In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of The Big Umbrella Foundation (TBU), an extraordinary food relief and community-building organisation based in Melbourne. From its humble beginnings with pancakes and soup on trestle tables, TBU has grown into a movement that rescues food, alleviates food insecurity, and creates spaces of dignity, belonging, and connection for what they call their “friends on the street.”

We hear stories of chance encounters, the joy and meaning found in volunteering, and the raw honesty of those who’ve been served. From moments of deep gratitude, to full-circle transformations—like a man once in the food line returning to volunteer—this conversation highlights the healing power of service, community, and compassion.

We also explore:

• How a Chance Encounter under the Dalai Lama Sparked a Movement
• How Pancakes, Dignity + Community Feed a City
• How Food Rescue Turns Waste into Warmth
• Why volunteering floods the body with endorphins and oxytocin.
• The hidden crisis of food insecurity affecting students, families, and working people.
• Why spreading good news stories is as important as addressing the challenges we face.

Takeaways:

• Service is “smart selfish”: giving also heals the giver
• Belonging is built through language, consistency, and fun
• Small acts (a hot meal, a hug, a chat) can change the arc of a life

If you loved this: volunteer, fund a team day, or share this episode with one person who needs a hopeful story today.

This episode is a reminder that one small act of service—whether offering a meal, a conversation, or a smile—can ripple outward and transform lives.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about The Big Umbrella Foundation
• Volunteer, donate, or support TBU’s work.
• Connect with TBU on instagram @thebigumbrella
• Connect with Gabrielle on Instagram: @gabimeyer or @hdydi.pod

Wowee! 3 months since I've been solo on the mic! In this episode, I’m back on the mic with a big warm hello and a deep exhale. We cover a lot, from the season of winter, the Endorphin Effect challenge, to voice notes from friends feeling lost, flat, or unsure of their path… and the reminder that you’re not the only one.

I share a personal story of reconnection, a friendship that found its way back after 10 years apart — and explore what it really means when people say, “If it’s meant to be, it’ll come back.”

Plus, a gentle tool that’s helped me move through stuck seasons: The Universe says yes, the Universe says no.

Whether you’re in a good season, a hard one, or just a meh one… may this episode remind you: things always shift, and you’re never as alone as you think.

This episode is all about resilience and identity at its core.

From stepping into a gym at just five years old to finally qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Emma Nedov’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As a World Cup Gold Medalist and now an Olympic Athlete, Emma shares what it truly means to keep going when the odds are stacked against you, especially when the setbacks are completely out of your control.

We dive into the identity shifts that come with devoting your life to a sport, explore the mindset of a high-performing athlete, and unpack the tools that helped Emma turn adversity into fuel. Her story is raw, powerful, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating transition, chasing a dream, or learning to rise again with purpose and strength.