Mornings with Doug: Highlights

David Snell Talks from One Agency North talks "Government changes to make it easier for tenants to fast track their release of bond and signs the market is slowing...how can we react to this change?"

Hot cross buns used to be simple. Reliable. Familiar. A little bit nostalgic. Fruit. Spice. Cross on top. Done. They were the kind of thing you didn’t question. You just toasted them, added butter, and let that be enough. But as Vanessa Baxter from the Fearless Kitchen explains, "somewhere along the way, we decided that “enough” needed improving. And so began what I can only describe as the quiet reinvention of the hot cross bun."

The Hon. Maryka Groenewald shares some of the Hot Topics she's Challenging the State Government on, including providing care for babies who survive "termination". If you agree that this should happen, you can sign the petition the Born Equal Bill 

Sally Hewitt from Ageing Gratefully shares her wisdom into the roles compassion, gratefulness, and awe play in finding meaning. 

National Director at Convoy of Hope Australia Joel A'Bell gives us an insight to the work they're doing in Northern WA following Cyclone Narelle, that hit hard, the towns of Exmouth and Carnavon, in late March.  

Dr Stuart from the Village Medical Practice in Harrisdale says "Perinatal Depression is a real concern, and is more than experiencing "the Baby Blues". Around 1 in 7 new mums experience postnatal depression — and that’s likely an undercount. So, what symptoms should new Mums look out for and what assistance is available?

Most parents would have walked into a Parent/Teacher interview thinking something like: "Are they doing okay?” “Am I doing enough?” “What if something’s wrong?”, and we can end up feeling really stressed out, almost like we're going for a job interview. As Child Learning Specialist, Natalie Nicholls from PLECS Learning explains,  This isn’t just mindset fluff—this is neuroscience. Our brains are wired around something called a “locus of control.”

Fuel is now one of the fastest‑rising weekly household expenses due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupting global oil supply routes. Jason Featherby from Leeuwin Wealth says it begs the question, will people start turning toward the EV? 

Why people are tired of fake 'nobodies' and are leaning toward real people, like staff and business owners on social media. Nicole Jameson from the Dark Horse Agency, explains.

Also, what's the weather going to be like for the up-coming Easter Long Weekend?

When Should You Take Your Pet to the Vet? Dr Ewen Blaikie from the Small Animal Orthopedic Centre  shares his traffic light system, an easy scale to gage when and when not to worry. 

What can you expect out on the Water this weekend? Will Cyclone Narelle make or break your Surf experience this weekend?

What's happening in Sport this Weekend? Ch 9 Sport Reporter Paddy Sweeney says Cyclone Narelle causing some nervousness to Perth's Sporting Contests this weekend including AFL and Rugby.

The current conflict in Iran, certainly has people asking: Should we be worried about what’s happening in the Middle East? Should we be preparing? Or are we overreacting? The responses are mixed. It's certainly having an impact on our access to energy resources, particularly fuel. But when it comes to the conflict having a direct impact the risk is low, so what's the best way to proceed in all of this, what's the normal response? Conflict Strategist Sarah Blake explains...

How do we manage and control our emotions? Dan Tan from the Positive Difference says "Everyone has a different way in which they interpret the world around them. We're all telling a story to ourself about what is happening both inside us and the world around us."

Latest Research shows boys, once they reach Highschool age, feel their parents tend to withdraw physically from them. But Youth Advocate Daniel Principe says, "while they (boys) may be withdrawing, playing hard to get, grunting and not giving us much...we're the adults that have to lean in and say hey we love you and we're here for you. because otherwise they're going to seek that kind of connection, affirmation and validation elsewhere and that's not always in a healthy outlet."

Fruit tress need to be pruned and cut back in order to remove dead wood, promote growth and be fruitful. The same applies in our lives, but it can be challenging and painful removing things in our lives that hold us back and don’t lead to our flourishing. - Adrian Munro, Richmind WA

"Discord is described on the app as, ‘Group chat that’s all fun and games’. Yet as a Police Detective for over 16 years, I can assure you it’s far from that." - Rebekah Nijsen (Lighthouse Cyber Education)

We're all in one. Some of the traits passed down from our parents and grandparents etc. are positive, while others may need to be given the flick.  Pastor Jacob Hill from Everyday Church questions what if breaking negative generational cycles was the answer to fixing our Society as a whole? 

“If we’re not careful, anxiety shrinks our world,” Jason says. “It’s like living in a box where the walls keep closing in.” - Jason Blyth

No one aims to be in the situation of "Separation" but unfortunately it is an all too common occurrence. Navigating the process, your rights, your spouses rights, and the rights of any kids involved can be complicated and confusing. Vincent Tan, is a Family Lawyer for Clairs Keeley Lawyers and a new regular guest on Sonshine's Morning Show. He will be joining Doug Tuesdays fortnightly from 9am. Vincent aims to quash the confusion and bring understanding and clarity to the law process. 

Many parents are concerned about the stress and anxiety NAPLAN can create for students, teachers often feel judged by results, which can lead to excessive test preparation and added pressure on kids. And there's been questions raised how fair NAPLAN is for students with learning difficulties or language development disorders. Craig Hunter from Kalamunda Christian School answers all your NAPLAN questions

Steve is the CEO of Adult & Teen Challenge WA. With their Rehabilitation Centre based in the secluded Southern WA Town of Esperance, ATC WA aims to bring it's students to a life free of addiction, through the saving power of Jesus Christ and show them that Hope is definitely in reach.

For a bone that is essentially a "Hinge" in our leg, the knee can sure get hurt and cause us a lot of pain. Physio Melanie McAuliffe says "knee injuries are greatly impacted by what our hips are doing."  

Cyclone Narelle has already packed quite the punch across the Northern Australian Coastline over the past several days, and it is up in the air whether the system will reach as far down as Perth. Jess from the Bureau of Meteorology says "Watch this space, we could be in for an interesting weekend, but it's too far out to tell just yet."  

WA's only dedicated airshow is fast approaching, with the Beverley Airshow set to take flight on Saturday, 11th April 2026 at the historic Beverley Airfield. (About 1.5 hour drive from Perth). Dee Ridgeway from ... shares all the amazing activities available on the day, in the sky and on the ground!

Aaron Pryce is Senior Pastor at Chosen Church in Kelmscott and has a massive heart for Community and a passion to see lives changed. He shared how we can look to be more intentional in our every day life and routines (Not adding to our Workload!) and re-purposing what we already do like Men's Breakfasts, Motorcycle and Soccer Clubs etc. 

What's happening out on the Water this weekend and Marcus from Christian Surfers WA shares his thoughts and wisdom to help us ride the waves of life

What's happening in Sport this weekend? Paddy gives us the Rundown.

“We’re hearing this term ‘AI psychosis’ quite a bit but what’s really going on here and why are people forming emotional bonds with AI? Futurologist Rocky Scopelliti shares his research on the subject...

Retrospective Approvals vs Proposed Building Permit Approvals. The man who knows the difference Vance Thompson from Thompson designs. He shares the inside info and what you need to know when it comes to even starting those Home Renos.  

Another 0.25% interest rate rise this week. It's the 2nd hike in the last 6 weeks and with potential for more this year. Buyers are mindful of this when they are making their offers as there is less money available to them. But, Mark Hutchings from First National Real Estate Genesis says it's not all doom and gloom for buyers in the property market, you just need to make sure you are organised.

Hugh Marquis is a renowned Christian entrepreneur and marketplace leader with over 30 years of experience building and transforming businesses across industries including hospitality, telecommunications, human resources, forestry, and technology. His lovely Wife Jane, founded Stop Start Foundation (Stop the Traffic, Start a New Life).  The charity has worked in Cambodia on projects to prevent child trafficking and provide support for victims and vulnerable families.   Listen for more fascinating info on this power couple or check out the Christians in the Market place event happening Saturday 21st March 26.

What's Your Flavour? It's Harmony Week and Australia has a vastly diverse culture, so it makes sense it has vastly diverse cuisine. Vanessa Baxter, from the Fearless Kitchen chats on meals that are going to send your tastebuds on a new culinary adventure. 

We joke about the “mum bod” and “dad bod”, but what changes do physios actually see in parents’ bodies? Why do aches and pains often show up in our 30s and 40s? Physio Melanie McAuliffe answers your questions on what are the most common problem areas for busy mums and dads and what you can do daily to help keep your bod in top condition. 

"Ageing is inevitable—but how we age is something we can influence. From a naturopathic perspective, daily habits play a powerful role in supporting cellular health, hormone balance, and long-term vitality." Naturopath Melanie Gluestein (Natmed East Fremantle)  This talk explores simple, practical strategies you can weave into everyday life.

"Every behaviour, canine or human is driven by needs, many are unmet needs.  Not stubbornness. Not dominance. Not disobedience. When we understand why a dog reacts, pulls, freezes or shuts down; the path forward becomes simple: meet the Need reduce the built up pressure." - Orlando Dos Santos (Results Dog Training)  Want to know more about working out your Dog's needs check out Orlando's book: The Iceberg in Dog Behaviour. 

Harmony within ourselves begets our outward harmony with others. Sally Hewitt from Ageing Gratefully explains, "there are practices that will assist harmony in our lives such as living gratefully, surrender and trust in God, forgiveness, love and letting go of egoic habits of control."

Sitting at your desk or just slumped into a lounge chair fighting off the 5th yawn in 2 minutes? How many people have asked how you are and you've said, "OK, just tired? Has being "tired" become the new norm? Dr Stuart from the Village Medical Practice in Harrisdale says, "fatigue is the most common symptom GP's see, and it's getting worse."  What can you do to beat the fatigue? 

Most Parents would've told their kids not to communicate with strangers online, generally due the fear it may be an adult posing as a child, but it's a different ball game when it's kids targeting kids. Cyber Safety Educator from Lighthouse Cyber Education and former Police Detective Rebekah Nijsen answers the question "Who is 764 and why every parent needs to be aware of them".

Whether it be talking with someone on a topic that is politically uncomfortable (even “taboo”) or speaking up to confront when it is hard (leadership conversations, boundary issues etc.) we all face tough conversations. Christian Author and Pastor Jacob Hill says it's important to not shy away from these conversations but have them even if you have to "agree to disagree."  

Melinda Phillips, Creator of the Wonderfully Made World says, "planning and transitions are often a hidden struggle for children with ADHD. This conversation aims to reframe “challenging behaviour” as brain load and nervous-system overwhelm, and offers simple, practical supports that help children move through change with confidence, patience, and grace. Check out Melinda's new book Mira & the Art of Planning along with the rest of her Forest Friends books on her website

A Sneak Peak into the Easter Edition of Challenge: The Good Newspaper.

Natalie Nicholls from PLECS learning explains what strategies parents can put in place to assist in releasing that required amount of dopamine to help their ADHD kids complete and achieve their tasks.

No one aims to be in the situation of "Separation" but unfortunately it is an all too common occurrence. Navigating the process, your rights, your spouses rights, and the rights of any kids involved can be complicated and confusing. Vincent Tan, is a Family Lawyer for Clairs Keeley Lawyers and a new regular guest on Sonshine's Morning Show. He will be joining Doug Tuesdays fortnightly from 9am. Vincent aims to quash the confusion and bring understanding and clarity to the law process. 

More Aussies are wanting to age at home instead of moving into residential care. Are we ready for that shift? CEO of Pearl Home Care Penny Fielding is passionate about "at home" care and explains what needs to happen for Australia to successfully move forward in this space. 

On Tuesday 3rd March Perth and other parts of the World, were treated to a unique Space Phenomenon, a Blood Moon, also known as a Total Lunar Eclipse.   After a hiccup with a Helium flow issue which delayed the Rocket's launch in February (the 2nd delay this year), the Artemis II April launch looks promising to go ahead as planned. Matt Woods from the Perth Observatory explains...

Get ready for a weekend like no other — this Easter Long Weekend The Nungarin Heritage, Machinery & Army Museum presents the 2026 Vintage Rally & Camp-Out Weekend —Chairman of the Museum, Gary Coumbe says, "it will be a full-throttle celebration of Australia’s military heritage, vintage machinery, and country spirit." For more info or to book yourself in, check out their website  

Principal of Kalamunda Christian School Craig Hunter navigates us through the complicated World of NAPLAN and what years 3, 5, 7 and 9 Parents can expect this coming week. 

Ch 9 Sport Reporter Paddy Sweeney talks about his connection to the legendary Dennis Cometti who passed away Wednesday 4th March. And also what is happening this weekend in Sport!