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Prof. Esther Charlesworth | Building a Better World Through Architecture

Prof. Esther Charlesworth | Building a Better World Through Architecture

What if architecture wasn’t just about buildings—but about building a better world.

In this episode of the Power of Women Podcast, Di Gillett speaks with Professor Esther Charlesworth AM, a humanitarian architect, academic, and changemaker whose work sits at the powerful intersection of design, ethics, and social justice.

From war-torn cities like Mostar and Beirut to domestic violence shelters in Melbourne, Esther’s global career challenges everything we think we know about architecture. She shares the founding story of Architects Without Frontiers, a not-for-profit delivering civil infrastructure projects for the world’s most vulnerable communities, and opens up about what it means to design for fragility in an era of climate change, conflict, and chronic displacement.

 

In his episode, we explore:

  • How architecture can be a tool for peace, equity, and resilience
  • What it takes to lead in a system that still undervalues social impact design
  • Why the future of rebuilding—post-disaster and post-conflict—must include the people who live there
  • Why temporary housing often fails—and how we can do better
  • The myth of prefab as a “silver bullet” in Australia’s housing crisis.

 

New episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

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Find Prof. Esther Charlesworth at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-charlesworth/

Architects Without Frontiers https://www.architectswithoutfrontiers.com.au/

 

💬 How would you address Australia’s housing crisis? Share your ideas in the comments.

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Terry Tateossian | Breaking Free from Emotional Eating

Terry Tateossian | Breaking Free from Emotional Eating

What if your cravings weren’t about hunger—but about your emotions?

The relationship between the food we eat, and our feelings can be fraught. Breaking free from emotional eating is rarely a linear journey.

What we eat isn’t just about hunger—it’s about how we feel. In this episode, Di Gillett sits down with powerhouse Terry Tateossian, who shares her inspiring transformation: shedding over 80 pounds during perimenopause and stepping into her power as a fitness coach for women over 40. They dive deep into emotional eating, the hidden impact of sugar, and the mindset shift needed for real, lasting change. Terry opens up about her cultural roots, personal struggles, and how she broke free from unhealthy patterns. From the concept of primary vs secondary foods to the role of resistance training in aging well, this conversation is a wake-up call for women ready to take control of their health—without giving up the joy in life.

In this episode:

   ➨ Understanding nutrition: The shift in eating habits

   ➨ The role of emotional eating in weight gain

   ➨ Breaking the cycle: Overcoming emotional eating

   ➨ The power of awareness: Recognising emotional triggers

   ➨ Emotional hunger vs. Physical hunger

   ➨ Strength training for midlife women

   ➨ Measuring progress without obsession

 

New episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Judy King | Reclaiming Her Life After Childhood Trauma

Judy King | Reclaiming Her Life After Childhood Trauma

Judy King is the first octogenarian guest on the Power Of Women Podcast — and she is nothing short of extraordinary. Now living her best life in Mallorca, Judy’s story is a powerful journey of success and healing, after unearthing repressed childhood memories.

Our conversation is a true emotional rollercoaster. We celebrate Judy’s remarkable achievements, including her domination of the Paddington real estate market in the 1960s — a feat few women could dream of at the time. But behind the success, Judy battled hidden demons: repressed childhood memories that left her overwhelmed by a persistent, haunting sense of failure. In recent years, therapy helped Judy unlock deeply buried truths — a harrowing history of undiagnosed trauma, sexual abuse, abandonment, emotional deprivation, and lifelong impacts on her mental health.

Judy shares her raw and courageous story with us, offering hope and wisdom for anyone who has faced darkness and fought their way back to the light.

Her full journey is captured in her powerful new book, AGNES – A Childhood Betrayed and Reclaimed.

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to child sexual abuse, trauma, and mental health.

In this episode:

  • Judy King is on a mission to help adult survivors of child abuse.
  • Her childhood experiences shaped her problem-solving skills.
  • Judy’s entrepreneurial spirit was driven by a desire to survive.
  • Judy became a recluse to focus on her personal issues.
  • Buddhism provided her with kindness and a new perspective.
  • Confronting her childhood trauma was a pivotal moment in her healing.

New episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Connect with Di:

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Judy’s book is available:

Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/Agnes-childhood-reclaimed-Judy-King/dp/1761096974 and at major bookstores.

10% of author royalties will be donated to the Blue Knot Foundation: https://blueknot.org.au/

Debbie Lee | So You Want to Write a Book? Here’s How.

Debbie Lee | So You Want to Write a Book? Here’s How.

So, you want to write a book? Debbie Lee on how to get published.

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an author, this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast is a must-listen!

The world of publishing is evolving, and today’s authors must do more than just write—they need to promote themselves through podcasts, social media, literary festivals, and every opportunity that comes their way. As publishing veteran and owner of Ginninderra Press, Debbie Lee understands this shift firsthand. Bequeathed the company by its founder, Stephen Matthews, she carries the deep responsibility of honouring his legacy while navigating the industry’s modern challenges.

In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Debbie and Di dive into the multifaceted world of publishing. From the crucial role of professional editing to the expanding formats of books, they explore the key elements every writer must consider. They also discuss common pitfalls in manuscript submissions, the realities of book-to-screen adaptations, and the growing impact of censorship on literature.

Plus, with more women than ever finding their voices in publishing, self-promotion has never been more important. Authors can no longer hide behind their pages—it’s time to step into the spotlight.

New episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Debbie Lee | So You Want to Write a Book? Here’s How.

In his episode, we explore:

  • How print on demand technology has revolutionized the publishing industry, allowing for more flexibility and accessibility for indie authors.
  • The indie publishing landscape is changing, with authors needing to adapt to new realities.
  • Authors must invest in the editing and design process to ensure their book is of high quality.
  • Engaging a qualified editor is crucial for authors.
  • Women authors are increasingly finding their voice in the industry.

 

Connect with Di:

Connect with Di on LinkedIn

Follow Power Of Women on LinkedIn

Follow Di on Instagram

The Power Of Women Podcast Instagram

Contact Di

 

Find Debbie Lee at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-e-lee/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ginninderra_press/

Website https://ginninderrapress.com.au/

 

Annalise Jennings | The Power Of Resilience, Connection & Belonging

Annalise Jennings | The Power Of Resilience, Connection & Belonging

The power of resilience, connection & belonging. An enlightening episode of the Power of Women podcast as Annalise Jennings shares her journey of resilience, connection, and empowerment. From her multicultural upbringing in Australia, to breaking the patriarchal mindsets in the corporate banking sector and her transformative experiences working with Aboriginal communities. Annalise emphasises the importance of belonging and caring for the whole. She talks about the principles that guide her work and her life, the challenges women face, and the power of storytelling in creating positive change. Annalise’s insights will inspire you to embrace your own story and hopefully take action towards a more connected and compassionate society.

In this episode:

00:00 The Power of Connection and Belonging

10:16 Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

20:07 Principles of Success in Community Engagement

30:11 Transformative Experiences in Aboriginal Communities

36:17 Empowering Women Through Shared Stories

 

New episodes drop every Monday to power your week.

Connect with Di:

Connect with Di on LinkedIn

Follow Power Of Women on LinkedIn

Follow Di on Instagram

The Power Of Women Podcast Instagram

Contact Di

 

Find Annalise at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalisejennings/

Website https://www.dynamicexchange.com.au/

Kerry Henwood | What To Expect In 2025 [Part 1]

Kerry Henwood | What To Expect In 2025 [Part 1]

2025 will be a year of transformation, renewal and greater awareness.

Di is joined by internationally recognised intuitive healer, inspirational speaker and teacher, Kerry Henwood. Having consulted her global network, Kerry outlines the significance of the Lunar New Year. The transformative energy of 2025 will be characterised by collaboration, leadership and the rise of empathy in technology.

Together they explore the importance of mentorship, the role of elders, and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing world. The conversation emphasises the collective consciousness and the potential for positive change and growth as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the new year.