A Double Life

Trigger warning: sexual abuse and childhood trauma Jessica Ella reveals how years of abuse by her father from age three reshaped her idea of love. At thirty, a guided meditation brought back memories she had long pushed aside and began the process of healing. She speaks about generational trauma, the fear that followed, moments of hearing him when he wasn’t there, and the steady support of her mot...

After two later stage miscarriages and the relentless pressure of retail buying, Ariel knew something had to change. One morning in her bathroom, she decided to walk away and instantly felt a weight lift. In this episode, Ariel reflects on her best 20s spent in New York, partying, travelling and living life to the fullest, before building a new chapter in Australia. Over time, her career collided...

Fatima Yusufi’s journey is one of courage, defiance and relentless hope. Growing up in Afghanistan, she fought against deep rooted beliefs that girls could not play sport, challenging her own father’s mindset before taking on society’s. As the goalkeeper and captain of the Afghan women’s national soccer team, Fatima risked her life for the right to play, facing threats, bombings and the constant f...

In this real, raw episode Elizabeth, founder of Australian natural skincare brand SODA & Co, opens up about navigating motherhood, business, and resilience. Becoming a mum at 19, Elizabeth faced judgment and immense pressure, but her inner confidence and determination carried her through. She shares how motherhood shaped her, why she started SODA & Co for her daughter with allergies, and how build...

In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode, Stephanie Easton shares her journey of surviving decades of drug and alcohol abuse, trauma, eating disorders, and the failures of the mental health system. A mum of three and the founder of Melbourne’s first holistic rehab facility, Steph opens up about the years she spent stuck in cycles of addiction, medicated into numbness, and trying to find help...

Alana had just gotten married and was planning her honeymoon when she found a lump in her breast. After being dismissed by a GP, a second opinion changed everything. At 27, she was diagnosed with two grade three tumours. In this episode, Alana shares the shock of her diagnosis, how she broke the news to her husband, and what it was like navigating treatment. She opens up about the hardest part, lo...

In this episode, Nartarsha talks about becoming a teenage mum and how that was the start of her identity crisis and the beginning of everything falling apart. She shares how she thought she had experienced love before, but it was never true love, until she had her first baby and her life was exploded with love. At the same time, her partner left, and she experienced the deepest grief alongside all...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ariel and Keshia, the founders of From Day One, a mothers group that is anything but traditional. Born from a shared experience of loneliness and a desire for something more meaningful in the postpartum journey, they’ve created a space where mums feel heard, seen, and genuinely supported. Unlike the typical mum group stigma, this space is different. It brings toge...

Anaita Sarkar shares her journey, growing up feeling ashamed of her Indian roots, desperate to fit in, and resenting her parents for simply being who they were. But it was their courage, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped her into the person she is today, wanting nothing more than to make them proud. And now, as a mother of three, she’s breaking the cycle, teaching her girls that being differen...

DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. This is a story I’ve rarely shared, one that’s stayed with me for years. I once hired a woman who, at first glance, looked like she’d come off the streets but she was kind, brilliant, and incredible at her job. Over time, she opened up abo...

DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence and murder, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available. 1-800 RESPECT Phone Number: 1-800-737-732 (1-800 RESPECT) Website: 1800respect.org.au At just 13 years old, Lili Greer lost everything. Her moth...

Simone shares her powerful and emotional story of surviving a horrific domestic violence attack. After meeting a man online while raising three children and working two jobs, what began as a charming relationship quickly turned controlling and manipulative. Despite early red flags, Simone stayed until she finally ended the relationship—only for him to show up days later and brutally assault her in...

Postpartum anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of their background or success. Carly worked with a highly accomplished businesswoman known for her control and ability to handle anything. But after the life-changing experience of motherhood, she was taken completely by surprise when postpartum anxiety developed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Motherhood isn’t about comparison, as Madeline says, “Your hard is your hard.” It reshaped her identity, but over the years, she’s been finding her new self.  The challenges you face as a parent aren’t permanent, they’re all part of the journey. 0:00 – Your heart is your heart—it doesn’t have to be anyone else’s. 1:00 – Motherhood cracked me into a million pieces. 2:00 – Picking up those pieces an...

For the first time ever, Elysia is joining a double life to discuss this important topic, because no mother should feel judged for doing what’s best for her and her baby. Women continue to face guilt and judgment for their choices, whether they choose to breastfeed or formula feed. Too often, societal expectations and outside opinions create unnecessary pressure, making mothers feel like they have...

Melanie’s journey began with a life changing visit to an orphanage, where she was swarmed by kids craving love. Over ten years, she fostered around forty children, but everything changed when she took in a baby. That little one was then returned to her birth mum, but the experience planted a seed. She wondered if she would have a child of her own and how she would navigate pregnancy in her late th...

After spending $12,000 on egg freezing, she was heartbroken to collect just one egg. Determined to become a mother, she quit her job to focus entirely on IVF. When she finally saw those two lines, she could finally breathe again. Love creates a family, and her journey is one of resilience and hope. 0:00 - Struggling with fertility challenges at 36, unsure if having kids is in my future. 2:00 - Col...

In 2014, Madi Browne was at the top of her game as a professional netballer, but behind closed doors, she was trapped in a toxic marriage. From questioning her future, feeling like a prisoner in her own life, and battling career-ending injuries, to finding herself in an unexpected relationship with a woman that redefined the meaning of love—Madi shares how she rebuilt her life. This raw and powerf...

Caterina Discusses the time she struggled with finding a partner and starting a family due to work commitments abroad. She decided to take matters into her own hands and freeze her eggs. She began this journey alone with the help of a donor she does not know. After facing a miscarriage at 9 weeks with the first embryo transfer, to then becoming pregnant with twins during her second transfer, Cater...

In this episode, Laura reflects on the emotionally challenging experience of their child's health crisis just before Christmas. The care team informed them that their child had not been able to breathe without a ventilator for the critical period necessary for quality of life, raising difficult questions about the child's potential and the possibility of having another child in the future. As they...

In this episode we meet Lucy Young, the founder of ‘BumpStrong’, a mother of infant twins and a toddler. As a corrective exercise specialist and certified pre and postnatal exercise specialist, Lucy hopes to empower women through their fitness journey. Lucy shares her personal insights of balancing motherhood, fitness, and her physical recovery postpartum. From breastfeeding between reps to overco...

In this episode, we meet Dena Kaplan, a devoted mother, performer and artist. Dena shares her health struggles with a debilitating medical condition called PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), the physical and emotional pain caused by this condition and the global impact it had on her life and career. As a dynamic and dedicated performer, Dena had to make a massive lifestyle change. Join us as...

In this episode, we meet Nadia El Nahi, owner of ‘Halal n Easy’ and mother to four children, three of which are triplets. Nadia details the relationship struggles she faced, from the age of 16. She speaks of her struggles as a teenager and how this translated to her marriage. Join us as we hear Nadia’s inspiring journey, how she finds her voice and determination to be her whole self. 00:00:00-Intr...

In this episode, we meet Lauren a mother of four children, a Midwife and founder of ‘One Mama Midwife’. After falling pregnant at eighteen years of age, Lauren shares her learning lessons, struggles, and journey of raising her family of four. We learn how midwifery helped her find a purpose and passion in supporting women during their individual birth journey. Join us as Lauren shares her incredib...

In this episode, Flo the co-founder of ‘Sisterwould’ shares her experiences as a single mum; the struggles faced and how her faith and inner strength guided her to pursue her dreams. Despite the challenges she faced as a single mother, Flo’s determination and strength for her children were a driving force, where her children speak of how she inspires them. Flo speaks of the importance in empowerin...