Beyond The Tube: Real Stories, Real Advice

In this episode of Beyond the Tube, Fi Rodrick speaks with Alex De Young and Nicki Walsh from Frankie's Clubhouse, an initiative designed by Queensland Health, to support children and families navigating healthcare challenges. They discuss the origins of Frankie's Clubhouse, the importance of addressing emotional needs post-hospitalisation, and the role of personal experiences in shaping the resources provided. The conversation highlights the impact of trauma on children and families, the significance of storytelling and play in healing, and the need for advocacy and awareness in child healthcare. They also introduce Frankie, a comfort toy designed to help children process their experiences, and discuss the future goals of Frankie's Clubhouse, including expanding accessibility and resources for families.This episode is proudly sponsored by Tubie Love, now part of the Independently You family. Offering practical, beautifully designed products, these are a must for families navigating tubie life.
Use code BTT20 to receive 20% off any Tubie Love product or the full range of products on Independently You. Valid until 15th March 2026.
Visit independentlyyou.com.au

This is a Podvan Media production

In this episode, I'm joined by Maddie (the CEO of Little Dreamers Australia) to discuss the vital role of young carers in our community. Maddie shares her personal story of caring for her brother and mother (a journey that began when she was just six years old) and how it inspired her to create a national support network. I wanted to explore how we can better identify the two or three young carers who sit in every Australian classroom without formal recognition.
We discuss the various programs Little Dreamers offers to help kids manage their mental health and education, and Maddie outlines the four main pillars of support they provide to ensure these young people can thrive.
It was a truly enlightening conversation that helped me realise how much work is still needed to support these hidden heroes!

This episode is proudly sponsored by Tubie Love, now part of the Independently You family. Offering practical, beautifully designed products, these are a must for families navigating tubie life.
Use code BTT20 to receive 20% off any Tubie Love product or the full range of products on Independently You.
Valid until 15th March 2026.
Visit independentlyyou.com.au

We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out!
Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast Email: [email protected]
This is a Podvan Media production.

It's the final episode for 2025 and Eliana joins me to wrap up the year with some incredible stories and practical advice. We discuss the reality of establishing feeding schedules (flexible or strict), managing big emotions in the morning, and transitioning from NG tubes to G-tubes.
Eliana shares an amazing story about Luke’s button popping out mid-flight and how preparation saved the day. She also opens up about the shift from feeling overwhelmed to eventually enjoying normal family days at the beach.
This chat also covers the importance of advocating for your family when medical plans don't fit your lifestyle. Eliana offers advice on navigating the festive season, reminding tubie parents to focus on the fun rather than the food!

We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out!
Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast 
Email: [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.

Nurse Mary (The Butterfly Pig founder) shares her journey from paediatric oncology to designing over 90 different medical play toys (from G-tubes to miniature ultrasound machines). She explains how tangible, realistic medical toys are a vital resource for children managing medical conditions and procedures.
Mary highlights that play is the gold standard for patient education and is an essential tool for helping children express and process their fears around medical procedures. She and host Fi Rodrick discuss the lasting effects of medical trauma (even from one-off incidents) and the need for a system-wide shift in providing more child-friendly, trauma-informed care.
Check out The Butterfly Pig here: https://thebutterflypig.com/

We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out!
Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast 
Email: [email protected]
This is a Podvan Media production.

In this episode, Fi welcomes law graduate Tomika, who has a special interest in helping families navigate the complex world of the NDIS.
Tomika clarifies the differences between a plan reassessment and a change in circumstance . She also shares practical advice on handling plan rollovers and escalating issues to your MP.
You'll hear about the essential evidence checklist to help families with their NDIS applications (including the Functional Capacity Assessment), and the importance of a detailed daily life log and a Carer’s Impact Statement (due to high rates of carer burnout).
If you'd like the checklist mentioned in this episode, just shoot me an email and I'll get it straight out to you!
Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠
We’re building a community here – one story at a time – and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. Please feel free to reach out!
Instagram: @beyond.the.tube.podcast
This is a Podvan Media production.