What happens when the experiences that could have broken you become the foundation for the person you become?

In this powerful episode of Authors Spotlight, Morpheus Publishing sits down with Kalka Mitchell, author of Forged Not Broken: Defined by Purpose, for an honest conversation about trauma, resilience, identity, culture, purpose and the choice to create a different future.

Kalka's life has taken him through experiences most people never see, including childhood trauma, sexual abuse, growing up in a religious cult, addiction, the loss of his brother to suicide, and decades working with people in watch houses and prisons.

But his story isn't about what happened to him.

It's about what he chose to do with it.

Kalka shares how he once used bodybuilding and physical strength as armour while still searching for his identity, and how reconnecting with his Aboriginal culture became a major turning point in his life.

In this episode, Kalka and Justine talk about:
• Why your past doesn't have to define your future
• The hidden pain behind physical strength and achievement
• The deeply personal journey behind Forged Not Broken
• Why telling the uncomfortable parts of your story matters
• Shame, vulnerability and learning to let go
• The impact of losing his brother to suicide
• Reconnecting with his Kalka-doon culture and walking on Country
• Finding purpose after decades of searching
• What resilience really means through lived experience
• Why staying in your own lane can change your life
• The importance of connection when helping others
• Kalka's plans to take his message into businesses, communities and corporations

One of the most powerful messages throughout the conversation is that what happens to you does not have to become the definition of who you are.

Kalka talks about moving from simply surviving his story to using what he has learned to help others.

His book doesn't present him as someone who has all the answers. Instead, it shares lived experience, strategies, examples and stories from decades of working with people and witnessing trauma, resilience and transformation firsthand.

Get your copy of Forged Not Broken Book here: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/product-page/forged-not-broken

Connect with Kalka Mitchell on the following channels:
Website: kalkamitchell.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalka-mitchell-b41139a5/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switch_body_transformation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.kowalewycz

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

What happens when 45 years of weight training, a 36-year career as a firefighter, elite athlete training, injuries, setbacks and a passion for helping others come together in one book?

Meet Bruce Mitchell, author of The Mitchell Method, as he joins Morpheus Publishing for an honest and inspiring Authors Spotlight conversation about his journey from first stepping into a gym as a teenager to developing a training philosophy built around technique, resilience, consistency and small gains.

Bruce shares the story behind his book, including the five-year journey it took to bring his experiences and knowledge together. He opens up about writer's block, finding his voice as an author, and how working with Morpheus Publishing helped transform his ideas and experiences into a structured training manual.

In this episode, Bruce talks about:

• The Mitchell Method and why starting slowly matters
• 45 years of weight training and what keeps him coming back
• How his 36 years as a firefighter influenced his approach to functional strength
• Why “small gains are goals” and why consistency beats chasing quick results
• Returning to training after a serious motorcycle accident and rebuilding his strength step by step
• The connection between training, mindset, resilience and mental wellbeing
• Common gym mistakes, including poor technique and lifting too much too soon
• Training elite athlete Nathan “Carnage” Corbett, an eleven-time Muay Thai world champion
• The story behind Bruce's first book and his journey from manuscript to publication
• Bruce's plans to take his experience and message onto the speaking stage

One of the biggest messages Bruce shares is simple: you don't need to rush the process.

Start where you are. Learn the right technique. Build your foundation. Make small gains. Then keep going.

Bruce's philosophy is about more than lifting weights. It's about building strength, resilience and confidence that can carry into everyday life.

As Bruce says, the hardest repetition you'll ever do is walking into the gym for the first time.

If you've ever felt intimidated by the gym, struggled with consistency, wanted to improve your technique, or wondered whether it's too late to start strength training, this episode is for you.

Discover Bruce Mitchell's book, The Mitchell Method, through Morpheus Publishing.

Get your copy of The Mitchell Method here: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/product-page/the-mitchell-method

Connect with Bruce Mitchell on the following channels:
Website: https://brucemitchellfirefighter.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-mitchell-6062424b?originalSubdomain=au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bruce.mitchell.104
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruce_mitchell_speaker_author/?hl=en

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

What if being a great leader isn’t about having all the answers?

In this episode of Morpheus Publishing’s Author Spotlight, Justine Martin sits down with author and leader Cherry Ward to talk about her upcoming book, Lead with Kokoro.

Drawing on Japanese philosophy, leadership experience and her own journey through change, Cherry explores what it really means to lead from a place of authenticity, purpose and self-awareness.

In this conversation, Cherry shares:

• Why she wrote Lead with Kokoro for people who feel lost or uncertain about what comes next
• What Kokoro means and why it has no direct English translation
• The leadership crisis that made Cherry realise something had to change
• How her experiences in Japan and women’s ski retreats shaped the book
• The Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi and learning to accept imperfection
• Why leaders don't need to have all the answers
• How vulnerability can become a strength rather than a weakness
• Why pausing and creating space can change the way we respond
• What Ma, the concept of space and pause, can teach us about modern life
• The importance of stepping back when work becomes overwhelming
• How a book coach helped Cherry finally get her book written
• Her experience working with Morpheus Publishing
• What she hopes readers will feel when they finish the book
• Her upcoming book exploring Japanese philosophy and ADHD

Cherry's message is simple but powerful: you don't have to be the perfect leader. You can lead from who you truly are.

Whether you're a leader, navigating a major change, feeling stuck, or simply looking for a more authentic way forward, this conversation offers plenty to reflect on.

Get your copy of Lead with Kokoro Book here: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/product-page/lead-with-kokoro

Connect with Cherry Ward on the following channels:
Website: https://www.cherryward.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherryward/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherryward.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherryward.co/

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

From being one of the last kids picked on the football field to representing Australia as a Wallaby, this is Russ Tulloch’s extraordinary story.

Welcome to Morpheus Publishing’s Authors Spotlight, hosted by Justine Martin.

In this episode, Justine sits down with Russ Tulloch, author of the memoir The Adventures of a Dirt Tracker, to uncover the remarkable journey behind his life, sporting career and new book.

Russ’s story begins in Melbourne, where he remembers being one of the last children chosen when the neighbourhood kids picked their football teams. Rather than letting that experience define him, Russ worked harder, trained harder and gradually built his confidence and ability.

His determination eventually took him from Australian Rules football and South Melbourne to an unexpected new chapter in rugby union.

After an injury threatened his football career at just 21, Russ travelled overseas, where an unexpected invitation to play rugby changed the direction of his life. Despite having very little experience with the game, he eventually went on to be selected for the Wallabies’ 1966–67 tour.

🏉 In this episode, Russ shares:

• What it felt like being chosen last as a young boy
• How hard work and determination helped him improve in sport
• His journey through Australian Rules football and the VFL
• The injury that changed the course of his career
• How he discovered rugby almost by accident
• The incredible moment he found out he had been selected for the Wallabies
• His memories of touring internationally in 1966 and 1967
• The unforgettable Wallabies victory against Wales in Cardiff
• The meaning behind the title The Adventures of a Dirt Tracker
• Why mateship became such an important part of his life
• Why he believes setting goals and working hard can change your future
• Why he wrote his memoir for his daughters, grandchildren and future generations

But this conversation is about much more than rugby.

It is about resilience, determination, friendship, family, hope and having another go when life doesn't go according to plan.

Russ's message is one that applies far beyond sport:

Set yourself a goal. Work towards it. Keep improving. And don't give up when you don't get picked.

As Russ says, you don't necessarily need extraordinary talent, you need determination, hard work and the willingness to keep going. Most importantly, he hopes his story gives people hope that there is a chance for everyone.

Get your copy of The Adventures of a Dirt Tracker Book here: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/product-page/the-adventures-of-a-dirt-tracker

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

What if the magic you’re looking for has been inside you all along?

Welcome to Morpheus Publishing’s Authors Spotlight, hosted by Justine Martin, where we go behind the pages to discover the stories, inspiration and people behind the books.

In this episode, Justine sits down with Renee O’Brien, author of the enchanting children’s book Stella Glitterwind and Miguel the Flea.

Renee shares the heartwarming story behind her first published children’s book and reveals how memories of her grandmother helped inspire some of its most unusual and memorable characters. From a magical little witch to a flea who loses his magical rainbow hat, the story is filled with humour, adventure, friendship and heart.
But there is more to this magical adventure than meets the eye.

💫 What inspired Stella Glitterwind?
🪄 Why does Miguel the Flea believe his magic is in his rainbow hat?
🐾 Which character was inspired by Renee’s beloved dog?
❤️ How did friendship and kindness become central themes of the story?
📖 What was it like seeing Renee’s words transformed into beautiful illustrations?
🌟 And what does Renee hope children take away from the story?

Renee also talks about her love of writing, her 30+ years of poetry and the surreal experience of finally holding her own published children's book in her hands.
One of the most beautiful messages from the conversation is simple:

The magic is you. ✨

And this may not be the last adventure for Stella Glitterwind. Renee reveals that another Stella story has already been written, hinting that there could be more magical adventures to come. 👀🧙‍♀️

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, children's book lover or aspiring author, this episode is a reminder that sometimes a simple idea, a childhood memory or a few words on a page can grow into something magical.

Get your copy of Stella Glitterwind and Miguel the Flea Book here: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/product-page/pre-order-stella-glitterwind-and-miguel-the-flea

Connect with Renee Palmer O'Brien on the following channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneepalmerobrien_author/
Website: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/authors/renee-o'brien

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

What happens when a wheelchair meets the wilderness?

In this powerful episode of Authors Spotlight Podcast by Morpheus Publishing, host Justine Martin sits down with Australian author Clare Reilly, author of Wheelchair Meets Wilderness: A Thousand Kilometres Off-Road for Multiple Sclerosis Research.

Clare lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), but she refused to let disability stop her from pursuing adventure.

After seeing the Munda Biddi Trail on her vision board, Clare decided to take on an extraordinary challenge: completing the more than 1,000-kilometre off-road cycling trail in Western Australia in an off-road wheelchair. She became the first wheelchair user to complete the full trail.

But this isn't simply a story about a long-distance adventure.

It's a story about resilience, disability, determination, family, friendship, accessibility and refusing to give up on adventure.

In this episode, Clare and Justine talk about:

🎙️ Clare's journey with multiple sclerosis
♿ Completing the Munda Biddi Trail in a wheelchair
🚴 The reality of undertaking a 1,000+ kilometre off-road adventure
💪 The physical and mental challenges Clare faced along the way
🌿 What the wilderness gave her that everyday life couldn't
❤️ The importance of family, friends and having a support team
💭 Why resilience isn't about being strong all the time
📖 The story behind Wheelchair Meets Wilderness
🎬 The upcoming documentary about the adventure
💰 Clare's goal to raise $100,000 for MS research
📚 Her goal to sell 1,000 copies of her book by the end of 2026

Clare also opens up about the reality of disability and why her story isn't about portraying someone as "strong" simply because they live with a disability. It's about acknowledging that things can be incredibly hard, and that's okay, while continuing to move forward and adapt.

Her message is simple but powerful:

You don't have to give up adventure because your circumstances have changed. You may simply need to adapt the adventure.

Get your copy of Wheelchair Meets Wilderness Book here: https://www.wheelchairmeetswilderness.org/

Connect with Clare Reilly on the following channels:
Website: https://www.wheelchairmeetswilderness.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clare.reilly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareReillyadvocate
Email Address: reilly.clare.e@gmail.com

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

What if a children's book could inspire kids to put down the screen, get outside and grow something of their own?

Welcome to Morpheus Publishing's Inner Author Spotlight, hosted by Justine Martin, where we go behind the book to discover the stories, inspiration and people behind the pages.

In this episode, Justine sits down with Australian children's author Kerry Castree to talk about her newest book, Will and the Secret Strawberry, the second book in her much-loved Will children's book series.

Following the success of Will and the Magical Sunflower, which became a #1 Amazon bestseller, Kerry returns with another heartwarming story featuring six-year-old Will and his love of gardening. This time, a secret strawberry becomes the perfect way to explore an important lesson: patience.

But there's much more growing beneath the surface of these children's stories.

In this episode, Kerry and Justine explore:

🍓 The story behind Will and the Secret Strawberry
🌻 How Will and the Magical Sunflower became a #1 Amazon bestseller
📚 Why Kerry created the Will children's book series
👦 How her grandson inspired the character of Will
🌱 Why gardening can help children reconnect with nature
📱 Kerry's philosophy of “less screen time, more green time”
🧠 Teaching children patience, emotional awareness and creativity through storytelling
👵 The importance of grandparents, family memories and reading together
🌿 How children's books can encourage kids to get outside and explore
🎨 Turning a children's book into an interactive experience with seeds and gardening
🏫 Kerry's school workshops and programs for children
📖 What's coming next for Will and the series

Kerry explains how the books aren't simply stories to read, they're designed to become experiences. Children who purchase the books through her website can receive seeds to plant, allowing them to take the story beyond the pages and into their own gardens.

And Kerry's message is beautifully simple:

“Less screen time, more green time.”

The conversation also explores why Kerry wants families to create memories together, something inspired by her own childhood memories of cooking with her grandmother and spending time in the garden.

Order Kerry’s book: https://power2choose.com.au/wellness-shop/ols/products/will-and-the-secret-strawberry
Paperback: https://amzn.asia/d/04GT0qnH
Kindle: https://amzn.asia/d/0ftxp618


Connect with Kerry Castree on the following channels:
Website: https://power2choose.com.au/ or https://linktr.ee/power2choose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.castree
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrycastreewellness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrycastreepower2choose/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCrghBRdxd-2ETCK_aFC3ZYg

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

What if the biggest question a child has… is one they don’t know how to ask?

In this heartfelt episode of Morpheus Publishing’s Author Spotlight, Justine Martin sits down with mother-daughter duo Patricia Lyons and Mackellar Lyons to explore the deeply emotional story behind “Am I Not Enough?” 🐰

What started as a simple art assignment turned into a powerful children’s book tackling a quiet but universal fear, the feeling of not being enough, especially when a new sibling arrives.

Inside this episode:
• The real-life moment that inspired Billy Bunny’s story
• Why children struggle to express emotions (and how storytelling helps)
• The surprising psychology behind sibling jealousy
• What parents often miss… and how to respond differently
• The incredible journey of becoming a published illustrator at just 17

This isn’t just a children’s book.
It’s a conversation starter. A parenting tool. And a reminder every child needs:

You are enough. Always.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who wants to better understand children’s emotions, this episode will stay with you long after it ends.

Watch or listen now and discover the story that’s helping families connect in a whole new way.

Get your copy of Am I Not Enough
📖 Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.asia/d/06f5EFpR
📖 Amazon Kindle: https://amzn.asia/d/0eakKKPW

Connect with Patricia and Mackellar on the following channels:
Website: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/authors/patricia-lyons
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/plyonsauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plyons_author/ and https://www.instagram.com/autumnloops/
Email address: patricialyons.author@gmail.com

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/