In this deeply personal episode of Badly Broken, host Gemma McAllister sits down with her father for an emotional and candid conversation about the affair that changed their family's lives 30 years ago. Together, they reflect on how his decision to cheat on his wife (Gemma's mum) impacted their family at the time, the lessons he's learned over the years, and the painful experience of witnessing his daughter go through a similar betrayal. With raw honesty, they explore the ripple effects of infidelity, the reasons why marriages can break down, and his thoughts on healing and moving forward.

In this episode Gemma McAllister engages in a heartfelt conversation with holistic health practitioner Victoria Barnes about the transformative power of reflexology in healing after trauma, particularly following divorce. They explore the origins and techniques of reflexology, its role in managing anxiety and stress, and practical self-care strategies for individuals navigating difficult emotional landscapes. The discussion emphasises the importance of grounding techniques, breath work, and movement in the healing process, while also addressing the expectations and benefits of reflexology treatments. Victoria shares insights on how to integrate these practices into daily life, making them accessible for those in crisis.

Luke, a personal trainer and advocate for mental health awareness, discusses the connection between fitness and mental health. He emphasises the importance of exercise in improving mood, reducing anxiety and depression, and promoting overall mental well-being. Luke also highlights the role of self-esteem in fitness goals and the need to understand the psychological drivers behind physical transformation. He shares insights on managing stress and anxiety through weight training and the benefits of finding a safe and supportive environment for exercise.

Gemma expresses how exercise helped her during her breakup and provided a sense of grounding and clarity, and helped in making better decisions. They enforce how embracing discomfort is necessary for growth and positive change. And to not forget there is hope for a new and exciting future after a breakup.

Gemma McAllister interviews Naji Malak, a renowned acupuncturist specialising in treating trauma. They discuss the power of acupuncture in healing trauma, the mind-body connection, and the importance of self-care practices. Naji shares his personal journey and how he discovered his calling in acupuncture. He emphasises the need to address trauma quickly and without the need for extensive talking. They also touch on the role of love, surrendering, and the importance of listening to one's body and mind.

In this episode, Gemma McAllister and Angela discuss holistic health and the support Angela provided to Gemma during her difficult time of dealing with her husband's infidelity. They talk about the use of homeopathic remedies, flower essences, and supplements to support emotional well-being and physical health. They also emphasise the importance of seeking professional advice and support from health stores, GPs, and counsellors. The conversation highlights the need for self-care, owning one's journey, and recognising the connection between emotions and physical health.

Gemma McAllister and Arianna Trapani discuss the journey of healing and growth after experiencing divorce. They explore the importance of self-care, reconnecting with oneself, and setting healthy boundaries. Arianna shares her expertise as a courage and confidence coach, emphasising the significance of self-reflection, journaling, and practicing gratitude. They also discuss common struggles during a breakup, such as overwhelming emotions, loss of identity, fear of loneliness, and negative self-talk. The conversation highlights the transformative power of working with a life coach and the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for healing and self-discovery.

In this conversation, Arianna Trapani and Gemma McAllister discuss the importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-care during challenging times. They emphasise the need for self-reflection, understanding personal values and emotional limits, and surrounding oneself with a supportive network. They also highlight the ongoing nature of maintaining boundaries and the importance of evolving and adapting them as needed. The conversation explores the journey of self-discovery and the power of changing thought patterns to improve mental wellness. The key takeaways include practicing gratitude, engaging in activities that bring joy, and being aware of and reframing negative self-talk.

In this episode, Gemma discussed with her friends the impact of a traumatic breakup on their friendship. They reflect on the challenges of supporting a friend through a difficult time, managing their own emotions, and maintaining privacy. They emphasise the importance of holding space for a friend, being patient, and providing a safe and non-judgmental environment for them to express their feelings. They also discuss the process of healing and moving forward, and the value of sharing both the difficult and positive moments with friends. Overall, the conversation highlights the strength of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.

In this conversation, Gemma McAllister interviews Flavia Powell, a hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner, life coach, and international bestselling author. They discuss how hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool to heal from a breakup and address the devastation of betrayal. Flavia explains that hypnotherapy works by disassociating negative memories and replacing them with positive images. She emphasises the importance of self-worth and making conscious choices to create a new identity. They also discuss the impact of past experiences on our present reality and the role of hypnotherapy in rebuilding after a breakup. In this conversation,

Gemma and Flavia discuss the process of healing and moving on after a betrayal or loss. They emphasise the importance of allowing oneself to grieve and release emotions, rather than trying to distract or suppress them. They also discuss the power of intention and choosing how one wants to feel. Flavia explains the role of hypnotherapy in supporting the healing process and reframing negative thoughts. They also touch on the importance of living from the heart and trusting one's intuition. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of self-love and resilience.

This is the most personal episode for me (the episode with my Dad being the second). I open up about the darkest and most challenging experience of my life - discovering my husband's infidelity. I take you through the heart-wrenching moment I found out, the overwhelming wave of emotions that followed, and the devastating impact it had on my world.

I candidly share my raw thoughts and feelings, from the initial shock and anger to the profound sadness and confusion. But my story is not just about betrayal, it's more about resilience, healing, and finding my way back to myself.

Join me as I discuss over the series the steps I took to navigate through this difficult time, the support systems that were my lifeline, and how I eventually found the strength to move forward. The fact I even recorded this episode is a testament to the human spirit's incredible ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger.

Whether you've faced betrayal yourself or are seeking inspiration in tough times, my story is here to remind you that hope and empowerment are within reach.