This week Nicola and Di chat with the inspiring and heart-centred Tess Brouwer. Tess is the CEO and co-founder of the Awake Academy alongside world champion surfer Layne Beachley, and together they wrote the book, Awake Academy. She’s a practitioner of positive psychology, a mental wellness mentor and someone who knows the corporate life inside and out. Tess has rebuilt her life from a serious spinal injury, survived burnout several times and helps people to reset, recharge and thrive at work and in life. She’s also a mum, a podcaster and the creator of the new supplement Wake Up.

In this episode we hear Tess’ incredible story of the skiing accident that changed her life, what it was like to recover from a serious spinal injury and what she learnt about herself along the way. She shares with us the remarkable words of wisdom that Layne gave her during that time, and how Tess realised that by changing your mindset, you change your life. 

Tess talks to us about positive psychology and some really practical tools that we can all use to feel better in our lives, shift our mindset in a positive direction and be open to what the universe has to offer. 

This is a deeply personal episode where Tess opens up about some difficult times in her life, shares the negative stories she used to have about herself and reflects on how beautiful and meaningful her life has become. There were lots of tears in the studio (as well as laughs) and hugs all around. 

It was a real joy to have Tess join us and we hope you love this beautiful, open and honest conversation as much as we did!

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/

Follow Tess on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/tesscbrouwer/

Follow Awake Academy on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/awake_academy/

Buy Tess and Layne’s book Awake Academy here - https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869

Join the Awake Collective here - https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/store

Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

This week Nicola and Di chat with the inspiring and heart-centred Tess Brouwer. Tess is the CEO and co-founder of the <a href="http://awakeacademy.com.au">Awake Academy</a> alongside world champion surfer Layne Beachley, and together they wrote the book, <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869">Awake Academy</a>. She&rsquo;s a practitioner of positive psychology, a mental wellness mentor and someone who knows the corporate life inside and out. Tess has rebuilt her life from a serious spinal injury, survived burnout several times and helps people to reset, recharge and thrive at work and in life. She&rsquo;s also a mum, a podcaster and the creator of the new supplement <a href="https://awakeacademy.store/products/wake-up">Wake Up</a>.
In this episode we hear Tess&rsquo; incredible story of the skiing accident that changed her life, what it was like to recover from a serious spinal injury and what she learnt about herself along the way. She shares with us the remarkable words of wisdom that Layne gave her during that time, and how Tess realised that by changing your mindset, you change your life.&nbsp;
Tess talks to us about positive psychology and some really practical tools that we can all use to feel better in our lives, shift our mindset in a positive direction and be open to what the universe has to offer.&nbsp;
This is a deeply personal episode where Tess opens up about some difficult times in her life, shares the negative stories she used to have about herself and reflects on how beautiful and meaningful her life has become. There were lots of tears in the studio (as well as laughs) and hugs all around.&nbsp;
It was a real joy to have Tess join us and we hope you love this beautiful, open and honest conversation as much as we did!
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or <a href="mailto:investor@montinvest.com">investor@montinvest.com</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tesscbrouwer/">Follow Tess on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/tesscbrouwer/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/awake_academy/">Follow Awake Academy on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/awake_academy/</a>
<a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869">Buy Tess and Layne&rsquo;s book Awake Academy here - https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869</a>
<a href="https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/store">Join the Awake Collective here - https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/store</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>

Di Edwards and Nicola Dale have been best friends for close to four decades & they actually share a ‘back fence’ in Sydney! 
They share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging . 

“We’re not neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors or monks - we just love people - and know with age comes wisdom."

Di Edwards and Nicola Dale have been best friends for close to four decades &amp; they actually share a ‘back fence’ in Sydney!  They share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging . 
“We’re not neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors or monks - we just love people - and know with age comes wisdom."

Over the Back Fence

Over the back fence is a podcast by two incredible women in their 50’s and 60’s - for women.

Di and Nicola have an infectious energy that is bound to light you up. It’s a podcast which values community, connection and lifting each other up. 

Here, Di and Nicola will delve in to the highs and lows they’ve experienced in life… From starting a family, experiencing marriage breakdowns, to embracing new beginnings. They’ll discuss the lessons they’re still learning, and interview people with inspiring stories to tell. 

Di and Nicola will invite guests on OTBF from all over the globe. From close friends, entrepreneurs, comedians, councillors to motivators and life coaches - to unlock their wisdom and have a laugh along the way.

Over the back fence is a podcast by two incredible women in their 50’s and 60’s - for women.
Di and Nicola have an infectious energy that is bound to light you up. It’s a podcast which values community, connection and lifting each other up. 
Here, Di and Nicola will delve in to the highs and lows they’ve experienced in life… From starting a family, experiencing marriage breakdowns, to embracing new beginnings. They’ll discuss the lessons they’re still learning, and interview people with inspiring stories to tell. 
Di and Nicola will invite guests on OTBF from all over the globe. From close friends, entrepreneurs, comedians, councillors to motivators and life coaches - to unlock their wisdom and have a laugh along the way.

Tess Brouwer: Reinvent Your Mindset - Reset, Recharge & Thrive

This week Nicola and Di chat with an Australian icon, Joh Bailey. Joh is the hairdresser to the stars, a business visionary and the man who turned the blowdry into an empire. From styling global legends like the late Princess Diana and Kylie Minogue, to creating a brand that’s reshaped Australian hair care, Joh has influenced style, culture and confidence for decades.

In this episode we chat to Joh about what it’s been like to work with some of the most incredible celebrities, from Princess Diana to Kim Kardashian. Joh tells us the story of when he received a call from Buckingham Palace asking him if he would be Princess Di’s official hairdresser on her trip to Sydney in 1996. He gives us the inside scoop on all the royal protocols and what it was like to hang out with Princess Di. 

We talk about the fashion and hairstyle trends of the past, the various celebrities that defined each decade, and what it’s like these days where anything really goes. 

We also chat about how Joh got started in business and the incredible relationship he has with his business partner Marilyn. He gives us his thoughts on what he believes to be the secrets to his success. 

It’s not only his business partnership that Joh shares about, he also opens up about his relationship with his husband Michael and the simple life they share in Bowral with their beloved horses. 

This was a really fun conversation and we were thrilled to have Joh style our hair for the episode - tune in to our YouTube channel to see the looks he created for us! 

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/

Follow Joh on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/johbaileyofficial/

Buy Joh’s hair products or book a salon appointment here - https://johbailey.com.au

Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

This week Nicola and Di chat with an Australian icon, Joh Bailey. Joh is the hairdresser to the stars, a business visionary and the man who turned the blowdry into an empire. From styling global legends like the late Princess Diana and Kylie Minogue, to creating a brand that&rsquo;s reshaped Australian hair care, Joh has influenced style, culture and confidence for decades.
In this episode we chat to Joh about what it&rsquo;s been like to work with some of the most incredible celebrities, from Princess Diana to Kim Kardashian. Joh tells us the story of when he received a call from Buckingham Palace asking him if he would be Princess Di&rsquo;s official hairdresser on her trip to Sydney in 1996. He gives us the inside scoop on all the royal protocols and what it was like to hang out with Princess Di.&nbsp;
We talk about the fashion and hairstyle trends of the past, the various celebrities that defined each decade, and what it&rsquo;s like these days where anything really goes.&nbsp;
We also chat about how Joh got started in business and the incredible relationship he has with his business partner Marilyn. He gives us his thoughts on what he believes to be the secrets to his success.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s not only his business partnership that Joh shares about, he also opens up about his relationship with his husband Michael and the simple life they share in Bowral with their beloved horses.&nbsp;
This was a really fun conversation and we were thrilled to have Joh style our hair for the episode - tune in to our YouTube channel to see the looks he created for us!&nbsp;
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or <a href="mailto:investor@montinvest.com">investor@montinvest.com</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/johbaileyofficial//">Follow Joh on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/johbaileyofficial/</a>
<a href="https://johbailey.com.au/">Buy Joh&rsquo;s hair products or book a salon appointment here - https://johbailey.com.au</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>

Joh Bailey: Behind the Chair - Hair, Celebs & Royal Tales 

This week Nicola and Di are back with the first 2026 episode of Over The Money Fence with Roger Montgomery. This series aims to help you take control of your finances with clarity and confidence. Roger is the Founder and Chairman ofMontgomery Investment Management, has over 30 years’ investing experience and is a highly respected financial commentator featuring on various ABC programs, as well as his popular column in The Australian newspaper. He is also the author of best-selling investment guidebook Value.able.

In this episode, we take a look at the changes that are currently happening in the world, and how that could impact our finances. Roger explains how the tailwinds that have benefited the stock markets in the past, and have benefited the Baby Boomers and Gen X are shifting, and why that means we need to consider other investments.

Roger talks about the importance of diversification and how you need to look at investing in things that don’t move the same way as your existing investments. He discusses alternative investment options that can provide you with regular income, low capital volatility and attractive returns like private credit and the differences in those types of funds. He also explores high-frequency trading and arbitrage strategies, which historically were largely accessible only to institutional investors.

We talk about the impact of AI on certain industries, particularly the software as a service industry, which has been the biggest industry people have invested in over the last 25 years. 

Roger also gives us his best insights into what will likely happen in the markets in 2026 and what he thinks will be wise investments this year. And we also answer some listener questions for you. 

As always, we loved having this conversation with Roger in the studio. We are so grateful to have found someone that makes us feel safe and relaxed to talk about our finances and empowers us with the tools to take control and feel more confident. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did. 

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

Find out more about Montgomery Investment Management here - https://montinvest.com

Find out more about Montgomery private credit funds here -    https://www.montinvest.com/privatecredit

Read Roger’s article from The Australian that’s referenced in this article - https://rogermontgomery.com/the-australian-private-markets-offer-refuge-as-the-traditional-60-40-portfolio-crumbles/

Learn more about Roger and read his articles here - https://rogermontgomery.com

Buy Roger's book Value.able here - https://rogermontgomery.com/valueable-book/

Follow Roger on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/rogerjmontgomery/

Follow Roger’s YouTube channel here  - https://www.youtube.com/user/rogerjmontgomery

Follow Roger on X here - https://x.com/rjmontgomery

Follow Roger on Facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/montgomeryroger/

Follow Roger on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermontgomery/

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/

Follow Nicola and Di on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

This week Nicola and Di are back with the first 2026 episode of Over The Money Fence with Roger Montgomery. This series aims to help you take control of your finances with clarity and confidence. Roger is the Founder and Chairman of <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, has over 30 years&rsquo; investing experience and is a highly respected financial commentator featuring on various ABC programs, as well as his popular column in The Australian newspaper. He is also the author of best-selling investment guidebook <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/value.able">Value.able</a>.
In this episode, we take a look at the changes that are currently happening in the world, and how that could impact our finances. Roger explains how the tailwinds that have benefited the stock markets in the past, and have benefited the Baby Boomers and Gen X are shifting, and why that means we need to consider other investments.
Roger talks about the importance of diversification and how you need to look at investing in things that don&rsquo;t move the same way as your existing investments. He discusses alternative investment options that can provide you with regular income, low capital volatility and attractive returns like private credit and the differences in those types of funds. He also explores high-frequency trading and arbitrage strategies, which historically were largely accessible only to institutional investors.
We talk about the impact of AI on certain industries, particularly the software as a service industry, which has been the biggest industry people have invested in over the last 25 years.&nbsp;
Roger also gives us his best insights into what will likely happen in the markets in 2026 and what he thinks will be wise investments this year. And we also answer some listener questions for you.&nbsp;
As always, we loved having this conversation with Roger in the studio. We are so grateful to have found someone that makes us feel safe and relaxed to talk about our finances and empowers us with the tools to take control and feel more confident. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.&nbsp;
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com
<a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Find out more about Montgomery Investment Management here - </a><a href="https://montinvest.com">https://montinvest.com</a>
<a href="https://www.montinvest.com/privatecredit?utm_source=Over_the_Money_Fence&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=Private_Credit_2025_int&amp;utm_content=Over_the_Money_Fence_Podcast_show_notes">Find out more about Montgomery private credit funds here -&nbsp; &nbsp; </a><a href="https://www.montinvest.com/privatecredit">https://www.montinvest.com/privatecredit</a>
<a href="https://rogermontgomery.com/the-australian-private-markets-offer-refuge-as-the-traditional-60-40-portfolio-crumbles/">Read Roger&rsquo;s article from The Australian that&rsquo;s referenced in this article - https://rogermontgomery.com/the-australian-private-markets-offer-refuge-as-the-traditional-60-40-portfolio-crumbles/</a>
<a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/rmotbf">Learn more about Roger and read his articles here - https://rogermontgomery.com</a>
<a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/value.able">Buy Roger's book Value.able here - </a><a href="https://rogermontgomery.com/valueable-book/">https://rogermontgomery.com/valueable-book/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rogerjmontgomery/?hl=en">Follow Roger on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/rogerjmontgomery/</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rogerjmontgomery">Follow Roger&rsquo;s YouTube channel here&nbsp; - https://www.youtube.com/user/rogerjmontgomery </a><a href="https://x.com/rjmontgomery">Follow Roger on X here - https://x.com/rjmontgomery</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/montgomeryroger/">Follow Roger on Facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/montgomeryroger/ </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermontgomery/">Follow Roger on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermontgomery/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Follow Nicola and Di on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>

Over The Money Fence: Calm Amid The Chaos: Building Money Confidence in 2026

This week Nicola and Di chat with the remarkable and entertaining Claire Parkinson. Claire began her career as a Prison Officer in the UK, working at the frontlines of human dynamics at their most intense. At 30 years of age she became the Head Of Operations for all prisons and probation in London, overseeing 9000 staff and 33,000 inmates! From there Claire had an opportunity to move to Australia and work in the prison system in Adelaide before stepping into the mining sector where she helped lead a $9.6billion dollar merger between 2 major global corporations. Claire has written a hilarious memoir, Shitty Grit, which captures the remarkable journey that has shaped her. 

In this episode we hear about Claire’s early life, growing up in social housing in the UK and what it was like to find out at 16 that she was 18 weeks pregnant. Claire shares about the tough time she went through trying to raise a child, when she was just a child herself, and the wild years that followed when she moved back in with her parents and started playing catch-up on the partying she'd missed out on as a teenager. 

After a sliding doors moment where she had to choose between being a flight attendant or a prison officer, Claire chose the latter. She tells us about the fascinating world of prisons and how she was assigned one of Britain’s most notorious child killers as her inmate when she first began her career. The stories she tells us of those prison days are pretty incredible, and we hope you love getting an insight into a world that most of us know nothing about. 

We also talk about Claire’s move to Australia and how she was able to transition into the world of mining and lead a huge global merger. When you hear about the way Claire’s determination and initiative have led to incredible opportunities in her life, you can’t help but be inspired. Talk about a woman who’s been through a lot of shit and has a lot of grit! 

We laughed so much throughout this chat and we hope you’ll find it as entertaining as we did. 

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/

Follow Clarie on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/shittygrit/

Buy Claire’s Book Shitty Grit here - https://www.amazon.com.au/SHiTTY-GRiT-Resilience-Teenager-Non-linear-ebook/dp/B0DZJ5MM16

Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

This week Nicola and Di chat with the remarkable and entertaining Claire Parkinson. Claire began her career as a Prison Officer in the UK, working at the frontlines of human dynamics at their most intense. At 30 years of age she became the Head Of Operations for all prisons and probation in London, overseeing 9000 staff and 33,000 inmates! From there Claire had an opportunity to move to Australia and work in the prison system in Adelaide before stepping into the mining sector where she helped lead a $9.6billion dollar merger between 2 major global corporations. Claire has written a hilarious memoir, <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/SHiTTY-GRiT-Resilience-Teenager-Non-linear-ebook/dp/B0DZJ5MM16">Shitty Grit</a>, which captures the remarkable journey that has shaped her.&nbsp;
In this episode we hear about Claire&rsquo;s early life, growing up in social housing in the UK and what it was like to find out at 16 that she was 18 weeks pregnant. Claire shares about the tough time she went through trying to raise a child, when she was just a child herself, and the wild years that followed when she moved back in with her parents and started playing catch-up on the partying she'd missed out on as a teenager.&nbsp;
After a sliding doors moment where she had to choose between being a flight attendant or a prison officer, Claire chose the latter. She tells us about the fascinating world of prisons and how she was assigned one of Britain&rsquo;s most notorious child killers as her inmate when she first began her career. The stories she tells us of those prison days are pretty incredible, and we hope you love getting an insight into a world that most of us know nothing about. We also talk about Claire&rsquo;s move to Australia and how she was able to transition into the world of mining and lead a huge global merger. When you hear about the way Claire&rsquo;s determination and initiative have led to incredible opportunities in her life, you can&rsquo;t help but be inspired. Talk about a woman who&rsquo;s been through a lot of shit and has a lot of grit!&nbsp;
We laughed so much throughout this chat and we hope you&rsquo;ll find it as entertaining as we did. 
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or <a href="mailto:investor@montinvest.com">investor@montinvest.com</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here</a> - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/shittygrit/">Follow Clarie on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/shittygrit/</a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/SHiTTY-GRiT-Resilience-Teenager-Non-linear-ebook/dp/B0DZJ5MM16">Buy Claire&rsquo;s Book Shitty Grit here - https://www.amazon.com.au/SHiTTY-GRiT-Resilience-Teenager-Non-linear-ebook/dp/B0DZJ5MM16</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>

Tess Brouwer: Reinvent Your Mindset - Reset, Recharge & Thrive

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