I'm In Control

In this deeply moving episode of I'm in Control, Emmilia sits down with the multitalented Chiara Gizzi—award-winning actress, writer, and director—to explore her extraordinary journey of creativity, diagnosis, and self-discovery. Chiara shares how her viral YouTube series Solo Stories came to life, reaching millions worldwide, and how her late diagnoses of autism and ADHD completely reframed her understanding of self.

Chiara opens up about the emotional toll of neurodivergent burnout, the challenges of masking, and the grief that can come with realising you’ve lived most of your life performing a version of yourself just to fit in. We also dive into the release of her children's book The Too Much Girl, inspired by her own sensory experiences and the neurodivergent children in her life.

Together, Emmilia and Chiara unpack the power of storytelling, community support, and the courage it takes to be truly seen.

00:00 – Meet Chiara Gizzi: actress, writer, producer & viral storyteller

05:00 – Behind Solo Stories: turning short scripts into global success

10:00 – Autism, ADHD & the journey to late diagnosis

15:00 – Neurodivergent burnout and the unravelling of daily life

20:00 – The grief, anger and relief of being seen—for real

25:00 – Navigating masking, sensory overload and self-worth

30:00 – How The Too Much Girl was born and what it means

35:00 – Embracing visibility, vulnerability and finding community

This episode is a raw and enlightening conversation about living authentically, embracing difference, and pushing back against society’s narrow view of what “normal” looks like. Chiara's honesty and artistic spirit remind us that while the path to self-understanding may be complex, it is also powerful and profoundly freeing.

In this powerful episode of I'm in Control, I chat with Gaz Wright, a man whose life journey has taken him from the streets of Melbourne as one of its most notorious drug dealers to a committed advocate for recovery and mental health. Gaz opens up about his two-decade descent into crime and addiction, including years spent behind bars and living as a homeless addict.

But his story doesn’t end there—it’s one of hope, healing, and transformation.

We unpack the mindset of addiction, the toxic allure of street power, and the sobering impact of solitary confinement. Gaz shares what finally made him take control, the raw withdrawal journey he endured, and how breathwork became a life-saving practice that now anchors his mission to help others heal.

00:00 – Introduction: Gaz’s transformation and life experience as a form of healing

03:00 – The mindset of addiction, victimhood, and the desire to change

08:00 – Solitary confinement, self-reflection, and the beginnings of clarity

11:00 – Life as a drug dealer: ego, power, and the false sense of respect

19:00 – Daily discipline and the ongoing choice to stay clean

24:00 – Breathwork, healing, and the power of lived experience

33:00 – Starting over: sobriety, social media, and being a role model

42:00 – Gaz’s proudest moment: choosing life and never looking back

This is a raw, honest, and deeply moving conversation that proves it's never too late to rewrite your story. Gaz reminds us that even in our darkest hours, the light of transformation is possible—and sometimes, the most powerful healers are those who’ve survived the deepest wounds.

In this episode of I'm in Control, I sit down with the incredible Carol Cooke—Paralympic champion, author, and advocate. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 36, Carol was told she would never compete in sports again. But she refused to accept that fate, going on to become a three-time Paralympic gold medallist and a nine-time world champion in para-cycling.

We discuss her journey from an able-bodied athlete to a Paralympian, how she turned setbacks into opportunities, and her philosophy that it’s never too late to try something new. Carol also opens up about her toughest battle yet—fighting for her life in ICU—and how her resilience brought her back to competing on her own terms.

00:00 - Introduction: Carol’s story and MS diagnosis

05:00 - Transitioning from a police officer to a para-athlete

10:00 - Finding success in para-cycling and the power of persistence

15:00 - Overcoming life-threatening health challenges

20:00 - The importance of mindset and embracing new opportunities

This episode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the belief that anything is possible if you give it a go. Carol’s story will inspire you to push past your own limits and seize every opportunity life throws your way.

In this episode of I'm in Control, I sit down with the incredible Fi Mims, a Melbourne-based personal branding photographer, business coach, and mentor. With over 20 years of experience, Fi has helped countless women step into their power by capturing their confidence through the lens and guiding them beyond the photoshoot.

Fi shares why visibility is key to building a successful personal brand, how authenticity connects you with the right audience, and why so many women struggle with showing up. We also dive into the importance of community, taking imperfect action, and how she transitioned from wedding photography to coaching women in business.

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Fi Mims and her journey from photography to coaching

05:00 - Why personal branding is more than just great photos

10:00 - Overcoming fear and showing up with confidence

15:00 - The power of community in business growth

20:00 - How authenticity builds trust and connection

25:00 - Taking control: Fi’s proudest moment and what drives her today

This conversation is packed with insights on business, self-belief, and the value of creating space to grow. Fi’s wisdom will leave you inspired to take control of your personal brand and show up for the success you deserve.

In this episode of I’m in Control, I share my essential travel tips for anyone living with a medical condition or disability. So many people believe that travelling isn’t possible for them, but I’m here to prove otherwise. From navigating airports stress-free to ensuring you have everything you need, these tips will empower you to take on the world with confidence.

We also dive into personal experiences—how I overcame the fear of travelling alone, the unexpected challenges I’ve faced, and why advocating for yourself is one of the most powerful tools you can have.

00:00 - Introduction: Yes, you can travel with a medical condition!

05:00 - The power of preparation: Why arriving early makes all the difference

10:00 - Packing smart: Essentials for your carry-on, including medical supplies

15:00 - Asking for help: How to confidently seek assistance without hesitation

20:00 - Advocating for yourself: Navigating security and airline policies

25:00 - My own travel experiences and the exciting trip I have coming up

This episode is a reminder that your medical condition doesn’t have to hold you back from seeing the world. With the right strategies, travel can be enjoyable, empowering, and stress-free. So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a big international adventure, I hope these tips inspire you to take that next step with confidence!

In this episode of I'm in Control, I sit down to discuss the valuable lessons learned from my conversation with Natalie West. These include:

Hope you enjoy!

In this episode of I'm in Control, I sit down with integrative psychotherapist Natalie West to talk about the powerful link between mental health and nutrition. We explore how food plays a crucial role in brain function, gut health, and emotional wellbeing. Natalie shares how she helps people break free from emotional eating patterns, improve their gut health, and take control of their mental and metabolic health.

We also dive into common misconceptions around diet, the impact of processed foods, and how simple shifts in nutrition can create lasting change.

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Natalie West and her journey into nutritional psychology

05:00 - The mind-gut connection: Why mental health starts in the gut

10:00 - Breaking emotional eating patterns and taking control of food choices

15:00 - The hidden impact of processed foods on mood and energy

20:00 - How small dietary changes can improve mental clarity and resilience

This episode is packed with insights on how what we eat affects how we think and feel. Join us as we uncover the truth about food, mental health, and reclaiming control over our wellbeing.

In this episode of I’m in Control, I sit down to discuss the valuable lesson's learnt from episode with Julie Fisher. These include:

Inclusion starts with awareness – Understanding and educating ourselves about disabilities is the first step toward creating an inclusive society.

Resilience is built through community – The right support system can make all the difference in overcoming challenges and embracing life’s unexpected turns.

Small actions create big change – Whether it’s advocating for accessibility, speaking up for others, or simply treating everyone with kindness, we all have the power to make a difference.

Hope you enjoy!

In this episode of I'm in Control, I sit down with the inspiring Julie Fisher to talk about her journey as a mother, advocate, and author. Julie opens up about receiving a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome for her son, Darcy, and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. She shares how she turned fear into advocacy, writing books to educate and empower parents, teachers, and children about inclusion and acceptance.

We also talk about the challenges and joys of raising a child with a disability, the power of community support, and how storytelling can create lasting change.

00:00 - Introduction: Julie’s story and receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis

05:00 - Overcoming fear and embracing advocacy

10:00 - Writing books to educate and inspire others

15:00 - Navigating school, friendships, and building confidence in Darcy

20:00 - The power of sharing stories and shaping a more inclusive world

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, acceptance, and the incredible journey of parenting a child with a disability. Julie’s wisdom and warmth shine through as she reminds us all that education and understanding can break down barriers and change lives.

In this episode of I’m in Control, I sit down to discuss the valuable lesson's learnt from episode with Sammy Lee.

Hope you enjoy!