In this inspiring and motivating episode, we hear the extraordinary life story of Michael Fortune who faced a challenging upbringing in a dangerous American neighbourhood, witnessing gun violence, drug abuse, and poverty. As a child, Michael spent 10 months of homelessness with his beautiful mother in their car. He has also lost 40 friends to drug abuse and gun violence, even witnessing his best friend's tragic murder in his arms. Despite these difficult circumstances, Michael made the brave decision to start a new life overseas, where he inspires many children and adults in his day-to-day life with his story and passion. Today, through his non-for-profit organization "CALM," he inspires and empowers youth in schools, using his own experiences to form connections, hope, and mentorship. Since moving to Australia, Michael has found his purpose in sharing his story to inspire others, showing that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. This episode is a testament to the incredible strength of resilience and the possibility of transformation, reminding us that no matter how tough life is now, it doesn't have to stay that way forever. Join us for an impactful conversation that will leave you inspired and motivated to conquer life's challenges with gratitude.

Find Michael Fortune at :

CALM Youth

Michael's Instagram

💗 Thank you so much for being here on this new little adventure with me! 💗

Trigger Warning : Pregnancy Termination

In this episode, we engage in a compassionate conversation with a courageous young woman, Ashlee who shares her personal journey with pregnancy termination. As this is a very sensitive subject, it is approached with unwavering respect for her experiences, emotions, and the choices she made. My goal was to create a safe and non judgemental space for her story and to foster empathy and open dialogue around this deeply personal choice without fear of stigma or shame. Ashlee shares so much beautiful advice and support to those going through a similar journey. I hope this episode will inspire empathy, encourage understanding, and offer a platform for non-judgmental discussions. Join us in honouring her strength, bravery and resilience as she shares her story, as we strive to create a more compassionate world for those facing similar challenges. Ashlee is respectful of those with different beliefs to herself and is considerate of everyone's feelings and experiences, which is a beautiful reminder for all of us on the importance of compassion in our conversations and actions.

💗 Thank you so much for being here on this new little adventure with me! 💗

In this episode, I speak with the beautiful Ashlee, who has a number of chronic illnesses, including Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, Gastroparesis, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Throughout this episode, you will gain insights into her struggles, from the pain of Adenomyosis and Endometriosis to the unpredictability of Gastroparesis, GERD, and IBS. Her journey showcases not just the challenges, but also her resilience and advocacy for proper diagnosis and treatments. Ashlee's story is a source of inspiration and encouragement for anyone dealing with chronic illnesses, highlighting the importance of finding strength in self-care, surrounding yourself with understanding people and persevering through the toughest times. Tune in to learn from her experiences and discover ways to make each day a bit brighter on this chronic illness journey.

💗 Thank you so much for being here on this new little adventure with me! 💗

In this episode, I speak with Izzy, a strong individual living with Hashimoto's disease. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the thyroid gland. In this condition, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid tissue. As Hashimotos progresses, the thyroid gland may become less efficient at producing thyroid hormones, leading to a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when there's an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones in the body, which can result in a range of symptoms such as mental health struggles, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and more. Throughout this conversation, Izzy openly shares her personal journey, from the challenges of her diagnosis to the daily strategies for managing this condition. We will all gain insights into navigating the complexities of Hashimotos as Izzy discusses the importance of self-care, dietary adjustments, and cultivating a better understanding of your own body. Whether you're personally affected by Hashimoto's or simply curious about understanding life with an autoimmune condition, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for everyone.

💗 Thank you so much for being here on this new little adventure with me! 💗

In this episode, I speak with Rhiannon (an absolute supermum) who shares the inspiring story of her challenging pregnancy and an extremely difficult 76-day stay in the Newborn Services and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Both she and her loving partner show unwavering determination, boundless hope, and unbreakable strength throughout this experience. Throughout this episode we hear firsthand from Rhiannon about the initial moments of uncertainty, the rollercoaster of emotions, and the unexpected twists they encountered along the way. We gain insight into the medical professionals who became not just caregivers, but pillars of support and comfort during this tough period. Rhi shares milestones and breakthroughs that marked their progress, both for the gorgeous tiny fighter in the NICU and as parents themselves. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of resilience can shine through. Ollie is an incredibly lucky baby to have Rhi as his Mum and Adam as his Dad.

💗 Thank you so much for being here on this new little adventure with me! 💗

In this inspiring and captivating episode, I speak with Presley Pritchard, a remarkable powerhouse businesswoman, and mother who courageously turned her life around from rock bottom to incredible success. Presley was unfairly sexually discriminated against and fired from her job which lead to her struggling financially while raising two children on food stamps. Despite these challenging circumstances, Presley refused to listen to negativity. Instead, she embraced her passion for fitness and used her voice to create a thriving fitness coaching business and community of 406,000 followers, helping other women to feel strong, healthy, and inspired. Join us as we dive into Presley's inspiring journey of resilience and determination, a testament to the power of self-belief and unwavering determination. This is a powerful story of silver linings and serves as an inspiring reminder for listeners to never give up, no matter how horrible their circumstances may seem.

💗 Thank you so much for being here on this new little adventure with me! 💗

- Hayley xo

✨ Find us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beforeyoubloom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✨

Find the beautiful and inspiring Presley Pritchard on Instagram: @presleykp.fit

The Before You Bloom Podcast is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. I would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and culture and pay my respects to their elders past, present, and emerging, and any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people listening today.

This is a really insightful episode as I sit down with Karolina, an experienced Counsellor, and Coach. Karolina is also the passionate owner of the business 'Knowing Her Wellness'. With a firm belief in the profound connection between the mind and body, Karolina shares her personal journey of personal struggles and growth, offering valuable insights into managing anxiety, stress, and chronic fatigue. Drawing from her expertise as a counsellor, she shares practical tips and effective coping strategies to manage anxiety and stress in our fast-paced lives. If you're looking to embrace holistic wellness and discover effective ways to navigate anxiety, stress, and chronic fatigue, this episode is for you. I hope you enjoy this episode with Karolina, who wholeheartedly believes in empowering individuals on their path to wellness and self-discovery.

💗 Thank you so much for being here on this new little adventure with me! 💗

Knowing Her Wellness (Instagram)

In this episode, we delve into the experiences of Zoe as she shares her journey with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the challenges of battling depression over many years. Zoe's story unravels the complex relationship between PCOS and mental health, shedding light on the physical symptoms, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive difficulties associated with the condition. She bravely discusses the emotional toll of living with depression and offers insights into coping strategies, emphasizing self-care and seeking support. We explore the need for greater awareness and understanding of PCOS and its impact on mental well-being, aiming to provide support and compassion to those navigating this journey.

💗 Thank you so much for being here on this new little adventure with me! 💗

- Hayley xo

✨ Find us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beforeyoubloom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✨

The Before You Bloom Podcast is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. I would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and culture and pay my respects to their elders past, present, and emerging, and any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people listening today.

In this episode, I am joined by the inspiring Gabs, who shares their personal journey with Graves disease. Graves disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid which leads to hypothyroidism. Gabs openly sheds light on the challenges of living with this challenging and often-misunderstood disease. Gabs takes us through their experience, discussing the initial symptoms, the diagnosis process, and the emotional impact of receiving a life-altering diagnosis. He discusses the challenges of juggling this diagnosis with ADHD and we delve into the physical and mental aspects of managing Graves disease, including things like anxiety, increased heart rate, weight fluctuations, and emotional well-being. Gabs encourages empathy and support for individuals living with Graves disease, fostering a compassionate society for those with invisible illnesses. I really enjoyed this thought-provoking chat with Gabs, unraveling the complexities of Graves disease.

- Hayley xo

✨ Find us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beforeyoubloom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✨