In this empowering episode of The Mounting Block, Marissa and Oriel welcome a very special guest: leadership, confidence and mindset coach Fiona Spence. With a background that spans corporate burnout, martial arts, deep mindset work and years of helping people transform their lives, Fiona brings a powerful mix of wisdom, humour and no-nonsense clarity.
Together, the trio unpack why so many of us — especially women in our 40s and 50s — feel stuck, lose confidence or procrastinate even when we know exactly what we want. Fiona explains how our “hindbrain” is wired for survival (not success), why familiar patterns feel safe even when they keep us small, and how procrastination is often your brain’s misguided attempt to ‘protect’ you from change.
Using fascinating stories, simple analogies (including washing-up mindfulness!), and deeply practical strategies, Fiona shows how mindset blocks form, how to recognise them, and the small actions that trigger huge shifts. She also dives into how deeper coaching works — from conversational hypnosis to uncovering root causes hidden in our unconscious minds.
This episode is equal parts insight, laughter, vulnerability and lightbulb moments. Whether you're rebuilding confidence, exploring new dreams, navigating midlife changes, or simply wanting to understand your mind better, this conversation is full of “aha” moments and gentle but powerful truth bombs.
A beautifully human reminder that growth starts with recognising the issue, owning it, and taking the smallest next step — and that sometimes, we all need a little bit of Fiona in our lives.
This week on The Mounting Block, it’s been A LOT. Oriel rides solo in her lesson (and misses Marissa terribly), we fall head-first into the absolute minefield that is horse float shopping (kitchens? tack boxes? air-con for the horses?!), and Oriel shares the story of copping a full-face head-butt from Hickatee and ending up at the doctor before the school Christmas concert.
Then we’re joined by the incredible Gemma Manning – entrepreneur, author of About This Girl, single mum and all-round powerhouse. Gemma takes us from growing up on a fish farm in Cairns, to being pushed out of corporate life after having a baby, to building an international business across Australia and Asia entirely off her own back. We talk about misogyny that still shows up in boardrooms, raising strong daughters, being perimenopausal and exhausted but still showing up, and why women in their 40s and 50s are more powerful and needed more than ever.
If you’ve ever felt unseen at work, wondered how to keep going when everything feels “too hard”, or you’re juggling horses, kids, ageing parents and a changing body, this one will hit you right in the heart.
Episode 4 is a big warm hug for every tired parent crawling toward the end of the year. Marissa and Oriel debrief on their latest riding lessons — complete with yelling coaches, triumphant canter circles, and Queensland heat exhaustion — before diving into the chaos of December. From school concerts to Christmas pressure, dropping balls left and right, Santa politics, Elf-on-the-Shelf panic and that never-ending Tetris game we call life… this one reminds you you’re not alone. Pour a wine, saddle up, and vent with us.
Oriel and Marissa are back — and this week, it’s all about bravery in every form. From Oriel conquering her first official dressage test (complete with white jods, trembling hands and a bravery award) to Marissa’s first trail ride in decades, the pair share laughter, nerves and small victories in the saddle.
Then they’re joined by the incredible Professor Matt Sanders, founder of the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, for a powerful conversation on raising resilient kids. Matt dives into the rise in childhood anxiety, how parents can model calm and optimism, and why learning emotional literacy is just as important as learning to ride without falling off.
It’s an episode for every parent — and every rider — learning to stay steady when life feels wobbly!
Oriel and Marissa tick off a huge milestone: their first unsupervised ride together. In a fenceless grass arena (gulp), they work on serpentines, self-carriage and a few baby canters—plus a quick refresher on arena manners after Laney threatens a cheeky bum-bite. They also unpack a horsemanship clinic with Will from Equine on the Move—think pallets-as-seesaws, pool noodles, bridges and those giant mining tyres that Oriel actually rode over (fear: faced). Next on the agenda? A float-driving clinic (aka “towing water”).
In the second half, they introduce a heartfelt pre-recorded chat with business mentor Claire Riley on navigating separation: getting practical support (parenting coach, lawyer, money person), talking to kids without over-promising, Centrelink realities, legal guardrails, and breaking up kindly. It’s an episode about confidence, under saddle and in life.
After a short break, Oriel and Marissa are back behind the mic — and back in the saddle — for Season Two of The Mounting Block! This catch-up episode is packed with updates from “Horseland,” including the exciting arrival of Hickatee, Marissa’s new quarter horse on lease, and the blossoming paddock friendship (and surprising pecking order!) between Hickatee and Laney.
The duo also opens up about the rollercoaster of horse ownership, from vet checks and heart murmurs to the joy of early-morning feeds and the juggle of family life, work, and riding. With fresh goals, new routines, and a promise to make time for the things that bring them joy, this episode sets the tone for a season all about growth, connection, and not rushing the ride.
In this episode of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa sit down with Pam Hird — a nutritionist, naturopath, and personal trainer — to unpack the realities of burnout, sleep struggles, and the changes our bodies face as we move through our 40s and 50s.
Pam brings her holistic perspective to the conversation, breaking down how stress impacts our energy, why sleep disturbances become more common, and what’s really going on as we step into the perimenopause era. With practical advice and warm encouragement, she shares tools for balancing hormones, supporting our bodies naturally, and finding sustainable ways to rebuild energy.
This chat is equal parts informative and reassuring, reminding us that while our bodies are shifting, we can thrive with the right support, lifestyle changes, and mindset. If you’ve ever wondered whether the fatigue, restless nights, or sudden shifts you’re experiencing are “just you” — this episode will remind you that you’re not alone, and that there are steps you can take to feel better in this stage of life.
In Episode 17 of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa share the twists and turns of their latest riding lesson. With Laney out of action and Marissa feeling under the weather, the pair mixed up their horses and found themselves navigating all the quirks and challenges that come with riding something new. They also take a moment to reflect on their nearly 12 months back in the saddle, prompted by listener feedback, and open up about where their fears still lie, how they measure progress, and why celebrating small wins is just as important as staying upright.
It’s an honest, light-hearted look at growth, grit, and the joy of sticking with it, even when the ride doesn’t go to plan!
In this episode of The Mounting Block, Marissa shares the hilarious tale of her whirlwind 48 hours as a brand-new pony owner — complete with a cheeky Houdini pony determined to test her patience (and her fences!).
After the laughter, Oriel and Marissa welcome guest Claire Riley from claireriley.co, a business coach who helps business owners back themselves with confidence. Claire talks about why imperfect action often beats perfection, how to reconnect with the passion behind your work, and the mindset shifts that keep you moving forward no matter what stage of business you’re in.
It’s an episode that blends paddock chaos with powerful business wisdom — a reminder that whether it’s ponies or business, backing yourself is always the way forward.
This episode of The Mounting Block takes a powerful turn as Marissa and Oriel are joined by parenting expert Carol Markie-Dadds from Triple P Parenting to mark Bullying Awareness Week. Carol brings decades of experience in child development and family support to an open, honest conversation about the challenges families face when bullying enters the picture.
Together, they explore how bullying shows up in today’s world — from the schoolyard to the digital space — and how parents can be proactive in protecting their children’s mental health.
Carol shares her insights on recognising the signs, opening communication, and empowering children to build resilience, while also encouraging parents to be strong advocates when their child needs support. She also touches on the emotional toll that cyberbullying can take and how teaching empathy early on is a powerful tool for prevention.
With warmth, wisdom, and plenty of practical advice, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent navigating the tricky terrain of raising kids in a world where bullying is all too common — and support, connection, and open communication are more important than ever.
In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa open up about the reality of life getting in the way of riding, of routines, and of each other. With honesty and warmth, they reflect on the few weeks they haven’t ridden together and how hard it can be to keep passions alive when everything else feels overwhelming.
But the real heart of this episode comes as Oriel shares her IVF journey which is raw, emotional, and brave, with an unexpected and extraordinary twist! This isn’t a polished highlight reel; it’s real life, with all its heartbreak, resilience, and hope.
Whether you’re in the thick of IVF, feeling disconnected from your old self, or just trying to juggle too much, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone. Sometimes stepping away from the saddle leads to the most powerful perspective of all.
This week on The Mounting Block, we’re joined by an absolute powerhouse — five-time Olympian and beach volleyball gold medallist Natalie Cook! From the sandy courts of Sydney 2000 to life beyond elite sport, Nat shares what it really takes to reach the pinnacle of performance and how she transitioned into her post-athletic life with purpose.
We dive into the mental grit, goal-setting, and laser-sharp focus required to chase down a dream — whether it’s Olympic gold or simply finding joy in something new (like maybe getting Nat into the saddle!). With plenty of laughs, inspiring takeaways, and a few curveballs along the way, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.
So… can we convince a beach volleyball legend to swap the sand for stirrups?
In this episode, Marissa finally gets her moment in the saddle on Oriel’s horse, Laney—but where was Oriel during this ride? The duo catch up and unpack the juggle that so many families face: the chaos of coordinating life as working parents, managing FIFO (fly-in fly-out) schedules, travelling without kids, and all the moving parts that come with it. From school pick-ups to juggling the holidays, they talk honestly about the load and the lifeline that is community. It's a reminder that behind every ride (and every rider) is a team making it happen.
In this episode of The Mounting Block, Marissa and Oriel saddle up for some serious (but not too serious) money talk with financial advisor Shane Light from The Hopkins Group. If you’ve ever wondered how much do I actually need for retirement? or is it too late to get this sorted?, you’re not alone – because that’s exactly what we’re asking too.
Shane breaks down the mysteries of superannuation, explains what a self-managed super fund really is, and gives us a good dose of financial clarity without the jargon. Meanwhile, Marissa tries not to spiral about being in her 40s with no plan, and Oriel contemplates the cost of carrots – for horses and humans alike.
We also share a quick update from our latest horse riding lesson, where Marissa is bravely rebuilding her confidence in the saddle, and Oriel works hard (mentally and physically!) to take on new skills.
It’s financial planning meets personal growth… with a few laughs and probably a few mild existential crises along the way.
Tune in and feel a bit more prepared – or at least a bit less panicked – as we tackle the next 20 years leading up to retirement.
*Disclaimer - This is General Advice only and does not take into account any person’s relevant circumstances. You should always seek advice from a licensed professional before acting on any matters that may have been raised in this podcast’
In Episode 10 of The Mounting Block, Marissa and Oriel are joined by the incredible Lisa Willey — an expert in free rein horsemanship, mounted archery, and (yes!) even a stunt rider for films. From trusting a horse with no reins to galloping bareback with a bow and arrow in hand, Lisa shares her unique journey and the deep connection she builds with horses through intuition and freedom.
They dive into what it takes to ride with that kind of trust (spoiler: a lot of inner work), how she ended up doubling as a movie extra on horseback, and why letting go — literally and emotionally — is one of the bravest things you can do in or out of the saddle.
This episode is equal parts inspiring and jaw-dropping, and might just make you want to throw away the reins (or at least loosen your grip a little).
In this deeply personal episode of The Mounting Block, Marissa opens up about her journey through postnatal depression — the moments she didn’t see coming, the mental weight she carried, and the strength it took to ask for help. Joined by Oriel, the two friends dive into the reality so many women face after childbirth, breaking down stigma with honesty, empathy, and the power of shared experience. This episode is a conversation starter — for those who’ve been there, those currently struggling, and those wanting to understand how to better support the women in their lives.
In Episode 8 of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa sit down with Lisa Coffey, the inspiring founder of Racing Hearts. Lisa shares her incredible journey of overcoming adversity, from her roots in Ireland, where she began exercising racehorses, to her move to Australia, where she transitioned from working in the racing industry to creating a charity that helps both people and horses. Racing Hearts has given retired racehorses a second chance, pairing them with individuals facing mental health challenges through equine-assisted therapy. Lisa’s story of resilience, passion for horses, and her vision for healing through connection is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about how these beautiful thoroughbreds are changing lives, both for the horses and the people they help.
In this special episode, Oriel and Marissa introduce the woman behind their riding journey — their no-nonsense, horse-whispering, secretly-soft-hearted coach, Tracey. The one they both want to impress, even when their legs are jelly and their brains are shouting "get off!"
Tracey joins the chat to share her powerful story: from the resilience it took to rebuild after a devastating fall from a horse, to the deeper healing that came from escaping a domestic violence relationship. In honour of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, she opens up about the strength it takes to leave, to start over, and to find your power again — in the saddle and in life.
With raw honesty and quiet humour, Tracey talks about the deep connection she’s always had with horses, how they helped her survive, and how she now helps others grow in courage, confidence and trust — one ride at a time.
This one’s for anyone who’s ever had to get back up — and for the women who lift others up with them.
In this two-part episode of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa reflect on how far they’ve come since dusting off the saddle and climbing back on the horse. From shaky starts to moments of triumph (and a few wobbles in between), they open up about overcoming fear, building confidence, and why it’s never too late to try something new.
Then, they’re joined by longtime personal trainer Quentin Johnson, who brings 25 years of experience to a conversation about fitness after 40. Together, they unpack the changes our bodies go through in our 40s, 50s, and beyond—and what we actually need to be doing for strength, mobility, and longevity. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals or just want to feel strong in the saddle (or life), this episode is packed with encouragement, practical advice, and a good dose of humour.
In this episode of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa share some exciting news that’s been brewing behind the scenes! They also dive into the highs and lows of parenting children with ADHD—navigating big emotions, daily challenges, and the constant mental load. But it’s not all serious talk—these two still manage to find joy and courage in the saddle, tackling jumps (both literal and emotional) and laughing through the fear. It’s a heartwarming, honest, and horse-filled episode you won’t want to miss.