The Healing Project Podcast

This week on The Healing Project Podcast, we're joined by our wonderful friend Sophie, counsellor, mental health trainer, and someone who has spent years supporting people through some of life's hardest moments at Lifeline.

Together, we're diving into a topic that affects so many of us but often goes unspoken: loneliness.

In a world where we're more connected than ever, why do so many people still feel so alone? Why does making genuine friendships seem so much harder as adults? And what gets in the way of building the meaningful relationships we all crave?

Drawing on both her professional experience and personal reflections, Sophie shares her insights into the growing loneliness epidemic, why authentic connection can feel so difficult, and what we can do to create stronger, healthier relationships.

We also explore whether some of the beliefs we hold about relationships (like whether men and women can really just be friends) might be limiting our opportunities for connection and contributing to loneliness in ways we haven't considered before.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  Why loneliness has become such a significant issue in today's world 
•  Why making and maintaining friendships feels harder as we get older 
•  The importance of vulnerability in creating genuine connection 
•  How fear, rejection, and past experiences can keep us isolated 
•  Whether our beliefs about friendships and relationships are helping—or hurting—our ability to connect 
•  Practical ways to build deeper, more meaningful relationships 

This episode is a reminder that loneliness isn't a personal failure, it's a human experience. And while meaningful connection can take courage, it's never too late to find your people.

💬 "Connection isn't about having hundreds of people around you. It's about feeling truly seen by even one."

A huge thank you to Sophie for joining us and sharing both her professional expertise and personal insights. You can find Sophie on Instagram at @_thetoughstuff for more thoughtful conversations about mental health, wellbeing, and the realities of being human.

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

This week on The Healing Project Podcast, we're tackling a question that so many people have asked themselves at some point:

"Am I too sensitive?"

Whether it's been said by a partner, a friend, a family member, or even your own inner critic, being labelled "too sensitive" can leave you questioning your emotions, your needs, and even your reality.

In this episode, we explore what it means to be a highly sensitive person, how sensitivity shows up in relationships, and why being deeply affected by the world around you isn't necessarily a weakness.

We also share our own personal experiences of navigating relationships as sensitive people—the challenges, misunderstandings, and moments when sensitivity felt more like a burden than a gift. Together, we unpack the difference between being sensitive and having your feelings dismissed, and why learning to understand yourself can transform the way you show up in relationships.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  What it means to be a highly sensitive person 
•  The impact of being told you're "too sensitive" 
•  How sensitivity can influence communication, conflict, and connection 
•  The strengths that often come with being deeply empathetic and emotionally aware 
•  How to navigate relationships when your emotional needs differ from your partner's 
•  Why sensitivity isn't something that needs to be fixed 

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, overwhelmed by their emotions, or worried that they care "too much." Our hope is that you'll walk away with greater self-compassion and a reminder that sensitivity can be one of your greatest strengths.

💬 "Maybe the question isn't whether you're too sensitive. Maybe it's whether you've been surrounded by people who didn't understand your sensitivity."

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

This week on The Healing Project Podcast, we’re introducing someone very special - my fiancé, Matty 💛

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on our relationship and sharing a real, honest look at how we got here. From Matty’s past relationship experiences to the moment he knew he was ready to propose (and why it happened so fast), this conversation is all about timing, certainty, and what healthy love can actually feel like.

But we also go deeper than that. We talk openly about the parts that felt scary — the fears that came up along the way, the vulnerability of committing to someone, and the very real conversations we had about marriage and what it means moving forward. Because even when something feels right, it can still feel big… and a little bit terrifying.

In this episode, we explore:

• Matty’s journey through past relationships and what he learned
• Why this relationship felt different from the beginning
• The decision to propose — and why it didn’t feel rushed, but right
• The fears and doubts that came up along the way (and how we navigated them)

This episode is open, grounded, and deeply human - a reminder that the right relationship doesn’t mean the absence of fear, but the willingness to move through it together.

💬 "If you’ve ever questioned timing, commitment, or what it really means to choose someone — this one’s for you."

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

This week on The Healing Project Podcast, we’re diving into a question that always sparks strong opinions: can men and women really just be friends?

It’s one of those topics where everyone seems to have a firm stance — shaped by personal experiences, past relationships, and sometimes a bit of heartbreak. But is it really that black and white?

In this episode, we unpack the different perspectives around opposite-sex friendships, and why people feel so strongly about them. We explore where these beliefs come from, how our own histories shape the way we see relationships, and what healthy, respectful friendships can actually look like.

We also talk about:

• Why some people struggle to believe these friendships can exist
• The impact of past relationships, trust, and boundaries
• The benefits of having diverse, meaningful friendships
• How to navigate these relationships in a way that feels safe and respectful for everyone involved

This is an open, honest, and reflective conversation — one that invites you to get curious about your own beliefs, rather than judge them. Because like most things in life and relationships, it’s rarely as simple as yes or no.

💬 "If you're looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation might surprise you."

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

In this episode, we sit down with family-mediator, restorative-justice practitioner, and author Rosemary Gattuso to talk about her brand-new book It’s Not You, It’s Me! — a powerful guide for anyone who struggles with overthinking and wants to learn how to turn that inner noise into a source of strength. 

Rosemary shares her personal journey as a “chronic over-thinker,” and how her work in family mediation and trauma-informed restorative justice shaped her view on conflict, self-reflection, and healing. 

We explore:

• Why overthinking is so common in people who’ve experienced trauma or major life upheaval — and why it doesn’t always have to be a problem.
• The difference between “overthinking” and “reflection,” and how shifting your mindset from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s strong?” can open the door to healing and growth. 
• Some of Rosemary's story as she stayed determined during the book publishing journey and didn't allow other's behaviours or opinions deter her. 
• How healing from heartbreak, trauma, or difficult relationships doesn’t just mean “surviving” — but building a more authentic, compassionate, and strength-based inner life.

This conversation will resonate — whether you’ve ever been stuck in your own head, questioning every decision, or felt overwhelmed by your thoughts. It’s for anyone wanting to move from self-doubt and rumination towards clarity, self-acceptance and inner strength.

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

This week on The Healing Project Podcast, we’re talking about something that touches all of us eventually — grief — and breaking down some of the most unhelpful (but wildly common) myths that surround it.

You’ve probably heard things like:
 ✨ “There are five stages and you just move through them”
 ✨ “You should be over it by now”
 ✨ “Kids don’t really understand grief”
 ✨ “Being strong means moving on”

Here’s the truth: Grief is messy. It’s not linear. It doesn’t follow a timeline. And strength doesn’t mean pretending you're fine.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why the “five stages of grief” model doesn’t reflect most people’s experience
• How children do grieve — just differently than adults
• What real strength looks like in the middle of heartbreak
• How grief can change you, but also grow you
• What it means to survive the “grief storm” and slowly find your way back to yourself

This episode is a gentle reminder that you’re not broken if you’re still grieving — even years later. There’s no right way to do this. But there is hope. There is life after loss. And there is space for your story, just as it is.

💬 "If you're looking for some hope, this one’s for you."

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

This week on The Healing Project Podcast, we’re flipping the script from focusing on red flags to celebrating the green flags — those healthy, hopeful signs that you’re dating someone who could be good for your heart and your healing.

Too often, we get stuck in cycles of worrying about what could go wrong in relationships. But what about noticing what can go right? In this episode, we break down the qualities, behaviours, and small gestures that signal emotional safety, kindness, and genuine partnership.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The top green flags to notice early on when dating
• Why consistency is more important than grand gestures
• How to trust yourself to recognise healthy patterns 
• Encouragement to choose partners who feel safe, kind, and supportive — not chaotic

Whether you’re dating again after heartbreak, or just want a reminder of what healthy love can be, this episode is your permission slip to expect more, and to hold out for the green flags.

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

This week on The Healing Project Podcast, we’re getting real about something we’ve all experienced but don’t always talk about: red flags in dating. If you’ve ever felt that pit in your stomach but brushed it off, stayed in a relationship longer than you should have, or doubted your own gut feelings — this one’s for you.

Too often, we’re taught to be polite, patient, or forgiving at our own expense. But ignoring early warning signs can lead to heartbreak, confusion, and years of trying to fix what was never safe to begin with.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The most common red flags to look out for in a potential partner
• Subtle behaviors that might seem harmless but are worth paying attention to
• Why love shouldn’t feel like walking on eggshells
• How to trust yourself to leave when something doesn’t feel right

This is your permission slip to honour your boundaries, protect your peace, and believe that you are worthy of healthy, safe, respectful love — every single time.

💬 "If you're looking for some hope, listen to this episode and remind yourself that you can choose better next time."

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

This week on The Healing Project Podcast, we bring you an extraordinary story of determination, hope, and healing. Sarah joins us to share her journey of walking away from an unhealthy marriage, navigating the crushing pain of parental alienation, and choosing to stay sober for over 20 years after using alcohol to cope with the weight of her circumstances.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, alone, or convinced that life will never get better. Sarah’s story is living proof that even after the darkest heartbreaks, it’s possible to rebuild, to reclaim your peace, and to find joy again. Her strength and resilience are a powerful reminder that healing isn’t linear—but it is possible.

💬 "If you're looking for some hope, listen to Sarah's story."

We talk about:

• How she found the courage to rebuild after her marriage ended
• What her relationship with alcohol looked like and how she changed it
• The grief of losing connection with her children, and the slow, painful path back to her daughter
• The small, stubborn choices that helped her keep moving forward, even on the hardest days

This episode is raw, real, and full of hope. Whether you're in the thick of something heavy or on your own healing journey, Sarah's voice is the reminder we all need: You can survive, and even thrive, after life falls apart.

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!

Starting over? Back in the dating game? Or just wanting to try something new? Whether it’s been months or years since your last “first date,” this fun-sized episode is your warm, wise reminder that you’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.

We’re talking about the sneaky things we forget when we’re dating again: the pressure to be someone we're not, the way we can gaslight ourselves out of red flags, and that weird desire to “just be chill” (even when your gut says run). This one’s part pep talk, part permission slip, and fully infused with honesty, dry humor, and a whole lot of compassion.

In this bite-sized episode, we cover:
💡 Why you have the right to decide who takes up space in your life 
🚩 Why it's ok if you feel like you're "falling apart"
💬 The messages from your gut that you should trust
🧠 How the brokenhearted are the bravest amongst us 

If you’re:

• Wondering if you’re “ready”
• Comparing your journey to everyone else’s
• Trying not to freak out (again)
   This episode is for you.

✨ Hit play for a quick dose of grounded, girlfriend-style support. And don’t forget to follow us so you never miss a heart check or healing moment.

🎧 Listen now and tag us with your favorite moment @healing.projectpodcast
📬 Got a story about dating again after heartbreak? DM us—we’d love to hear it.

☕ Love the podcast? Support us by buying us a coffee! Every little bit helps us keep creating meaningful conversations. You can support us here: buymeacoffee.com/thehealingprojectpodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review! Your 5-star ratings help us reach more people who need these conversations.

📲 Find us on Instagram: @healing.projectpodcast – Let us know your thoughts on today’s episode!