Taboo Talk with Sarah

By Sarah Jordan-Ross

Taboo Talk with Sarah is the podcast that breaks the silence on life’s toughest challenges. From grief and mental wellness to caregiving and the cracks in the healthcare system, we dive into the topic... more

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FAQs about Taboo Talk with Sarah:

How many episodes does Taboo Talk with Sarah have?

The podcast currently has 62 episodes available.

Taboo Talk with Sarah episodes:

July 07, 2026 Taboo Talk Season 2 Episode 16 One Last Hit: Addiction, Approval & Finding the Way Back with Austin Rampt
🔑 Main Topics & Takeaways
Why tying your worth to achievement can create a lifelong need for approval
The connection between addiction, shame, belonging, and the desire to feel relief
Why wanting connection while fearing vulnerability can keep us trapped
How recovery and healing are rarely a straight or perfect journey
Why community and honest vulnerability are essential to recovery
The powerful realisation that love and worth aren't things we have to earn

🗣️ Memorable Quotes
“That if I achieve, I am somehow worthy. And the flip-flop is also true. If I don't achieve, then somehow I'm not worthy.”
“I was just so deathly afraid that if you saw me, you wouldn't love me.”
“Nothing is beyond repair, but you can't do it alone.”

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps
00:00 – Austin's story and the deeper themes of shame, identity, and belonging
01:39 – Childhood anxiety, body shame, and feeling “not good enough”
02:20 – Learning to connect achievement with approval and worth
03:52 – Austin explains the idea of “approval addiction”
05:02 – Wanting connection while being terrified of vulnerability
05:53 – Drinking at 13 and the rapid progression into addiction
07:26 – The accident that burned Austin's family home to the ground
08:22 – Nearly nine years in recovery and the relapse that changed everything
09:43 – Overdose and arriving at detox in stage four renal failure
11:39 – Addiction, destructive relationships, and escalating chaos
12:10 – Police intervention and being ordered into treatment
13:30 – Running from rehab and unexpectedly flying to Cancun
14:29 – Addiction spirals further during Austin's time in Mexico
17:15 – The dangerous belief that never running out of drugs might solve the problem
17:40 – Missing his young daughter and believing he would never see her again
18:15 – 22 months in Mexico and losing almost everything
19:00 – Finding unexpected love and connection with a family who had very little
21:00 – A drug dealer, a gun, and the moment Austin knew he had to leave Mexico
21:49 – The therapist's question that changed Austin's understanding of worth
22:48 – How another man's vulnerability gave Austin permission to face his own shame
23:30 – Understanding the difference between impact and intent
24:30 – Finally asking the question: “Am I actually enough?”
25:57 – Who Austin is today and why recovery hasn't been linear
27:00 – Learning how to become a father
28:10 – Relapse, sobriety, and the importance of recovery community
29:00 – Writing One Last Hit and confronting the stories Austin told himself
30:00 – Pride, entitlement, and learning to let go
31:00 – The power of men being honest about fear and struggle
32:26 – Why vulnerability isn't weakness—it's strength
33:58 – The life-changing realisation that you're not alone
35:30 – Austin's message for anyone who feels broken beyond repair
36:34 – Why we need other people to help us see our lives clearly
37:23 – Austin shares the story behind One Last Hit
38:04 – Where to connect with Austin and listen to his podcast
38:37 – Learning to lead with your heart
40:17 – You don't have to earn your worth or deserve love
42:19 – Sarah's closing reminder: your story matters, so share it
...more
44min
June 30, 2026Taboo Talk Season 2 Episode 15 Beyond Survival Mode: The Journey Back to Joy
Main Takeaways
Why survival mode can become so normal that we no longer recognise we're living in it.

Rest isn't something we earn—it's something we need.

Joy isn't found in achievement; it's found in presence.

Travel has a way of revealing the parts of ourselves we've forgotten.

Authenticity begins when we stop performing and start living honestly.

Memorable Quotes
"Sometimes survival mode doesn't look dramatic—it just looks like showing up every day."
"The most important discoveries I've made haven't been on a map."
"Maybe the real gift of travel isn't that it changes who we are—but that it reminds us who we are."

Key Moments
00:00 – Welcome and why this episode is different
02:00 – Realising just how long survival mode had become normal
06:30 – Learning that rest isn't something you have to earn
10:30 – What floating down a Texas river taught me about obstacles, courage and control
16:00 – Why Jackson reminded me what pure joy looks like
20:00 – Remembering the version of myself I thought I'd lost
24:00 – Authenticity keeps appearing everywhere I look
28:00 – What if life is about more than simply surviving?
31:00 – Final reflections on joy, family, possibility and coming home to yourself
...more
18min
June 16, 2026Taboo Talk Season 2 Episode 14 The Caregiver Nobody Sees: Navigating Love, Loss & the Invisible Load of Caring with Dr. Monique Nugent
🔑 Main Topics & Takeaways
The realities of becoming part of the "sandwich generation"

Why caregivers often feel invisible inside healthcare systems

The emotional toll of caring for ageing parents and loved ones

Learning how to communicate and advocate within medical settings

Why self-care isn't selfish—it's essential for sustainable caregiving

The hidden grief that comes with watching someone slowly decline

Building support systems before a crisis happens

🗣️ Memorable Quotes
"There are no medals in the Martyr Olympics."
"Caregiving gets very lonely because people leave."
"You are with you when the journey is over."
"The journeys of caregiving will end. When they do, you're going to have to face yourself again."

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to caregiving and emotional overload

03:32 – Becoming the generation responsible for caring for parents

05:46 – The realities of the sandwich generation

08:30 – Why difficult conversations need to happen before a crisis

12:13 – Sarah shares her experience caring for her mother through cancer

14:18 – Why caregiving becomes isolating

15:27 – The difference between offering help and actually helping

18:43 – Why caregivers often feel invisible within healthcare systems

21:25 – Why caregivers know things doctors need to hear

23:51 – Understanding hospital systems and communication challenges

24:47 – Learning how to advocate effectively in medical settings

32:43 – The caregiver whose own health failed during the journey

34:00 – Why caring for yourself is caring for your loved one

39:36 – "There are no medals in the Martyr Olympics"

40:26 – The heartbreaking realities families face when support systems fail

43:06 – The ageing population crisis and healthcare challenges

50:23 – When family caregivers become medical experts by necessity

54:38 – The grief of role reversal between parent and child

56:13 – Mourning the small losses before the final goodbye

59:27 – The importance of self-compassion for caregivers

1:02:36 – Final reflections and advice for carers everywhere
...more
1h 6min
June 08, 2026Taboo talk Season 2 Episode 13 More Than Skin Deep: Confidence, Self-Care & Growing Up in a Body That Feels Different with Dr. Angela Casey
🔑 Main Topics & Takeaways
Why skin conditions affect much more than physical appearance

The connection between skin health, inflammation, and overall wellness

How self-care routines build confidence and emotional resilience

The powerful role parents play in modelling healthy habits

Why sunscreen may be the most important skincare product you'll ever use

🗣️ Memorable Quotes
"Our skin is really the billboard that announces what's going on inside of us."
"Self-care is healthcare."
"Skincare doesn't have to be complicated, but it does have to be consistent."

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps
00:01 – Introduction to skin confidence and identity

02:11 – Why skin issues feel so overwhelming during adolescence

04:24 – The "snow globe" analogy for puberty and teenage development

05:45 – Self-care as a critical part of mental and physical health

08:55 – Why teenagers follow what parents do, not what they say

12:00 – Skin health is far more than a cosmetic issue

13:30 – The connection between skin, inflammation, and overall health

15:37 – Using your skin as an early warning system

18:09 – The story behind Bright Girl Skincare

20:20 – Social media skincare trends and teen skin damage

22:10 – Why simple skincare routines work best

24:12 – Oily skin still needs moisturiser

25:13 – Sarah shares her melanoma experience

26:00 – Skin cancer prevention and early detection

31:57 – The emotional impact of acne and skin conditions

35:59 – Why consistency beats complicated routines

38:11 – The one skincare product everyone should use daily

42:12 – Modelling healthy habits for children

43:23 – The truth about moisturiser and acne-prone skin

46:47 – Where to find Bright Girl and learn more
🌟 Resources Mentioned

Bright Girl Skincare
A dermatologist-developed skincare line specifically designed for teen and tween skin, focusing on gentle, effective ingredients and healthy self-care habits.
Website: BrightGirl.com
...more
51min
June 02, 2026Taboo talk Season 2 Episode 12 The Grief That Stays: Finding Hope, Purpose & Presence After Loss with Kelly Edmondson
🔑 Main Topics & Takeaways
Why grief doesn't end after the funeral—it often begins there

The importance of remembering and speaking the names of those we've lost

How rituals, memories, and meaningful traditions help us navigate grief

Why support is often needed most after everyone else has moved on

Turning personal pain into purpose through service and connection

🗣️ Powerful Quotes from the Episode
"People say they don't want to remind someone of their loss. It's the one thing I can't forget."
"Great loves are great losses. But the love is the gift."
"Grief will reshape you, but it doesn't have to limit you."

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to grief beyond the immediate aftermath

01:37 – Why grief becomes a lifelong companion

03:30 – Kelly shares the story of losing her son, Darius

05:37 – The silence that comes after the funeral

07:58 – Learning to give yourself permission to grieve

10:19 – The Mother's Day experience that changed everything

13:46 – "I will make room for purpose in this pain"

15:07 – The inspiration behind Timely Presence

17:04 – Why people need support on milestone dates

19:40 – Supporting mothers through pregnancy and infant loss

22:43 – A story that confirmed the impact of Timely Presence

23:27 – Advice for those navigating grief alone

24:20 – Creating rituals that bring meaning and healing

26:48 – The importance of self-care during grief

29:35 – "The cost of loving is losing"

31:13 – Legacy, memory, and keeping loved ones present

38:50 – Why unprocessed grief can be dangerous

41:17 – Final reflections on grief, healing, and hope
...more
43min
May 12, 2026Taboo talk Season 2 Episode 11 You’re Not Broken: Trauma, the Nervous System & Learning to Feel Safe Again with Steve Soporn
🔑 Main Topics / Takeaways
Why trauma is a nervous system adaptation, not a personal failure

How childhood trauma impacts the brain, emotional regulation, addiction, and relationships

The difference between “fixing” emotions and learning to stay present with them

How men are conditioned to suppress emotions—and the long-term cost of that

Why healing happens through small consistent steps, not perfection

🗣️ Intriguing Quotes
“I didn’t come out of the womb broken.”

“Your brain adapted… and it can adapt again.”

“We all came into the world as a bright shining light… and life covered it up.”

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps
00:03 – Introduction: trauma beyond mindset

02:26 – Steve’s brain scan and the moment everything changed

06:54 – Trauma as adaptation, not damage

09:39 – The impact trauma had on parenting and relationships

11:35 – “Man up, stuff it down” and emotional suppression in men

14:22 – Leaving a 30-year finance career to pursue healing work

17:58 – Understanding trauma through nervous system regulation

20:51 – Breathwork, neurofeedback, psychedelics & inner child work

22:56 – Why trauma responses aren’t conscious choices

27:04 – How healing changes relationships and attracts healthier people

28:37 – Addiction, trauma, and the body trying to feel safe

34:33 – Post-traumatic growth and reclaiming your life

37:59 – Final takeaway: “You are not broken.”
📚 Resources Mentioned
🎧 The Neuro’s Journey Podcast
(A podcast exploring trauma, healing, leadership, nervous system regulation, and personal growth.)

🧠 Neurofeedback / QEEG Brain Scanning

📖 Work and concepts from Dr. Daniel Amen
...more
42min
May 05, 2026Taboo Talk Season 2 Episode 10 When Who You Were No Longer Fits: Rediscovering Your Spark in Midlife with Heike Yates
🔑 Main Topics / Takeaways
The quiet unraveling of identity in midlife and why it’s more common than we think

Letting go of old identities (like “the runner”) and grieving who we used to be

Why “reinventing yourself” is the wrong approach—and what to do instead

The importance of resetting, not restarting, and honoring your lived experience

How to find your “spark” again through curiosity, small steps, and self-trust

🗣️ Intriguing Quotes
“Something that once fit really well… doesn’t anymore.”

“You don’t need to reinvent yourself—you need to reset.”

“Stop dimming your light and pursue your spark.”

⏱️ Key Moments
00:00 – Introduction: the quiet shifts of midlife

02:14 – Heike’s “aha moments” and evolving identity

05:30 – Pushing harder… until the body says no

06:59 – The wake-up call: burnout and physical breakdown

10:32 – Losing identity as a runner and grieving the change

15:04 – The healing power of Pilates and slowing down

18:00 – Identity, community, and letting go of who you were

21:53 – Moving forward without looking back

23:34 – Why sparks change over time

28:04 – The story behind Pursue Your Spark

32:50 – Your spark doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be yours

38:07 – Why “reinvention” is the wrong mindset

42:09 – Finding your next step when you feel stuck

44:29 – Final message: stop dimming your light
👤Guest
Heike Yates is a Midlife Fitness Expert, author, and creator of the SPARK Framework. She helps midlife women navigate seasons when what used to work no longer fits and routines feel harder to follow than they used to.
With over 35 years of experience in fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching, Heike supports women who feel stuck in the gap between knowing what matters and actually following through. Her approach is practical, compassionate, and designed for real life — not ideal days.
She is the host of the Pursue Your Spark Podcast and award-winning author of Pursue Your Spark, where she blends science and lived experience to help women rebuild self-trust and move forward with steady steps, without guilt, extremes, or starting over.
...more
48min
April 28, 2026Taboo talk Season2, Episode 9 Surviving the Unthinkable: Grief, Trauma & Finding Your Way Back with Todd Maguire
🔑 Key Takeaways
Grief—especially from suicide—can transform identity in ways people don’t understand.

Avoiding pain doesn’t remove it… it delays and often deepens it.

Trauma isn’t just emotional—it can shape behaviour, identity, and self-worth.

Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the new definition of strength.

Healing isn’t linear—but it is possible with the right tools and support.

🗣️ Quotes to Remember
“The grief transforms you into someone you don’t recognise.” – Todd Maguire

“You’ve got to face it now… or it’ll be worse down the track.” – Todd Maguire

“The new definition of strength is being vulnerable.” – Todd Maguire

“You don’t have to do it alone.” – Sarah Jordan-Ross

⏱️ Key Moments
00:00 – Introduction: grief beyond death and the weight we carry

02:38 – Todd shares the unseen reality of suicide grief

03:37 – Finding his partner: the moment that changed everything

07:46 – Turning to alcohol and survival coping mechanisms

11:30 – “Surviving badly” vs learning to survive well

13:17 – The alter ego: Donnie and life undercover

17:46 – The turning point: stopping another suicide

20:57 – Losing identity and returning to “normal life”

23:45 – Fatherhood as a wake-up call

26:28 – PTSD, anger, and the delayed impact of trauma

28:18 – Writing the book: the moment everything shifted

31:24 – Redefining strength: vulnerability over silence

37:01 – Message to those struggling: “You are loved. You will be missed.”

46:31 – PTSD explained like a physical injury

48:11 – Final reflections: you don’t have to do it alone
...more
50min
April 07, 2026Taboo talk season 2, Episode 8 The Conversations We Avoid: Legacy, Loss & Living Before It’s Too Late with Jermaine Ee
🔑 Key Takeaways
What we focus on shapes our reality—and we can train that intentionally.

Avoiding end-of-life conversations creates emotional and logistical burdens for loved ones.

Legacy isn’t just money—it’s stories, memories, and how we show up in everyday life.

Most people delay estate planning not because it’s hard—but because it’s uncomfortable.

The real opportunity isn’t just planning for death… it’s learning to live more fully now.

🗣️ Quotes to Remember
“What we focus on shapes our entire reality.” – Jermaine Ee

“Urgent beats important every time.” – Jermaine Ee

“Clarity is love in practical form.” – Jermaine Ee

“Those stories disappear only when we stop telling them.” – Jermaine Ee

“Every day is a special occasion… we just forget.” – Conversation theme

⏱️ Key Moments
00:00 – Introduction: Why we avoid conversations about death and legacy

01:58 – Jermaine’s perspective: What we focus on shapes reality

03:19 – Why humans avoid estate planning (urgent vs important)

07:59 – The emotional cost families pay when planning isn’t done

12:31 – What legacy really means (and how it shifts after loss)

15:57 – Jermaine’s story: discovering who his mum was before motherhood

20:01 – Capturing stories before they disappear

24:39 – Why asking your parents questions matters

27:54 – The surprising reason people avoid estate planning

33:45 – “Clarity is love in practical form”

36:04 – Regret, saving, and not fully enjoying life

38:02 – Living differently when you realise life is fragile

41:52 – Choosing joy, using what you have, living intentionally
...more
50min
March 23, 2026Taboo Talk Season 2, Episode 7 Beyond Survival: Grief, Caregiving & Finding Life Beyond the Horizon with Lani Almanza
🔑 Key Takeaways
Grief is not only about death. It can also come through change, transition, identity loss, and the life we thought we were going to have.

After caregiving or crisis, many people do not know how to stop “treading water” and begin living again.

Healing often starts with small moments of awareness, especially breath, rest, and reconnecting with yourself.

Grief does not necessarily get smaller. We grow around it and learn how to carry it differently.

Looking beyond the horizon is not betrayal. It is a way of honoring what has been while still allowing yourself to live fully.
🗣️ Quotes to Remember
“Life experience becomes your credentials.” – Lani Almanza

“Grief isn’t a one-time thing that you experience and then it goes away.” – Lani Almanza

“You’re not in crisis anymore, but you haven’t quite figured out what’s next.” – Sarah Jordan-Ross

“We grow around our grief.” – Sarah Jordan-Ross and Lani Almanza conversation theme

“Remember to come up for air.” – Advice from the whale, shared by Lani Almanza
⏱️ Key Moments
00:01 – Sarah introduces Lani and frames the conversation around life after crisis

01:59 – Lani answers the season’s opening question: what she notices and cannot unsee

04:04 – What happens when caregiving ends and you no longer know where you fit

05:42 – Lani shares her own experience after losing her son Jacob and later caring for both parents

07:19 – The moment she realized she could finally turn her phone off after more than 20 years

10:00 – “Been there, done that” as real-life credentials

12:18 – Finding joy after grief without feeling disloyal

16:22 – Why grief never fully disappears, but we grow around it

20:32 – The inspiration behind Beyond the Horizon

26:08 – One small shift to begin healing: meeting yourself in your breath

29:06 – Advice from the whale: make a splash, come up for air, no blubbering

31:03 – Sarah reflects on honoring the past while still choosing life ahead
...more
35min

FAQs about Taboo Talk with Sarah:

How many episodes does Taboo Talk with Sarah have?

The podcast currently has 62 episodes available.