In this episode, I sit down with Emotional Intelligence expert Jess Cameron to explore a skill many of us were never taught - how to understand and regulate our emotions.

Most of us were taught how to achieve, perform and push through discomfort. But very few of us were taught emotional awareness, emotional regulation or how to communicate what we’re actually feeling. Jess breaks down what emotional intelligence really means in practical terms. It’s not about being overly emotional or “soft.” It’s about self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and developing the ability to respond intentionally instead of reacting from old patterns.

We also explore intuition - that quiet inner voice that often gets drowned out by mental noise, stress and overthinking. Jess shares a pivotal year in her life where she chose to follow her intuition in every decision, even when it defied logic. That experiment reshaped her career and became the foundation of her work as a mindset and emotional intelligence coach.

This conversation goes deep into modern relationship dynamics, including masculine and feminine energy, emotional suppression in men and the desire for emotional depth in women. We discuss how emotional safety impacts intimacy, communication and connection - and why emotional regulation is essential for healthy relationships, effective leadership and personal growth.

Jess shares practical insights on:

• EQ vs IQ

• How to regulate emotions in high-pressure situations

• The role of intuition in decision making

• Masculine and feminine dynamics in modern relationships

• Parenting with emotional awareness

• Why anger is not bad - but mismanaged anger is

At its core, this episode is about building emotional resilience and self-trust. Because you cannot regulate what you refuse to acknowledge. And when you develop the skill of emotional regulation, everything shifts - your leadership, your relationships, your confidence and your sense of self.

If you want to strengthen your emotional intelligence, build better relationships, and respond with clarity instead of reacting from habit, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

Inside this podcast:

- Why emotional intelligence is more than a soft skill

- How intuition gets drowned out by mental noise

- Why you cannot regulate emotions you avoid

- The tension between masculinity, femininity and emotional depth

- How awareness allows you to respond instead of react

Connect with Jess:

Instagram → ⁠https://bit.ly/3ZGbKMv⁠

Website → ⁠jesscameron.com⁠

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → ⁠https://bit.ly/3KARQhR⁠

LinkedIn → ⁠https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj⁠

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - Episode Trailer

00:02:30 - Emotional intelligence beyond buzzwords

00:05:00 - Observing thoughts and separating identity from mind

00:07:00 - Fine tuning intuition like a radio frequency

00:10:00 - Listen to the whisper or face the sledgehammer

00:12:00 - The career defining moment of saying no

00:15:00 - Following intuition despite fear

00:18:00 - IQ versus EQ and the limits of logic

00:20:00 - Judging intentions versus judging actions

00:24:00 - Emotional intelligence in conflict

00:28:00 - Masculine and feminine energy explained

00:32:00 - Why emotions were labeled as weakness

00:35:00 - Regulation versus suppression

00:38:00 - Invalidation disguised as positivity

00:41:00 - How men shut down in relationships

00:45:00 - Creating safe emotional space

00:49:00 - Awareness as the key to personal growth

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

This week, I sit down with Michele Scherr to explore a deeply human and often overlooked part of major life transitions:

The loss of identity that can occur when familiar roles fall away.

Whether leaving the military, healthcare, corporate life, sport, or any structured environment, the first twelve months can be one of the most vulnerable periods for mental health.

Even with strong support systems, many people quietly struggle with one powerful question:

“Who am I now?”

In this powerful conversation, Michele explains why recovery is not about chasing more programs, retreats, or quick fixes — it’s about building a stable foundation rooted in self-understanding.

We explore how identity loss impacts purpose, emotional wellbeing, and direction, and why so many people feel unsettled despite doing “all the right things.”

At the core of Michele’s work is helping people reconnect with:

✔️ Their natural design✔️ Their body’s signals✔️ Personal rhythms✔️ What genuinely supports their wellbeing

Because healing becomes far more sustainable when you understand yourself first.

We also discuss how personalised routines around sleep, nutrition, movement, and environment can create stability during uncertain times — and why slowing down often creates more clarity than pushing forward.

If you are navigating a transition, feeling untethered from who you once were, or searching for meaning in what comes next, this episode offers a grounded reminder:

Clarity doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from listening.Connect with Michele Scherr:

LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michele-scherr

Website → personalisedhealthandwellbeingsolutions.com.au

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - Why the first twelve months after transition are the most dangerous

00:00:45 - The overwhelm of too many support options

00:01:30 - The jigsaw puzzle metaphor and missing foundations

00:02:40 - Identity, purpose, and ego during transition

00:03:30 - Masks, personas, and adaptation versus authenticity

00:04:40 - Listening to the body for personal cues

00:05:40 - Sleep, nutrition, movement, and individual design

00:06:55 - Adjusting routines to real life circumstances

00:08:10 - Creating emotional stability before interventions

00:09:20 - Curiosity as the entry point to self understanding

00:10:30 - Personalisation, alignment, and sustainability

00:11:40 - Healing that feels easy because it fits

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

Jason Seeman, founder of Raising Fathers, joins Steve Hodgson on The Noise of Life Podcast to explore modern fatherhood, conscious parenting and what it truly means to become a father in today’s world. Not just biologically, but emotionally. Not just as a financial provider, but as a regulated, self-aware, emotionally intelligent man.

In this powerful conversation on fatherhood and masculinity, we unpack the transition from boy to man and from man to father - two rites of passage many men were never guided through. Jason reflects on the generational models of masculinity many of us inherited: fathers who were loving yet emotionally guarded, men shaped by war, survival, responsibility and silence. We explore how unresolved childhood experiences, generational trauma and emotional suppression quietly echo through families unless consciously interrupted.

This episode dives deep into emotional intelligence in parenting as a daily practice - not theory. We discuss emotional regulation, anger management, repair after conflict and how a father’s tone, presence and reactions shape a child’s nervous system and sense of safety. Jason shares a powerful reframe around discipline and parenting styles, explaining why fear-based compliance may change behaviour short-term but can impact confidence and emotional security long-term.

We also explore modern relationships and marriage dynamics - including cognitive load imbalance, communication breakdown, partnership conflict and rebuilding intimacy with intention. Practical tools such as structured relationship check-ins, emotional awareness practices, and conscious communication strategies are shared to help fathers strengthen connection at home.

At its core, this episode is about self-awareness, compassion and breaking generational cycles. It’s about recognising inherited patterns, regulating ourselves before regulating our children and understanding that children model the behaviour they observe.

If you are a father, an expecting dad, navigating co-parenting, healing your relationship with your own father or exploring men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, this episode will resonate deeply.

Inside this podcast:

- Why modern fatherhood is a missed rite of passage

- How intergenerational trauma shapes parenting styles

- Why fear based discipline creates long term insecurity

- The role of emotional regulation in raising resilient children

- How couples can reconnect through awareness and intentional communication

Connect with Jason:

Linktree → https://bio.site/raisingfathers

Website → https://www.raising-fathers.com/

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - The difference between sound and noise in life

00:05:00 - Wanting to be a father from childhood

00:07:00 - The rite of passage from man to father

00:09:00 - Media stereotypes of modern fathers

00:11:00 - Emotional openness and inherited silence

00:12:00 - “Make sure you don’t yell at your wife”

00:14:00 - Intergenerational trauma and Holocaust survival imprint

00:24:00 - Breaking unconscious parenting patterns

00:28:00 - Modeling apology and repair for

children

00:31:00 - Aggression, tone, and fear based compliance

00:45:00 - Relationship strain after children

00:54:00 - The power of structured check ins

00:58:00 - Intimacy and connection as relational glue

01:03:00 - Conflict as a feature, not a flaw

01:07:00 - Self compassion before behavior change

01:10:00 - The belief that “I must be perfect to be good enough”

01:11:00 - Doing the real work behind closed doors

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

In this Medium episode with Dr. Monisha Bhanote, we focus on one of the most overlooked truths in modern health, your gut is not a side system, it is central to how you feel, function and heal.

We explore why so many people feel inflamed, tired, or disconnected from their bodies, even when they think they are eating “well.”

Monisha explains that we carry more bacteria than human cells and that our relationship with this inner ecosystem shapes everything from digestion and weight to immunity and disease. We talk about why diversity matters more than restriction, why aiming for thirty different plant foods a week can radically shift your microbiome, and why stress can block nutrition no matter how clean your diet looks on paper.

We also reflect on how modern eating habits have lost rhythm and presence. From rushed meals to distracted eating, we’ve created environments where the body struggles to receive nourishment. This episode is a reminder that gut health is not about perfection or trends, it’s about awareness, pace and consistency.

If you’ve ever asked yourself how to fix your gut or what you should really be eating to feel better, this conversation offers clarity without overwhelm.

Inside this podcast:

- Why gut health influences far more than digestion

- How food diversity supports a healthier microbiome

- Why stress can block nutrition even on a good diet

- What modern eating habits are doing to our bodies

- How slowing down changes how we absorb nourishment

Connect with Dr. Monisha:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3L1m3ak

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/3LuKMnv

Website → https://www.drbhanote.com/

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - You have more bacteria than human cells

00:01:30 - Why the microbiome can work for or against you

00:03:20 - The power of thirty different plant foods a week

00:04:10 - Why most people struggle with food diversity

00:05:50 - Stress and its impact on nutrient absorption

00:07:10 - Bacteria linked to weight and inflammation

00:09:05 - Why people ask how to fix their gut

00:11:40 - Slowing down meals and eating with presence

00:13:20 - Sleep, lifestyle, and gut health connection

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

In this week's episode, I sit down with Kate Blyth, a New Zealand based sleep specialist and founder of Intuitive Sleep, to explore why sleep has become one of the most misunderstood and difficult parts of modern life.

We know more about sleep science than ever before, yet rates of insomnia, anxiety, burnout and non-restorative sleep continue to rise. Many people feel exhausted despite sleeping, stuck in cycles of racing thoughts, broken sleep and nightly frustration. Kate shares her personal journey with sleep difficulties and explains how fear, pressure and misinformation about sleep quietly keep people awake.

We unpack why sleep is not something you can force, hack or optimise your way into. Kate explains how anxiety fuels insomnia, why sleep quality matters more than sleep quantity, and how parts of the wellness industry have unintentionally increased sleep stress through trackers, supplements and rigid bedtime routines. We also break down common myths around melatonin, blue light exposure, sleep hygiene and nighttime routines and why trying harder to sleep often backfires.

This conversation goes deeper into the biology of sleep, including circadian rhythms, sleep drive and the role of light, movement, stress and daily habits in regulating healthy sleep patterns. We also discuss sleep apnea, why it is often missed or misunderstood, and the key red flags that are worth paying attention to.

At its core, this episode is about removing pressure and rebuilding trust in the body’s natural ability to rest. Because sleep is not a performance or a productivity tool - it is a biological process that works best when we stop fighting it.

If you are struggling with sleep, tired of chasing perfect routines or simply want to understand how sleep actually works and how to sleep better in a noisy world, this conversation will help you turn the noise down and reconnect with rest.

Inside this podcast:

- Why sleep anxiety keeps people awake

- The difference between sleep quality and sleep quantity

- How fear and pressure disrupt natural sleep

- Why supplements and trackers often backfire

- How to reconnect with your body’s natural sleep rhythm

Connect with Kate:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/4t3veIe

Website → https://www.intuitivesleep.co.nz/

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - Episode Starts Here

00:03:30 - The noise of modern life and nervous system overload

00:07:00 - Why sleep is an active biological process

00:10:00 - Fear, anxiety and the psychology of insomnia

00:13:30 - Why sleep quality matters more than hours

00:16:00 - The problem with sleep optimisation culture

00:19:00 - Sleep Apnea myths and missed diagnoses

00:23:00 - Night awakenings and adrenaline responses

00:27:00 - Why trying harder to sleep makes it worse

00:30:00 - The limits of supplements and trackers

00:34:00 - Why mornings matter more than nights

00:38:00 - Light exposure and circadian rhythm

00:42:00 - Exercise, sleep drive and recovery

00:46:00 - Teenagers, aging and changing sleep needs

00:50:00 - Consistency over perfection

00:54:00 - Returning to fundamentals of rest

00:56:30 - Red flags worth investigating

00:59:00 - Final reflections on trust and rest

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

A short episode with Lachlan Stuart for a focused conversation on why so many men feel disconnected, even when they’re surrounded by people.

We talked honestly about why men turn to Google instead of their mates, the fear of vulnerability and the lack of emotional language many men carry.

This episode explores what it means to be seen and heard, and why that often starts with allowing ourselves to be visible.

We also reflect on men’s circles, safe spaces and the power of opening up in the right environment. If you’ve ever felt lonely in a room full of people, this conversation will resonate.

In This Episode

- Why men feel unseen even with strong friendships

- How fear of vulnerability leads to silence

- Why men turn to Google instead of real conversations

- The role of safe spaces in emotional growth

- How awareness helps men reconnect

Connect with Lachlan:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/45BMzhf

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/4qAjXgs

Website → https://bit.ly/4sp38H2

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj

Episode Highlights:

00:00:00 - Feeling disconnected while surrounded by friends

00:00:44 - Why men struggle to articulate emotions

00:01:03 - Vulnerability and Googling in silence

00:02:18 - Communication differences and learned habits

00:03:01 - Creating safe spaces for men to open up

00:03:41 - Men’s circles and feeling seen

00:05:20 - Learning language through shared stories

00:07:18 - Removing masks and allowing yourself to be seen

00:09:26 - Loneliness, fear and ownership

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker and Mental Health First Aid Instructor.

This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

In this episode, I sit down with Jane Langof, feng shui master, consultant and educator, to explore a different kind of noise - not the mental noise or the pace of modern life, but the subtle and often unnoticed energy within our homes, workspaces and daily environments.

For over fifteen years, Jane has helped people understand the powerful connection between their inner world and physical surroundings, blending ancient feng shui principles with modern living. We unpack how energy flow, design, clutter and intention can either support clarity and wellbeing or quietly drain our focus, relationships and rest.

At its heart, this episode is an invitation to slow down and notice what your surroundings are communicating back to you. When your environment is aligned, it becomes easier to think clearly, rest deeply and live with intention instead of overwhelm.

If you’ve ever felt scattered, unsettled or stuck without knowing why, this conversation may help you see your space and yourself - in a completely new way.

Inside this podcast:

- How your home environment quietly influences your inner world

- Why clutter creates emotional and mental weight

- What feng shui really is beyond myths and superstition

- How small shifts in space can change how you feel daily

- Why intentional living begins with awareness of your surroundings

Connect with Jane:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3NEWWuP

Website → https://www.fengshuiconcepts.com.au/

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/3LLljGD

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - The silent noise within our homes and personal spaces

00:01:30 - Chaos in life reflected through physical environments

00:03:00 - What feng shui really is beyond superstition

00:05:00 - Energy flow and its impact on wellbeing and success

00:07:00 - From accounting to feng shui and finding alignment

00:10:00 - The relationship between inner and outer worlds

00:13:00 - Why changing your space requires personal responsibility

00:15:00 - Morning routines, gratitude, and setting energy for the day

00:17:00 - Clutter as one of the biggest drains on mental clarity

00:19:00 - Letting go of excess and creating lighter environments

00:21:30 - Designing homes with energy in mind from the start

00:24:00 - Bedrooms as the foundation for sleep and relationships

00:27:00 - Clearing energy after relationship breakdowns

00:30:30 - Colour, water features, and energy amplification

00:34:00 - Creating workspaces that support focus and creativity

00:38:00 - Using the five senses to raise the energy of a space

00:42:00 - Teenagers, clutter, and emotional development

00:45:30 - Small, achievable steps to regain control of your space

00:49:00 - Practical feng shui versus online misinformation

00:52:00 - Human connection over AI generated advice

00:54:00 - Final reflections on intentional living and awareness

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

A short episode with Sarah Grynberg for a focused conversation on what it really means to live a life of greatness. We spoke about conscious awareness, burnout, and why choosing love over fear is a daily practice, not a concept. Sarah shared her own experience of change and why most people stay stuck even when they want more.

This episode is an invitation to look inward, soften the noise, and move through life with greater intention. Sometimes the smallest shifts are the ones that change everything.

https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj