Side Quest: Lessons

From CBD to Cookies: Ben’s Season

What happens when your body rejects your career before your mind is ready to quit? You get Ben, the chef-founder of Cook’s Gourmet Cookies, who traded the high-stakes world of corporate shipping for the solace in a kitchen. He shares how COVID forced a pause, a sabbatical became a reckoning, and baking in his mum’s kitchen turned into a bet on himself. P.S. This episode isn’t just about passion. It’s about confronting ego, redefining success, and learning to live life in seasons.

Side Quest: Lessons

What happens when you do everything “right” and nothing moves? In this solo episode, I unpack five uncomfortable lessons from a year in Melbourne; where I tried harder than ever, pulled every lever, and still watched the scoreboard stay at zero. We’re talking about dismantling the effort-equals-reward myth, untying my identity from external pings, confronting burnout, and facing the question: if no one’s clapping, do I still back myself? P.S. This is not a breakthrough montage. It’s the slow, ego-bruising middle. And respectfully? I never want to do a year like this again.

From Burnout to Badass: Rachel’s Life Reclaim

What happens when you realised you're not a priority in anyone's life? You get Rachel in her villain era. From temporarily moving overseas to diving into Muay Thai and creative projects, Rachel shares the messy, empowering journey of unapologetically choosing herself. This episode is for anyone ready to stop shrinking, start showing up for themselves, and embrace the life they actually want. Guilt-free. P.S. Stop waiting for permission to leave the cage.

From Poetry to Production: Jean’s Creative Rebellion

What happens when you follow curiosity and grow as an artist, but still wrestle with fear of sharing your work? We talk with Jean about her journey as a poet, writer, and producer, the courage it takes to put your work out into the world, and how creative longevity comes from presence, practice, and embracing imperfection. If you’ve ever questioned whether your work matters, felt scared to share your creativity, or wondered how to keep evolving across different mediums, this conversation is for you. P.S. Showing up for your craft, even when it’s scary, is always worth it.

From Kitchens to Circuits: Josh's Midlife Crisis

What happens when you pivot careers and travel contients but still wrestle with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and uncertainty? This episode, we talk about Josh’s journey from running kitchens and wine tours to engineering, shedding old identities, and finding purpose in the in-between. If you’ve ever wondered which path to take in life, this conversation will remind you it’s messy, personal, and worth embracing. P.S. The best conversations often start in the front seat of a wine tour.