Bek Woodbine returns to It Takes Heart for a deeply honest conversation about chronic pain, recovery and finding a new way forward.

Since her last episode, Bek has undergone major back surgery and has been learning to live with the physical and emotional impact of chronic pain. As a nurse practitioner and host of Tenderness for Nurses, Bek shares what it feels like when the helper needs help, how pain can change your sense of self, and why learning to accept support has become part of her next chapter.

Bek also reflects on the future of nursing, including nurse wellbeing, boundaries, bullying, respect, the nursing shortage and the importance of returning to the basics of care.

This is a vulnerable and thoughtful episode about nursing, chronic pain, resilience and the power of honest conversations.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horse is a former SASR operator, military dog handler and advocate based in Australia.

Today on the podcast, I continue my conversation with Horse in part two of this powerful episode.

Horse and I discuss what happens when the uniform comes off, the impact of the documentary Bravery and Betrayal, and the emotional toll experienced by many veterans and their families after service.

We talk about the removal of Squadron Two, the deep sense of identity and belonging that comes with military service, and how difficult it can be for veterans to move forward when their service is questioned, misunderstood or erased.

Horse also shares why telling these stories matters, not just for soldiers, but for their families, first responders, nurses and anyone who has worked in high-pressure environments where service, sacrifice and trauma often sit side by side.

We also discuss the role of Wandering Warriors, the importance of transition support, and why conversations around mental health, moral injury and institutional trauma need to continue.

This is part two of an honest, emotional and deeply important conversation about service, loyalty, survival, family, identity and life after war.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horse is a former SASR operator, military dog handler and advocate based in Australia.

Today on the podcast, I had the privilege of talking with Horse about his time in the SASR, his work with military dogs, and his involvement in the documentary Bravery and Betrayal.

Horse and I discuss his pathway from a young boy who found safety and connection with animals, to becoming part of Australia’s Special Forces and helping build a military dog capability.

His love and respect for animals is at the heart of this conversation. Horse shares what it meant to serve alongside dogs in Afghanistan, the bond between handler and dog, and why bringing those dogs home mattered so deeply.

We also talk about trauma, PTSD, mental health, institutional support, and why Horse believes trauma should be treated as an injury rather than a disorder.

This is part one of a powerful conversation about service, loyalty, survival, dogs, veterans, first responders and the impact of life after war.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The following Podcast discusses Addiction and death by suicide. Please be aware that some topics may be triggering.

This 2 part discussion covers a broad range of information around depression, addiction and suicide, as can only be seen and felt by the partner of person struggling with addiction.

Jane’s open and honest approach around the death of her husband by suicide and his battle with alcohol has taken nearly 2 years to occur.

Through openly talking about what has happened to her and her daughters after her husband’s death, she hopes to start shifting the stigma around suicide and the huge number of male deaths by suicide yearly.

It is her hope that by sharing her story, it may help someone who is struggling and listening to this podcast.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction,

Please reach out to the following:

If you are in a Life threatening situation

Call: 000

Lifeline: 13 11 14

https://www.lifeline.org.au/about/contact-us

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Urgent Help - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue

Black Dog Institute

Contact Us - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

This podcast has been sponsored by

Cornerstone medical recruitment

https://www.cmr.com.au/contact-us/

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TRIGGER WARNING: The following Podcast discusses Addiction and death by suicide. Please be aware that some topics may be triggering.

This 2 part discussion covers a broad range of information around depression, addiction and suicide, as can only be seen and felt by the partner of person struggling with addiction.

Jane’s open and honest approach around the death of her husband by suicide and his battle with alcohol has taken nearly 2 years to occur.

Through openly talking about what has happened to her and her daughters after her husband’s death, she hopes to start shifting the stigma around suicide and the huge number of male deaths by suicide yearly.

It is her hope that by sharing her story, it may help someone who is struggling and listening to this podcast.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction,

Please reach out to the following:

If you are in a Life threatening situation

Call: 000

Lifeline: 13 11 14

https://www.lifeline.org.au/about/contact-us

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Urgent Help - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue

Black Dog Institute

Contact Us - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

Sent from my iPhone

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Madilyn Sonter is a Registered Nurse based in Brisbane, Australia.

Today on the podcast, I had the privilege of talking with Maddy about her business, The Functional Skin Studio, and how she is remaining compliant to the regulations in Queensland.

Maddy and I discuss her pathway from Registered Nurse to business owner, mum to skin care developer.

The ability to pivot in the cosmetic space is what keeps Maddy one step ahead of her competitors. However, it is her own lived experiences of acne, sensitive skin and gut that has enabled Maddy to look at the skin space differently. This has given her a unique perspective on how she treats and manages skin, acne and the gut.

Maddy’s skin care range, The Functional Skin, is a green, clean and effective range for anyone who has had problematic skin.

Add to this mix, two young boys, a house renovation, and you have one busy nurse!

Check out Maddy’s success story on Instagram: @Thefunctionalskin

www.thefunctionalskin.com

www.tendernessfornurses.com.au

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the podcast we chat with Sarah Elliott.

Sarah is a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife. She has moved in to academia with an interest in midwifery, and in-particular rural and remote midwifery.

We chat about the problems of women who have to travel, due to high risk deliveries of their unborn babies, and the challenges they face.

Sarah discusses the difference around c-section and vaginal deliveries and the impact research is showing this can have on the babies gut health.

This is a broad discussion around birthing and how we as nurses and midwives can help mothers to be, mothers post c-section and their babies.

Sponsored by Nutricia. This episode was created independently by the presenters/speakers and the views expressed herein are those of the presenters/speakers, not of Nutricia. This content is intended for healthcare professionals. Medical professionals should rely on their own skill and assessment of individual patients.

Tenderness for Nurses

www.tendernessfornurses.com.au

Nutricia

http://www.nutricia.com

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the podcast we chat with psychologist Shannon Swales and answer questions you sent in to us.

We talk about burnout management as nurses and health professionals. Shannon gives advice on how to avoid burnout, how to care for yourself as a nurse and what to look for in yourself and your colleagues if you are concerned about burnout.

This is a common sense chat around self-care. Whether you have experienced burnout and slowly recovering or are on the precipice of burnout, Shannon shares valuable advice for us all.

Sponsored by Nutricia. This episode was created independently by the presenters/speakers and the views expressed herein are those of the presenters/speakers, not of Nutricia. This content is intended for healthcare professionals. Medical professionals should rely on their own skill and assessment of individual patients.

Burnout Psychology Support

Burnout Recovery Coaching & Counselling | Shannon Swales, Psychologist

Tenderness for Nurses

www. Tendernessfornurses.com.au

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.