The Innerview

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Alison Bohn, a dear friend, as she opens up about her mother Annie's battle with dementia. Annie, known for her humor and warmth, left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Ali shares cherished memories of her mother before dementia took hold, offering a glimpse into the incredible woman she was. As we delve into their journey, Ali sheds light on the unexpected challenges that come with caring for a loved one with dementia. She emphasises how this experience is far more gut-wrenching than most might imagine.Despite the trials they faced, Ali and her family maintained a sense of humour and normalcy, creating precious moments that brightened Annie's day. Ali shares some heartwarming stories of humor playing a significant role in their lives. The journey through dementia profoundly impacted their family dynamics, drawing them closer together and revealing unexpected silver linings. Annie's relationship with Ali's father evolved in remarkable ways, bringing the family even closer. Ali reflects on the toughest moments they faced while caring for her mother during her dementia. These moments revealed their strength and resilience as a family. In honour of Dementia Month, Ali talks about a fundraiser happening this week, September 17th, and how it aims to raise awareness about dementia's impact on families like hers.As a writer, Ali is also working on a book that shares her family's experience. She gives us a sneak peek into her writing process and what readers can expect to learn from their heartwarming and inspiring story of love, laughter, and resilience in the face of dementia. SUPPORT TEAM ANNIE HERE: https://fundraising.dementia.org.au/fundraiser/teamannie?fbclid=IwAR1OxzEI8-d-aOl9qc9ZT07AFJAiuyBVyZwZB6uG1x_xDV9rlEx6QNNjJMY Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

In this episode we're privileged to have Erryn Sculley, the compassionate mental health social worker behind "Nurtured Mothers Wellbeing," share her profound journey. Erryn reveals the origins of her initiative and her mission to support mothers in their mental health journeys, touching on the often-overlooked concept of matrescence. Erryn shares her personal story and recounts discovering her mother's cancer diagnosis just one day before learning of her own pregnancy. She bravely shares how this dual journey profoundly impacted her experience and the coping mechanisms she relied on during this challenging time. The societal myth of the "perfect mother" is explored as Erryn reflects on how it shaped her journey and offers thoughtful ideas on challenging and redefining this stereotype. She also delves into her unique transition from a nutritionist and food scientist to a mental health social worker, sharing the motivations behind this change and how her nutrition background informs her approach to mental health work. Erryn's journey extends to her work in NDIS and youth mental health, where she shares some of her most impactful experiences and how they have shaped her perspective on mental health. We chat about Erryn choosing an elective c-section due to a history of reproductive trauma and facing judgment for this decision. Erryn and i connect on experiencing judgment from others surrodning birth and feeding and how detrimental these comments can be to women. CONNECT WITH ERRYN: WEBSITE: https://nurturedmotherswellbeing.com.au/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/nurtured.mothers.wellbeing/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091373085979&mibextid=LQQJ4d Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Alan Thorpe, an extraordinary individual who is embarking on a remarkable journey from Ballarat to Adelaide CBD. Covering a staggering distance of 630 kilometers in roughly 35 days, Alan's determination to walk around 30 kilometers a day is a testament to his unwavering commitment to mental health awareness. In this captivating conversation, Alan shares the motivations behind his incredible journey and his dedication to raising funds for the mental health charity Beyond Blue. Having already surpassed his initial goal of $15,000 with an astonishing $40,000 raised, Alan delves into how these funds will contribute to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and providing vital support to those in need. At the heart of Alan's mission is his determination to challenge the stigma surrounding men's mental health and suicide. He explains how his personal experiences, including overcoming the challenges of losing his home and marriage, have fueled his passion to make a difference. Alan's authenticity and willingness to share his own struggles have allowed him to connect with others on a profound level, creating a ripple effect of hope and understanding. Throughout his journey, Alan has been uplifted by the outpouring of support from the community. He discusses how these positive interactions have propelled him forward and kept his spirits high during challenging moments. Not only has Alan's walk encouraged donations, but his placement of donation boxes in local businesses has actively engaged the community in spreading awareness about mental health. SUPPORT ALAN AND BEYOND BLUE: WEBSITE: http://iwalkformensmentalhealth.com.au/ DONATE: https://team.beyondblue.org.au/alan-t FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077886126684&mibextid=LQQJ4d INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/iwalkformensmentalhealth/ Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Join us for a heartfelt episode as we celebrate the life of Tess Pearce, a remarkable individual who embraced life with cerebral palsy and refused to let her challenges define her. Tess's mother, Sandi Pearce, shares the story of her incredibly intelligent and kind daughter who fought for equality her entire life. Tess's journey was filled with determination and support from her family, especially her inspiring mother, Sandi. Although she faced social challenges at school due to her disability, Tess remained determined to succeed academically. She pursued her dreams, and even in the face of adversity, she never lost her positive spirit. While living in Melbourne, Tess pursued her interests in animal welfare, music, and health while studying social services at Deakin University. Her aim was to work in disability, LGBT advocacy, or case management. Unfortunately, Tess's life was cut short last year, leaving Sandi grappling with grief and seeking closure amidst the ongoing circumstances. In this episode, we honour Tess's legacy of equality and determination, celebrating the impact she made on those who knew her. Join us as we remember Tess Pearce, her unyielding spirit, and her mission to promote equality and happiness for all, regardless of their background or abilities. Helpful links or resources: LIFELINE: https://www.lifeline.org.au/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2qKmBhCfARIsAFy8buLxg9w3DTrsn4zL-m_uR_454z24wgiKDAkO38L_USQ3F7W63ZmRTygaAlevEALw_wcB SUICIDE PREVENTION: https://suicideline.org.au/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2qKmBhCfARIsAFy8buL1ICinVM3XMGbUdvcTGRR2bijHfMPcPFgnIWgqDdHRiI2_A49Ci1gaApdaEALw_wcB Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

In this inspiring episode, join us as we sit down with Dean, Gus, and Josh, three remarkable individuals who are embarking on an extraordinary charity run from Federation Square in Melbourne to Ballarat, covering a distance of approximately 117 kilometers, all in one go. Their mission? To raise awareness and funds for men's mental health. We dive deep into their motivations and personal connections to mental health challenges. Dean shares his own journey, shedding light on the struggles he has faced and continues to face, which have fueled his determination to make a difference. Gus and Josh also open up about their experiences and how these challenges have shaped their perspectives on this critical issue. Throughout the interview, we explore the goals they hope to achieve through this charity run, from raising awareness to breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health conversations. Dean explains why they chose a podcast as a platform to discuss the 'why' behind their endeavor, emphasizing the power of storytelling and vulnerability in fostering understanding and support. The importance of tough conversations and embracing vulnerability in addressing men's mental health is a central theme. Our guests share their insights on encouraging others to open up, seek help, and create a supportive environment. They offer valuable advice to those who may be hesitant to reach out for support. Additionally, we highlight various resources and organizations dedicated to men's mental health, providing our listeners with avenues for further assistance and guidance. Finally, we explore the long-term goals and aspirations of Dean, Gus, and Josh in their advocacy work for men's mental health. Discover how they plan to sustain their positive impact beyond the charity run and continue their journey of making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Join us for this compelling conversation, filled with personal stories, insights, and a shared mission to raise awareness and support for men's mental health. Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Join us for an incredible chat with Celia Gercovich, a young and fearless entrepreneur who took a leap of faith by leaving her corporate job to conquer the world of social media and entrepreneurship. With a thriving online presence on TikTok and YouTube, Celia shares her journey of transition and the highs and lows of building a successful online career. Discover the early influences that shaped Celia's entrepreneurial mindset and fuelled her determination for success. Hear how she bravely made the leap from the typical 9-5 grind to fully embracing the digital realm. She'll also reveal the secrets she learned along the way to spot unique opportunities and launch multiple thriving businesses. Learn how Celia manages content creation across different platforms, consistently delivering fresh and engaging material to her audience. She opens up about the pressures of relying on self-generated income and shares strategies for avoiding burnout and staying motivated on her entrepreneurial journey. Aspiring entrepreneurs will greatly benefit from Celia's valuable advice, which is based on her own experiences. Get a sneak peek into her exciting upcoming plans and projects. She also unveils the story behind selling her business, 'Bespoke Balloons,' and shares effective strategies for building a massive following on TikTok while fostering genuine connections with her dedicated followers. Lastly, Celia leaves listeners with one impactful piece of advice that captures the essence of her entrepreneurial journey, inspiring those who are ready to dive into the online business world. FOLLOW CELIA: TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@celia.gercovich YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/CeliaGercovich INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/celia_gercovich Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

York's journey continued with two open-heart surgeries, complications, and a harrowing stint on life support known as ECMO. Maddison vividly recounts the harrowing moments when the doctor revealed the gravity of York's condition, forcing her to confront the possibility of leaving the hospital without her baby. The PICU became their second home, witnessing both the heart-wrenching struggles of other families and the extraordinary dedication of medical professionals. The episode takes a dramatic turn as Maddison reveals the recent cardiac arrest that York experienced, and the heroic actions she and her partner had to take to save their baby's life. Amidst it all, Maddison expresses her gratitude for the life-saving training provided by PAEDS, and the ongoing tests and uncertainties they face in determining the cause of York's respiratory arrest. Join us for the second part of this emotional journey, as Maddison and her family demonstrate unwavering strength and love for their little warrior, York. In this episode, Maddison also delves into her interactions with the heart community, the difficulty of well-meaning but sometimes insensitive remarks, and the invaluable support she received from her loved ones. She shares her thoughts on navigating the complexities of life in the hospital, where the abnormal becomes normal and grief intertwines with hope. Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, join us as we welcome back returning guest Maddison Hutchinson. Maddison bravely shares her remarkable journey of resilience and hope after the loss of her daughter Sutton to hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Experience the rollercoaster of emotions she endured, from the depths of despair to the joy of a new pregnancy. After the devastating loss of her daughter and a subsequent miscarriage, Maddison found herself living in fear during her subsequent pregnancy with York. Every step felt precarious, and she meticulously watched every aspect of her life, from medications to food choices. Friends expressed concern that she might be battling depression. At the 20-week scan, Maddison's anxiety peaked as memories of Sutton's diagnosis flooded back. The same doctor who delivered the heartbreaking news appeared during the scan, but this time there was an underlying uncertainty. The diagnosis revealed a severe case of aortic stenosis, raising worries about the future of her unborn child. Amidst the challenges, Maddison and her partner faced difficult decisions armed with options, knowing that the condition could potentially worsen during the pregnancy. The episode delves into Maddison's experiences, including an amniocentesis and unforeseen complications when her waters broke at 26 weeks. Being in a different country complicated matters, leading to a 10-day hospital admission and having to fly home and go straight to the hospital. Throughout the pregnancy, Maddison battled physical and emotional challenges, fuelled by her love for her unborn son. At 35 weeks and 5 days, her waters broke again, signalling the impending arrival of baby York. In a whirlwind of medical urgency, Maddison underwent an emergency c-section, allowing for a different birth experience while preserving Sutton's story. Stick around next week to hear Part Two of Maddison's Journey. Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Join us for an emotionally charged podcast episode as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Tamara Donnelly, a resilient mother who faced unexpected challenges with her daughter, Mackenzie. Everything seemed perfect on Mackenzie's first day of life, but a routine hearing screen revealed something amiss. Tamara vividly recounts the moments that followed, from initial confusion to witnessing her partner's concern. They underwent a series of tests, with each step bringing a mix of emotions. Tamara humorously reflects on turning to Dr. Google, only to be bombarded with worst-case scenarios. However, it was their exceptional audiologist who became their guiding light, explaining the intricacies of Mackenzie's condition and offering hope. Amidst the challenges, Tamara shares the impactful decision they made regarding future children. Genetic testing presented them with an overwhelming chance of various disabilities. After a previous miscarriage, they chose not to have more children, focusing their energy on giving Mackenzie the best life possible. Fate had other plans, as Tamara unexpectedly became pregnant with their second child, Lottie. Tamara humorously shares the shock home birth story and the subsequent family adventure across Australia when Lottie was just 4 1/2 months old. Throughout their journey, Tamara dispels myths and misconceptions about hearing restoration through cochlear implants. She describes the time it took for Mackenzie to adjust to sound and the ongoing learning process. Tamara's unwavering love and dedication shine through as she recounts the constant testing and Mackenzie's determination and resilience keeps them going. FOLLOW TAMARA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058924243238 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/tamara_mitch/ Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Get ready for an incredibly powerful and heartfelt episode as we wrap up our "Loss of a Parent Series" with Marnee, our sixth and final guest. Marnee has bravely agreed to share her deeply personal story of losing both her mum and dad to heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Through tears and vulnerability, she opens up about the devastating impact these losses have had on her life and who she has become as a person. In this candid conversation, Marnee reflects on her challenging relationship with her mum, revealing the ups and downs they experienced together. But amidst the difficulties, she finds solace in the three incredible years they reconnected, holding onto those precious moments as a lifeline during her darkest days. With a heavy heart, Marnee expresses her deep love and admiration for her late father. The pain of his absence is still very much alive as she shares heartfelt memories and the lasting impact he had on her. Listening to her speak, it's clear that his loss has left an indelible mark on her life. As Marnee navigates the journey of parenthood without her own parents' support, she vulnerably shares the challenges she faces. She talks about the struggle of not comparing herself to other Mum’s, especially those she encounters at her children's school. However, despite these difficulties, Marnee has built a tight-knit and loving family unit with her partner and two daughters, creating a support system that carries her through life's ups and downs. Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

In this emotional episode, we sit down with Emma French, who shares her deeply personal story of pregnancy, loss, and healing. Emma takes us back to that fateful moment in October 2018 when she discovered she was expecting her first child, just as she was about to embark on a girls' weekend for her 30th birthday. The journey seemed hopeful as Emma underwent various tests and scans, which initially indicated a low-risk pregnancy. However, at the 20-week scan, everything changed in an instant. Emma and her husband received the heartbreaking news that their baby had a severe case of spina bifida. Emma bravely opens up about the difficult decision they had to make and the termination of pregnancy that followed, including the emotional aftermath and the delicate process of saying goodbye to their precious baby girl Holly. Emma shares her experiences of navigating grief while her closest friends were still expecting their own babies, highlighting the complex emotions and shifting dynamics that emerged during this challenging time. Returning to work and facing the world without a pregnancy bump, Emma shares the struggles of opening up to strangers and finding the strength to rebuild her life. The podcast delves into the profound impact of loss on relationships, as Emma discusses how she and her husband coped with their grief in vastly different ways. She candidly shares the journey of seeking professional help and finding solace through therapy, not only to process her grief but also to navigate subsequent pregnancies, resulting in the birth of their two healthy and happy sons. Emma unveils the regrets and reflections she carries, including the profound moments of what-ifs and the struggle to balance her own emotions with those of her husband. We delve into her relationships with her pregnant friends during that time, the ways in which her loss affected their pregnancies, and the challenges of being there for them while grappling with her own grief. Ultimately, this episode serves as a testament to the power of sharing, understanding, and embracing hope in the face of unimaginable loss. Emma's story is a tribute to her beloved baby Holly and a source of courage for those who may be navigating their own journey of loss and healing. Note: This podcast episode includes sensitive content surrounding pregnancy loss and may not be suitable for all listeners. Listener discretion is advised. Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Join us as we chat with Ange, the amazing owner of Lucida Boutique Dress Hire, in this empowering episode. Ange shares her personal journey towards body positivity and how it has influenced her business. We delve into the fashion industry's contribution to body shaming and get practical tips on navigating the challenges of finding clothes online. Discover the benefits of dress rental and how it aligns perfectly with Ange's message of body positivity. We also explore the most common concerns women have when dressing up for special occasions and how Ange helps them overcome insecurities. Ange opens up about the challenges she faces in promoting body positivity and inclusivity within her brand, and she shares strategies for addressing these challenges head-on. She also provides invaluable advice for women struggling with body confidence and looking to embrace their bodies. Running a business centered around body positivity and inclusivity comes with its own set of challenges. Ange will share some of the obstacles she faces and how she tackles them head-on. From representation to diverse sizing options, she's determined to create a brand that uplifts and supports women of all shapes and sizes. FOLLOW LUCIDA BOUTIQUE: WEBSITE: https://www.lucidaboutique.com.au/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lucidaboutiqueballarat INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/lucidaboutique_dresshire/ Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

In this deeply personal episode of our 'Loss of a Parent' series, we sit down with Yarnie Couchman as our guest. Yarnie takes us on her emotional journey of losing her mum when she was just a young teenager. Her mother, tragically taken by breast cancer at only 51 years old, left a void in Yarnie's life that she had to navigate as she transitioned from a girl to a woman. With raw honesty, Yarnie shares the challenges and difficult moments of growing up without her mum's guidance. She opens up about being the only woman in the household and how that shaped her perspective on life. But Yarnie's journey doesn't end there. Now a mother herself, she reveals the bittersweet feelings of raising her own children while yearning for her mum's presence. She reflects on how her mother's absence impacts her parenting style and the lessons she has learned along the way. Yarnie also opens up about her father's journey after the loss and how his ability to move forward became a beautiful and positive aspect of her life. Throughout the episode, Yarnie reminds us that the death of a loved one can shine a light on those who are unable to be there for us, but she also expresses deep gratitude for the incredible people who have supported her throughout her journey. Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

In this episode, I have a very special guest joining me - my grandfather, Barry Whitehead. We'll be sharing our personal story of how we found each other through an Ancestry DNA test in September last year. Prior to this test, neither of us knew that the other existed. This is a deeply personal episode for me, as my father Aaron unfortunately passed away by suicide when I was just three years old. Before his death, he often spoke about his biggest grievance in life - not knowing who his real father was. This caused him a lot of pain and heartache, leaving him feeling rejected. As I've grown older, I've also wanted to know more about my grandfather, but there seemed to be no way to find out. The curiosity got the better of me, which led me to take an Ancestry DNA test, hoping to learn more about my ethnicity and heritage. To my surprise, I matched with Barry as a 93% match for a grandparent. On the other side of this, Barry lived his whole 68 years prior unaware that he had fathered a child when he was 17 and studying in Ballarat briefly back in 1973. His initial reaction was one of shock and horror, as he took a moment to process what this meant and the reality that he had a son who was no longer alive that he never knew. In this incredibly special episode, my grandfather and I will be sharing our reactions, how we felt, and how we shared this information with our loved ones. We'll also be discussing the incredible connections and relationships that have since transpired. Our story is truly one in a million, and we're excited to share it with you all. Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Welcome back to our Loss Of A Parent Series. In this episode, we are joined by our first-ever repeat guest, Tara Dowling, who joined us previously to share her inspiring journey of weight loss surgery. However, in this episode, Tara shares a completely different story as she opens up about the loss of her mother, Trish, to stomach cancer that spread throughout her whole body just four days after Tara became a first-time mother. Trish passed away at just 58 years old and had been brushed off many times when trying to seek a diagnosis over the years of not feeling well. This adds another layer of complexity to Tara's experience of grief, as she not only had to cope with the sudden loss of her mother, but also the fact that her mother's illness may have been preventable or could have been caught earlier. Tara speaks about navigating grief while adjusting to being a parent for the first time, and how she has been aching for her mother's support and guidance in those early days, something that never really goes away. She candidly shares what it has been like to raise three girls under three with little to no support, and how the death of her mother has affected different family dynamics both positively and negatively. Tara explains how the loss of her mother, one of the hardest things one can go through, has given her an inner confidence to know she can get through anything. She also talks about how much her mother wanted to be a nanny and how amazing she would have been at it. Tara also shares how tight and connected she is with her husband and three daughters, and how this loss has affected her parenting. Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Alysha, a mother of three who has experienced both the joys and challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. However, this episode focuses on a topic that is often difficult to discuss: the stillbirth of her daughter, Isla, at 34 weeks gestation. Alysha opens up about her experience with pregnancy loss and the difficulties she faced during her daughter's birth, which prompted her to advocate for a bereavement room in every hospital in Australia. She shares her personal story and reflects on the signs of stress she missed during her daughter's pregnancy. Alysha talks about her experience with the hospital system and how it led her to sign this petition and other ways she honours Isla's life. Alysha also shares with us how she navigated the grief of losing her daughter Isla. She talks about her hospital experience and the heart-wrenching process of giving birth to a stillborn baby. Alysha opens up about the trauma of being placed on a ward with new mothers and living babies crying, which added to the stress and heartache of the situation. Alysha also speaks about the changes she experienced in the way people treated her after the loss of her daughter, and how some people ghosted her because they didn't know what to say. She shares how important it is to have a support system and understanding people around you during such a difficult time. In addition to this, we discuss Alysha's current pregnancy and how she has kept it quiet due to the anxiety and fears that come with pregnancy after loss. Alysha reflects on her journey so far, including her anxiety and stress leading up to her water breaking 5 weeks ago and her 12-day stay in the Royal Women's hospital in Melbourne. Petition Information: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN4873?fbclid=IwAR2c1ojwfOlB_olRtFkfzB_i-Ss6P4nF3TsQLeN3l0iI2Bz7DELk8P9PNbk SANDS: https://www.sands.org.au/stillbirth-and-newborn-death?gclid=CjwKCAjwov6hBhBsEiwAvrvN6M4AwsLnc0QfMZdjqWMoE2CJiMsj-ZVIlrVBIzw6LADXFyx6ERAsxhoCbmgQAvD_BwE Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Welcome to episode 3 of our "Loss of a Parent" series. In this episode, I speak with Carla Walker, a former classmate of mine from primary school. Carla was a happy, outgoing, and athletic young girl with a dream of making it to the Olympics. Her father was her biggest fan, but all of her hopes and aspirations were shattered when he suddenly passed away when she was just 13 years old. Carla, who was an only child, speaks candidly about the sudden loss of her dad and how it affected her relationship with her mother, whom she has been super close with throughout this time. She shares the hardships they faced financially after her father's death and the immense pressure she felt as a young girl trying to navigate the aftermath of this tragic event. Carla's father, Malcolm, passed away from a heart attack while playing cricket, leaving her family and the community shocked and devastated. She speaks about the trauma and how it affected her, both mentally and emotionally, as she tried to process the enormity of losing her dad at such a young age. Finally, Carla shares how the experience of losing her dad has impacted the person she has become and the relationships she has formed. As a mother herself now, she reflects on how she has dealt with her father's death over the years and how it has shaped her as a parent. FOLLOW CARLA INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wanderingwalkers_/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@WanderingWalkers/videos Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Welcome to episode two of our 'Loss of a Parent' series. In this episode, we speak with Shaylan, a business owner, wife, and mum of three children, who lost her mum to suicide when she was just 17 years old. Shaylan shares with us the devastating loss, the shock, and what she remembers from that night. Despite having different circumstances, we asked each guest the same questions to gain insight into their unique experiences. As an only child, Shaylan had to step up and grow up instantly, moving into a role of cooking and cleaning as a year 12 student. We talk about how this traumatic, life-altering event affected her personal life, and the path she took in work and study. Shaylan also opens up about how it affected her parenting and the little moments of grief and pain that are sprinkled throughout everyday life, living without her mum. In this episode, Shaylan and I connect on a personal level because we both have lost a parent to suicide. We speak about the stigma, shame, and constantly living with the eternal "what ifs." We share our experiences of coping with the aftermath of such a traumatic event and how it has shaped our lives. **Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. For helpful links and resources, please refer to the show notes.** RESOURCES: LIFELINE: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/i-m-feeling-suicidal/?gclid=CjwKCAjw586hBhBrEiwAQYEnHVm5jIl4g8E8EKDDxDHQ2H1jcA--rbLNKwKgncgRt8tWvNVVBvOmrRoCHYoQAvD_BwE BEYOND BLUE: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/suicide-prevention SUICIDE CALL BACK SERVICE: https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

In this episode of our Loss of a Parent series, we have the honor of speaking with Ashlee Burrell. Ashlee's father, Shane, tragically lost his life in a drowning incident in Warrnambool in 2005, which also claimed the lives of four other family members. Ashlee and her sisters were the only survivors of the freak wave that took out her family. Her youngest sister was in a coma for some time but survived. Ashlee opens up about the trauma of losing her dad and multiple family members in such a horrific and traumatic way. She shares her journey of coping with grief throughout different stages of her life and how it has affected her as a parent herself. Ashlee speaks candidly about the challenges of parenting without her father's guidance and how it has influenced her own parenting style. We delve into how Ashlee has found ways to honour the memories of her father, how she has explained it all to her two sons. Ashlee also shares how she feels about the tragedy now and what she has learned about herself and the world in the aftermath. Join us for a powerful and emotional conversation with Ashlee Burrell as she shares her story of grief, resilience, and hope after the loss of her father and family members in one of the most unimaginable ways. Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

In this episode, we speak to Crystal Atkins, a clinical audiologist, new mum, and wife to a paramedic. Crystal shares with us how the families of front line/emergency service workers are also affected by the stresses and strains of their jobs, something that is not often spoken about and can leave partners and family members feeling isolated and misunderstood. Crystal talks about her childhood, her background, and how she became a clinical audiologist. She also shares how she met her husband, who drew her to him, and how her impressions of paramedics changed once her husband started working in that industry. Crystal delves into the unique challenges of parenting with a paramedic and the difficulties of solo parenting. She also shares how she supports her husband through the difficult cases and experiences he encounters on the job, and the importance of therapy for both of them in coping with the stresses of their jobs. We learn what a typical week looks like for Crystal and her husband, as they balance their careers and family life. Crystal also shares her thoughts on the term 'hero' often used to describe paramedics and the benefits of being in a partnership where both partners work in the medical field. Crystal's aim is to spread awareness about the impact that front line/emergency service work has on families and to help partners and family members feel less isolated and more understood. FOLLOW CRYSTAL: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/early.ears.education/ WEBSITE:https://earlyearseducation.podia.com/ Support the show You can follow and connect with me here: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X