Get ready to be inspired by the unstoppable Heidi Anderson! In a fast-paced world where authenticity and resilience are rare gems, Heidi has managed to shine bright. From her humble beginnings in regional radio to co-hosting one of Perth’s most popular breakfast shows, she’s overcome countless obstacles and emerged as a true champion of self-confidence. As a PR party starter and empowerment stand-up creator, Heidi’s on a mission to help others break free from their insecurities and unleash their inner power – without relying on the crutch of booze. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into Heidi’s incredible journey, and discover how she’s empowering women around the world through her empowering podcasts, coaching programs, and live shows. Get ready to be inspired!
- You’ve had an incredible journey in the media industry, from regional radio to co-hosting a top breakfast radio show. Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that shaped your career path and led you to where you are today?
In 2016 live on the radio I opened up about my anxiety. This changed the trajectory of my life. On the outside, to our breakfast radio audience, I was the picture of confidence – I was the girl dancing on tables with a glass of bubbles in my hand, without a care (or fear) in the world, loud and proud on the mic with my opinions BUT I wasn’t sharing ALL of myself.
The only thing I didn’t openly share with them was how I was feeling deep down. The bit that actually f*cking mattered. The truth is, I cared way too much and I was terrified. Despite having a dream-worthy career on breakfast radio, I was an anxious mess with imposter syndrome who had turned to hard-partying to numb the pain. This was my rock bottom.
Until an unforgettable day in 2016, I made headlines after announcing my struggle with chronic anxiety LIVE on air. The story went on to reach over two million people online. You can watch it online https://www.heidileeanderson.com/new-about
Since then, I openly shared my journey from self-loathing to self-love unfold through my weekly national column, on the airwaves and I created a movement. It’s kind of how my biz started. The listeners and my social media following go to experience the highs, the lows, the tears, the laughter, and most importantly, they’ve seen my self-esteem skyrocket through doing the deep inner work. I’m no longer reliant on alcohol to fake a cool-girl vibe. I’m Drunk on Confidence baby, and I have created a movement.
- “Drunk on Confidence” is such a captivating phrase. How did you come up with it, and what does it signify to you personally and professionally?
It is the name of my memoir. When my publisher told me they didn’t like the name I had chosen, I was a little upset. However, I trusted their advice and NOW I am so grateful for their feedback because it has created an entire movement and incredible walkability about the name. The morning they told me they didn’t like the name, I had just been on live TV in my bra & undies sharing my mission and my movement. I was re-watching the live TV cross when I heard the words, “I was always the girl who was drunk to have confidence. Today, 10 years on, I am Drunk on Confidence.” I stopped the replay and I messaged my publisher and said, “The book will be called Drunk On Confidence” and they responded that they loved it! It’s now become a movement and is a huge part of my brand.
- Your live empowerment stand-up shows sound like an amazing platform for sharing stories and fostering courage. Could you tell us about a particularly memorable moment or story shared during one of these shows?
The shows are powerful and sell out every time. I feel like I have found my thing. My soul mission on this earth is to inspire women to face what’s holding them back, shed their shit and become the most confident version of themselves (without the booze), all while having a bloody good time.
I created the Shit Show series to give others a platform to share the stage with me and become a real-life motivational speaker for the night. Everyone has a killer story, and now there is the perfect place to let it rip! Forget being perfect – it’s often our darkest or silliest moments that lead to our most powerful light-bulb lessons. I should know.
Every show is a completely different rollercoaster ride, with an inspirational headline speaker plus several brave women who have been hand-picked for the coveted open mic spots. And your favourite party-starter (me) will play host for the festivities. I have had 100s of legends apply and I have shared the stage with around 30 women who have all been memorable to be honest.
They all get seven minutes to shed their shit on stage with a powerful story, moment, or lesson Women, non-binary and trans folk are all welcome to apply; we value and aim to amplify diverse experiences. And no you don’t have to be funny – but it’s a bonus if you are. The job of the speaker is to make the audience FEEL.
Mel Groenewold, one of the legendary speakers, was just 17 when she lost four limbs to a devastating disease she didn’t realize she had until it was almost too late. Decades later, one throwaway comment at the beach brought the mum-of-two to the brink of tears and pushed her to finally share her story.
- Launching two popular podcasts, “Champagne Confidence” and “First Time Parents,” is quite an accomplishment. What inspired you to venture into podcasting, and how do you believe these platforms contribute to your mission of empowering others?
I love talking and after leaving radio, I needed an outlet to share. My husband and I were first-time parents, who decided to record and document our lives as first-time parents. Why? I think it was therapy really? The podcast saved our marriage for the first years. We felt less alone and we were able to speak openly without getting angry or shutting down when it came to different parenting styles. The podcast went nuts and a few months in, it had 17,000 downloads in its biggest month and was named Apple New & Noteworthy show which was a cool accolade to receive. The best part of all which is why we kept going, was the feedback from its listeners, they felt seen and so did we. So we kept going.
- Your coaching programs offer mentorship to women seeking confidence and empowerment. What are some common challenges you’ve observed among your clients, and how do you guide them through their journey of self-discovery and growth?
The biggest issue I see with the women I work with is the fear of rejection. We all want to be liked and we never want to piss people off. They are afraid of what others think of them and want to fit in, it’s most of us really. The one thing that I do that has changed so many lives, is a technique called exposure therapy. Psychologist’s use it. I have used it to confront many of my demons and I use this as a tool when I work with women. WE face the shit that scared us. That is how I ended up walking through a shopping centre in my bra and undies.
- Behind the scenes, the media industry can be intense and demanding. How do you prioritize self-care and maintain authenticity in an environment that often glorifies perfection and superficiality?
To be honest, resilience is built over time, 10 years behind a radio breakfast mic and 10 years plus with a public profile, and being on TV you build it over time.
You have to learn to put yourself first, block out the noise, and focus on what it is you want to achieve. DO NOT READ THE COMMENTS SECTION ha ha and put boundaries in place. I am the woman I am today because I have faced my fears and am still doing it. I always live by the mantra, “The conversation is bigger than me.”
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