Humans, being.™ with Lael Stone

What if the very things we judge ourselves most harshly for are actually the doorways to our deepest growth?
In this raw and moving conversation, I sit down with Dr Billy Garvey – developmental paediatrician, podcaster, and someone who understands that our struggles aren't problems to fix, but invitations to understand ourselves more deeply.
Billy works with children and families navigating neurodevelopmental differences, but this conversation goes far beyond diagnosis and treatment. It's about what it means to be human, to carry pain, and to find our way toward wholeness.
We explore:
How childhood trauma shows up in our adult bodies and relationships
The difference between fixing ourselves and truly understanding ourselves
Why self-compassion is so much harder than compassion for others
The power of simply being heard without needing to be fixed
Breaking generational patterns whilst honouring where we came from
The radical act of accepting all parts of ourselves – even the messy bits
I was struck by Billy's honesty about his own journey – anxious moments, the childhood experiences that shaped him, and the ongoing work of becoming whole. His willingness to share his struggles while holding space for others is exactly what makes him such a powerful person and a present father.
This conversation reminded me that we're all doing the best we can with what we know, and that our vulnerability isn't weakness... it's the doorway to connection.
[Recorded October 2025]
About Dr Billy Garvey:
Billy is a developmental paediatrician passionate about supporting children and families navigating neurodevelopmental differences. He's the co-founder of Guiding Growing Minds and brings a compassionate approach to his work, recognising that behaviour is communication and that understanding the 'why' behind struggles is essential. Billy is also the co-host – with Nick McCormack – of the popular podcast 'Pop Culture Parenting' and a sought-after speaker on topics of childhood development, trauma, and healing.
Connect with Billy:
Instagram: @drbillygarvey
Podcast: Pop Culture Parenting
Website: Guiding Growing Minds

—

Connect with Humans, being™:
Web: humansbeing.au
Instagram: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
Facebook: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
TikTok: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
YouTube: @humansbeingwithlaelstone

Humans, being™ is produced on the lands of the Bunurong and Wathaurong people. We pay respect to their unique and diverse cultures and to elders past, present and future.

What does it really mean to belong? And what happens when we're brave enough to step into uncomfortable places to create a sense of belonging for others?
In this deeply moving first episode, I sit down with Rana Hussain – founder of ‘Good Human’, broadcaster, board member, and one of the most courageous humans I know. Rana was the first Muslim woman appointed to a national sporting board, and today sits on the boards of Welcoming Australia, Reconciliation Australia, and Basketball Australia.
But this conversation isn't about achievements or accolades... it's about the human experience beneath them all.
We explore:
Setting inner boundaries when work becomes your identity (and why that's trickier than it sounds)
The fundamental human need to be seen and heard – no matter who we are or where we come from
How childhood imprints show up in our adult lives, especially around belonging and exclusion
Creating safer spaces for our children whilst doing our own healing work
The power of curiosity over judgment when navigating difficult conversations
How being authentic – really, truly ourselves – requires both bravery and comfort
I found myself moved to tears during this conversation. Rana's willingness to be vulnerable, to stand in uncomfortable places, and to keep showing up with compassion and humanity is exactly what the world needs more of right now.
This is what ‘Humans, being.’ is all about... witnessing the stories we carry, understanding the patterns that shape us, and recognising our shared humanity in all of it.
[Recorded October 2025]
About Rana Hussain:
Rana is the founder of ‘Good. Human’, which helps people and organisations build cultures of belonging across self, team, and system. She honed her skills in elite sport and now works across corporate, not-for-profit, and other sectors, bringing lessons of high-performance culture to diverse environments. A sought-after speaker, facilitator, and broadcaster, Rana is driven by the recognition that belonging is a core human need for all of us to thrive.
Connect with Rana:
Instagram: @ranabhussain
LinkedIn: /rana-hussain
Web: goodhuman.au
Podcast: Play Big

—

Connect with Humans, being™:
Web: humansbeing.au
Instagram: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
Facebook: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
TikTok: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
YouTube: @humansbeingwithlaelstone

Humans, being.™ is produced on the lands of the Bunurong and Wathaurong people. We pay respect to their unique and diverse cultures and to elders past, present and future.

Humans, being.™ is excited to launch on January 12th, 2026.
The podcast is about you as a listener, and for all of us to come home to realising that we are all humans being, doing the best job that we know how. I would love to hear from you – what questions you may have, what contemplations you've received from this episode, what guests you'd like me to have on, or any themes or topics you would love me to discuss.
Send us a message on our site or on any of our social platforms:
Website: humansbeing.au
Instagram: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
Facebook: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
TikTok: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
YouTube: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
Connect with Lael:
Website: laelstone.com.au
Instagram: @laelstone
Facebook: @laelstone
Team:
Brand and Creative by Mike Gaal
Original Music by Josh Reed
Recorded at WeMOV, Melbourne
Produced by Nigel Carboon
Humans, being.™ is produced on the lands of the Bunurong and Wathaurong people. We pay respect to their unique and diverse cultures and to elders past, present and future.

A guided relaxation into the inner child.