The Innerview

Meet Bella, she is a Wife, Mother & Incredibly talented photographer based in rural South Australia in a town called Whyalla. Not only has Bella battled her own journey with Cystic Fibrosis from birth she also had a bumpy road into becoming a parent and now is navigating two challenging paths for her children.

Bella's son has ASD & ADHD and her two year old daughter has a rare heart condition CCTGA (Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries) that was picked up in her 20 week scan, after two open heart surgeries and the addition of a pacemaker in her tiny body, Bella's little girl is still faced with a challenging road ahead with the possibility of needing a heart transplant.

At the time of this interview Bella was with her son in South Australia while her baby girl was in the Royal Children's Hospital with her grandmother while Bella's husband works FIFO working in another state. This incredible mother is managing so many different things at once, trying to do whats best for each child while patiently waiting for results and answers on this rare condition. We chat about her daughter spending her 2nd birthday unconscious and recovering from surgery and how Bella and her family manage such a difficult circumstance.

Bella is also an incredibly talented photographer and has used her business as an outlet for something thats just for her. Inspired by her children and never knowing what the future holds, Bella was motivated to not only capture her own family memories and milestones but to do that for others too. Bella has also recently started working for HeartFelt.
HeartFelt is a volunteer organisation of professional photographers dedicated to giving the gift of photographic memories to families who have experienced stillbirth or have children with serious or life threatening illness. Heartfelt is dedicated to providing this gift in a caring and compassionate manner, with all services free of charge. Bella's work and other resources will be linked in show notes.

FOLLOW BELLA:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/isabellawardphotography/
WEBSITE: https://www.isabellawardphotography.com.au/
LINKS & RESOURCES:
HEARTFELT: https://heartfelt.org.au/
CCTGA INFORMATION: https://www.rch.org.au/cardiology/heart_defects/Congenitally_Corrected_Transposition_of_the_Great_Arteries/

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You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
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Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

*TW* This episode contains discussion of suicide, mental health, eating disorders and alcoholism.

Meet Maddie! She spent her entire childhood labeled as the "naughty & loud child", feeling completely different to her peers and struggling to apply herself.  Growing up in a traumatic environment and forced to grow up quickly - Maddie was misdiagnosed many times with different mental health issues.

In this episode we speak about the trauma and effects of being completely misunderstood for 29 years, the intense struggles she had as a new mum with undiagnosed ADHD and the comorbidites associated with this chronic condition.
For as long as Maddie can remember she has struggled with disordered eating and drinking, it was not until her diagnosis these things made sense to her and now medicated she has been able to completely turned her life around.

Finally we speak about the stigmas and perception of ADHD and the current discussion around it being a "trend" on TikTok ect. Maddie shares how frustrating this can be when seeking a diagnosis and why she would give it back if she could. This ADHD diagnosis saved her life and she hopes sharing her experience will help others feel less alone and more understood.

FOLLOW MADDIE- 
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fitspud_/

HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES
ADHD AUSTRALIA: https://adhdfoundation.org.au/support
REACH OUT: https://au.reachout.com/articles/5-ways-adhd-affects-your-life-that-you-might-not-expect?gclid=CjwKCAiAjs2bBhACEiwALTBWZWGrWYQEKF7PM7_E0a_AM_4qm8MjbMg1fD9vs4rY0KvXpFpXPIDG3hoCsmEQAvD_BwE
EMERGING MINDS: https://au.reachout.com/articles/5-ways-adhd-affects-your-life-that-you-might-not-expect?gclid=CjwKCAiAjs2bBhACEiwALTBWZWGrWYQEKF7PM7_E0a_AM_4qm8MjbMg1fD9vs4rY0KvXpFpXPIDG3hoCsmEQAvD_BwE

Support the show

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Meet Sarah a Paediatric Nurse & Co-founder of 'Paeds First Aid'. She has cared for some of Australia's most unwell children & supported their families through this process too. Sarah is incredibly passionate about first aid training and empowering parents, families & carers with the life-saving knowledge their training courses provide.

Sarah has extensive experience in education, training, and Paediatric Advanced Life Support. She has been involved in clinical education at a large tertiary hospital in Melbourne and with the Australian College of Critical Care Nursing, and has held roles in Paediatric Intensive Care as a Clinical Nurse Consultant, outreach and retrieval nurse.
 Her special interests lie in children with congenital heart conditions, family-centred care and clinical leadership/ mentorship of junior nurses.

Sarah is also a Mum of 3 energetic boys and a new little girl, regionally based and owns a farm! We chat about her family life and how she can transition from her intense line of work into 'Mum Mode" when she returns home. She is truly a wealth of knowledge and shares so many words of wisdom for parents when it comes to caring for their children and keeping them safe from injury & harm.

FOLLOW PAEDS FIRST AID:
INSTGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/paeds_firstaid/?hl=en
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2006219873006473/user/100027428961553/
WEBSITE: https://paeds.education/cms/

Support the show

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Meet Erin, A non-diet dietitian from Melbourne. She is a wealth of knowledge and information, In this chat, she shares tips and inspiration to move away from weight loss and towards intuitive eating. She shares her philosophy about ditching diets to explore intuitive eating and a non-diet approach and how liberating, joyful and exciting it can be.

We circle back to Erin's childhood and discuss her relationship with her body and food over the years and how that is impacted by the messages society sends us as young women and diet culture. It’s so normal and common to be scared of gaining weight. We live in a society that idolises thinness, celebrates weight loss and dismisses people with larger bodies. There’s also the idea that weight gain instantly equals poor health. While there’s an *association* between higher body weight and specific health conditions, it’s not a causation. There’s a big difference.
 
Often our fear of weight gain lies in our beliefs about larger bodies. From a young age, diet culture teaches us to see thin as good and fat as bad. Whether it’s a family member commenting on our bodies, public health campaigns or messaging from our favourite Disney movies, they tell us the same story, it’s terrible to gain weight or be in a larger body.
 
You will hear the passion in Erin's voice and her deep desire to help other women and men achieve a healthy balance and relationship with food and their bodies - Just the way they are! Check out the links in the show notes to see how you can work with Erin. 

LINKS & RESOURCES:
WEBSITE: https://balanceandbite.com.au/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/balanceandbitedietitian/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/balanceandbite

ERIN'S RECOMMENDATIONS: 
http://www.intuitiveeating.org/10-principles-of-intuitive-eating/
https://www.instagram.com/chr1styharrison/
https://www.instagram.com/no.food.rules/
https://www.instagram.com/alexlight_ldn/
https://www.instagram.com/bodyimage_therapist/
https://www.instagram.com/bodyimagewithbri/

Support the show

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Meet Mel! She is a married Mama of 3 & working full time. In this episode we go back and discuss her upbringing and childhood in New Zealand, we discuss the painful loss of her mother at just 50 years old and how she navigated life after such a loss.
Mel talks about meeting her husband and their love story, her journey to becoming a mother and the parts that haven't always been easy.

Mel sheds light on post natal depression and anxiety, the things she wish she knew as a new mother and what she knows now as a mum of 3. We chat about her chronic back pain which eventually led to surgery and how this affected her physically and mentally throughout the years. She shares her weight loss journey that followed this surgery and how this has changed her life for the better.

Mel is so candid, open and vulnerable in this chat, ending with an important message to all women and people - It is okay to take up space in this world, we are all deserving of happiness and joy.

FOLLOW MEL:
INSTAGRAM: 
https://www.instagram.com/mel_g_usta/
https://www.instagram.com/mel_g_usta/
FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/melanie.mccarty.33

LINKS & RESOURCES:
BEYOND BLUE: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression?gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt6aBhDKARIsAAyeLJ3Dn9RoveJs3_mbs0AAzPtHtn3kD3N9-JeohpYBJKsoUpY5hadhf4AaArBGEALw_wcB
PANDA: https://panda.org.au/articles/postnatal-psychosis-signs-and-symptoms/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt6aBhDKARIsAAyeLJ2LBersB-wuj4MAdfGmpUvZrsedjyR_ySrV6i3qgy-wMMFIpbqc0ggaAhipEALw_wcB

Support the show

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

4 years ago Lee decided it was time to dedicate that year to address her health.
At the time she was suffering from terrible plantar fasciitis in both feet and knew her family history of bowel cancer and gastric issues, she also was unhappy with her weight. Once she took this step it was discovered that she had a
huge Hiatus Hernia that had pulled 2/3 of her stomach from its lining. An operation was needed to fix the hernia and assess the damage to her oesophagus.

3 hrs of surgery later, the hernia was back in her stomach, the oesophagus was repaired and ended up with a roux en y bypass as a result of the damage. Lee's life was about to change drastically and in her words, she got a second take, a second chance at life.
If these issues went untreated there was a chance of death.

So much has changed in her life in the last 4 years from the diet, food intake methods, food limitations, a renewed enthusiasm for exercise, 45kilos weight loss and a WHOLE LOT of learning to love herself, be present with her family and get in the family photos!

Lee wants to inspire fellow women and mothers to permit themselves to put themselves and their needs first. Make yourself a priority so that you can be the best version of yourself for your family.

Follow Lee:
INTSAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch6kb74vx9m/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159683531759108&set=a.461346504107
MUM'S WHO WINE:  https://www.instagram.com/mumswhowine_au/

Support the show

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

*Trigger Warning* This episode contains discussion of Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Miscarriage, Termination & medical procedures.  

Join us as we hear 3 anonymously submitted stories involving  their experiences with Miscarriage, Pregnancy & Infant Loss. Some share experience of miscarriage, loss of a twin while growing another baby to term & loss of an infant at just 8 weeks old. 
These women. share the complex emotions surrounding this type of loss and how they were able to cope through this horrific experience. 

Thank you to each person who bravely submitted and shared their experience for our anonymous series. Your openness and vulnerability are so appreciated. Please know that you are never alone. Helpful links and resources are linked below in the episode show notes.

Helpful Links & Resources:
 PINK ELEPHANT: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/news/25/pregnancy-infant-loss-remembrance?gclid=CjwKCAjws--ZBhAXEiwAv-RNL29cgeHcCRpL2DqCT9Xn0s5LWEu31jrARBw4qwvwChbi4IeNb0dLUBoCqvoQAvD_BwE
SANDS: https://www.sands.org.au/news/pregnancy-and-infant-loss-awareness-month-2021
BEARS OF HOPE: https://www.bearsofhope.org.au/
BABY LOSS AWARENESS: https://babyloss-awareness.org/

Do YOU have a story you wish to share anonymously? Contact us here:
http://[email protected]
You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! x

Support the show

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

At just 17 years old Rach was told she was infertile and would struggle to ever get pregnant without medical intervention. 6 years ago she moved to London to travel and explore the world she then had her entire life flipped on its head when she unexpectedly fell pregnant with someone she met a few months before.

In this interview, Rach walks us through this challenging journey and the confronting and heartbreaking reality of being pregnant with someone who did not desire to be a parent. She shares the experience of flying back to Australia alone and heavily pregnant about to become a first-time Mum and a single Mum too.

We talk about her love for her daughter and incredibly supportive parents who held her through those first few months and years as she navigated motherhood alone. Rach shares her passion for spreading awareness on this topic and having young people understand that this could happen to anyone and is a lifelong responsibility.

Finally, we talk about what her life looks like 6 years on, how she met her current partner and the journey of expanding her family with a supportive partner by her side. Thank you Rach for sharing your story and shedding light on something so many experience every day.

FOLLOW RACH:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/rachstando/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Restanding

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Support the show

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Meet Jacob, born and raised here in Ballarat with a bunch of life experiences in just 22 years of life. In this episode, you will hear about Jacob's early life and upbringing, the challenges he faced growing up as a child of mixed race and how much he appreciates those adverse experiences now as an adult.

Jacob shares his personal experience with Weight Loss Surgery at a young age and what led him to make that huge life decision. We speak about the stigmas surrounding WLS and how that has changed his relationship with not only food/eating but his self-confidence.

Finally, we speak about Jacob's career in barbering so far, what inspired him to get into this industry and the best and hardest parts of his job. Jacob shares how he has learned over the years how to read people better and how to make people feel safe and comfortable in the chair.

Follow Jacob:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jacob.dodd.92
PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hate-2-see-it/id1529422660
JIMMY'S BARBERSHOP: https://jimmys-barbershop.com/

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Support the show

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Did you know there are around 100 surrogacy births in Australia every year? Although Kat offered in February 2021, it takes time to get through the process to be a surrogate.
Surrogacy is NOT illegal in Australia. What is illegal is to advertise for a surrogate and for a surrogate to be compensated in any way financially. It is also recommended the surrogate has finished growing her family first.

This week we are speaking with Shannon & Kat, this is an incredible story of friendship and hope. Shannon was born with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) and chances are you have never heard of it. It’s when a female is born without a uterus or cervix and possibly without one kidney. It’s not life-threatening but it’s definitely life-changing. She wasn’t properly diagnosed until about 27 years of age, after multiple appointments and surgeries Shannon was at the end of the line with surrogacy as her only option.

When sharing this news with her lifelong best friend, Shannon was not expecting Kat to offer to be her surrogate (especially at 6 weeks postpartum with her 2nd child). After having her own struggles conceiving and experiencing a devasting miscarriage a few years ago, Kat's perspective was completely shifted. Kat speaks about her motivation and inspiration for offering the ultimate gift ( carrying and birthing Shannon & Scott's baby boy) and also some of the interesting and sometimes offensive comments they have both received throughout this experience.

Finally, I speak with the ladies about their decision to document their journey on their Instagram page "Two Friends & A Snowflake" and what inspired them to share.
Kat is currently 33 weeks pregnant with this little miracle boy and they are truly on the home stretch, Shannon & Scott are SO close to meeting their son. I know so many will leave this episode feeling inspired, more educated on this topic and blown away by these women and this incredible story.

Links & Resources:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/twofriends_snowflake/
SHANNON: https://www.instagram.com/shannonnankervis/
KAT: https://www.instagram.com/klegdesign/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Two-Friends-and-a-Snowflake-103892562031257

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X

Support the show

You can follow and connect with me here:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.innerviewpodcast/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20innerview

Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X