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In this episode, we meet Julie Cliff, a professional organizer with an unexpected journey - from cooking for her family at age 7 on a country farm, to becoming Melbourne Storm's first female life member, to running her own decluttering business. The twist? Julie isn't "naturally organized" - she taught herself because she couldn't stand the mess! We challenge Julie with our Creative Chaos Challenge: helping a hypothetical ceramic artist drowning in clay dust, mystery glazes, and 17 half-finished projects. Her advice is practical, compassionate, and surprisingly freeing. From the "cutlery drawer philosophy" to tackling shame and guilt, Julie shows us that organizing isn't about perfection - it's about clearing space and time for what actually matters. This one's for anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed by the mess and wondered where to start.the chaos rather than fighting it

Professional Organiser Melbourne I Space and Time

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

rosemarypattison@gmail.com

info@michellebenson.com.au

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

rosemarypattison@gmail.com

info@michellebenson.com.au

https://rosemarypattisonart.com/

...

Send us Fan Mail

Shift Stirrers – Setting Up a gallery exhibition.

In this special episode recorded live in Michelle's studio, we sit down with sculptural artist Dana Falcini and ceramic artist Anna Battersby to talk about what emerging artists really need to know when setting up their first gallery exhibition. From dealing with fragile materials like bone and gut to understanding lighting and spatial flow, Dana and Anna share hard-won wisdom about installation. We explore the power of "less is more," the importance of letting your work breathe, why bringing your own toolbox is essential, and how to create exhibitions that invite viewers into a contemplative experience rather than overwhelming them. Whether you're planning your first solo show or wondering how to make group exhibitions work, this conversation is packed with practical advice, honest mistakes, and the kind of preparation tips that can transform how your work is experienced. Recorded in the same space where we all exhibited together, this episode captures the collaborative, supportive energy that makes good installations great

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

rosemarypattison@gmail.com

info@michellebenson.com.au

https://rosemarypattisonart.com/

...

Send us Fan Mail

Leila Davis Mindful Living

We're so excited to introduce you to Leila Davis today. Leila's a ceramic artist in Brisbane, but before that she was a GP, and before that a psychotherapist helping professional women make big life transitions. So she's lived this transformation thing from every angle - and her insights about the 'golden cage' we keep ourselves in, and why it's okay to choose joy, are going to hit home for a lot of you.

https://www.leiladavis.com/

Instagram leila_davis_ceramics

Thank you for listening

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

rosemarypattison@gmail.com

info@michellebenson.com.au

https://rosemarypattisonart.com/

https://michellebenson.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/rosemarypattisonart/

https://www.instagram.com/michelle_benson_art/

Music by Sound Designer Erin Krejany

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-krejany-186829355

e.krejany@gmail.com

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

rosemarypattison@gmail.com

info@michellebenson.com.au

https://rosemarypattisonart.com/

...

Send us Fan Mail

Grey Tham is a photographer, a storyteller, a champion of women and the owner and principal photographer behind Simply Grey.

Thank you for listening Speakover only Logo in place

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

rosemarypattison@gmail.com

info@michellebenson.com.au

https://rosemarypattisonart.com/

https://michellebenson.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/rosemarypattisonart/

https://www.instagram.com/michelle_benson_art/

Gray’s Links

https://www.simplygray.com.au/wise-women-2026

Ashburton Stories: A history of the Melbourne suburb by Sarah Craze

Ashburton is home to tenacious and determined residents, fiercely independent retailers and sports enthusiasts determined to find a drink in a notoriously dry

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

rosemarypattison@gmail.com

info@michellebenson.com.au

https://rosemarypattisonart.com/

...

Send us Fan Mail

Unlocking Creativity

In this engaging conversation, Catherine Deveny shares her insights on the transformative power of writing and creativity. She discusses her experiences running writing retreats, the importance of giving oneself permission to create, and the shift from being a writer to facilitating the creativity of others. Catherine emphasizes the significance of community, the ripple effect of creative expression, and practical steps for aspiring writers. She also reflects on her personal journey, including overcoming challenges and embracing her identity as a writer.

takeaways

• Creativity has been hijacked by capitalism and societal expectations.
• Writing retreats can lead to profound personal transformations.
• People often need to give themselves permission to create.
• The shift from being a writer to facilitating others is natural.
• Everyone is a writer if they write.
• Creative communities foster authentic connections.
• Taking time for oneself is essential for creativity.
• Aha moments often revolve around self-acceptance and permission.
• Practical steps can help overcome creative blocks.
• Embracing differences can turn perceived flaws into strengths.

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

rosemarypattison@gmail.com

info@michellebenson.com.au

https://rosemarypattisonart.com/

...

Send us Fan Mail

Shift Stirrers - Cath - Success is doing what you love.

In this powerful episode of Shift Stirrers, Cath from Bent Wires shares her journey from research scientist to full-time jewelry maker - a transition that took dedication, strategy.

Cath opens up about the realities of leaving a career she was good at but never loved, the importance of research and planning before launching a product-based business, and why she redefines success entirely. For Cath, success isn't about external achievements or accolades - it's about doing what you love and being fulfilled by your work.

We explore imposter syndrome (still present even years in), the practical business wisdom every maker needs (pricing formulas, insurance, market research), and why she only does commissions in her own artistic voice. Cath shares her philosophy on social media (digital business card, not sales channel), the power of the Rose Street Market community, and why you shouldn't overthink starting - "What's the worst that could happen? You don't sell anything. The world doesn't end."

This episode is for anyone working the day job while building their creative dream, struggling with feeling "good enough," or wondering if joy matters more than traditional success. Spoiler: it does.

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

rosemarypattison@gmail.com

info@michellebenson.com.au

https://rosemarypattisonart.com/

https://michellebenson.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/rosemarypattisonart/

https://www.instagram.com/michelle_benson_art/

Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions.

You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers.

If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Until next time, keep stirring things up.

Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change.

You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ

Our other contacts
theshiftstirrers@gmail.com

rosemarypattison@gmail.com

info@michellebenson.com.au

https://rosemarypattisonart.com/

...