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:This episode may contain discussions of child illness, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if the content feels too heavy for you right now. 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.Kassie is a mum of three, a business owner, and someone with a powerful story to share. She’s joining us to talk about her journey with childhood grief after losing her younger brother at a young age — a loss that profoundly shaped her early years and the woman she is today. 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 warningThis episode may contain discussions of child loss, sibling loss, and mental health struggles, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if the content feels too heavy for you right now. 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

This Week on The Chronically Unbalanced..  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 episode sponsor: Haddad Baker Accounting  

In this deeply moving episode, guests Kirra and Jarrod share the intimate and heartfelt story of their daughter, Sophia, who was born sleeping. With courage and grace, they open up about the profound love, grief, and healing that have shaped their journey since that day. Through their words, Kirra and Jarrod offer a raw and honest conversation about the complexities of loss, the strength found in vulnerability, and the enduring bond they share with Sophia. Their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. Tune in to hear a conversation that is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as Kirra and Jarrod navigate the uncharted waters of grief and find ways to honor Sophia's memory in their lives. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest times, love continues to shine brightly. We would like to thank this weeks sponsor - Pettigrew Family Funerals   

🎙️ This Week’s Guest: Bella Johnston In this week's episode, we sit down with Bella Johnston, a resilient cancer survivor, former contestant on The Bachelor Australia (Season 10), and a powerful advocate for truth in health and wellness. As a teenager, Bella began experiencing severe symptoms that were misdiagnosed as an eating disorder. By 19, she was diagnosed with a rare paraganglioma, a type of cancer. During her search for alternative healing methods, Bella encountered Belle Gibson, a wellness influencer who falsely claimed to have cured her own cancer through diet and natural therapies. Bella, desperate for answers, followed Gibson's advice, only to later discover the devastating truth: Gibson's cancer diagnosis was a fabrication, and her wellness empire was built on lies . In this candid conversation, she shares her journey from illness to healing, the lessons learned from being misled, and her mission to help others navigate the complex world of health advice. Tune in for an inspiring story of survival, self-advocacy, and the pursuit of truth in the face of deception.   Co-hosts: @itspeglegmeg & @sarahchippindalecelebrant Guest: @spicyjohnston This weeks sponsor: Rhyse Cains Building @rhyse_cains_building  

In this special bonus episode, Sarah is joined by Danny Lawrence and Sophie Drummond to discuss the launch of May50K, a nationwide initiative by MS Australia aimed at raising awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis research. Sophie, who lives with MS, shares her personal journey and insights into the challenges and triumphs of living with the condition. Danny, a dedicated supporter and an incredible friend to Sarah, talks about his commitment to the cause and his plans to run 50 kilometres in one day to raise funds. Together, they delve into the significance of May50K, the impact of community support, and how everyone can get involved to help leave MS where it belongs—behind us Please Join Our Team Here and lets walk towards a cure together. 

On this week's episode, Peg Leg Meg and Sezzy the Lezzy chat with two mums about the loss of their baby girl.  Carly and Tresne became mothers with hearts wide open—and then the world cracked open too. At just 11 weeks old, their daughter Poppy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. What followed were 17 brutal, beautiful, unrelenting months of treatment including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and isolation through Covid. Through it all, Poppy was joy. Light. Magic. Sadly, every parent's nightmare became their reality on February 16th, 2023, as she died in their arms. This is Part 1 of their story—a raw and deeply loving account of parenting through cancer, grieving in public and private, and learning how to carry the unbearable while still honouring the wonder of their little girl. It's a story of pain, but more than anything, it’s a story about love that refuses to die Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of childhood cancer, infant illness, and the death of a child. Please listen with care and take the space you need.   SPONSORSHIP: This episode is proudly sponsored by A Beautiful Occasion.  Thank you for your support.   For more information please visit A Beautiful Occasion. * Special thanks to our voiceover artist for their professional work on our advertisements. You can find Jeremy at That Alter Guy.  

On this week's episode, Peg Leg Meg and Sezzy the Lezzy chat with two mums about the loss of their baby girl.  Carly and Tresne became mothers with hearts wide open—and then the world cracked open too. At just 11 weeks old, their daughter Poppy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. What followed were 17 brutal, beautiful, unrelenting months of treatment including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and isolation through Covid. Through it all, Poppy was joy. Light. Magic. Sadly, every parent's nightmare became their reality on February 16th, 2023, as she died in their arms. This is Part 1 of their story—a raw and deeply loving account of parenting through cancer, grieving in public and private, and learning how to carry the unbearable while still honouring the wonder of their little girl. It's a story of pain, but more than anything, it’s a story about love that refuses to die Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of childhood cancer, infant illness, and the death of a child. Please listen with care and take the space you need. SHOW NOTES: Milkshakes for Marleigh Find it here Redkite Find it here Phuket Cleanse Find it here Donate blood on behalf of Poppy Register here SPONSORSHIP: This episode is proudly sponsored by A Beautiful Occasion.  Thank you for your support.   For more information please visit A Beautiful Occasion. * Special thanks to our voiceover artist for their professional work on our advertisements. You can find Jeremy at That Alter Guy.  

On this raw and powerful episode of The Chronically Unbalanced, Sezzy the Lezzy and Peg Leg Meg sit down with Sarah Campbell as she shares her deeply personal story of love, loss, and resilience.  At just 21, Sarah’s world changed when her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer—a battle that stretched nearly a decade, with moments of hope and devastating relapse.  In 2016, Sarah said goodbye to her mum.  Six years later, she would farewell her dad on what would’ve been her parents’ wedding anniversary. As the primary carer for both parents in their final months, Sarah opens up about the emotional toll, the strength she didn’t know she had, and the complexity of grief that lingers.  She also shares the ongoing heartache of loving a brother struggling with addiction and incarceration. This is a story about showing up when it’s hard, when it hurts, and when there’s no roadmap.  It’s about being Chronically Unbalanced and still finding your way forward. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of terminal illness, death and suicide. SPONSORSHIP: This episode is proudly sponsored by Port Stephens Pottery. Thank you for your support.   For more information please visit Port Stephens Pottery. * Special thanks to our voiceover artist for their professional work on our advertisements. You can find Jeremy at That Alter Guy.

In this inspiring first episode featuring two incredible guests, Sezzy the Lezzy and Peg Leg Meg dive into the heartbreaking yet hopeful journeys of Alex and Ange, whose families have faced the unimaginable. Alex’s daughter Emma was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2022, leading to the creation of Emma’s Warriors, a charity supporting families navigating long hospital stays. Meanwhile, Ange’s son Spencer battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia from just 15 months old, enduring years of treatment, hospital stays, and the constant uncertainty of remission. In this deeply emotional conversation, they share their stories, their triumphs, their darkest days, and the unbreakable bond they formed through shared struggles. Despite their children’s different paths, their connection as parents navigating the world of childhood cancer is unshakable. Tune in for an intimate look at resilience, hope, and the silver linings that emerge from life's toughest battles. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses childhood cancer and the emotional journey of parents with children battling cancer.

In this week's episode of The Chronically Unbalanced, Megs returns from her honeymoon with tales of paradise, pad thai, and a very un-chill massage experience. Meanwhile, Sarah’s been wedding-hopping in Byron and navigating the chaos of destination celebrations. We catch up on life, overshare (as always), and float a spicy new idea: anonymous listener confessions. Should we do it? Will you actually submit them? Could we emotionally handle what you’ve got to say? Tune in to hear us spiral, laugh, and maybe even make a new segment out of it. Let’s get into it

In this inspiring first episode featuring two incredible guests, Sezzy the Lezzy and Peg Leg Meg dive into the heartbreaking yet hopeful journeys of Alex and Ange, whose families have faced the unimaginable. Alex’s daughter Emma was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2022, leading to the creation of Emma’s Warriors, a charity supporting families navigating long hospital stays. Meanwhile, Ange’s son Spencer battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia from just 15 months old, enduring years of treatment, hospital stays, and the constant uncertainty of remission. In this deeply emotional conversation, they share their stories, their triumphs, their darkest days, and the unbreakable bond they formed through shared struggles. Despite their children’s different paths, their connection as parents navigating the world of childhood cancer is unshakable. Tune in for an intimate look at resilience, hope, and the silver linings that emerge from life's toughest battles. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses childhood cancer and the emotional journey of parents with children battling cancer.