Tess Talks

FROM THE ARCHIVES! Because you all loved this episode, we have decided to share it this week. This conversation is just as relevant today as it was when we first recorded it, and the perfect reminder that becoming your dream self starts with your mindset. If you’re looking to change your life, start here!

In this episode of Tess Talks, we chat with Mimi Bouchard, entrepreneur and creator of Activations, a groundbreaking audio app that combines motivation, music, and guided visualisation to help you unlock your full potential. Mimi shares her journey from personal development blogger to app founder, and how Activations has transformed her life and daily routine. We also dive into the power of embodying your future self and how small daily shifts can lead to big transformations.

In this episode:
The path that led Mimi from personal development blogger to the creator of Activations.
An in-depth look at the groundbreaking audio app that blends motivation, music, and visualisation.
The research and psychology that make the app’s approach to personal transformation so powerful.
Insights into how Activations played a pivotal role in Mimi’s own success.
Mimi gives us a glimpse into her book, Activate Your Future Self, releasing in April.
How to manifest your desires by aligning with your future self.
Tess shares her personal spiritual insights
The key moments in Mimi’s entrepreneurial journey that shifted her life’s direction.
Why personal growth doesn’t need to be over complicated.
Mimi’s approach to self-acceptance and permission to grow.
Tangible success stories from users who have seen real change with Activations.
Mimi’s experience of taking 8 months off social media and the impact it had on her life.

Mentioned:

Reality Transurfing by Vadim Zeland

Want to try the activations app? Here is a special offer for Tess Talks listeners: https://www.activations.com/podcast/tess

Episode Sponsor: Pretty Privilege is redefining beauty standards and empowering women to embrace their confidence, unapologetically. Join the club to unlock a lifestyle of confidence, style, and elevated self-worth!

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Link to Mimi's book “Activate your future self”: https://mimibouchard.com/preorder/

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Celebrity chef, bestselling author and wellness advocate Pete Evans joins us for a candid conversation about life after mainstream media, the personal cost of speaking out, and the beliefs that have shaped his approach to health, longevity and living differently.
From his highly publicised departure from mainstream television to building a wellness sanctuary in the Northern Rivers, Pete reflects on navigating public criticism, trusting his intuition and why he believes questioning conventional thinking is essential.
But this conversation goes far beyond the headlines.
Pete opens up about his experiences with psychedelics and expanded consciousness, the parenting philosophy he used to teach his daughters about sugar, and the rituals he believes can help us live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

In the episode:
What really happened when Pete became one of Australia's most controversial public figures.
Why he says he has no regrets about speaking out during COVID.
His experience with 5-MeO-DMT and how it changed his perspective on life.
The wellness practices offered at his Evolve Sanctuary retreats.
Raising children with an awareness of sugar, nutrition and personal choice.
The baby bone broth controversy and his response to the headlines.
Why he believes our thoughts, relationships and environment are as important as what we eat.
His perspective on Australia's health system and the changes he'd like to see.
Why cooking, nature and connection remain central to his philosophy of longevity.

Mentioned:
Shop Pete’s Books on Amazon

The Four Agreements Book: Buy here

Evolve Retreats: evolvesanctuary.com

Follow Pete: @chefpeteevans

Find more: peteevans.com

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial

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Tess sits down with qualified dermal therapist, beauty expert and former Adore Beauty insider Joanna Fleming to cut through the skincare noise. With almost eight years at Adore Beauty and a career spent working with skincare brands and clients worldwide, Joanna knows exactly what's backed by science, what's clever marketing and where we're wasting our money.

From the Korean skincare obsession and preventative Botox to collagen loss, acne, retinol and the treatments actually worth investing in, this episode challenges everything we think we know about achieving healthy, glowing skin.

In this episode:

Is Korean skincare really better, and what's behind the hype?
Why expensive skincare doesn't always mean better results.
The 20-step skincare routine problem and why less can be more.
Retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C and peptides: what actually works?
Fine lines, collagen loss and whether preventative Botox is worth it.
The best in-clinic treatments for ageing, pigmentation and texture.
Why bleeding during microneedling doesn't necessarily mean better results.
Acne, rosacea, damaged skin barriers and the mistakes making them worse.
Joanna rates viral beauty trends, from salmon sperm and LED masks to beef tallow skincare.
Why this skincare expert refuses to share her own skincare routine.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Synergie Skin. With over 20 years of expertise, Synergie Skin is an Australian skincare brand formulated and manufactured in Melbourne. Built on their Clean Science® philosophy, every formula is backed by clinical evidence and designed to deliver visible results.
Exclusive Tess Talks offer: Enjoy 10% off your order with code TESSTALKS10 until 31 October 2026.

Not sure where to start? Synergie Skin also offers complimentary virtual skin consultations to help you find the right routine for your skin.
Shop now at synergieskin.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow @joannafleming

Book in with Joanna: skinfwd.com

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What if the way we understand antidepressants—and mental health treatment more broadly—is missing part of the story?

Dr Josef Witt-Doerring is a psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer and founder of the Taper Clinic. After reviewing psychiatric drugs for the US market, he became increasingly concerned about how little long-term evidence exists for medications that many people take for years—or even decades.

In this conversation, Tess and Dr Josef examine the benefits, limitations and potential risks of psychiatric medications, why coming off them can be so difficult, and the lifestyle factors that may be overlooked when treating anxiety and depression. They also unpack the Lindsay Clancy case, postpartum psychosis and the possible role of medication, before exploring the prescription-drug patterns connected to public figures including Matthew Perry, Britney Spears and Amanda Bynes.

They discuss:
What Dr Josef discovered while reviewing psychiatric drugs at the FDA
Why many antidepressant trials are shorter than their real-world use
The chemical-imbalance theory and what SSRIs actually do
When psychiatric medication can be helpful or even lifesaving
Why medication should never be stopped abruptly without medical support
The risks of withdrawal, polypharmacy and “stacking” prescriptions
Why women experiencing menopause may be prescribed antidepressants
How pharmaceutical marketing influences doctors and public perception
Dr Josef’s approach to safely tapering psychiatric medication
The Lindsay Clancy medication timeline and postpartum-psychosis defence
Whether someone experiencing psychosis can still appear outwardly normal
The unanswered questions surrounding the Clancy investigation
Matthew Perry, ketamine and treatment that fell outside standard care
Why benzodiazepines and opioids can become a lethal combination
The links Dr Josef sees between cannabis, stimulants and psychosis
Why emotions can be signals rather than symptoms to automatically silence

This episode explores complex and disputed medical and legal issues. It is for informational purposes only and should not replace individual medical advice. Never begin, stop or alter psychiatric medication without guidance from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Follow @drjosefwittdoerring

Find more: taperclinic.com

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Dave Asprey is one of the pioneers of the modern biohacking movement, founder of Bulletproof & Danger Coffee, host of The Human Upgrade, bestselling author and creator of the Biohacking Conference. In this episode of Tess Talks, Tess sits down with Dave to go beyond the usual conversation about supplements and longevity — exploring what it actually means to optimise your health in a world that can often feel designed against it.

From ultra-processed food and the stark differences between American and international food standards, to sleep, fertility, preventive healthcare and the growing cost of wellness, Dave shares what he believes we're getting wrong about modern health. He also opens up about his own evolution from physical optimisation to spirituality and consciousness, the ideas behind Heavily Meditated, and why after decades of biohacking, some of the most powerful tools may have nothing to do with expensive technology.

In this episode:
Why Dave believes biohacking can become a spiritual experience
His current morning routine and what he actually prioritises today
The evolution from Bulletproof Radio to The Human Upgrade
Bulletproof Coffee, fasting, energy and weight loss
Taking close to 100 supplements — and how he knows what’s actually working
Ultra-processed foods and why ingredients differ between the U.S., Australia and Europe
FDA, EU and Australian regulatory differences
Why so many people struggle with sleep — and how to improve sleep quality
Why feeling healthy isn't always a linear journey
Preventive healthcare vs waiting until we're sick
Has biohacking become an exclusive luxury?
The highest-impact health changes that don't require spending thousands
Fertility optimisation and having children later in life
Meditation, stress, triggers and the ideas behind Heavily Meditated
What Dave thinks the future of human health and longevity looks like

Episode sponsors:

Thrivix Health Optimisation: Australia’s doctor-led telehealth clinic offers personalised, evidence-based care based on your individual health, blood work and goals.
Visit www.thrivix.co and use code TESSTALKS10 for 10% off.

Follow Dave Asprey: @daveasprey

Find more: daveasprey.com

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