In this episode, Louella shares her inspiring story of resilience, moving from life as a bank teller in the Philippines to pursuing new opportunities in Australia. From financial struggles and strict upbringing to making the tough decision to leave her children behind to study abroad, Luella opens up about her unwavering drive to create a brighter future for her family. With insights on balancing sacrifice, financial pressures, and the strength of a supportive community, Luella’s journey reveals the power of determination and love in building a better life.

Takeaways

• The importance of education and the sacrifices made to support it
• The challenges of living on a low income in the Philippines
• The motivation to create a better life for oneself and future generations
• The stark difference in living standards between countries Leaving children behind to pursue studies in another country is a difficult decision, but it can lead to a better future for the family.
• Financial struggles and limited work hours are common challenges for international students, but determination and support can help overcome them.
• Having a positive mindset and a clear end goal can provide motivation during difficult times.
• Support from friends and a strong support system can make a significant difference in navigating the challenges of being away from family.
• The sacrifices made today can lead to a brighter future for the entire family.

In this episode, Illy interviews emotional intelligence coach Nerida Bint, who shares insights from her journey, including growing up with deaf parents and overcoming mental health challenges. They explore how early life experiences shape emotional intelligence, which is essential for personal growth, leadership, and effective communication. Nerida highlights the power of self-awareness and compassion in navigating life's complexities, discusses how leaders with emotional intelligence create positive environments, and underscores the importance of living authentically to avoid future regrets. This conversation offers valuable lessons on resilience, meaningful connection, and defining success on one’s own terms.

Takeaways:

• Childhood shapes communication skills and emotional healing.
• Emotional intelligence boosts both personal and professional success.
• Effective leaders foster emotionally intelligent workplaces.
• Meaningful connections and self-awareness lead to authentic living.

This episode delves into Rashida’s powerful story of healing and resilience after domestic violence. She reflects on how DV impacted her and her daughter, sharing a pivotal moment that revealed lasting effects and sparked her journey to recovery. Rashida discusses the guilt, depression, and challenges of balancing her daughter’s relationship with her father. Through therapy and self-discovery, Rashida redefined her self-worth and embraced empowerment. With insights on breaking societal expectations for DV survivors, this conversation offers hope and wisdom for finding connection, happiness, and healing after trauma. Takeaways

• The impact of domestic violence can extend beyond the immediate relationship and have long-term effects on survivors and their children.
• Survivors may experience guilt and shame for not being able to protect their children from the effects of domestic violence.
• Maintaining a relationship between a child and their abusive parent can be a difficult decision, but empowering the child to make their own choices can be important.
• Depression and other mental health issues can arise as a result of the trauma experienced in domestic violence situations.
• Support from friends, therapists, and workplaces can be crucial in the healing process for survivors of domestic violence. Healing and transformation after leaving an abusive relationship is a journey that requires time, effort, and support.
• Self-worth is crucial in the process of healing and finding happiness.
• Therapy can be a powerful tool in unpacking trauma and reprogramming the brain.
• Societal expectations placed on DV survivors can be harmful and unrealistic.
• It is important to communicate feelings and ask for help instead of isolating oneself.
• Happiness and connection are possible after trauma, but it takes work and time to get there.

Jake shares his experience of coming out as gay and the challenges he faced. He discusses the confusion and isolation he felt as a child, the fear and attempted suicide he went through, and the lack of support and understanding from some family members.

Jake also talks about his relationships with women and how he eventually came out to his partner at the time. Despite the difficulties, Jake emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and living an authentic life. Jake discusses his journey of self-acceptance, the fear and anxiety he experienced, and the impact of societal norms on his mental health.

He shares his experience of going sober and the challenges he faced in reintroducing alcohol. Jake emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself, challenging negative self-talk, and seeking help when needed. Takeaways

• Coming out can be a challenging and isolating experience, especially when there is a lack of support and understanding from others.
• It is important to be true to oneself and live an authentic life, regardless of societal expectations.
• Supportive and understanding friends and family can make a significant difference in someone's coming out journey.
• Sexuality is a personal and individual experience, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to coming out.
• It is crucial to be gentle with oneself and navigate the coming out process in a way that feels right for the individual. Self-acceptance can be a challenging journey, and it may not always bring immediate relief or a weight off one's shoulders.
• Growing up in a society with limited representation of LGBTQ+ individuals can instill fear and anxiety about being open about one's identity.
• Reintroducing alcohol after a period of sobriety requires careful consideration and open communication with loved ones.
• Being kind to oneself and challenging negative self-talk are essential for maintaining mental well-being.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness.

Sophia Greenwood, a mother of two, shares her experience raising a child with albinism. She discusses the challenges of managing her daughter's sensitivity to light and the need for extra precautions in sun protection. Sophia highlights the importance of high contrast toys and visual aids in helping her daughter navigate her surroundings.

She also talks about the adjustments they have made in their daily routines and the support they receive from specialists and organizations like Vision Australia. Despite the challenges, Sophia remains optimistic and focused on providing her daughter with the best opportunities in life. Sophia Greenwood shares her journey of raising a child with albinism and the challenges she has faced. She discusses the importance of finding support from communities and specialists who understand the condition.

Sophia emphasizes the need to shift mindset and embrace the uniqueness of individuals with albinism. She also highlights the financial burden and lack of funding for necessary supports. Sophia plans to spread awareness and educate others about albinism through her Instagram account, Bella's Albinism Journey. Takeaways

• Children with albinism are sensitive to light and require extra precautions in sun protection.
• High contrast toys and visual aids can help children with albinism navigate their surroundings.
• Adjustments in daily routines and environments are necessary to accommodate the needs of children with albinism.
• Specialists and organizations like Vision Australia provide valuable support and resources for families raising children with albinism. Finding a supportive community and connecting with others who have similar experiences can be invaluable when dealing with a rare condition like albinism.
• It is important to find specialists who are knowledgeable and genuinely care about the condition to provide the best support and guidance.
• Shifting mindset and embracing the uniqueness of individuals with albinism can lead to a more positive outlook and acceptance.
• Financial challenges and lack of funding for necessary supports can be a significant burden for families raising a child with albinism.
• Spreading awareness and educating others about albinism is crucial to break stigmas and misconceptions surrounding the condition.

In this conversation, Illy and Chai discuss the challenges of being a pediatric allergy doctor and a mother of a child with allergies. Chai shares her personal experience of navigating allergies as a parent and the difficulties of balancing her roles as a doctor and a mom. They also discuss the different types of allergies, the diagnostic process, and the challenges of managing allergies in everyday life.

Overall, the conversation highlights the complexity of allergies and the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with allergies. In this conversation, Chai, a pediatric allergist, and Illy discuss various aspects of managing allergies in children. They cover topics such as introducing allergens, common misconceptions about allergies, dining out with allergies, and traveling with allergies.

Chai provides practical advice for parents, including the importance of normalizing allergies and being prepared in different situations. They also discuss the possibility of outgrowing allergies and the need for ongoing monitoring and communication with healthcare professionals.

Takeaways

• Being a pediatric allergy doctor and a parent of a child with allergies presents unique challenges.
• Managing allergies requires practical knowledge and understanding of different types of allergies.
• Balancing the roles of a doctor and a parent can be difficult, but it provides valuable insights and empathy.
• The diagnostic process for allergies can be complex and may involve elimination diets and specialized formulas.
• Supporting individuals with allergies involves practical considerations, such as navigating food choices and finding suitable products. Introducing allergens to children should be done gradually and in a controlled manner, with close monitoring for any allergic reactions.
• Common misconceptions about allergies include the belief that all nuts should be avoided if a child has a peanut allergy and that breastfeeding mothers need to eliminate allergenic foods from their diet.
• When dining out with a child with allergies, it is important to communicate with the restaurant staff, choose safe menu options, and consider going on quieter days or earlier in the day to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
• Traveling with allergies requires careful planning and preparation, including carrying safe foods, checking with airlines about allergen policies, and being aware of local resources and medical facilities.
• While some children may outgrow allergies, it is important to continue exposing them to allergenic foods under medical supervision to determine tolerance.
• Normalizing allergies and maintaining a positive attitude can help children with allergies feel more confident and reduce anxiety around food.

Jess from Clean Organised Home shares her journey of starting an organizing business during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of decluttering before organizing and making sure that items have a purpose and are being used. Jess also discusses the significance of finding a home for each item and customizing organization systems to fit individual needs. She recommends labeling as a helpful tool for maintaining organization and reducing the need to remember where everything is.

In this conversation, Jess, an organizing expert, shares tips and strategies for organizing various areas of the home. She emphasizes the importance of functionality over aesthetics and suggests using open containers and stackable drawers to maximize storage space. Jess also discusses strategies for organizing clothes, school bags, and toys. She recommends using hooks and command hooks for hanging clothes and bags, and suggests rotating toys and decluttering regularly. Additionally, she shares ideas for organizing a junk drawer and highlights the value of rehoming items instead of throwing them away. Jess's go-to organizing products include turntables and drawer inserts, and she encourages finding affordable alternatives and repurposing items around the house. You can find Jess on Instagram and TikTok at Clean Organised Homes.

takeaways

• Decluttering is the first step in organizing and involves getting rid of items that are not being used or have no purpose.
• Finding a home for each item is crucial for maintaining organization and making it easier to find things.
• Customizing organization systems to fit individual needs and preferences is key to creating a functional and efficient space.
• Labeling can be a helpful tool for maintaining organization and reducing the need to remember where everything is. Prioritize functionality over aesthetics when organizing
• Use open containers and stackable drawers to maximize storage space
• Hang clothes and bags on hooks or command hooks for easy access
• Rotate toys and declutter regularly to avoid overwhelm
• Organize a junk drawer using clear inserts or dividers
• Rehome items instead of throwing them away
• Look for affordable alternatives and repurpose items for organizing

Courtney Runyon shares her inspirational story of resilience and transformation after being diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and becoming paralyzed from the neck down. She discusses the challenges she faced, including the fear of being a burden on her family, and the shift in mindset that allowed her to accept help and support.

Courtney emphasizes the importance of being a good receiver and allowing others to contribute and give, as well as the power of taking ownership of one's life and finding balance in the face of adversity. She also highlights the role of her vlogs in creating a supportive community and spreading positivity.

Courtney Runyon shares her journey of overcoming paralysis and autoimmune disease through a holistic approach. She emphasizes the importance of seeking multiple opinions and exploring different treatment options. Courtney also discusses the role of relationships and mindset in healing, highlighting the need to let go of victimhood and focus on personal growth. She shares her experience of rebuilding her life and creating a new identity after her illness. Courtney encourages listeners to prioritize joy and authenticity in their lives and to be open to the process of creating themselves.

takeaways

• Accepting help and support from others is not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity to receive love and contribute to someone else's joy.
• Taking ownership of one's life and finding ways to cope with challenges can lead to personal growth and a better quality of life.
• Being a good receiver allows others to experience the joy of giving and contributes to building strong relationships and communities.
• Sharing one's story and experiences can create a supportive community and inspire others to find strength and resilience in their own lives. Seek multiple opinions and explore different treatment options when facing a health challenge.
• Let go of victimhood and focus on personal growth and self-creation.
• Prioritize joy and authenticity in life, and do what brings you happiness.
• Rebuilding and creating a new identity after a difficult experience can be empowering and fulfilling.

Grace and her family embarked on a real-life shift by selling their house, buying a caravan, and eventually living on a boat. The decision to make a change came from a feeling of being unfulfilled and constantly tired. They wanted more adventure and freedom in their lives.

They started their journey by living on Magnetic Island, where they formed a close-knit community and experienced a sense of joy and relaxation. Eventually, they bought a boat and learned how to sail. They faced challenges along the way, such as seasickness and the risk of piracy in certain waters. Despite the challenges, Grace and her family embraced the uncertainty and found a new sense of happiness and fulfillment. Grace and Illy discuss their experiences with homeschooling, the challenges of distance education, and the benefits of living in a close-knit community.

They also talk about the importance of work-life balance and the value of saying yes to new experiences. Grace shares her journey of living on a boat and eventually settling in a small mountain town, highlighting the happiness and fulfillment she has found in her current lifestyle.

takeaways

• Making a real-life shift can bring a sense of adventure and freedom
• Living in a close-knit community can provide joy and relaxation
• Embracing uncertainty can lead to happiness and fulfillment
• Challenges are a part of the journey, but they can be overcome Homeschooling can be a challenging but rewarding experience, allowing for flexibility and personalized education.
• Living in a close-knit community can provide a strong support system and a sense of belonging.
• Finding a work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being and happiness.
• Being open to new experiences and saying yes to opportunities can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
• Embracing change and being adaptable can lead to unexpected and positive outcomes.

Episode 1 of Season 2.

Illy is in the hotseat again joined by Steph.

In this episode, Illy opens up about her journey of personal growth and resilience, sharing her experiences with childhood trauma, parenting challenges, and the lasting effects of her upbringing on adult relationships.

She reflects on the importance of therapy, the complexities of her relationship with her mother, and her commitment to creating a positive environment for her children.

Illy also discusses managing anxiety, her daughter Harriet's emotional struggles, and the power of hope and continuous learning in the healing process. This conversation highlights the ongoing nature of self-improvement and the strength found in overcoming life's challenges.

In this episode, Illy interviews her niece Mia, who shares her experience transitioning to high school, making new friends, dealing with drama, managing a reduced commitment to dancing, and balancing her role as an older sister. The conversation also features Ilana Lawrence chatting with two young children, Coco and Harriet, who offer delightful and imaginative answers to questions about their favorite colors, jokes, superpowers, and more. Lastly, 11-year-old Willow opens up about the life shifts she’s faced, from navigating puberty and friendship changes to becoming a big sister and overcoming fears. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of the unique perspectives of young people as they navigate growth and change.

Takeaways

• Transitioning to high school can be challenging, especially when changing schools and making new friends.
• Dealing with drama and finding the right group of friends is important for a positive school experience.
• Balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming, and it's okay to make adjustments to find a better balance.
• Becoming an older sibling comes with new responsibilities and a sense of independence.
• Online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges in terms of workload and maintaining relationships with friends.

• Children have unique and imaginative perspectives on various topics.
• Favorite colors and animals are often influenced by personal preferences and experiences.
• Children's aspirations can range from traditional professions to more creative and unique roles.
• Imagination and play are important aspects of a child's life.
• Simple things like cuddles and spending time with loved ones can bring happiness to children.

• Puberty can bring about mood swings and changes in behavior.
• Dealing with mean friends can be challenging, but open communication and support from others can help navigate through it.
• Becoming a big sister can bring mixed emotions, but understanding and support from family members can help address any feelings of jealousy or neglect.
• Overcoming fears requires spending time with supportive friends, practicing deep breathing, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.
• Coping with injuries and not being able to participate in activities one loves can be difficult, but taking time to rest and heal is essential for recovery.

In part 2 of Leah's story she shares her many shifts through self-discovery, motherhood, and spiritual growth, highlighting the transformative impact of becoming a parent. She discusses her experiences with addiction, relationships, and the profound healing that came with motherhood and birth. Her story emphasizes the importance of embracing one's purpose and finding strength in vulnerability and resilience.

Leah and Illy cover a range of topics in part 1 of Leah's chat on the RealLifeShift. They include Leah's personal experiences, challenges, and self-discovery. It delves into the journey of self-awareness, the impact of misdiagnosis within her mental health condition, and the importance of support and understanding. It also explores the allure of rebellion and the consequences of high-risk lifestyles. Leah shares her harrowing experiences of living in a world of crime, drugs, and paranoia, leading to a state of psychosis and disassociation. Her journey through drug-induced psychosis, hospitalization, and rehabilitation sheds light on the impact of trauma and mental health challenges in such environments.

In this episode of The RealLifeShift, Illy and Penny discuss Penny's journey in starting her business, Sick Happens. An online platform which focuses on educating parents about what to do when their kids are sick. Penny shares her motivations for starting the business and the challenges she faced in transitioning from clinical nursing to entrepreneurship. They also discuss the need for parent education in the healthcare system and the positive reception of Sick Happens by parents and healthcare professionals. Penny discusses the challenges she faced in transitioning from traditional nursing to creating her own online business. She shares how she overcame self-doubt and sought reassurance from positive feedback. Penny also talks about the differences between clinical nursing and her current role, which focuses on educating parents. She explains the challenges of starting her own business and the importance of learning new skills, particularly in technology and business. Penny emphasizes the value of staying true to her values and not compromising her messaging for financial gain. She also highlights the benefits of creating a work-life balance and being able to spend more time with her family.

Nathan, a paramedic and mine worker, shares his journey of shifting careers from paramedicine to working in the mines. The conversation covers his experiences in both professions, the challenges he faced, and the impact on his mental health and relationships. He delves into how hard it was to step away from paramedicine but has ultimately led to a happier and more fulfilling life. Overall, the conversation explores the importance of recognizing when a life or career shift is necessary and the challenges and rewards that come with it. He emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with uncertainty when making shifts and not to hang your head in shame if things don't work out.

Kelsey from Cook with Kels shares her tips on meal planning, budgeting, and creating delicious and nutritious lunchboxes for her family. She emphasizes the importance of family dinners and creating a safe space for open communication. Kels also discusses her freezer stash of baked goods and how she utilizes pantry staples to save money and reduce food waste. She shares her go-to meals and hacks for picky eaters. Overall, Kels's approach to cooking and meal preparation is practical, budget-friendly. She emphasizes the importance of using hacks to keep produce fresh and minimizing trips to the grocery store. Kels also discusses her approach to meal prep and cooking, highlighting the use of slow cookers and quick meals. She talks about her journey of self-publishing cookbooks and the release of her latest ebook on slow cooker recipes.

Cassie shares her fertility journey, including multiple miscarriages and the decision to pursue IVF. She discusses the emotional toll, the impact on her family and work, and the challenges of finding answers and making difficult decisions. She emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive GP and seeking outside help for coping with the grief and emotions. Cassie also highlights the financial and physical toll of IVF and the difficult decision of when to stop trying. Cassie shares her experience with IVF treatments, including the challenges and emotional toll it took on her. She discusses the physical side effects of the treatments, such as injections and ovarian hyperstimulation, and the impact they had on her body. Cassie also talks about the miscarriages she experienced during her IVF journey and the emotional struggles that came with them. She emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself and finding a support system during this difficult time.

Beth from Autonomic Nurse discusses her experience with toxic nursing and the need for nurses to have more options and support. She shares her journey from burnout to creating Autonomic Nurse as a platform for career education and empowerment. Beth emphasizes the importance of recognizing that nursing is not limited to bedside care and encourages nurses to explore the many opportunities available to them. She also addresses the backlash and negativity she has faced on social media, highlighting the need for a more open-minded and supportive nursing community. Autonomic Nurse offers support and guidance for nurses looking to transition away from bedside nursing. The focus is on helping nurses find alternative career paths that prioritize their well-being and work-life balance. Autonomic Nurse provides a job board with remote and non-bedside nursing opportunities, as well as resources and coaching to help nurses navigate the transition. The goal is to empower nurses to take charge of their careers and find fulfillment outside of traditional nursing roles. The future vision for Autonomic Nurse is to reach more nurses and expand its impact in helping nurses explore non-traditional nursing careers.

Morgan Zontos shares her experience of her husband's leukemia diagnosis just three weeks after giving birth to their second child Ziggy. She discusses the shock of the diagnosis and the challenges they faced as a family. Morgan goes deep into her and Nick's journey through Nick's leukemia diagnosis and treatment, and how they navigated the impact on their family and relationships. Despite the difficult circumstances, they found support from their families and adapted to their new normal. Morgan emphasises the importance of recognising the mental load of motherhood and finding time for self-care. She also highlights the need to be flexible and adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges.

Bailey Seamer embarked on a 14-month charity walk, covering 5,500 kilometers from the southern tip of Australia to the top of Queensland. The motivation behind the walk was Bailey's own journey with mental illness and the desire to raise awareness and funds for mental health research. Bailey's personal experience with bipolar disorder and the stigma surrounding mental illness played a significant role in shaping her perspective. The walk was a transformative experience for Bailey, who learned to embrace her illness as part of her identity and found support and connection with others along the way. Safety was a constant concern during the walk, with risks ranging from natural hazards to encounters with people. Despite the challenges, Bailey's determination and resilience allowed her to complete the journey. Bailey Seamer embarked on a 14-month journey, walking the entire East Coast of Australia. Along the way, she faced numerous challenges, including dangerous river crossings, injuries, and encounters with hostile individuals. Despite these difficulties, Bailey persevered and developed strategies to manage her mental health, including embracing her mental illness and living alongside it, using a tantrum timer to release emotions, and focusing on small daily pleasures. She also emphasized the importance of having a purpose and setting goals. Since completing her walk, Bailey has continued to advocate for mental health and has been involved in speaking engagements and collaborations with hiking brands.