About the Guest:

Dr. Michael Azzi, founder of Napro Life Centre and trained in the US in naprotechnology, joins Debbie and Eddie for a deep conversation about women's health, hormones, mental health and fertility. Michael opens up about the loss of his daughter Lily, the cultural weight of suffering in silence, and why your symptoms aren't a sign you're broken. They're your body asking to be heard. Part One of a two part series. You'll learn how to read your cycle, when to seek help, and how holistic care restores hope.

Key Takeaways:

• Holistic Healthcare: Emphasising the importance of a holistic approach to women's health, Dr. Azzi integrates medical treatment with lifestyle changes and spiritual considerations.
• Fertility Awareness and Naprotechnology: Dr. Azzi outlines how fertility awareness methods like the Creighton Model can provide insights into health issues, advocating for understanding the body's signals.
• Impact of Personal Experiences: Dr. Azzi's work is deeply informed by personal experiences, particularly his journey with pregnancy loss, which enhances his empathy and connection with patients.
• Cycle Awareness and Mental Health: There's a distinct interplay between a woman's menstrual cycle and her mental well-being, deserving attention and care rather than dismissal as "normal."
• Stigmas in Women's Health: Addressing the societal stigmas around menstruation and fertility, the episode encourages openness and understanding as part of breaking down these barriers.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Symptoms are a meaningful way to listen to your body calling for help." – Dr. Michael Azzi
2. "It's that kind of approach that, through my training, has always led me to kind of just ask further questions about what's going on." – Dr. Michael Azzi
3. "Sometimes our experiences kind of dictate our behavior, and sometimes we just do things without even knowing what we're doing." – Eddie Reaiche
4. "Your value is not defined by your fertility." – Dr. Michael Azzi
5. "It's all about just having that balance between the two and treating both streams at the same time." – Dr. Michael Azzi

Resources:

• Napro Life Center: Focused on holistic care and naprotechnology in Sydney.

You and your mental health is important to us. If this episode brought up any heavy emotions, please know you do not need to carry them alone. Reach out to Lifeline, Beyond Blue, or the counselling service at Hills Sanctuary house at hshl.org.au

Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary.

Follow us on
Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills
Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house
Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/

About the Guest

Wendy El Khoury is the founder of Wedded Wonderland, a leading wedding platform known for celebrating cultural and cross-cultural weddings. She began her career as a project manager at Commonwealth Bank before moving into the wedding industry, where her family’s involvement in a wedding venue helped shape her path. Today, she is recognized as an entrepreneur, strategist, educator, and philanthropist.

Key Takeaways:

• Wendy El Khoury's entrepreneurial journey demonstrates the power of cultural identity and community engagement in achieving professional success.
• Her platform, Wedded Wonderland, emphasises global cultural weddings and fosters diverse community connections.
• Personal stories from Wendy highlight the impact of cultural heritage and family values on her philanthropic endeavors.
• The episode reflects on the significance of volunteering and community involvement in enhancing personal and professional fulfillment.
• Wendy shares practical advice on maintaining a balanced approach in giving back while prioritising personal well-being and family.

Notable Quotes:

• "You have to uplift others and anything, and that's why Wedded Wonderland is so successful as well."
• "Being a leader is really important. Using our platform is really important. And then giving back to community, like that's what it's all about."
• "We live in a safe country. We afforded education. We have a hospital that if you go that to hospital, you're okay."
• "If you've lost your way, and we've all been there, remember, you always have a community here to support you."
• "I have an abundance mentality."

Resources:

• Wedded Wonderland Website

You and your mental health is important to us. If this episode brought up any heavy emotions, please know you do not need to carry them alone. Reach out to Lifeline, Beyond Blue, or the counselling service at Hills Sanctuary house at hshl.org.au

Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary.

Follow us on
Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills
Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house
Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/

About the Guests:

Buddie Bou Francis: Buddie is actively involved with the Children's Liturgy at Christ the Redeemer. His background in fitness, coaching teenagers, and participation in community activities like the liturgical group portrays him as a mentor figure with insights into the challenges faced by today's youth.

William McInnes: Will is the Ministry Coordinator Redeemed Teens at Christ the Redeemer. With a history in surf lifesaving and a commitment to building community, Will adds value with his balanced approach to youth mentorship, focusing on responsibility and personal development.

Summary

This generation of teenagers isn't struggling more than those before them. They're struggling differently. In this episode, Natalie Moujalli sits down with Buddy Boufrancis and William McInnes, two people who work closely with young people, to talk about what today's teens are actually up against. Social media, validation loops, the fear of failure, and a generation that has access to everything but ownership of very little. You'll walk away with a clearer picture of how to tell healthy ambition from unhealthy comparison, and what formation actually looks like in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:

• Generational Struggles: Today's teens face unique emotional and informational challenges that differ from the physical struggles of previous generations.
• Information Overload: Access to vast amounts of information on social media can overwhelm teens, stressing the need for discernment in consumption.
• Responsibility and Ownership: Encouraging teens to find responsibility through manageable tasks can build character and resilience.
• Healthy Ambition vs. Unhealthy Comparison: Understanding the difference between self-improvement and the corrosive effects of comparison is crucial for mental health.
• Avoidance of Validation Traps: Teens are advised to derive self-worth from within rather than external validation through social media.

Notable Quotes:

• "Depending on what you define struggle, there's a level of struggle that makes it hard for the generation before us to relate." - Buddie Boufrancis
• "It's about making mistakes. It's about trying something. It's about putting yourself out there a little bit." - Will McInnes
• "Your ability to take ownership of what you want and figure out which direction you want to move in is ultimately how to oppose that." - Buddie Boufrancis
• "Comparison makes you feel sick. How do you tell the difference? One produces an output, and the other produces anxiety." - Buddie Boufrancis
• "Everything's gonna be okay. Enjoy the journey. Have your eyes set on where you want to go, but enjoy the journey." - Will McInnes

You and your mental health is important to us. If this episode brought up any heavy emotions, please know you do not need to carry them alone. Reach out to Lifeline, Beyond Blue, or the counselling service at Hills Sanctuary house at hshl.org.au

Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary.

Follow us on
Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills
Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house
Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/