Trigger warning: sexual abuse and childhood trauma Jessica Ella reveals how years of abuse by her father from age three reshaped her idea of love. At thirty, a guided meditation brought back memories she had long pushed aside and began the process of healing. She speaks about generational trauma, the fear that followed, moments of hearing him when he wasn’t there, and the steady support of her mother. Now a women’s trauma expert and mother to River and Banjo, Jessica shares how she broke unhealthy patterns in relationships, found safe love with her partner Gav, and rebuilt her identity step by step. Her story is raw and deeply hopeful, showing that even after profound pain it is possible to heal, reclaim your life, and create real love and purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After two later stage miscarriages and the relentless pressure of retail buying, Ariel knew something had to change. One morning in her bathroom, she decided to walk away and instantly felt a weight lift. In this episode, Ariel reflects on her best 20s spent in New York, partying, travelling and living life to the fullest, before building a new chapter in Australia. Over time, her career collided with the reality of motherhood, IVF and the toll of trying to balance it all. Ariel shares the moment she chose to walk away from her career, the guilt and relief of IVF, and how these experiences led her to co-found From Day One, a positive safe space for mums to connect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fatima Yusufi’s journey is one of courage, defiance and relentless hope. Growing up in Afghanistan, she fought against deep rooted beliefs that girls could not play sport, challenging her own father’s mindset before taking on society’s. As the goalkeeper and captain of the Afghan women’s national soccer team, Fatima risked her life for the right to play, facing threats, bombings and the constant fear of Taliban retaliation. In a desperate and dangerous escape, she left with her siblings, suddenly responsible for their safety and with no idea where they were going or what their future would hold. She is now using her second chance to pursue her dreams and share a powerful message to girls everywhere: believe in yourself, even when the world tells you no. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this real, raw episode Elizabeth, founder of Australian natural skincare brand SODA & Co, opens up about navigating motherhood, business, and resilience. Becoming a mum at 19, Elizabeth faced judgment and immense pressure, but her inner confidence and determination carried her through. She shares how motherhood shaped her, why she started SODA & Co for her daughter with allergies, and how building the brand became a family journey with her girls by her side. Elizabeth also reflects on one of the hardest times in her life. Her marriage breaking down during COVID. She speaks candidly about mother guilt, rediscovering herself, and learning to put herself first. Now standing on her own two feet, she encourages others to never lose hope, sharing how challenges shaped her strength and the woman she is today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode, Stephanie Easton shares her journey of surviving decades of drug and alcohol abuse, trauma, eating disorders, and the failures of the mental health system. A mum of three and the founder of Melbourne’s first holistic rehab facility, Steph opens up about the years she spent stuck in cycles of addiction, medicated into numbness, and trying to find help in a system that was never designed to truly heal. Her turning point came when she began reconnecting with her body. Through somatic therapy, yoga, subconscious healing, and a deep commitment to self-inquiry, Steph slowly found her way back to herself. Not through labels or diagnoses, but by learning how to feel again, how to sit with pain, and how to rebuild from the inside out. This conversation is a powerful reflection on healing, self-awareness, and starting again. Steph reminds us that it is never too late to change your story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alana had just gotten married and was planning her honeymoon when she found a lump in her breast. After being dismissed by a GP, a second opinion changed everything. At 27, she was diagnosed with two grade three tumours. In this episode, Alana shares the shock of her diagnosis, how she broke the news to her husband, and what it was like navigating treatment. She opens up about the hardest part, losing her hair, and the emotional toll of watching friends fall pregnant while her own plans were put on hold. But in the middle of all the unknowns, there was hope. Alana shares the moment her period returned, the day she found out she was pregnant, and what it meant to welcome her son into the world. Now 33, Alana is a breast cancer survivor. This is her story of fear, resilience and finding light again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Nartarsha talks about becoming a teenage mum and how that was the start of her identity crisis and the beginning of everything falling apart. She shares how she thought she had experienced love before, but it was never true love, until she had her first baby and her life was exploded with love. At the same time, her partner left, and she experienced the deepest grief alongside all of this love. This marked the beginning of her “new me.” Nartarsha deeply understands the journey of women and motherhood. She shares the fears she felt as she was about to have her baby, the judgement she faced as an Aboriginal woman, the disconnection she experienced, and the lack of confidence she carried within herself. Nartarsha shares her powerful story of becoming a mum as a teenager, navigating heartbreak, identity crisis and generational trauma. She opens up about the pressure she placed on herself to get it right, the fear of losing her child to the system, and the weight of generational trauma. Becoming a mum became the beginning of healing. This is her story of breaking cycles and raising her son to be whoever he wants to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ariel and Keshia, the founders of From Day One, a mothers group that is anything but traditional. Born from a shared experience of loneliness and a desire for something more meaningful in the postpartum journey, they’ve created a space where mums feel heard, seen, and genuinely supported. Unlike the typical mum group stigma, this space is different. It brings together like minded women who’ve had babies around the same time, sharing honest conversations without the pressure or comparison. It’s a community that truly focuses on mums, their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, and the beautiful connections built along the way. We dive into what inspired them to create a physical space that is not about baby milestones or checklists, but about the mums themselves. From mental health and relationships to the messy, beautiful chaos of early motherhood, Ariel and Keshia have built something that removes the pressure and encourages real connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anaita Sarkar shares her journey, growing up feeling ashamed of her Indian roots, desperate to fit in, and resenting her parents for simply being who they were. But it was their courage, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped her into the person she is today, wanting nothing more than to make them proud. And now, as a mother of three, she’s breaking the cycle, teaching her girls that being different is so powerful. From corporate burnout to building a purpose-led brand with $1k in shares her mum once gave her instead of a birthday gift. This episode is a reminder of what it means to find your identity, honour your roots, and create a life you love. This podcast is proudly presented by Meke Baby & Oli6 Website: ⁠⁠https://mekebaby.com⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mekebaby.au⁠⁠ Connect with Oli6: Website: ⁠⁠https://www.oli6.com⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/oli6toddler⁠ Connect with Anaita:  https://www.sellanythingonline.com.au https://heropackaging.com.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. This is a story I’ve rarely shared, one that’s stayed with me for years. I once hired a woman who, at first glance, looked like she’d come off the streets but she was kind, brilliant, and incredible at her job. Over time, she opened up about being in an abusive relationship and later admitted she was homeless, living in a shelter. I didn’t know how to help, but I knew we had to try. As a team, we supported her. We helped her find a safe home, and slowly, her life began to change. She was happy. Then one day, she didn’t show up. No message. No call. We went to her house and saw her cat distressed in the window. We called the police. When they entered, they found she had passed away. Her death remains a mystery, and the grief has never left me. This experience is part of what drives Meke Baby and A Double Life. We want to honour and support the unseen mothers—those facing crisis alone. We’re using our platform to raise awareness and ask for your help, so no one in that position feels invisible again. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence (DV), it's important to access the resources and support available.  Here are important details regarding 1-800 RESPECT, which is the national sexual assault and domestic violence counseling service in Australia: 1-800 RESPECT Details Phone Number: 1-800-737-732 (1-800 RESPECT) Website: 1800respect.org.au

DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence and murder, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available. 1-800 RESPECT Phone Number: 1-800-737-732 (1-800 RESPECT) Website: 1800respect.org.au At just 13 years old, Lili Greer lost everything. Her mother, Tina Greer, vanished in 2012. The victim of a violent and controlling relationship. Tina was just 32, only eight days away from her 33rd birthday. For the past 13 years, Lili has lived without answers, carrying not only the weight of her mother’s disappearance but also the trauma that came before it. Determined to honour her mother’s memory and fight for justice, Lili founded The Tina Greer Project, created to shine a light on Tina’s story and to confront the broader national crisis of domestic violence, homicide, and missing persons. After a successful campaign for a coronial inquest, the Project is now focused on advocacy, education, and driving real systemic change. Because relying on the system to fix itself is no longer an option. The time for action is now.

Simone shares her powerful and emotional story of surviving a horrific domestic violence attack. After meeting a man online while raising three children and working two jobs, what began as a charming relationship quickly turned controlling and manipulative. Despite early red flags, Simone stayed until she finally ended the relationship—only for him to show up days later and brutally assault her in her home. Left with a shattered arm, brain injuries, and just a 3–5% chance of survival, Simone was placed in an induced coma. After years of surgeries and recovery, she now bravely speaks out to raise awareness about domestic violence and the importance of trusting your gut. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence (DV), it's important to access the resources and support available. Here are important details regarding 1-800 RESPECT, which is the national sexual assault and domestic violence counseling service in Australia: 1-800 RESPECT Details Phone Number: 1-800-737-732 (1-800 RESPECT) Website: 1800respect.org.au This podcast is proudly presented by Meke Baby & Oli6 Connect with Meke: Website: https://mekebaby.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mekebaby.au   Connect with Oli6: Website: https://www.oli6.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oli6toddler

Postpartum anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of their background or success. Carly worked with a highly accomplished businesswoman known for her control and ability to handle anything. But after the life-changing experience of motherhood, she was taken completely by surprise when postpartum anxiety developed.

Motherhood isn’t about comparison, as Madeline says, “Your hard is your hard.” It reshaped her identity, but over the years, she’s been finding her new self.  The challenges you face as a parent aren’t permanent, they’re all part of the journey. 0:00 – Your heart is your heart—it doesn’t have to be anyone else’s. 1:00 – Motherhood cracked me into a million pieces. 2:00 – Picking up those pieces and finding the new me. 3:00 – The power of stillness and perspective. 4:00 – This season is hard, but it’s not permanent. 5:00 – Gratitude filled my entire body. 6:00 – Dropping my son to a daycare he loves. 7:00 – My daughter was thriving, and I was doing work that fueled my soul. 8:00 – Carrying guilt during my second pregnancy. 9:00 – Sleep deprivation and dark thoughts. 10:00 – My breaking point: an emergency surgery. 11:00 – Sitting in the darkness while holding gratitude. 12:00 – My parents’ support was a turning point. 13:00 – Simple acts of self-care started to rebuild me. 14:00 – Gratitude and perspective became my superpowers. 15:00 – Returning to myself through small, intentional moments. 16:00 – My son’s anaphylactic reaction—another challenge. 17:00 – Sleep deprivation changed who I was. 18:00 – The turning point at 12 months—finding hope. 19:00 – Letting go of expectations that didn’t serve me. 20:00 – Gratitude for a thriving family and a fulfilling career. 21:00 – It’s okay to feel the hard moments deeply. 22:00 – Finding the new version of yourself as a mother. 23:00 – Self-care is essential—it shapes who you become.0:00 – Your heart is your heart—it doesn’t have to be anyone else’s. 1:00 – Motherhood cracked me into a million pieces. 2:00 – Picking up those pieces and finding the new me. 3:00 – The power of stillness and perspective. 4:00 – This season is hard, but it’s not permanent. 5:00 – Gratitude filled my entire body. 6:00 – Dropping my son to a daycare he loves. 7:00 – My daughter was thriving, and I was doing work that fueled my soul. 8:00 – Carrying guilt during my second pregnancy. 9:00 – Sleep deprivation and dark thoughts. 10:00 – My breaking point: an emergency surgery. 11:00 – Sitting in the darkness while holding gratitude. 12:00 – My parents’ support was a turning point. 13:00 – Simple acts of self-care started to rebuild me. 14:00 – Gratitude and perspective became my superpowers. 15:00 – Returning to myself through small, intentional moments. 16:00 – My son’s anaphylactic reaction—another challenge. 17:00 – Sleep deprivation changed who I was. 18:00 – The turning point at 12 months—finding hope. 19:00 – Letting go of expectations that didn’t serve me. 20:00 – Gratitude for a thriving family and a fulfilling career. 21:00 – It’s okay to feel the hard moments deeply. 22:00 – Finding the new version of yourself as a mother. 23:00 – Self-care is essential—it shapes who you become.

For the first time ever, Elysia is joining a double life to discuss this important topic, because no mother should feel judged for doing what’s best for her and her baby. Women continue to face guilt and judgment for their choices, whether they choose to breastfeed or formula feed. Too often, societal expectations and outside opinions create unnecessary pressure, making mothers feel like they have to justify their decisions. The reality is that every mother's journey is unique, shaped by personal circumstances, health considerations, and what works best for both her and her baby. True support should focus on offering guidance, compassion, and reassurance, ensuring mothers feel empowered to make the choices that suit their families rather than feeling pressured to follow one prescribed path. [00:03.2] Breastfeeding was so special, and I cried when I had to stop both times. Nutrition during the first thousand days is crucial. [02:12.6] I love how raw A Double Life is. It’s a different experience for me since I’m not in the spotlight. [05:09.2] A pediatric dietitian can guide you on formulas and their differences. [06:50.3] Formula won’t compare to breast milk, but it’s important to talk about it openly. [08:31.4] In Australia, all formulas meet basic nutritional criteria but suit different families. [10:26.9] I had to switch from organic to goat’s milk formula, which made a huge difference. [13:23.5] Room temperature formula is safer, but it’s a personal preference. [15:22.3] Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and seek dietitian guidance if unsure. [17:04.2] Toddler formula can help fussy eaters or those with immunity struggles. [18:16.5] Get young kids interacting with veggies to help them appreciate them. [19:00.1] Small changes can help fussy eaters accept new foods. [20:22.7] It’s easy to be hard on yourself when your child won’t eat veggies. [21:55.4] I believe exposing my daughter to different foods early helped. [23:32.6] As a new parent, you overanalyze things, but trust yourself more with time. [24:06.1] Trust your instincts when it comes to feeding your child. [25:08.7] Parenting is a journey, but you’re making great progress. [25:40.8] Be kind to yourself and keep going! [26:17.3] Anyone who’s been through the early years with a child will relate. [26:52.7] Every little step forward is a victory. [27:40.4] It’s about building your village and keeping up the great work. [28:17.2] Take it day by day—you’ve got this! [28:51.8] Thanks for sharing. I appreciate it. [29:08.0] Great conversation! Take care! [29:23.1] We’re all in this together—keep going!

Melanie’s journey began with a life changing visit to an orphanage, where she was swarmed by kids craving love. Over ten years, she fostered around forty children, but everything changed when she took in a baby. That little one was then returned to her birth mum, but the experience planted a seed. She wondered if she would have a child of her own and how she would navigate pregnancy in her late thirties. Letting go was heartbreaking, but somehow she found the strength to foster again. She always says it is the hardest thing she has ever done but also the best.  [0:00] I remember visiting an orphanage, and it changed everything for me. The kids were starved for love and attention, and it broke my heart. [2:30] I came back to Melbourne, and I asked God what to do with this. Over 10 years, I fostered 40 kids. The idea of taking in a baby came to me, and I felt this deep calling. [5:00] When I finally got a baby, I was like, "I didn’t expect this." The authorities asked if I’d keep her permanently. I wasn’t planning on it, but I thought, "Why not?" [7:30] Then they told me she’d go back to her birth mum. That moment made me realize, I wanted to adopt. I thought, "I can’t let this little girl go." [10:00] I spent two years recovering from the fear of losing her, and then I knew I was called to foster again. It was the hardest thing I’d ever done, but it was also the most rewarding. [12:30] Hi, I’m Melanie McGrice. I became a Christian at 29, and I thought I was going to go into missionary work. But I think God had a different plan for me. [15:00] So I went to the orphanage, thinking I was going to stay long-term. But when I saw how the kids were so desperate for love, it broke my heart. [17:30] When I came back to Melbourne, I started my business. I was doing things with faith, leadership, and mission. I also trained dietitians in fertility and pregnancy, all while supporting Compassion’s mother-baby centers and fostering kids. [20:00] And then I heard a story on the radio about fostering. I looked it up, and that’s how it all began. I started with emergency cases, and eventually, I fostered 40 kids.

After spending $12,000 on egg freezing, she was heartbroken to collect just one egg. Determined to become a mother, she quit her job to focus entirely on IVF. When she finally saw those two lines, she could finally breathe again. Love creates a family, and her journey is one of resilience and hope. 0:00 - Struggling with fertility challenges at 36, unsure if having kids is in my future. 2:00 - Collected only one egg during the process, spent $12,000, and felt completely heartbroken. 4:00 - I was lost and didn’t know what to do next, questioning my entire path. 6:00 - I was too stressed so I quit my job todo IVF full-time. 8:00 - It wasn’t clear if it was obsession or just a strong determination to fall pregnant. 10:00 - At 43, I knew time was running out, and I had to take action quickly. 12:00 - I had always dreamed of having a kid who looked like me, but that dream seemed far away. 14:00 - IVF was my hope, and starting the journey felt like a step toward making that dream come true. 16:00 - After 10 IVF cycles, the emotional and physical toll was overwhelming, but I couldn’t stop. 18:00 - My hormones were all over the place, and it affected my relationship with Nick in difficult ways. 20:00 - You can be a mother in so many different ways and my story is just one story of resilience of never giving up and yeah you can. You can have your beautiful babies and beautiful miracles step over comfort zone. 

In 2014, Madi Browne was at the top of her game as a professional netballer, but behind closed doors, she was trapped in a toxic marriage. From questioning her future, feeling like a prisoner in her own life, and battling career-ending injuries, to finding herself in an unexpected relationship with a woman that redefined the meaning of love—Madi shares how she rebuilt her life. This raw and powerful story is about heartbreak, resilience, self-discovery, and learning to back yourself when the world feels scary.

Caterina Discusses the time she struggled with finding a partner and starting a family due to work commitments abroad. She decided to take matters into her own hands and freeze her eggs. She began this journey alone with the help of a donor she does not know. After facing a miscarriage at 9 weeks with the first embryo transfer, to then becoming pregnant with twins during her second transfer, Caterina had recognised her strength and knew it was a challenge she could face alone.

In this episode, Laura reflects on the emotionally challenging experience of their child's health crisis just before Christmas. The care team informed them that their child had not been able to breathe without a ventilator for the critical period necessary for quality of life, raising difficult questions about the child's potential and the possibility of having another child in the future. As they navigate their loss, Laura shares that grief is a complex and ongoing process, particularly as they approach the anniversary of their child's passing. Despite the heaviness of this grief, they find solace in their daughters and take pride in teaching them to remember and honor their deceased brother. They emphasize that, while God's plan may not always be clear, trusting the process and seeking out the light in difficult times is essential.