It’s the Season 2 wrap of Glimmer Hunters - and we’re closing out 2025 the only way we know how: laughing through the chaos, obsessing over tiny joys, and celebrating the glimmers that actually land.
We swap Christmas glimmers (Lady Gaga! Year 6 graduation! Matching family pyjamas! gingerbread carnage!), unpack the strange beauty of nostalgia, and take a moment to reflect on what it’s meant to show up week after week - even when the tech tries to take us out (looking at you… “can you hear me now?”).
Plus: Renee unveils her peak Christmas final form - a spinning disco-ball Christmas tree on a mirrored turntable with spotlights - and honestly, it’s hard to return to regular life after that.
We also revisit some of Season 2’s standout moments, including:
Anna Ferguson’s refreshing take on meditation (and why it doesn’t have to be the answer to everything)
Bridget McNulty’s love of homeliness (and the deep exhale of getting your home back)
Katie Cooper (The White Flamingo) gifting us the phrase we’ll never recover from: “rich inner life”
And as we head into the holidays, we’re leaning into a new intention for the year ahead: do less… and make more room for glimmers to land.
Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of the ride. See you in Season 3 💛
If you enjoyed the show: follow/subscribe, and (if you’re feeling generous) leave a rating or review - it genuinely helps other people find the pod.
In this episode, Emily and Renee are joined by Dr. Katie Cooper - a recovering academic with a PhD in Earth Sciences turned play facilitator, and the creator of The White Flamingo, a community supporting women through the transition into motherhood.
Katie unpacks matrescence (think: adolescence, but with sleep deprivation and a tiny human to keep alive), why so many mums feel adrift without the language to explain it, and how radical honesty + play can help parents reconnect with themselves. Along the way, we talk about micro moments of joy (glimmers), perfectionism, building community in a nuclear-family world, and why we need to stop minimising our own experience with a single word: “but.”
In this episode, we cover:
Links
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In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Glimmer Hunters, Emily and Renee dive into the often-overlooked joyful side of ADHD - the glimmers, the magic, the chaos, and the unexpected superpowers of a neurodivergent brain.From sneaky barista kindness and nostalgic power outages to hyperfocus, time blindness, masking, and spontaneous kitchen dance parties, this episode is a beautiful celebration of the moments that make ADHD not just manageable - but meaningful.Emily and Renee unpack what it’s really like to live with ADHD, including the challenges of masking, the emotional weight of growing up misunderstood, and the deep creativity, empathy, humour, and connection that often come with a neurodivergent mind. They also share listener-submitted ADHD glimmers, touching on everything from hyperfocus wins to the pure relief of someone else taking over a boring task.This episode is raw, validating, funny, and deeply comforting - whether you have ADHD yourself, love someone who does, or simply want to better understand how differently (and beautifully) some brains work.In this episode, we explore:
If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “too scattered,” or like your brain works in a completely different rhythm - this episode is for you.Share your own ADHD glimmers with us on socials - we LOVE hearing them.
In this episode of Glimmer Hunters, Renee and Emily sit down with Nikki Everett - author of Uncomfortably Comfortable, Lifeline ambassador, and passionate advocate for people living with PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD).
Nikki shares her powerful story of working in palliative care, mental health and the prison system, experiencing multiple violent events, and eventually being diagnosed with Complex PTSD - a diagnosis she initially resisted. From flashbacks and dissociation to rebuilding her identity, Nikki talks honestly about what it’s like to walk “through madness to find me”.
Along the way, she explains how glimmers (those tiny moments of safety, joy or connection) became a vital part of her healing - from early morning magpies and ocean swims to journaling, plants, and Japanese philosophies like Kintsugi.
If you live with PTSD/CPTSD, love someone who does, or work in mental health, this one is a gentle but deeply validating listen.
In this episode we explore:
What Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is and how it differs from PTSD
Nikki’s experience of multiple violent incidents while working in the prison system
Dissociation, flashbacks and what’s actually happening in the brain during trauma
Naming brain parts as “characters” (Amy Amygdala, Colin Cortisol) to make trauma science less scary
How journaling unexpectedly became one of her most powerful healing tools
Discovering Kokedama and Kintsugi, and how they reshaped how she saw her “cracks”
Turning “brokenness” into a new identity - and learning to feel again after numbness
The role of glimmers in balancing triggers, negativity bias and survival mode
Reframing your story using the Hero’s Journey to move from victim to hero
Why owning your mental illness can remove shame and create deeper connection with others
Key takeaways
Knowledge is power: understanding what the brain does during triggers, flashbacks and dissociation can replace “I’m going crazy” with “my brain is protecting me”.
Tiny moments matter: glimmers in nature, animals, water and everyday life can be meaningful signposts that healing is happening.
You are not your diagnosis: Complex PTSD is not a personal failing; it’s your brain’s survival response to ongoing trauma.
Own your story: speaking openly about mental illness can remove shame - and give others permission to own their stories too.
Healing is a journey, not one magic fix: different therapies offer different “gold nuggets”; it’s okay to change approaches and advocate for what works for you.
Connect with Nikki:
Buy Nikki’s book Uncomfortably Comfortable: https://www.amazon.com.au/Uncomfortably-Comfortable-walking-through-madness-ebook/dp/B0DSLSFF4M
Learn more about Nikki & her resources: sheismental.com
Connect with Glimmer Hunters:
Listen to more episodes of Glimmer Hunters: https://bio.site/GlimmerHunters
Follow us on Instagram: @glimmerhunterspodcast
Gentle content note:
This episode includes discussion of violence, prisons, trauma, PTSD/CPTSD, nightmares and mental health struggles. Please listen at your own pace and take breaks if needed. If anything in this conversation brings stuff up for you, consider reaching out to a trusted person or mental health support in your area.
#complexPTSD #CPTSD #PTSD #trauma #healing #recovery #glimmers #triggers #glimmerhunterspodcast #NikkiEverett #UncomfortablyComfortable #Kintsugi #mentalhealth #dissociation #flashbacks #resilience #journaling
Normally moving house, unpacking and sorting out what goes where is a pain and something we'd rather avoid doing altogether. Emily has recently moved into her new home and is knee-deep in unpacking boxes and getting everything sorted. When it came to getting the kitchen sorted, the trials of unpacking took a sparkly turn when her husband, Brendan, unlocked the joy of nailing domestic organisation for everything from the spices to the sauces. Brendan is our guest this week, and he shares with us the precise moment the kitchen went from storage-pandemonium, to becoming a little treasure trove of (neatly organised) glimmers.
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#glimmers #glimmerhunters #australianpodcast #fridgeorganization #kitchenorganisation#glimmerpodcast #storageglimmers #kitchenglimmers
Hosts Renée and Emily chat with Anna Ferguson, a qualified counsellor, coach, integrative nervous system therapist and author of the The Vagus Nerve Reset. Anna opens up about the rollercoaster journey that became the catalyst for her specialisation in psychology, counselling, somatics, breathwork and Polyvagal Theory. Sharing personal experiences and practical exercises, Anna explains how and why she uses glimmers as part of her integrative approach to managing stress, trauma and anxiety.
Follow Anna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annatheanxietycoach/
Buy Anna’s book: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-vagus-nerve-reset-9781761343117
Visit Anna’s website: https://annatheanxietycoach.com/
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Can you ever turn a trigger into a glimmer? In this episode, Renée quizzes Emily about her complicated relationship with time and how she's turned her trigger of running late into a smugelicious time-to-spare glimmer. Exploring the stress of rushing, the ADHD struggle to stop, learning from those around you and loads more, this is a relatable episode for both the time benders amongst us and those that worship on the altar of punctuality.
Continue the Glimmer Hunt
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Books mentioned in this episode:
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Sarah Shellard is a slasher in all the best ways. She’s bilingual, a Speech Pathologist, the founder of the Just Joyful Boutique and the author of Daily Glimmers Gratitude Journal. With a rich and diverse pool of experience to draw from, we ask Sarah about the catalyst that inspired her to write the Daily Glimmers Gratitude Journal. We also explore her take on the difference between gratitude and glimmers, she shares her most unusual glimmer, plus more!
Sarah Shellard is author of the Daily Glimmers Gratitude Journal and founder of Just Joyful Boutique. Sarah is a bilingual speech-language pathologist with a passion for journaling. Just before COVID, Sarah started gratitude journaling, and in 2023, after reading Deb Dana’s book ‘Anchored’, Sarah incorporated the concept of glimmers into her journaling practice. Sarah is a big believer that writing down your thoughts can be the purest form of self-expression and she’s since gone on to publish her own Daily Glimmers Gratitude Journal.
Follow Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justjoyfulboutique/
Buy Daily Glimmers Gratitude Journal:
Follow Glimmer Hunters:
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Renée and Emily unpack why exactly Fabergé eggs are such a glimmer for Renée. Exploring everything from the history of Fabergé eggs to their intricate designs and more, this episode is all about understanding the unique nature of glimmers and why certain things light us up like they do.
Continue the Glimmer Hunt
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Hosts Emily and Renée talk to Bridget McNulty, a writer, diabetes advocate and co-founder of Sweet Life, South Africa's largest online diabetes community. Bridget shares the highs and lows that inspired her glimmer hunting journey, and details about the exciting launch of her new book, Daily Glimmers.
Find out more at www.bridgetmcnulty.com
In the first episode of Season 2, find out what hosts Renée Ballard and Emily McGrorey have been up to since Season 1 wrapped. From fighting with tradies to finishing renovations, car accidents and coconuts, Renée and Emily explore how they’re feeling about glimmers right now and what you can expect in Season 2.
In this final episode of Season 1, Emily and Renee slip into sequins and celebrate wrapping up a project that started with zero agenda—just a shared hunch that tiny moments really matter. Together, they reflect on their favourite highlights, lessons learned, accidental life hacks, and the hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos that made Glimmer Hunters what it is: warm, real, and a little bit sparkly.
They talk about the power of staying playful, what surprised them most about making a podcast, and why it’s so easy to overcomplicate something that’s meant to feel good. From meaningful guest interviews (like the unforgettable Deb Dana) to ridiculous bloopers, unexpected listener stories, and everyday glimmers.
Thank you for riding the llama with us. Season 1, done!
Continue the Glimmer Hunt
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In this episode, Emily and Renee dive into the art of letting glimmers land. From octopus documentaries to unexpected museum moments in LA, they unpack how glimmers can shift from fleeting sparks to lingering sensations—if we let them. Together, they reflect on how recognising and holding onto glimmers (even for a few seconds longer) can help recalibrate the nervous system, offer hope during stress, and act as small but powerful reminders of what feels good. Whether it’s the weight of a winter doona, a rare morning of calm, or socks on cold feet—this episode explores how the tiniest moments can reshape the day as long as we let them.
Continue the Glimmer Hunt
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In this episode, Emily and Renee explore how glimmers aren’t just feel-good moments—they’re also signposts for living a life that feels more aligned. Together, they unpack how small moments of calm, joy, or resonance can act as inner nudges pointing us toward what feels true. Whether it’s walking into a room and feeling energised, noticing where you feel most connected, or simply recognising the ‘yes’ in your body—this episode offers a practical, heart-first take on using glimmers to guide your decisions, set boundaries, and find your way back to yourself.
Continue the Glimmer Hunt
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573921765188
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In Part 2 of our fascinating chat with Professor Selena Bartlett—neuroscientist, brain and child mental health advocate, and author of Being Seen—we explore the practical science behind stress, resilience, and how small daily shifts can literally rewire your brain.
We cover everything from brain scans and dopamine to the powerful role of community, movement, and being truly seen. You’ll hear reflections on parenting in a screen-saturated world, the ripple effects of kindness, and the beauty of choosing simplicity in a culture that tends to overcomplicate wellness.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly “on,” or addicted to the chaos, this episode is your gentle reminder that change starts small and it’s absolutely possible.
More Info for Curious Humans
Learn more about Professor Selena Bartlett:
Website: https://www.profselenabartlett.com/
About: https://www.profselenabartlett.com/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_selena_bartlett?igsh=MW5tMnk4bWo3N3dpeQ==
Being Seen Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/beingseenpod?igsh=MTk4Z3d4ZGExdGRjNQ==
Continue the Glimmer Hunt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glimmerhunters/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573921765188
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In this episode, Emily and Renee are joined by Professor Selena Bartlett—neuroscientist, child mental health advocate, and host of the Thriving Minds and Being Seen podcast—for a fascinating deep dive into how we can literally rewire our brains for joy. Drawing on her research in neuroplasticity, Professor Bartlett shares the science behind how our emotional responses are shaped, how triggers take root, and how simple, consistent practices (like cold water and gratitude) can transform even the most overwhelming moments into glimmers. It’s a hopeful, practical conversation that proves you don’t need to change your life to change your brain—you just need to understand how it works. If you’ve ever wondered how to feel more calm, connected, and capable—this episode is a must-listen.
More Info for Curious Humans
Learn more about Professor Selena Bartlett: https://www.profselenabartlett.com/
About Professor Selena Bartlett: https://www.profselenabartlett.com/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_selena_bartlett
Being Seen Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/beingseenpod
Continue the Glimmer Hunt
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573921765188
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In this warm and curious episode, Emily and Renee dive into the idea of secondary glimmers—those tiny sparks of joy we feel through someone else’s experience. Drawing on the science of emotional contagion and mirror neurons, they explore how positive energy, like laughter, love, and even the smell of fresh sourdough, can ripple from one nervous system to another.You’ll also hear real glimmers sent in from listeners, including wagging tails, warm sunshine, and triumphant loaves of bread—and the conversation touches on everything from parenting and productivity guilt to the complexity of being human in a hyper-stimulated world.
Continue the Glimmer Hunt
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In this episode, Emily and Renee are joined by the wildly wise and wickedly funny Jacqui Lewis—meditation teacher, leadership coach, and founder of The Broadplace—to unravel the murky world of toxic positivity in wellness. From her days juggling high-pressure roles in design, hospitality and PR, to running retreats that don’t promise to “fix your trauma in three days,” Jacqui brings a refreshingly real perspective to personal growth. She shares the sneaky ways toxic positivity shows up (hint: it often wears white linen), how spiritual competitiveness is ruining your downward dog, and why joy, humour, and pink leather loafers matter just as much as mindfulness. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at the phrase “you should just chill” or been guilted into gratitude, this one’s for you. It’s honest, funny, and full of glimmers.
More Info for Curious Humans
Learn more about Jacqui Lewis and The Broadplace: https://thebroadplace.com.au/
About Jacqui: https://thebroadplace.com.au/about-us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebroadplaceschool/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebroadplace/
Continue the Glimmer Hunt
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573921765188
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This week, Emily and Renee sit down with clinical psychologist Tamara Cavenett to explore how negativity bias shapes our thoughts, emotions, and nervous system. Together, they unpack why our brains are wired to prioritise threat, how this impacts our daily wellbeing, and the small but powerful ways glimmers can help restore balance. This episode blends psychological insight with lived experience—and offers gentle, practical strategies to help you shift your internal focus from survival mode to moments of calm and connection.
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭
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In this episode, Emily and Renee give a heartwarming peek into their personal glimmer collections! Emily bravely shares a bittersweet yet beautiful glimmer connected to her late father, finding comfort in memories sparked by a meaningful song and a surprising moment with his old bike frame. Renee brings the laughs with her quirky appreciation for toddler tantrums. We also explore the smallest glimmers, like the pure satisfaction of clean ears after washing your hair, and the quietest glimmers, such as the peaceful ritual of enjoying warm toast in the morning. These aren’t grand gestures—they’re the subtle sparks that bring us back to ourselves.
More Info for Curious Humans
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