About EPIC Conversations for Parents & Carers of Teens In Crisis
EPIC Conversations Podcast explores the real challenges parents and carers face when supporting young people through mental health struggles or risky, even life-threatening, behaviours. Each episode features meaningful discussions with guest speakers who bring lived experience, professional insights, and practical strategies. Our goal is to equip parents, carers, and those working with young people with tools, knowledge, and hope — so they can better support both their young people and themselves.
To connect with EPIC, please visit the EPIC website here (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/)
In this conversation Madeleine talks with Carlie Byrom, founder of Life Brain Training, about her family's journey through emotional dysregulation, discovering neurofeedback as a tool for nervous system regulation, and why parents need to look beneath behaviour to understand what's really going on.To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website page at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/carlie-byrom To learn more or connect with Carlie, go to https://www.lifebraintraining.com.au/ Thanks for listening!!Mads
8 Apr 2026
Child Sexual Assault & Grooming
In this conversations, Madeleine talks with Julie, Clinical Lead at the Northern Sydney Sexual Assault Service, to discuss child sexual abuse, common myths, grooming behaviours, and the evolving risks for young people, both online and offline. Julie offers practical guidance for parents and carers on building safety, trust, and open communication, and shares where families can access support across Northern Sydney and beyond.
To view the episode transcript and access the shared list of supports, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/child-sexual-assault-and-grooming
11 Mar 2026
Conversation with Vivienne Li
This conversation with Vivienne Li explores why knowing yourself as a parent - your values, strengths, and emotional triggers - is key to building stronger connections with your young person. Vivienne shares practical, compassionate insights to help parents understand their inner world, respond with intention, and navigate challenges with greater confidence.
To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/vivienne-li
To learn more or connect with Vivianne, go to Together Parent Support — or Together Parent Coaching
18 Feb 2026
Conversation with Nicky Hammond
In this relaxed conversation, Madeleine chats with Nicky Hammond, a certified master life coach, breathwork practitioner, and long‑time friend of EPIC. Nicky shares how combining mindset work with somatic practices like breathwork can help parents regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with what truly matters, and make grounded decisions even in moments of overwhelm.
To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/nicky-hammond
To learn more or connect with Nicky Hammond, visit her website here - https://www.nickyhammond.com/
4 Feb 2026
Stages of Change
In this episode of EPIC Conversations, Madeleine introduces the Six Stages of Change and explores how this model can help parents better understand behaviour, readiness, and resistance to change.
With a focus on connection, safety, and trust, this episode offers practical insights for parents supporting young people through mental health challenges, risky behaviours, and moments of crisis — reminding us that change is not linear, and pushing too hard can often push change away.
To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC website athttps://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/stages-of-change
20 Jan 2026
Conversation with Jason Blyth
In this powerful episode, Madeleine talks with key note speaker and youth advocate Jason Blyth, who opens up about his extraordinary journey from trauma to purpose. Through raw honesty and unforgettable metaphors, he shares how pain can shape us, how hope can return, and why every young person deserves to hold their own pen. A moving conversation for any parent seeking reassurance and inspiration.
To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/jason-blyth
30 Oct 2025
Understanding School Can't
Madeleine chats with Tiffany Westphal from School Can’t Australia about what happens when a young person finds it too hard to attend school. Tiffany shares her lived experience as a parent, the common challenges families face, and how peer support can make all the difference. Together, they explore advocacy, self-care, and the importance of understanding that parents are not alone in this journey.To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/understanding-school-cant
3 Oct 2025
"Tell me more about that" with Dr Anthony Rigney
In this insightful conversation, Madeleine speaks with Dr. Anthony Rigney about the power of connection, curiosity, and emotional regulation in parenting. Anthony shares practical strategies for building epistemic trust— a young person’s openness to receiving guidance — through everyday acts of understanding and kindness.
To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/tell-me-more-about-that
25 Sept 2025
Heart-Centred Listening with Peter Coyle
In this episode, Peter Coyle shares his journey from corporate life to becoming a psychotherapist and introduces the concept of heart-centred listening. Peter explains how listening with empathy, awareness of your own nervous system, and understanding the Polyvagal response can help parents and carers create safe, meaningful connections with their young people.
To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/heart-centred-listening
24 Sept 2025
Neurodiversity with Josh Dunn
In this episode, Josh Dunn shares his late-diagnosis journey with neurodiversity and the challenges of masking through school and early adulthood. He offers powerful insights for parents, encouraging them to slow down, step back, and view their child’s behaviour through a logical, not emotional lens.
22 Sept 2025
Youth Engagement Project
Conversation with Skye from the Youth Engagement Project about strategies and mindset to engage with young people.To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/youth-engagement-project
To learn more about the Youth Engagement Project visit their website at www.youthengagementproject.com
22 Feb 2024
Depression & Anxiety Panel Discussion
Episode eight of EPIC Conversations is a panel discussion relating to depression and anxiety in young people and strategies for parents to understand and support them. Led by Siba from EPIC, we gain insight from Ryan Usher from Headspace, Anthony Rigney from KYDS and Sarah from The Northern Centre. This episode is the second in a series of 4 podcasts created from the Parent Support Online Expo webinar held in November last year (2023).
Organisations present for the expo were:
The Northern Centre (https://thenortherncentre.org.au/)
Mission Australia (https://au.search.yahoo.com/search?type=E211US1485G0&p=mission+australia+youth+northern+sydney)
KYDS Youth Services (https://www.kyds.org.au/)
SDECC - Sydney Drug Education Counselling Centre (https://sdecc.org.au/)
Headspace Chatswood (https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/chatswood/)
Streetwork (https://www.streetwork.org.au/)
Youth Up Front (https://youthupfront.org.au/)
School Wellbeing Representative - B2B parenting (https://www.b2bparenting.com/)
Ted Noffs PALM (https://noffs.org.au/programs/)
EPIC - Empowering Parents In Crisis (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/)
To view the webinar and see the full transcript, please visit the EPIC Conversations web page here (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-parent-support-online-expo)
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact EPIC via email on contact@empoweringparentsincrisis.com (mailto:contact@empowering)
6 Feb 2024
Introduction to local support organisations in Northern Sydney
Episode seven of EPIC Conversations is an introduction to 10 of the local youth and family support organisations in the Northern Sydney Region. It is the first in a series of 4 podcasts created from the Parent Support Online Expo webinar held in November last year (2023).
In this episode, you will hear from:
The Northern Centre (https://thenortherncentre.org.au/)
Mission Australia (https://au.search.yahoo.com/search?type=E211US1485G0&p=mission+australia+youth+northern+sydney)
KYDS Youth Services (https://www.kyds.org.au/)
SDECC - Sydney Drug Education Counselling Centre (https://sdecc.org.au/)
Headspace Chatswood (https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/chatswood/)
Streetwork (https://www.streetwork.org.au/)
Youth Up Front (https://youthupfront.org.au/)
School Wellbeing Representative - B2B parenting (https://www.b2bparenting.com/)
Ted Noffs PALM (https://noffs.org.au/programs/)
EPIC - Empowering Parents In Crisis (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/)
To view the webinar and see the full transcript, please visit the EPIC Conversations web page here (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-parent-support-online-expo)
21 Mar 2023
Burnout with Lifeline
Episode six of EPIC Conversations we talk with Fay Bird from Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney and address the topic of burnout. Burnout is now being discussed more often following everyone’s experience with COVID lockdowns and isolations. However, it’s not only connected with COVID. It’s now more broadly spoken about in terms of work, school, and it’s definitely a side effect of living with a teenager in crisis.
For the full transcript go to this EPIC Conversations web page here (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/burnout)
16 Nov 2022
Gambling & Young People with Gamble Aware
Episode five of EPIC Conversations addresses the topic of gambling and young people. We invited Cathy Ellis, Community Linker from Gamble Aware, to speak on this topic. Cathy shines the light on the issues that contribute to youth gambling, how common youth gambling is and how parents and carers can support young people who are engaging with gambling.
For the full transcript go to this EPIC Conversations web page HERE (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/gambling-and-young-people)
12 Nov 2022
School Student Support Officer Role
Episode four of EPIC Conversations is an interview with Sam, a school student support officer. We discuss the supports that may be available within your teenager’s school and how parents and carers can work together with schools to support teens when challenges arise.
For the full transcript go to this EPIC Conversations web page HERE (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/student-support-officer)
12 Nov 2022
Eating Disorders with the Butterfly Foundation
Episode 3 of EPIC Conversations features Helen Bird from The Butterfly Foundation to discuss how parents/carers can support their young person affected by an eating or body image disorder. The Butterfly Foundation is recognised in Australia as a leading expert in concerns related to eating disorders and self image.
The full transcript and contact details for the Butterfly Foundation can be found on this EPIC Conversations web page HERE (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/eating-disorders-and-body-image)
12 Nov 2022
Self harm and suicide ideation with Man Anchor
Episode two, EPIC invited Steven Gamble from Man Anchor to shed some light on the topic of self-harm and suicide ideation in relation to young people.
The full episode transcript and how to connect with Man Anchor, go to the EPIC Conversation Self harm and suicide ideation page HERE (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/self-harm-and-suicide)
12 Nov 2022
Alcohol & other drugs with SDECC
Episode one of EPIC Conversations addresses the topic of awareness surrounding teens and alcohol and other drugs. We invited Vivienne Li, drug and alcohol counsellor and group coordinator from the Sydney Drug Education Counselling Centre to speak on this topic.
For the full transcript, contact information for SDECC, go to the podcast page on the EPIC website HERE (https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/aod)
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