What a whirlwind 2025 has been for us! As we sit down to reflect on the past months, we want to share the challenges, triumphs, and the heart behind our mission to empower mothers—especially those of you navigating the complexities of raising children with disabilities. Join us as we unpack our journey and look ahead to what's coming next.

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A Year in Review

We can't believe how far we've come in just four months of active execution. "It has been quite a year," Hannah says, though the vision and mission have been brewing in our hearts for much longer. We've stayed intensely focused on our mission, committed to making a real impact in the lives of moms who need it most.

The Mission Behind the Movement

This work isn't about us—it's about YOU, our mums. We're building a movement to support mothers facing similar challenges in raising children with disabilities. "This mission is not about us; it's about our mums," Hannah explains. We feel a deep responsibility to uplift and edify our community. For Vanessa, it's about aligning her values with a cause that resonates in her soul.

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Our Aha Moments

Vanessa shares her journey of commitment to this podcast: "When you came to me with your mission and vision, I just wanted to get behind you." Her experiences as a mother of children with disabilities showed her how important this message truly is. It was such a pivotal moment that she shelved her own business plans to fully commit to Stronger Side. We knew this was something greater than ourselves.

Join Us

We're inviting you to engage with this mission. Community and support are everything, and we want to hear from you—share your experiences, connect with other mums, and know you're not alone. "Our message is needed, and our audience needs that community," Vanessa says. We're building this together.

Looking Ahead

Our journey is just beginning. We've laid the groundwork for a movement that empowers mothers and creates a supportive community where you belong. We're committed to this mission with our whole hearts, and we invite you to join us in making a difference. Remember: alignment with your values matters, community is powerful, and stepping into a mission that resonates with your heart changes everything.

Download our free guide to Preparing Calm for Christmas: www.strongherside.com/calm

In this episode, Hannah sits down with Alex, a personal trainer and advocate living with autism, to explore the complexities and nuances of his journey. Alex shares his personal experiences growing up with autism, elaborating on the unique challenges and insights that have shaped his life. He emphasises the importance of understanding communication styles and the critical role of empathy and patience in engaging with neurodivergent individuals.

Delving into the societal challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum, Alex discusses his work with Weflex, where he helps neurodiverse kids enhance their social skills and physical well-being. He touches on the power of creative outlets such as gaming and music as coping mechanisms, along with valuable psychological tools that facilitate personal growth. Alex's narrative is a compelling reminder of the potential locked within neurodiverse communities, advocating for better awareness and inclusion to bridge gaps in understanding.

Alex is an inspiring individual navigating life with autism. At the age of 22, Alex is a personal trainer and support worker at Weflex, an NDIS-accredited company focused on helping neurodiverse individuals. With a deep sense of understanding and empathy, Alex shares his journey, offering insights into living with autism and advocating for a more inclusive society. His passion lies in guiding children with disabilities to find their place in the world, leveraging his own experiences to make a substantial impact.

• Alex highlights the importance of understanding body language and tone for autistic individuals, underscoring the need for clear and calm communication.
• The role of creative outlets like gaming and music in providing solace and self-expression for neurodiverse individuals.
• An emphasis on societal inclusion, aiming to provide better life opportunities and extend the average lifespan of those with disabilities through fitness and supportive environments.
• Alex's personal journey through social anxiety and the psychological support that has helped him develop coping mechanisms.
• Advocacy for empathy and respect when engaging with neurodivergent individuals, stressing that they seek the same emotional connections as everyone else.

1. "For us, it's not what you're saying, it's how you're projecting yourself… that can cause sensory overload."
2. "I've realised now how beneficial having proper health professionals was… knowing how to approach conflicts."
3. "Really try to recognise when your stress cup is overflowing and know your limits."
4. "People like us are very creative… it's being sucked into a different reality."
5. "We still want the same things in life that anyone else does."

Join Hannah Gair as she converses with Graeme Cowan, a key figure behind Australia's R U OK? movement. Graeme shares his personal journey through depression and his insights on mental health, emphasizing the importance of community and self-care. With practical advice for carers, especially moms raising children with disabilities, Graeme offers strategies for maintaining mental well-being, such as identifying the 'one thing' that brings joy and balance. This episode provides guidance on recognizing signs of depression and taking steps to seek help in challenging times, with a focus on meaningful connections.

• The Power of Connection: Graeme highlights the role of supportive relationships in mental wellness, urging people to prioritize community and friendships.
• Identifying Personal Warning Signs: Recognizing and addressing early symptoms of mental struggles is crucial to managing one's mental health.
• Prioritizing Self-Care: Graeme stresses that "self care isn't selfish," emphasizing the need for carers to maintain their own well-being to effectively support others.
• Finding Your "One Thing": Discovering a personal practice that brings joy and calm can greatly contribute to overall happiness and resilience.
• Reach Out for Help: Recognizing when professional help is necessary and the importance of preparing for a productive mental health discussion with healthcare providers.

• "I have profound relief that I didn't put my family through the same thing."
• "Self-care isn't selfish. We can't help others if our own fuel is running out."
• "People don't talk about it or if they are going through it, they think they're the only ones going through it."
• "Recognizing the early warning signs because the earlier we get it, the quicker we turn it around."
• "If you let your own fuel run out, you're no good to anyone."

• Graeme Cowan on LinkedIn for more insights and updates about his initiatives.
• R U OK? Day: ruok.org.au
• Book: "Back from the Brink: True stories and practical help for overcoming depression and bipolar disorder" by Graeme Cowan
• Robert Waldinger's TED Talk on happiness: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness