I'm In Control

In this episode of I’m in Control, I sit down with the incredible Sammy Lee, who shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey through trauma, resilience, and healing. Sammy opens up about surviving childhood abuse, battling an eating disorder that almost claimed her life multiple times, and the moment that transformed her outlook when someone finally asked, “What happened to you?”

We also dive into Sammy’s path to becoming an eating disorder expert, the struggles of finding dignity in recovery, and how she turned her pain into purpose.

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Sammy Lee and her extraordinary story

05:00 - Using food as a coping mechanism for childhood trauma

10:00 - The devastating toll of bullying and battling self-worth

15:00 - Finding light: the question that changed everything

20:00 - Becoming an advocate: helping others while healing herself

25:00 - Overcoming survivor’s guilt and building a fulfilling life

50:00 - Lessons on control, surrender, and trusting the process

This episode is a testament to the power of vulnerability, the importance of community, and the strength it takes to turn pain into purpose. Sammy’s story will inspire you to see the light in even the darkest moments and to keep fighting for a better future.

-In this episode of I'm in Control, I reflect on the journey from writing my book to becoming a motivational speaker and podcaster. Sharing my experiences hasn’t just been about helping others—it’s been about helping myself heal and grow. From navigating the emotional challenges of losing friendships to finding strength in my resilience, I’ve learned the power of owning my story and using it to connect with others.

I talk about what it’s like to stand on stage and inspire people, the joy of creating this podcast, and the exciting future I’m planning with coaching and mentorship programs.

00:00 - Introduction: Writing my book and why I started this podcast

05:00 - Turning my story into motivational speaking gigs

10:00 - Reflecting on resilience and the impact of sharing my story

15:00 - Building a community: coaching, mentorship, and supporting others

Join me as I talk about embracing life’s challenges, celebrating wins big and small, and using my journey to make a difference. This episode is a reminder that no matter what life throws at you, you have the power to rise, share, and inspire.

In this episode of I'm in Control, I share one of the scariest moments of my life: battling sepsis and surviving a week-long coma. From waking up shackled to a hospital bed, learning my kidneys were failing, and refusing dialysis, to the emotional toll of cardiac arrest and CPR, this chapter is about confronting life-and-death challenges head-on.

It’s also about rediscovering strength, both physical and emotional, as I slowly rebuild my life with the help of rehab, my loved ones, and my unstoppable determination.

00:00 - Introduction: The darkest chapter begins

05:00 - Celebrating turning 30: joy before the storm

10:00 - Hospitalisation: battling sepsis and slipping into a coma

15:00 - Waking up: learning about dialysis and refusing to give up

20:00 - Recovery: rehab, rebuilding strength, and embracing a new perspective

Join me as I reflect on the resilience of the human spirit and how gratitude, determination, and a bit of stubbornness can pull you through even the hardest battles. This episode is about hope and perseverance when it feels like the odds are stacked against you.

In this episode of I'm in Control, I share the raw reality of adapting to life after a spinal fusion surgery that changed everything. From waking up in ICU on New Year’s Day, unable to talk or eat, to the gruelling process of rehabilitation, I faced challenges that tested every part of me. The physical pain, emotional toll, and learning to celebrate small wins became central to finding strength and resilience.

This episode is all about accepting a “new normal” and moving forward with determination.

00:00 - Introduction: Life after head surgery and preparing for spinal fusion

05:00 - New Year’s Eve surgery: waking up in ICU and facing fear

10:00 - Recovery hurdles: losing my voice, learning to eat again, and building muscle

15:00 - Overcoming challenges: rehab, exercise, and regaining independence

20:00 - Accepting my new normal: celebrating small wins and looking ahead

Join me as I reflect on the power of the human mind, the importance of support, and finding gratitude even in the hardest moments. This episode is a testament to perseverance and redefining what it means to live fully.

In this episode of I'm in Control, I take you through the experience of facing the most invasive surgery of my life. This surgery wasn’t just about removing a tumour; it was about confronting my deepest fears of losing control. From the strange realisation that my eyelid might never open again to the brutal recovery process, I had to dig deep to rediscover resilience. I share the highs and lows, from my pre-surgery fears to the long, gruelling journey of healing that challenged my independence and self-image.

00:00 - Introduction: Preparing for a life-changing surgery

05:00 - The reality of a craniotomy and fears of losing control

10:00 - Waking up post-surgery: confusion, pain, and tubes everywhere

15:00 - Learning to navigate with a closed eyelid and blurred vision

20:00 - Relying on loved ones as I rebuild strength

Join me as I share the raw truth of recovery, the struggles of regaining independence, and my journey to accepting a new normal.

In this episode of I'm in Control, I take you along on my honeymoon in Hawaii—a rare escape from the medical battles I’ve faced. From the excitement of exploring Pearl Harbour to the life-affirming visit to a volcano, this trip reminded me how important it is to truly live in the moment. But returning home also brought new challenges that I wasn’t expecting. This episode captures my resilience and determination to embrace life, even with all its ups and downs.

00:00 - Introduction: Planning our perfect honeymoon

05:00 - Hawaiian adventures: shopping, helicopter rides, and diving into the culture

10:00 - Reflecting on history at Pearl Harbour

15:00 - Family plans amidst my ongoing health challenges

20:00 - Facing health scares during COVID-19

Join me as I recount the mix of joy and resilience that marked this chapter—where treasured memories from Hawaii meet the realities of my health journey back home.

In this episode of I'm in Control, I share a rare moment of happiness amidst my tumultuous medical journey. From a scary hospital admission due to a blood clot just before a planned trip to Thailand, to a magical hot air balloon proposal, and finally, the joy of wedding planning despite multiple health scares, I reveal how I embraced fleeting moments of bliss. This episode highlights the importance of finding joy, even when life seems determined to throw challenges your way. Tune in as I recount my engagement, wedding, and the memorable events leading up to my "happily ever after."

00:00 - Introduction: A happier chapter in my story

05:00 - A routine check turns into a hospital stay

10:00 - The surprise hot air balloon proposal

15:00 - Celebrating our engagement in Sri Lanka

20:00 - Chest pain and a hospital admission scare

25:00 - The wedding day—organised chaos and beautiful memories

This episode is a reminder that life’s most joyful moments often come amid hardship, and the power of resilience and love can make even the darkest times brighter. Join mw as I share my experiences and lessons learned from a year of temporary bliss amidst ongoing health challenges.

In this episode of I'm in Control, I recount the shocking discovery of a rare and aggressive secondary cancer after I thought my battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was over. From learning about lesions in my liver to enduring the pain of a biopsy and navigating the complex medical landscape, I share how I took control of my life despite the odds. This episode covers resilience, uncharted medical territories, and the emotional toll of hearing the word "terminal." Join me as I delve into the lessons learned from a fight that pushed me to the brink.

00:00 - Introduction: The life-or-death risk I took

00:53 - My battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and remission

02:07 - The discovery of lesions in my liver

05:02 - Going through a painful biopsy

07:16 - The diagnosis of rare smooth muscle tumours

10:22 - Experimental treatments and Doctor Google

13:05 - Facing the word "terminal"

17:01 - How I found the strength to keep fighting

This episode is about never backing down, even when faced with rare and unpredictable medical challenges. I hope my story empowers others to take control of their lives and never give up, no matter what.

In this episode of I'm in Control, I share the emotional and physical battle I faced when diagnosed with large diffuse B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, just ten months after my kidney transplant. From enduring painful biopsies to making the tough decision to shave my head, I reflect on how I took control of my life in the midst of chaos. This is a story of resilience, mindset, and survival. Join me as I recount the journey of fighting cancer and the lessons learned along the way.

00:00 - Introduction: Why I hit the gym

00:53 - The shocking cancer diagnosis

02:07 - Starting chemotherapy and facing the side effects

05:02 - Taking control: Shaving my head and embracing the fight

07:16 - Building resilience and maintaining a positive mindset

10:22 - My relationship with food and finding comfort in cooking

13:05 - The role of my "cancer dog" Sky in my healing journey

17:01 - Reaching remission and reflecting on the battle won

This episode is about finding strength in the hardest of times and refusing to let illness define me. I hope my journey inspires others to keep fighting, no matter what life throws at them.

In this episode of I'm in Control, I share the incredible story of my kidney transplant journey, a true testament to the strength of family and resilience. From my dad selflessly donating his kidney to save my life, to the doubts, fears, and physical challenges we both faced, this episode takes you through every emotional and physical hurdle. I open up about the anxiety of rejection, the rigorous medication routine, and the lasting effects of such a major surgery. My transplant has given me the chance to live a full life, and I discuss how this journey has shaped me. I also reflect on the unique bond I now share with my dad, and the unexpected side effects – like my newfound cravings for his favourite foods!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Dad: My hero and kidney donor

02:34 - What is a kidney transplant?

04:55 - The risks of rejection and medication management

09:40 - Preparing for transplant day

14:15 - Surgery: The transplant procedure

18:10 - Post-surgery recovery and reconnecting with Dad

22:45 - Managing medications and avoiding rejection

27:00 - The ongoing journey: Blood tests, check-ups, and side effects

29:34 - The lasting bond with my dad

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