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.