate for Yourself in School, Work, and Life.

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

Guest Links:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/michelle.steiner.493966/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/<