#women's voices with dr kath on yassfm 100.3 by Kath Kovac

Charlotte developed First Moon Circles for girls - beautiful, intentional gatherings where young girls can learn about their menstrual cycle - not just the nuts and bolts of what, why and how to manage, but how it is a rite of passage that should be honoured and celebrated, not hidden and shameful. She also trains other women how to hold these circles in their own communities, spreading this wonderful concept around Australia and across the world. Connect with Charlotte at charlottepointeaux.com or firstmooncircleschool.com

I chat with Anna, ex-hospital midwife who, horrified at the treatment of birthing mothers - and at the bullying of student midwives! - became a homebirth midwife. We talk about how birth interventions are skyrocketing in hospitals, but are low in homebirths.

Wondering what your cat or dog is trying to tell you? I chatted with Kelly, an animal communicator who can psychically connect with pets, both living and departed. We chat about how she can 'talk' to dogs, cats and other animals to find out what problems they have, and work with the owners to solve them. She also heals ill pets through reiki! Connect with Kelly at https://kellysanimalcommunication.com.au.

I chat with Melissa de Jong about her reiki practise in Yass, NSW, along with her experience in tarot cards and akashic records - listen in to find out what they are! Mel is originally from California. I enjoyed the story of how she found the love of her life in an 'Absorption Centre' in Israel, and followed him from to Australia. Mel is hosting a Holistic Wellness Taster event in Yass in April so we talk about that, too. Connect with Mel here: Home | Friends of the Light Alternative Healing Arts

I chat with kids' author Cate Storey, who started writing books about our native animals because she couldn't find what she wanted in the bookstores. With an environmental scientist for a mum and a botanist for a grandmother, Cate's love of the Australian environment and the lesser-known creatures that populate it shines through in her delightful stories for young readers. Ever heard of a phascogale, a planagale or a greater glider? You'll hear all about these cute creatures in this interview. Connect with Cate at www.wetseasonbooks.com.au

Come on a musical journey with Jasmine Fellows, part time Business Manager and part time muso! We chat about fitting music into our lives as adults, and how liberating it can be. So many people let music go after bad experiences as a child and miss out on the fun, emotion and inspiration that playing and singing - even in the shower when nobody is listening - can bring us. Jas plays her ukelele, I play my drum, and we sing about llamas and more! Connect with Jas @jasmine.fellows.music on Instagram.

In this episode we cover topics that are not talked about enough, and usually avoided until the last possible moment - death and dying. Because of this, people in grief find funeral arrangements, if not organised beforehand, a very stressful time. We also talked about why it is a really good thing for the grieving process to view the body of a dead loved one and perhaps be involved in aftercare. Plus, the high cost of funerals is another stress - which is why Catherine is spearheading a new model called Tender Funerals in Canberra, This non profit organisation provides information, education and a range of cheaper funeral options.

Sam is a gender historian at ANU in Canberra. I had a fascinating conversation with Sam about the melting pot of India and the draconian laws of India's penal code, set in 1860 by the British government.

I chat to the irrepressible Pollyanna Darling in a wide-ranging conversation on the theme of Regeneration. Not the least of these was regenerating her body and mind after being bedridden, crippled with spinal injuries and told by specialists that things would only get worse - to a few years later, discovering standup paddleboarding and despite her chronic pain, going on to win a national championship.

What is conscious dance, and why is it so good for you - emotionally, physically and spiritually? Find out in this episode with Dancing Freedom facilitator Sara-Jane Cleland. Contact her via sarajanecleland.com.au

I delve into the magic and mystery of ceremonial cacao with lover of all things cacao, Symantha Lee.

I talk with Imogen Ingram, facilitator of WomanSpeak sessions that help women speak from their body, from their feminine, from their power. Using their breath to connect with the truth of their words. A powerful episode for women's voices! Connect with Imogen via www.facebook.com/imogen.ingram

I talk with Mel Greenhalgh, neurocoach, about helping women step away from scripts and define their own success. We are all running on scripts. or beliefs, that may not be helping us - and need to write our own. Connect with Mel at https://www.facebook.com/melanie.greenhalgh

I talk with Mother of 30 years experience and women's counsellor and coach, Catherine Evans. We dive into an exploration into motherhood and the sacred self in this episode, covering heart meditation, how motherhood changes us, and the stigma surrounding birth stories. Connect with Catherine at https://www.facebook.com/catherineannea

I talk with a long-time friend and ex-motorcycling buddy, Brenda Donges, about women on adventures - by motorcycle, caravan, boat and more, plus the new adventure of being a grandma. Brenda always makes me laugh!

I talk with Jill Healy-Quintard; pilates, yoga and movement magician extraordinare, author and more. Jill's inspiring movements take you on a journey to balance mind, body, heart and spirit.

Jabaru Boyd is a shamanic drummer, healer, singer, a woman who feels deeply, communicates with spirits and is always fun and insightful to talk to. We talk about how the ancestors make themselves known to Jabaru and how she feels that as an Aboriginal woman, her voice has not been heard.

Anne-Veronica joins me to talk about what it's like to see, hear, feel, taste and smell life on the 'other side'. Becoming a medium unintentinally at the age of 30 has changed Anne-Veronica's life. I explain how the fields of energy that we sense in our everday life interact with the energy fields most of us can't detect, but many wish they can.

Karen is a a heart-driven, passionate children's author who has been discovering unknown family history by accident , by writing a children's book. I have worked with Karen as an editor and coach, and it was lovely to talk to her on the radio!

Malini is a writing coach who helps academics get past their blocks about writing. But more than that, Malini loves to TALK. Just like me! In this episode you can hear Malini and I talk about why women's voices are still not heard, and what the hell we can do about that. You can find Malini at https://mdwritingediting.com.au/

Sarah and I chat about why you should eat Brie and muscatels while fiddling with wet wooden twigs, the loss of practical knowledge in modern society, the importance of non judgement while creating amazing things from the seed-bearing structures of the Bangalow palm and above all, how important it is to embrace 'a period of non-success' at the start of any learning! Sarah can be found at www.sarahnortoncreative.com

I talk with Ganga Karen Ashworth, musician, singer, sound psychotherapist and more, about the healing power of sound. We talk about the connection between stuck emotions and sound, and particularly one's own voice. In a world where so many people are afraid to open their mouths and sing, are we unknowingly denying ourselves healing? Connect with Ganga at http://www.singingtheself.com

I talk with Hollie Bakerboljkovac, a woman with a respectful disregard for the status quo and founder of the Institute of Self Crafting. We chat about radical group counselling, why horses and drumming are a perfect match, martial arts for women, the magic of women's circles and a whole heap more! Connect with the wild and wise Hollie at https://www.instituteforselfcrafting.com/

I talk with Jess van Gronigen: youth mentor, educator, holistic counsellor, animal lover, horse rider and country girl at heart. We chat about the incredible work Jess does with girls, as well as discussing psychotherapy, eco-therapy and animal-assisted therapy. Connect with Jess at https://www.facebook.com/girltribegoulburn/

I talk with Helene Hipp, educator, grief and loss counsellor and supporter of women in midlife and beyond. We delve into the complex world of loss in all its myriad forms and see how it is intertwined with laughter and happiness. Helene is a straight-talking woman who I am proud to call a friend. Connect with the wonderful Helene at https://www.lifesnextchapter.com.au/contact-helene

I talk with Petrea King, CEO and founder of the amazing Quest for Life centre at Bundanoon, NSW. Petrea is an inspirational woman with an incredible life story. Listen in and enjoy! You can connect with Petrea at https://questforlife.org.au/