After receiving my PTSD diagnosis in 2023, exercise has become an essential tool in the overall management of my mental health and well-being. I briefly touch on how nearly three years of post-separation litigation has impacted me, and now being stuck in a state of 'functional' freeze - my body's response to chronic stress. 

I invited Sonja Kotaridis (PT, nutrition coach & professional dancer) to join me on this episode for a number of reasons. Son is equipped with the education and experience from both a professional and personal perspective, to discuss the benefits and importance of exercise with regards to our mental health overall well-being. She also opens up about her own battles with disordered eating and at times an unhealthy focus on her weight. 

We also discuss: the importance of structure and consistency of routine, the prevalence of body dissatisfaction, body image trends, our relationship as women with food, the habitual reliance on our phones and distractions during our workouts, the positive and negative effects of social media & the dangers of online clickbait, the advantages of group fitness, understanding our personal limitations when it comes to comparisons, motivation with realistic goals, shifting our mindset to measuring weight objectively as data only - without an emotional connection, establishing functional self-awareness, and so much more. 

For more support, you can contact The Butterfly Foundation - 1800 33 4673 or visit their website (www.butterfly.org.au) for free & confidential support.

https://www.sjay.com.au & @agirllikeyou_podcast

In this episode I sat down with Elizabeth Anile, a Melbourne based psychotherapist. 

We discussed the origins of Attachment Theory and how our attachment style can form later in life, based on our relationship with our primary caregiver in childhood. Elizabeth shares in detail the definitions of each attachment style (secure & insecure) and the characteristics associated with these. We also spoke about Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), narcissistic abuse and how it can affect the nervous system. This segued nicely into our somatic therapy conversation - a form of alternative therapy aimed at treating trauma and stress-related disorders, such as PTSD.

Elizabeth and I also answered all questions sent in via my Instagram post.

This is an absolute banger in length, but the quality of content and Elizabeth's wealth of professional and personal knowledge was incredible. 

I hope you enjoy this episode!

CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH:

https://www.elizabethanile.com.au/
[email protected]

https://www.sjay.com.au & @agirllikeyou_podcast

After a rather long hiatus due to being stuck in a totally dissociative state, I am back in your ears! I sat down with a friend of mine, Steph, who shares in her story about the decision to embark on motherhood through the donor sperm program. 

We discuss her decision to freeze her eggs at 31, single parent IVF, the societal pressures and expectations on what a ‘normal family’ looks like, the emotional and logistical roadblocks she has encountered during this process, finishing with our shared love of all things Bravo! #Scandavol 

I applaud Steph for her vulnerability and openness regarding a topic that isn’t widely understood or spoken about. As usual, this is a safe and judgment-free space and I’m so grateful I have been trusted to share some of her story. 

https://www.sjay.com.au & @agirllikeyou_podcast

In this episode I’m back to where my love of podcasting all begun, with Zoe Karlis. Zoe is my co-host on All That Triggers and we share our exciting update on season three. We discuss some recent news stories regarding the world of infertility: Jennifer Aniston and egg freezing, rainbow baby announcements & key figures in this community to follow. 

Of course there’s a giant Netflix debrief about what we’ve been watching (as usual), life updates and so many giggles. It was so great to be back with my gorgeous friend, doing what we do best - talking, laughing, talking and some more laughing!

Netflix spoiler alert! Soz. 

You can follow us on @allthattriggers

https://www.sjay.com.au & @agirllikeyou_podcast

This bonus episode was recorded with my gorgeous daughter, Mia. Her persistence (and pressure) has paid off and I agreed to have her on my podcast for a mini ep. 

In this episode we answer some questions we prepared for each other, which include: what she wants to be when she grows up, what we love about each other the most, what my first job was (great question BTW), who my favourite teacher was at school, how many times I've applied make-up in my life (LOL), and a whole lot more.

I know she will be reading these show notes, as she is my biggest cheerleader. Mia, I love you so much and I honestly couldn't do life without you. Thank you for being you - you make my heart smile. 

https://www.sjay.com.au/blog

https://www.sjay.com.au & @agirllikeyou_podcast

In today’s episode I sat down with Natasha Finamore, where she opens up about life and living with Autism. 

Tash shares in her family’s experience with their two boys, Oscar (12) and Leo (10), who were both diagnosed with Autism. We discussed how this formal diagnosis did/didn't impact them as parents, how Autism can vary so significantly between individuals and their different needs, neurodiversity, ADHD, NDIS funding & other support services available, coping mechanisms and so much more.

As the world begins to shift into a more inclusive and supportive place (slowly), I feel it is our duty to educate ourselves and understand the stories and struggles of others. This can only encourage growth, acceptance and support. This was an incredibly special episode to me and a topic I believe we should all familiarise ourselves with.

I've listened back to this episode and have had a few moments where I have thought that something I said sounded insensitive or potentially offensive, but I truly mean no harm. I'm trying to learn and educate myself and that's exactly why I wanted to include my friend and her family on this podcast. If we don't ask, we don't learn. I want to thank Tash and her family for allowing me to share their story. 

JFYI: Oscar's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/user/ime56themed
Other support services we discussed: https://whatability.com.au/about

https://www.sjay.com.au & @agirllikeyou_podcast

TRIGGER WARNING - this episode contains graphic content regarding family violence & childhood trauma.

In this episode I open up about my childhood experience with family violence and how it has impacted me later in life; particularly in intimate relationships and my attitude towards men. I discuss the many coping mechanisms that I developed as a shield of avoidance and protection. I also delve into how my trauma responses manifested in behaviour, decisions and some of my life choices. 

Confronting and speaking about this type of abuse and trauma isn’t easy, but you inevitably reach a point where you have no other choice if you want to be truly happy and heal.

I will end with this... “You’re not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth. And you never know who needs your light, your warmth and raging courage” - Alex Elle.

https://www.sjay.com.au & @agirllikeyou_podcast

Welcome! I am Sarah Jane, the host of this podcast - A Girl Like You. This episode is a brief introduction to what this podcast is all about and a little explanation regarding my hiatus from social media. I guess you could say I'm back and better than ever! Fingers crossed, anyway. Some episodes will include some pretty heavy topics and I will issue trigger warnings where necessary. My mission is to create a safe, open and honest place to discuss what's important to me, in the hope it can help others who have lived through similar experiences. I will do it all with respect, my signature foul mouth and some laughs along the way!

Season one will include candid conversations about relationships, breakthroughs and life on the flip side - so-to-speak. I have some incredible guests that will be sharing their stories and I'm just thrilled to be back, doing what I love. I really hope you enjoy what's to come.

You can follow me on social media @sheis_sarahjane & @agirllikeyou_podcast.

www.sjay.com.au

https://www.sjay.com.au & @agirllikeyou_podcast