If there’s one thing this job has taught me, it’s this: powerful storytelling cuts through.
When our talent step up to the mic – whether it be on stage, on TV, on a podcast, or on social – it’s not just what they say that sticks, it’s how they say it, and the way they share their message can often carry more impact than the message itself.
The key ingredient in that storytelling formula: authenticity, every time.me.
Humans are hungry for connection, and what they want and need from the people they trust is not solely their expertise, it’s authenticity. Not the kind that’s full of fluff or sharing for the sake of it. I’m talking about the real stuff. The kind that makes people nod and go, “Yep, I’ve been there too.”
The truth is, no one cares about shine if there’s no substance; and all the credentials in the world won’t matter if you can’t connect. These days people want the story behind the success, the journey behind the expertise. The missteps, the mindset shifts, the lessons learned. The human stuff. That’s what builds trust and drives impact.
We see it in action all the time.
Like Olympic medallist Jemima Montag, whose stories of bouncing back from setbacks are landing at speaking events all over the country;
Or Shelly Horton – yes, your very own “peri godmother” – who’s using her own perimenopause experience supported by evidence-based research to drive conversations that are changing lives;
Or water polo star Tilly Kearns, who’s made elite sport feel relatable, hilarious and real – one viral TikTok at a time;
Or Dr Preeya Alexander, whose straight-talking, no-fluff approach to health is cutting through the noise and making wellbeing feel doable for everyday Aussies;
Or Ellie Cole, whose powerful reflections on resilience, disability and identity are shifting perspectives and leaving lasting impact in every room she speaks in.
Authenticity isn’t easy. It takes guts to decide what to share and what to keep close. But the talent who get that balance right? They’re the ones who break through the noise.
It’s one of the biggest shifts I’ve seen in the last few years and it’s only getting louder.
We’ve got loads of exciting updates and new talent to shout about this month. And if you’ve missed any of our previous newsletters, you can catch up on them all right here.
See you next month,
TLS EXPERTS
We’ve seen a real surge in demand for talent who can speak to mental health with insight, credibility and care, and our TLS experts are rising to meet it – both from an expert and lived experience perspective and in some cases, both.
Recently, positive psychologist Dr Tim Sharp partnered with MHPod, an online learning platform supporting professionals in the caring sectors to better understand and respond to mental health challenges. Psychiatrist Dr Kieran Kennedy leant his voice to Crystalbrook’s Light Retreat campaign to talk about beating the winter blues; and Bardie Somerville will join a Beyond Blue webinar for Tradies Month speaking directly to the unique pressures faced by tradies and how they can better support their own wellbeing. Interested in learning more? You can register here.
In other worthwhile causes, Paralympic legend Ellie Cole was the special guest MC at the Great Sarcoma Plank-a-thon in Melbourne, hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Sarcoma Association sharing her time to deliver awareness and raise funds for those who are diagnosed with this complex disease – something that Ellie experienced herself as a toddler; and Shelly Horton is getting ready for the AWWW Health Summit being held in events across the country starting this month. For dates, details and tickets, head here.
TLS SPORT
As she awaits the arrival of her first child this month, in an interview with the Live Life Whole Project, beach volleyball star Mariafe Artacho del Solar opened up about the challenges of being an Olympian and moving to Australia from Peru as a child, while motorsport talent Aiva Anagnostiadis had a heart-to-heart discussion with Chloe Dalton on one of our favourite podcasts, The Female Athlete Project and shared her story with Forbes Australia about how F1 Academy is giving her a real chance to race on the global stage, forging a pathway into elite motorsport that didn’t exist before.
Ellie Cole’s broadcast career has continued to flourish since hanging up her swimming goggles, and we loved her recent stint as a travel reporter on Nine Network’s Postcards. Meanwhile, Molly Taylor jumped behind the wheel of a Castrol hot rod for the latest Supercheap Auto’s Best Performing Oils campaign – we definitely think this is a new look for her! She also opened up applications for her upcoming Girls on Track event at MaD Garage Girls, to encourage more young girls to learn about rally for the first ever Girls on Track Off-road edition.
Congratulations to middle distance runner Claudia Hollingsworth who achieved a PB in the 800m on debut at the London Diamond League meet last month, achieving an incredible time of 1:58:02 and firmly cementing herself as one to watch ahead of the World Champs in Japan next month; and in last week’s Good Weekend Claudia (and twin sister Gemma) shared a little insight into the family dynamic that’s shaped her quiet confidence and serious drive.
Congratulations also to water polo star Tilly Kearns and her beloved Stingers who finished in 6th place at the recent World Champs in Singapore and a hearty well done to diver Ellie Cole on her stellar performance at the World Aquatics Championships this week placing 5th in the 10m springboard final in Singapore. Ellie is showing us all that balancingelite sport with big academic goals is in fact doable, as she heads to Stanford next month to study aeronautical engineering.Ellie’s recent ABC interview is worth a watch.
SUITE READ (AND LISTENS) 🎧📚
This month is a blockbuster for releases as we celebrate the launch of a number of huge books for the TLS Talent family.
Last week saw the release of Shelly Horton’s much anticipated I’m Your Peri-Godmother– available in physical book format, audio or e-book. If you haven’t heard about this book, then seriously where have you been? Shelly’s been all over the country, doing interviews, speaking at events and bravely sharing her own story to help other women navigate this tricky phase and tap into their peri power.
Also out later this month is Casey Beros Next of Kin, available in print and audio. It’s an essential read (or listen) for anyone caring for someone they love, offering an honest, deeply personal look at the emotional highs and lows of caregiving, and the quiet strength it demands. Whether you’re supporting family, friends or partners through tough times, this book brings comfort and understanding exactly when you need it most.
We’re thrilled for angler Indy Thompson on the upcoming launch this month of her book, Ultimate Fishing Australia, (available for pre-order now), which is as much a love letter to Australian coastlines as it is to the sport of fishing – and will be landing just in time for Father’s Day.
We’re also delighted to announce plant-powered chef Simon Toohey has a book on the way. Plants on Fire is due out mid 2026 and aims to fill the gap, connect the dots and showcase incredible dishes that celebrate the primitive, grassroots art of cooking plants over fire. Packed with delicious recipes and sustainability tips, this book is set to become an Aussie cookbook essential.
And if you’re more into your audiobooks than the old page turner, then you’ll be pleased to know psychologist Dr Marny Lishman’s highly successful books Burnout to Brilliant and Crisis to Contentment are now available on audio.
HEALTH CALENDAR
Left things until the last minute this month? We can still squeeze in media appearances and speaking engagements for World Breastfeeding Week and Loneliness Awareness Week (both next week), and Wear it Purple Day to support LGBTQIA+ youth (August 29).
Looking further ahead, it’s a great time to book one of our fabulous talent for these key dates:
1 – 5 September – Women’s Health Week
With a raft of captivating and authoritative voices on women’s health in our TLS talent family, including GPs Dr Ginni Mansberg, Dr Preeya Alexander and Dr Michela Sorensen, Women’s Health Week is a big event on the TLS Experts calendar.
1 – 7 September – Asthma Week
Our GPs Dr Preeya Alexander, Dr Michela Sorensen and Dr Ginni Mansberg have loads of practical advice on preventing and managing asthma.
10 September – World Suicide Prevention Day
This is a topic that needs all the attention it can get, and our psychologists Dr Tim Sharp, Dr Leanne Hall and Dr Kieran Kennedy are powerful voices in this space.
11 September – RUOK? Day
We all know the importance of asking ‘RUOK?’ but often we don’t have the skills to handle the conversations that follow. Dr Kieran Kennedy, Dr Tim Sharp and Dr Leanne Hall are here to guide and support.
15 – 21 September – Dementia Action Week
As our population ages, we all need better knowledge around dealing with dementia. Dr Michela Sorensen, Dr Preeya Alexander and Dr Ginni Mansberg bring compassion and expertise to those conversations.
29 September – International Day of Awareness on Food and Waste Reduction
Sustainable chef Simon Toohey and nutrition scientist Dr Joanna McMillan are passionate about sharing advice on reducing food waste.
29 September – World Heart Day
Learn science-backed tips for supporting your heart health from GPs Dr Preeya Alexander, Dr Ginni Mansberg and Dr Michela Sorensen.