Welcome to the Author Spotlight Podcast by Morpheus Publishing!

In this heartfelt episode, host Justine Martin, founder and CEO of Morpheus Publishing, sits down with inspiring author Penelope Gemmell, who shares the powerful story behind her debut book, Observations from a Wheelchair.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2001, Penelope's journey from intensive care nurse to published author is one of resilience, humour, and unexpected empowerment through disability. This episode dives deep into:

🔹 Penelope's journey from walking aids to embracing wheelchair life
🔹 Her candid reflections on disability, independence, and public perception
🔹 How the Morpheus Inner Circle Writing Group helped her become a published author
🔹 The emotional and practical realities of writing with a chronic illness
🔹 Why Observations from a Wheelchair is a must-read for allies, carers, and anyone navigating life with a disability

We can’t wait to share this powerful and heartfelt book with you in person at the official launch celebration.

📅 Saturday, 26 July 2025
🕥 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Von Stieglitz Meeting Room, Riverway Library, Thuringowa QLD

RSVP for FREE or reserve a signed copy for $25.95: https://www.trybooking.com/DBOIM

Connect with Penelope Gemmell on the following channels:
Website: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/authors/penelope-mcnally
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penelope.mcnally
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penel3320/


Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

What happens when the very systems meant to protect victims become part of the harm?

In this eye-opening episode, author and former psychologist Angharad Candlin joins host Justine Martin to reveal the shocking failures in domestic violence support — including a moment that will leave you speechless: a counselor asking a victim, “How do you provoke him?”

This episode is more than a conversation — it's a call to action.
To listen. To believe. To change the system.

🟣 Trigger warning: This episode discusses themes of domestic abuse, victim-blaming, and trauma. Viewer discretion is advised.

Get to know Angharad Candlin:

Angharad is a woman on a mission; to build an anti-fragile, compassionate world, one person at a time.

Angharad was born in the USA, grew up in the UK and chose to migrate to Australia as a young adult. She frequently says she is American by birth, Welsh by heritage and Australian by choice. She was the second of four children until her sister’s untimely death from Malignant Melanoma when Angharad was aged 20.

Angharad was in the middle of her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and Business Studies when her sister died. Finishing her Honours Degree and simultaneously a Graduate Certificate in Marketing in the midst of her loss and grief are amongst her greatest achievements.

Angharad started her career as a Marketing Executive with Newsweek International before migrating to Australia to join her family on Christmas Eve 1990. Angharad had a sliding doors moment when she was turned down from her application to be a Marketing Executive for a major airline but accepted the role as a Direct Care Counsellor with a large Non-Government Agency in Sydney. Her fate was sealed and she went on to gain her Masters Degree and her registration as a Psychologist. Angharad became a Board Authorised Supervisor and Adjunct Fellow with Macquarie University and after working at the pointy end of the Community Services Sector for over 30 years she medically retired in 2023.

Angharad grew up in a family familiar with disability; her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when Angharad was a young teenager and her sister has Irlen Syndrome (a visual processing disorder similar to Dyslexia). Angharad went on to develop her own MS symptoms as well as Psoriatic Arthritis when she was in her late teens. Due to poor medical practices; despite receiving a preliminary diagnosis of MS when she was in her early 20s, it would take another 35 years for her to be conclusively diagnosed with the same incurable and degenerative disease as her mother. It took 18 years for the Psoriatic Arthritis to be diagnosed and along the way she received a diagnosis of Endometriosis and Infertility.

Connect with Angharad Candlin on the following channels:
Website: https://www.angharadcandlin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angharadcandlinofficial
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angharad-candlin-056222171/

Get your copy of The Anatomy of Domestic Violence: Emily's Story: https://amzn.asia/d/4fCO9kq


Ready to start your writing journey? Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

Troy was told he'd never work again, never ride again, and never lift more than two kilos. Then, his brother died. Still part of an Outlaw Motorcycle Club, Troy hit rock bottom but what came next will inspire you.

In this heartfelt conversation, Justine Martin explores Troy’s resilience journey: how a psychologist, a pair of socks, and an unlikely support system helped him face his demons, find purpose, and rewrite his future.

Get to know Troy Koerntjes:

Troy is a passionate mental health advocate and community leader from Geelong. He's the powerhouse behind Mental Health Militia, a grassroots movement breaking down stigma and sparking real, raw conversations about mental health. Troy is also the driving force behind Complete Health Geelong, where he champions holistic wellbeing combining physical, emotional, and psychological support to help people thrive.

Through lived experience, fierce advocacy, and a no-nonsense approach, he is helping others feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether he's speaking at schools, working one-on-one with clients, or creating safe spaces for blokes to open up, Troy leads with heart and authenticity. He's here to remind us that vulnerability is strength, and that community is key.

Connect with Troy Koerntjes on the following channels:
Website: https://completehealthgeelong.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Troy-Koerntjes-100090689070404/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troykoerntjes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-koerntjes

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/

Connect with Justine Martin and Justine Martin Corporation:

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher

Website: https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
Email: hello@justinemartin.com.au
Phone: +61403564942

Ready to start your writing journey? Then Morpheus Publishing might be for you! Learn more here on how we can help you: https://www.morpheuspublishing.com.au/