Life, laughs and a podcast

A NEW podcast, Peri Wise Women, will explore all facets of life and is the brain child of two local women, Kelli Finlayson and Jackie
Matthews.
The series will feature guest speakers and share the ladies insightful, entertaining and honest accounts on current affairs, families, life and “anything else that’s on their minds”.
Ms Finlayson, 50, said the women, who met about seven years ago, quickly moved from acquaintances to friends, combining their life and business experiences in the podcast.
“I worked for the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, and Jac was also in business. I’m in Barwon Heads, she’s in Ocean Grove and over time our friendship just got bigger and better.
“We kept talking about doing something together and Jac suggested the idea of a podcast. I thought it sounded really cool, we were throwing around ideas and came up with Peri Wise.”
Ms Matthews, 47, said she gained confidence and experience as a volunteer at 94.7 The Pulse, and after completing a podcast course five years ago, was putting her skills into practice.
“I did a course five years ago with a lady who lived in Barwon Heads. She was a former DJ and ex radio person. It’s taken me five years to get to this stage.
“I’m a mother of five, and a human resources professional. I love people and learning about what makes them tick, what they’re passionate about and what drives them.
“One of the main reasons we wanted to do the podcast was to have some awesome laughs, chats, make jokes and keep it real. Lots of women take themselves too serious.
“They’re worried about what their house looks like and what impression they’re giving to other women, but we just want to get back to basics.”
Kelli said she loved turning 50 in December and hopes to encourage women to embrace their age and various stages of life, via their weekly
podcast episodes.
“I had the biggest party, it’s only a number to me. I don’t think women should be concerned about their age, we need to love who we are. We need to embrace what’s happening to our bodies.
“My girlfriends and I were recently talking about perimenopause and how it attacks your mind and your body, but it is what it is. You just have to grab hold of it as best you and live with it, it’s part of the ride and that’s what we talk about.”
The ladies said they have big plans for Peri Wise Women, which they hope might one day grow into seminars or retreats.
“Our podcast is for everyone, not just women. You could be a 49-year-old man and we will make you laugh. There’s so many social media influencers and they’re all young, fit and gorgeous.
“We want to bring the real back. We want to be influencers that are real and normal like everybody else. We’re not afraid to share our experiences and look forward to chatting with people that are experts in their field, and sharing their insight too.”
For more information or to get in touch with the women, search “Peri Wise Women” on Facebook.