In this warm, reflective episode of Yarns With Linda and Preston, the hosts talk honestly about the pressures and commercialisation of the holiday season and how to bring the focus back to connection. They share family traditions (like lolly drives and Giving Trees), ideas for simple, meaningful activities across December, and how to reduce stress by shifting expectations around presents. Linda and Preston also discuss the importance of filling your own cup, being present with kids and community, and choosing rituals that bring gratitude and genuine joy rather than debt or anxiety. Practical, heartfelt and quietly funny — this episode is a reminder that the best presents are our time, attention and kindness.

Show Notes

• Opening reflections on slowing down, noticing Country and the season’s changes.
• The pressure and commercialisation of Christmas — why it can feel overwhelming.
• Family rules and strategies: not buying gifts for adults, Secret Santa, and moving extended-family gatherings to a different weekend to ease pressure.
• Lolly drive tradition — taking kids around the neighbourhood to hand out lollies as an act of giving.
• Creative, low-cost December activities (making baubles, cookie decorating, viewing Christmas lights) to build memory-rich traditions.
• The value of being present: putting phones away, weekly family dinners, and prioritising time over material gifts.
• The need to fill your own cup — self-care and recognising when you’re depleted so you can give from a full heart.
• A gentle call to examine traditions, shift expectations, and choose giving that actually nourishes family, community and spirit

Brought to you by Podfire.

In this warm and reflective episode of Yarns With Linda and Preston, the pair share stories about travel, rest, and rediscovering the magic in our own backyard. As holiday season approaches, they explore the pressures families face to create the “perfect” getaway and how true relaxation often comes from slowing down, connecting with people, and appreciating the land beneath our feet.

Show Notes

• Reflections on the fast-approaching holiday season and why so many of us feel pressure to “make it perfect.”
• Linda and Preston discuss how stress, expectation, and cost can steal the joy from a getaway.
• The beauty of slow travel — caravanning, camping, and connecting with locals.
• Why Australia’s diversity offers endless opportunities for learning, rest, and reflection.
• Preston shares stories from travelling across regional and remote Australia through work and community visits.
• Linda’s memories of a healing pilgrimage to Central Australia and family time in Hawaii.
• The lessons of local knowledge, storytelling, and listening to the Country’s rhythm.
• A reflection on privilege, gratitude, and perspective — finding richness in simplicity.

Brought to you by Podfire.

In this thought-provoking episode of Yarns With Linda and Preston, the pair dive into the complexities of immigration, identity, and the divisions shaping Australia today. Sparked by recent news and public debate, they reflect on media narratives, political leadership, and the underlying fears that fuel division. Through their yarn, Linda and Preston explore the power of perspective, empathy, and listening—reminding us that connection, acceptance, and shared humanity are the true antidotes to division. With honesty and hope, they challenge us to reflect on how we can each practice understanding in our daily lives.

Show Notes

• Preston raises the controversial topic of immigration policy and its place in the national conversation.
• Linda reflects on cycles of division, negativity, and media-driven fear in Australia’s social and political landscape.
• Why connection, reciprocity, and respect are key to healing and unity.
• The importance of perspective, empathy, and listening—and why we often avoid seeing the world through another’s eyes.
• Reflections on identity, history, and pride in culture, and how these shape our understanding of belonging.
• Stories, struggles, and why every person has a unique journey worth sharing.
• Exploring marches, protests, and dialogue—do they divide or create space for unity?
• A hopeful call to practice acceptance and understanding, even when views differ.

Share the Luv