Beyond Bubble Baths - Real Self-Care in Politics and Community with Kate

Series 2 Episode 7 Overview

Download the audio and find on all your fav platforms.

In this candid episode of She Speaks, we explore what wellbeing and self-care really look like beyond Instagram perfection and commercialised images. Kate Hulett, a Fremantle business owner, community advocate, artist, and independent political candidate, shares her raw experiences of balancing multiple roles while navigating the demands of political candidacy. With honesty and authenticity, she reveals the challenges and small victories in maintaining wellbeing during intensely busy periods of life.

This Episode

Kate shares her journey with wellbeing and self-care during a transformative time in her life. We explore:

  • The reality of self-care during campaign season and how small rituals become essential anchors

  • How deep community connections influence personal wellbeing and create meaning

  • The importance of establishing boundaries in public roles without sacrificing authenticity

  • Navigating gendered expectations and scrutiny as a woman in politics

Quotable Moments

"I would never say to a friend the things that I say to myself. If someone else was doing what I'm doing, I would be incredibly supportive. So I can reflect and try to practice that to myself." - Kate

"We've been trained to believe that we are all isolated and powerless. But when we come together with others, we are very strong." - Kate

"The bravery and courage that we seek from our leaders has dissipated, and with that so has our bravery and courage. But I can see it bubbling back up—people are getting involved again, hoping for more and asking for more." - Kate

Resources Mentioned

  • Community Connections: Kate highlights the importance of local community gatherings, like the monthly community dinners she attended where anyone can participate

  • Digital Boundaries: Setting expectations through email signatures about availability and response times

  • Wellbeing Policies: Discussion of government policies that measure wellbeing instead of just GDP

Connect With Us

  • Catch up on Part 1 of our conversation with Felicity if you haven't already

  • Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies

  • Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

About Kate

Kate Hulett is a Fremantle business owner whose retail store, Kate and Abel, has been part of the local streetscape for the past 11 years. Living around the corner from her shop, Kate is a longstanding advocate for building a smarter, more liveable and vibrant Fremantle. She recently ran a groundbreaking campaign for state parliament that mobilised the Fremantle community and saw WA's biggest swing against Labor, coming within just a few hundred votes of winning despite challenges from major parties.

At this election (May 2025), Kate is running as a Community Independent for Fremantle, with the goal of putting Fremantle's voice front and center on a strong crossbench of independents and holding major parties accountable on critical issues. Not linked to any political party or controlled by big business, billionaires, or lobbyists, Kate represents the community and is accountable only to her constituents. Her campaign exemplifies her belief that Fremantle deserves positive and courageous leadership for a better future.

Connect With Kate

Kate of Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DITY_8FJWP0/

A Pirce of Kate Podcast https://www.kateforfremantle.com/podcast-a-piece-of-kate

Kate for Fremantle https://www.kateforfremantle.com/

A Note on Wellbeing

She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health practitioner.

She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.

 

Previous
Previous

Befriending Your Menstrual Cycle (Part 2)