On December 15, 2014, a regular Sydney morning turned into the unimaginable.

At Martin Place’s Lindt Café, 18 people—including Louisa Hope—were held for hours in a brutal hostage situation

This is the biggest and most powerful conversation we’ve ever had on The Chronically Unbalanced.

On what began as an ordinary December morning in Sydney, Louisa Hope walked into a café for a cup of coffee with her mother. Within minutes, her life changed forever. She was among those taken hostage in what became one of Australia’s most shocking events.

In this special two-part series, Louisa shares her story in her own words—what it was like inside, the fear and uncertainty of those hours, and the split-second moments that stayed with her forever.

She also opens up about the years that followed, the challenges of recovery, and the ways she’s found strength, purpose, and even hope after unimaginable trauma.

Sponsorship:

This episode is proudly sponsored by the wonderful Lu and Co

We appreciate your support. 

Trigger Warning:

This episode contains discussion of traumatic events including terrorism, hostage situations, gun violence, murder, serious injury, and the long-term impacts of trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised, especially for those who may find these topics distressing.

If you need support, you can contact:

Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Victims of Terrorism Australia (VOTA) — 1800 999 037

Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7 mental health support)

On December 15, 2014, a regular Sydney morning turned into the unimaginable.

At Martin Place’s Lindt Café, 18 people—including Louisa Hope—were held for hours in a brutal hostage situation

This is the biggest and most powerful conversation we’ve ever had on The Chronically Unbalanced.

On what began as an ordinary December morning in Sydney, Louisa Hope walked into a café for a cup of coffee with her mother. Within minutes, her life changed forever. She was among those taken hostage in what became one of Australia’s most shocking events.

In this special two-part series, Louisa shares her story in her own words—what it was like inside, the fear and uncertainty of those hours, and the split-second moments that stayed with her forever.

She also opens up about the years that followed, the challenges of recovery, and the ways she’s found strength, purpose, and even hope after unimaginable trauma.

Sponsorship:

This episode is proudly sponsored by Don't Shrink Me.

They are a Sydney based counselling practise focusing on young people aged 12-25.

Trigger Warning:

This episode contains discussion of traumatic events including terrorism, hostage situations, gun violence, murder, serious injury, and the long-term impacts of trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised, especially for those who may find these topics distressing.

If you need support, you can contact:

Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Victims of Terrorism Australia (VOTA) — 1800 999 037

Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7 mental health support)

On this episode of The Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with Victoria — mum to two beautiful kids, Jack and Chloe — to share her family’s extraordinary journey through one of the toughest challenges a parent can face: waiting for a heart transplant for your child.

At just 18 months old, Jack was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure and spent 11 months on a Berlin Heart before receiving his life-saving donor heart. Victoria opens up about life in the hospital, giving birth to Chloe during their stay, the friendships and heartbreaks along the way, and the immense gratitude they carry for Jack’s “donor angel.”

This is a powerful story about resilience, hope, and the life-saving gift of organ donation.

A huge thank you to this week's sponsor White Barn Pokolbin.

🔔 Trigger warning:

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:

Lifeline (Australia) – 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 – for mental health support and resources

You’re not alone, and help is always available.

This week on the podcast, we’re honoured to welcome a very special guest — Kassie.

In this episode, Kassie opens up about what it was like to grow up with the weight of sibling loss, how it impacted her emotionally and mentally, and how those experiences continue to influence her today as a mother and entrepreneur.

It’s a heartfelt, honest, and deeply important conversation about grief, healing, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. We’re so grateful to Kassie for sharing her story with us.

This weeks sponsor @rhyse_cains_building

🔔 Trigger warning

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:

Lifeline (Australia) – 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 – for mental health support and resources

You’re not alone, and help is always available.

When her son Leo was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at just 3 years old, today's guest was thrust into a world she never expected—one marked by uncertainty, medical complexity, and fierce maternal advocacy. DMD is a rare genetic condition that primarily affects boys, leading to progressive muscle degeneration and significantly shortened life expectancy.

But this episode isn’t about seeking pity—it’s about the power of a mother’s intuition. We dive into her story of recognising early signs, navigating the diagnosis, and learning to trust her gut even when the medical answers were unclear. It's a candid, powerful conversation about resilience, parental instincts, and finding strength in the most unexpected places.

Guest: Jacquie Cooper https://www.instagram.com/jacquiecooper/ 

Sponsor: Evolution Laser Clinic Salamander Bay https://www.instagram.com/evolutionlaser/

DISCLAIMER

This episode contains discussions that may be distressing to some listeners, including themes of child loss, mental illness, and physical illness. We acknowledge that these topics are sensitive and may bring up difficult emotions.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out for support. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Help is available, and you're not alone.

Please take care while listening.

In this powerful and raw episode of The Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with an incredible mum who shares the terrifying journey that began just six weeks after giving birth.

What started off as mild cold-like symptoms for Emily quickly spiralled into a life-threatening condition.

From being rushed to hospital, separated from her newborn and husband, to hearing the words “you need a heart transplant”—this is a story of unimaginable trauma, resilience, and survival.

She walks us through the shock of an ICU admission, the rollercoaster of transplant surgery, and what it means to live with a new heart—only to face devastating rejection years later. But through it all, she shows up, keeps fighting, and is slowly finding her strength again.

This is not just a medical story. It's a human one. A mother's one. And one you won't forget.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive topics related to health and illness that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

* Special thanks to the voiceover artist for their professional work on our advertisements. You can find Jeremy at That Alter Guy.

Thank you to our Sponsor for this episode.

Rhyse Cains Building located in Port Stephens, NSW Australia. 

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of The Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with Lochy and Ella as they share their incredible story of resilience, love, and survival.

What started as unexplained, debilitating head pain led to an unimaginable diagnosis—Stage 4 brain cancer.

Originally believed to be a pineoblastoma, then later reclassified as an immature teratoma (a rare tumor usually found in reproductive organs, not the brain), Lochy’s condition was deemed incurable but treatable—twice.

With the support from Ella his beautiful wife, Lochy endured multiple brain surgeries, intense chemotherapy, and a seizure caused by the very treatment meant to help him. Against all odds, Lochy is now in remission.

This is a raw and emotional look at navigating a life-threatening diagnosis in your 20s, and the brutal but beautiful road to healing.

Be prepared for a few sneaky laughs along the way as we navigate our way through Lochy’s journey.

This is survival.... 

THIS WEEKS SPONSOR: Nelson Bay Palms

https://www.nelsonpalms.com.au/ 

@nelsonpalms 

After a cheeky little hiatus, The Chronically Unbalanced is back on the airwaves!

We have emerged from our hidey-holes to catch you up on where we've been, what we've been up to, and why we disappeared like your ex’s emotional availability.

We miss you all.... 

LET'S DO THIS!

Join co-hosts Megs and Sarah as they catch up on life's latest adventures and the exciting weeks ahead. Megs is gearing up to represent Australia in the Para-volleyball team in China, while Sarah is juggling weddings and enjoying a family getaway—though Maggie might be feeling a bit left out. Tune in for heartfelt stories, laughs, and a glimpse into their upcoming journeys.

We also share that we will be taking a break for 2 weeks to focus on some life stuff. We will be back refreshed and ready to bring you the laughs and the best guests around! 

This Week on The Chronically Unbalanced.. 

PART TWO- We’re diving into the mystical with our special guest, Jenny—a retired spiritual medium with over 20 years of experience connecting people with the unseen. From delivering messages from the other side to helping others navigate grief and uncertainty, Jenny has spent decades tuning into the world beyond what we can see.

Now in retirement, she joins us to reflect on her remarkable journey: how she discovered her gift, what it’s been like to live as a medium, and the unforgettable stories she’s collected along the way.

Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just spiritually curious, this episode is all about intuition, energy, and the mysterious ways we stay connected—even across realms.

This weeks sponsor: JP Creative Photo + Film

Jenny Cotman BOOKING PAGE

Jenny Cotman INSTAGRAM