In this heart-opening episode, Annaleise reflects on the two-year anniversary of her life-changing book Keep Swimming and dives deep into the transformative power of everyday celebration. Through her own mental health journey—marked by depression, sobriety, personal reinvention, and resilience—Annaleise shares why honouring the small victories can be just as powerful as celebrating life’s biggest milestones.

With warmth and raw honesty, she explores how recognising effort over outcomes can foster self-worth, encourage healing, and draw more joy into our daily lives. Whether it’s taking your first therapy session, choosing yourself after heartbreak, or simply getting out of bed on a tough day—this episode is a reminder that every step forward is worth celebrating.

If you’re ready to embrace your strength, shift your focus to the good, and become your own biggest cheerleader, this one’s for you. Let this gentle, empowering message light your path as you keep swimming forward.

For more, visit ⁠the Keep Swimming substack⁠ to subscribe to Annaleise's newsletter, and connect with her on social media ⁠@annaleise.easlea.

This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au [email protected]

In this episode of Keep Swimming, Annaleise Easlea speaks from her own experience of navigating divorce, deep emotional fatigue, and the long, slow process of writing her book. She reflects the power of small steps and how it is those steps that will have the biggest impact. 

Through the story of a multi-day hike and the mental hills we all climb in daily life, Annaleise reminds us that we don’t need to see the whole path ahead—we just need to focus on the next step, however small. 

This episode is a soft landing for anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone, that you’re doing your best, and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply move one foot forward. And if that’s all you manage today—that’s more than enough.

For more, visit ⁠the Keep Swimming substack⁠ to subscribe to Annaleise's newsletter, and connect with her on social media ⁠@annaleise.easlea.

This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au [email protected]

In this episode of Keep Swimming, Annaleise Easlea shares her personal journey with exploring a wide range of therapies to manage her mental health struggles. From psychology and anti-depressants to energy healing, equine therapy, and even psilocybin, Annaleise discusses how she’s navigated different treatments to find what works for her.

This episode is for anyone feeling stuck in their mental health journey or frustrated with conventional therapies. Annaleise emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach - what works for one person may not work for another, and that’s okay. She encourages listeners to remain open to new options and to embrace a holistic approach to healing that may include mind, body, and spiritual practices.

If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, burnout, or simply seeking ways to improve your mental health, this episode is a compassionate reminder that there are many paths to healing. Annaleise offers insight into the power of exploring alternative therapies and encourages you to try what resonates with you, knowing that it's okay to change course as you go.

Listen for inspiration and practical tips on finding your own healing path, one step at a time.

Join Annaleise every week for a new episode, from one friend to another.

For more, visit ⁠the Keep Swimming substack⁠ to subscribe to Annaleise's newsletter, and connect with her on social media ⁠@annaleise.easlea.

In this episode of Keep Swimming, Annaleise Easlea shares a deeply personal and practical framework for surviving depression, anxiety, burnout, and emotional exhaustion — especially in the moments when you feel like you have nothing left to give.

Instead of pushing through or pretending to be strong, this episode offers a softer path: borrowing what you need. Hope, belief, energy, perspective — from people, stories, memories, nature, even from your past or future self.

Annaleise speaks from lived experience, exploring how emotional survival isn’t about doing more, but about leaning gently on what’s around you when your own strength runs out.

This is a compassionate space for anyone living with mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, or chronic overwhelm. A reminder that you don’t have to go without. That you’re allowed to borrow. And that one day, simply by living, you’ll give it back.

Borrow to survive. Give back by living.

Listen weekly for new episodes — from one friend to another.Subscribe at keepswimmingnewsletter.substack.com or connect on Instagram @annaleise.easlea.

In this first episode of the Keep Swimming Podcast, Annaleise Easlea shares a deeply personal letter reflecting on ANZAC Day - its significance, the sacrifice, and the service that goes beyond the uniform. Through heartfelt storytelling, Annaleise encourages reflection on what ANZAC Day means to those who have served, their families, and the ongoing struggles many face after leaving the service. It’s a reminder that it’s not just the medals we see, but the unseen battles that matter most.

This episode is a quiet, gentle space to pause and reflect on the invisible impacts of service and sacrifice. Listen to Annaleise's personal insights and take away the importance of simply showing up for those who need it most.

Read the full written piece here: ANZAC DAY - The Silent Battles - by Annaleise Easlea

Join Annaleise every week for a new episode, from one friend to another.

For more, visit ⁠the Keep Swimming substack⁠ to subscribe to Annaleise's newsletter, and connect with her on social media ⁠@annaleise.easlea.

Welcome to Keep Swimming, a podcast to support you, to comfort you and to inspire hope. Hosted by author, mental health advocate, and former Navy sailor Annaleise Easlea, this podcast is like a letter from a friend. A gentle voice in your corner for when life gets a bit much or when the silence gets a little too loud. Whether you're just surviving, thriving, or somewhere in between, Keep Swimming exists to cheer you on - with soft words, honest reflections, and bite-sized episodes that meet you exactly where you are.

Annaleise knows firsthand the ongoing challenges of mental health. After six years in the Navy, years of living with severe depression, and a deeply personal journey of healing and rediscovery, she chose to keep swimming - and now, she’s here to remind you that you can too. This podcast is her way of sharing everything she learns along the way - one letter, one thought, one gentle reminder at a time.

Each episode of the Keep Swimming podcast is solo. No interviews. No noise. Just Annaleise - speaking directly to you. Like a friend you didn’t know you needed. She’ll be sharing honest reflections, infused with hope, and the words that have helped her to find light on even the darkest days. Perhaps they’ll help you too.

This podcast isn’t about quick fixes or pretending everything’s fine. It’s here to show you that it is okay to be exactly where you are. That you are enough. That hope is always here, even in the moments you are struggling to feel it.  Remember, it doesn’t matter how fast you swim. It doesn’t even matter what direction you go. All that matters is that you just keep swimming.

Join Annaleise every week for a new episode, from one friend to another.

For more, visit the Keep Swimming Substack to subscribe to Annaleise's newsletter, and connect with her on social media ⁠@annaleise.easlea.