Tracy Tully’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right. As a high school principal in a remote area of Queensland, Australia, Tracy faced immense challenges, including a life-threatening flood and the difficult decision to close her school against departmental resistance. Her actions as a whistleblower led to adversity and retaliation, but Tracy’s determination to prioritise safety and justice never wavered. She reflects on how her upbringing in a defence family and the influence of her father, a doctor in the Royal Flying Doctor Service, shaped her adaptability and resolve.

Tracy shares vivid accounts of life in frontier country, marked by violence and lawlessness, and the challenges of addressing these realities within an often rigid and mismatched education system. She highlights the importance of tailoring programmes to meet the specific needs of communities and discusses her innovative Veterans in Schools initiative, which brings military veterans into classrooms to mentor and guide students. Tracy also opens up about the personal toll of systemic failures, sharing her son’s traumatic experiences and the lack of support provided by the education system.

From her transition into paramedical cosmetic tattooing to her vision of expanding the Veterans in Schools programme internationally, Tracy’s story is a testament to her drive to make a difference. Her candid reflections on bullying, self-esteem, and the power of mentorship offer valuable insights into creating positive change for children and veterans alike. This episode is a compelling look at Tracy’s extraordinary journey and her dedication to fostering stronger, more supportive communities.

Book links

FEARless

Website

https://tracytully.com/

Social Media

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-tully-3879a2122/

If this conversation inspired you, please leave me a Rating & Review! Here are some instructions on how: https://podcast.notastraightline.life/rate.

And share the episode with a friend.

Would you like to be a guest, or know someone who should be? Visit https://podcast.notastraightline.life/guest.

for his audio engineering excellence

You can find out more about his services at https://www.mbpod.com/.

James Middleton's journey is a powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace authenticity. Growing up, he faced the pressures of societal and familial expectations, yet found strength in sports and teamwork, which provided a sense of belonging and purpose. His decision to join the Air Force marked a pivotal point, exposing him to both camaraderie and the intense challenges that would later shape his life.

James opens up about his struggles with PTSD, shedding light on the impact of military service on mental health and the long road to recovery. He highlights the importance of compassionate self-acceptance, a critical element in his healing journey. Through community support and a commitment to helping others, James has found a renewed sense of purpose in sharing his story, hoping to inspire those who face similar battles.

In this candid conversation, James emphasises the value of authenticity and encourages others, especially the younger generation, to embrace who they truly are. His story is a reminder that healing often comes from connection, and that the strength to move forward lies in self-acceptance and the support of those around us.

Social Media

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-middleton1/

If this conversation inspired you, please leave me a Rating & Review! Here are some instructions on how: https://podcast.notastraightline.life/rate.

And share the episode with a friend.

Would you like to be a guest, or know someone who should be? Visit https://podcast.notastraightline.life/guest.

for his audio engineering excellence

You can find out more about his services at https://www.mbpod.com/.

Venetia Norrington’s story is rooted in resilience and a deep empathy for children. Growing up in Devon with older parents, her father’s passing at age four marked her early years, creating a childhood filled with noise, chaos, and a strong need for solace in nature. Venetia’s own experiences of navigating a challenging upbringing inspired her passion for fostering and advocating for children. She believes that no child should have to wait until adulthood to receive the support they need and brings a unique perspective to her work with children in need.

As Venetia reflects on her journey, she shares how societal expectations clashed with her desire for adventure and purpose. Despite attempts to find fulfilment in conventional office roles, her heart was drawn to more meaningful pursuits. A pivotal experience came when she embarked on an Overland truck trip across Africa, sparking her love for the continent and leading her to work as a tour leader before transitioning into photography. Her journey wasn’t without challenges, including health issues and the loss of her mother, yet through therapy, Venetia discovered her true calling: fostering.

Today, Venetia is a dedicated foster parent, initially providing emergency and respite care before becoming a full-time carer. Her approach combines internal family systems and somatic techniques, supporting children in regulating their emotions and creating a safe space for them to thrive. Venetia’s vision is to offer children an environment where they can connect with nature and find healing support from caring adults, embodying her commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth.

Website: https://www.venetianorrington.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venetianorrington/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/venetianorrington/

If this conversation inspired you, please leave me a Rating & Review! Here are some instructions on how: https://podcast.notastraightline.life/rate.

And share the episode with a friend.

Would you like to be a guest, or know someone who should be? Visit https://podcast.notastraightline.life/guest.

for his audio engineering excellence

You can find out more about his services at https://www.mbpod.com/.