Leadership is often measured by targets and strategy - but the real story is human. In this Heart On My Sleeve episode, KPMG Australia’s National Managing Partner for People & Inclusion Dorothy Hisgrove opens up about the moments that reshaped her leadership: grief, self-reflection, and the courage to prioritise both results and wellbeing. We explore the gendered expectations on women leaders, how psychological safety unlocks high performance, and why joy and connection are not perks but infrastructure. Dorothy shares practical rituals to prevent burnout, the power of honest storytelling at work, and a simple rule for modern leadership: replace fixing with presence. If you’re stretched thin or leading teams through relentless change (hello, AI era), this conversation is a field guide to leading sustainably - without losing yourself.
Mitch sits down with lifelong friend Ash Thomsen for a raw, generous account of her son Bodhi’s birth - and the identity shift that followed. Ash shares how a gruelling 36-hour labour, medical complications, and postpartum anxiety/depression culminated in PTSD, and how she found her way back through support, medication, CBT, and especially EMDR - the trauma therapy that helped turn a terrifying event into a tolerable memory.
They talk control vs surrender, the “rebirth” of the mother, partnership under pressure, and why community matters in the first year.
This episode is for expectant parents, those recovering from birth trauma, and anyone reshaping themselves after a life-altering moment.
Disclaimer: birth trauma, postpartum mental health, PTSD.
Please listen at your own pace and reach out to supports if needed.
Interior designer Anna Carin joins host Michaela Overman for a tender, honest conversation about living with both beauty and pain at the same time. Raised on a Swedish farm and now three decades in Australia, Anna shares how a single incident of childhood sexual abuse (content note) shaped her relationship with shame, intimacy, control, and creativity —and how her lifelong “pursuit of beauty” became both refuge and expression.
She opens up about therapy, hypnosis, her short film What Will Be, and practices that help her reconnect with her body — yoga, drumming, and somatic movement. Together they explore inner-child work, releasing self-blame, and the possibility of seeking pleasure safely after trauma.
Anna leaves us with a powerful reminder: emotions soften when we stop adding stories and make space for them to settle.
In this deeply personal episode of Heart on My Sleeve, Luke Cook sits down with neuro-transformational coach and keynote speaker Narissa Trindade to explore the heartbreak that doesn't come with a funeral but still requires mourning - separation and divorce from those we thought we'd be with forever.
Both hosts share their parallel journeys through relationship breakdown, discussing the power of surrendering not as defeat, but as an invitation into possibility. Narissa opens up about hitting rock bottom and the transformative reframe of "letting go of control to embrace what could be," while Luke reflects on how past traumas shaped his relationship patterns.
This raw, honest conversation offers hope to anyone facing major life transitions, reminding us that what's meant for us won't miss us, and sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is allow ourselves to float with the current instead of swimming against it.
This week on the Heart on My Sleeve podcast, Mitch Wallis sits down with NSW MP Adam Crouch for a raw and deeply moving conversation about love, loss, and resilience.
After losing his wife Jill—an oncology nurse who cared for others while bravely fighting her own battle with cancer—Adam shares the realities of grief, the weight of supporting a partner through terminal illness, and the importance of community, vulnerability, and honest conversations.
With courage and authenticity, Adam shows us what it means to keep living in honour of those we’ve loved and lost.
In this episode, Michaela Overman sits down with Gavin Fingelson - former professional baseball player, father of two, and CEO of Feel the Magic.
Gavin shares his journey of navigating deep personal loss from a young age, the lessons baseball taught him about failure and resilience, and how vulnerability and communication became his anchors.
From growing up in South Africa to representing Australia on the world stage, Gavin reflects on grief, fatherhood, and why giving back is the legacy that matters most.
For additional resources or to donate visit:
https://www.heartonmysleeve.org/
https://www.feelthemagic.org.au/
When lawyer and mum Sarah Susak was told she had a rare - and deadly - cancer just a year after the birth of her “miracle baby,” her world cracked. In this uncompromising conversation, she takes us through surgery, grief, and the path of spiritual rebirth that followed. Sarah shares how Vedic meditation, ancestral wisdom, and radical acceptance helped her heal more than her body - they healed her identity. This episode is a testament to the deep resilience we discover when life demands it of us - and the power of becoming your own guru. If you've ever wondered what your “Yiru” - your inner wisdom - is, let Sarah’s journey guide you toward your own quiet strength.
Web: https://www.sarahsusak.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_susak/?hl=en
In one of our most raw and powerful episodes to date, I sit down with my dear friend Zoe Marshall - TV presenter, author, manifester, podcast host, and mental health advocate - for an unfiltered conversation about her journey through Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Together, we peel back the layers of what it's really like to live with intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and the mental gymnastics of emetophobia (fear of vomit) - a condition Zoe mistook for decades as just anxiety or a phobia.
We explore:
The moment Zoe realised her lifelong fear had a name
The four-hour lunch that changed her life
Her terrifying but transformative experience with Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy
The fluid fusion between her identity and OCD—and how she's learning to separate the two
How one word—maybe—has given her the freedom to live again
This conversation is deeply personal, sometimes confronting, often enlightening - and full of hope. Whether you live with OCD, love someone who does, or simply want to understand the inner world behind a smile, this episode is for you.
Zoe’s vulnerability is a gift. Her story is a mirror. And her healing is a reminder that even in the darkest confusion, trust and surrender can light the way.
👉 Connect with Zoe: @zoebmarshall | arise.com.au
Dani Lombard - PR powerhouse, unapologetic truth-teller, and lifelong “friend collector” - joins psychologist and HOMS clinical director Michaela Overman for her first-ever podcast appearance. But this isn’t about publicity. It’s about pulling the curtain back.
In this raw and revealing conversation, Dani shares the story she’s never told publicly - her decades-long journey with anxiety, panic attacks, and the shame she carried behind a high-functioning, always-laughing persona. From a life-changing panic attack on a San Francisco street corner at 21, to quietly spiraling into agoraphobia while seemingly "thriving" in PR, Dani explores how she masked deep mental anguish behind success, sarcasm, and survival.
Together, Michaela and Dani unpack what it really means to heal, why taking medication isn’t failure, and how two realities can coexist: being both okay and not okay. Vulnerable, funny, and disarmingly honest, this episode is a powerful reminder that mental health doesn't look one way—and that you're still worthy, even if you're not wearing a medal.
What happens when the mask you've worn your whole life finally falls off?
In this moving episode of The Heart On My Sleeve Podcast, host Lainie Cassidy sits down with Aisling Smith – internationally recognised neurodiversity consultant, Stevie Award winner, and Trainer of the Year – for a raw, vulnerable conversation about living, parenting, and thriving as a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD woman.
From growing up in rural Ireland under emotional suppression, to unknowingly masking for decades in school and corporate life, Ashling shares how her son’s diagnosis led to her own awakening. Together, they unpack the deep grief, shame, and relief that can come with understanding your neurodivergent identity as an adult—and how those painful moments can transform into purpose.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt “too much,” who’s learned to blend in to survive, and who is ready to reclaim the power in being unapologetically themselves.
⚠️ Content note: This episode touches on trauma, burnout, and emotional masking.
Connect with Aisling: https://aisling-smith.com/
Bio:
Aisling Smith is a globally recognised Neurodiversity Trainer of the Year, 40 Under 40 Business Elite Award Honouree and Silver Stevie Award winner for Social Change in Disability. A late-diagnosed autistic woman with ADHD, Aisling leverages her lived experience and over a decade of professional expertise to empower neurodivergent individuals and transform workplaces worldwide.As an international speaker, best-selling author, and highly sought-after consultant, Aisling has inspired thousands with her innovative approach to neuro-inclusion. She partners with global organisations to implement sustainable neuro-inclusive strategies, rewrite policies, and create thriving, diverse workplaces. Her 7-pillar diversity and inclusion training program has become a benchmark for organisations aiming to foster inclusive environments and unlock the full potential of their teams.Aisling’s expertise is deeply rooted in her personal journey. As the mother of a neurodivergent child, she is driven to normalise and celebrate neurodiversity in all aspects of life. Her work transcends professional boundaries, as she also founded The New to Neurodiversity Club, a transformative community for late-diagnosed professional women with autism and ADHD. This platform offers tailored resources, coaching, and empowerment to help women embrace their strengths and create fulfilling lives.With a background spanning 15+ years in psychology, event production, advertising, and business, Aisling combines her professional and entrepreneurial experience with ground-breaking psychological and neuroscience techniques. She is known for delivering engaging, actionable presentations that challenge traditional thinking and empower audiences to create workplaces where neurodivergent employees excel.Aisling’s accolades include:• Neurodiversity Trainer of the Year 2024• 40 under 40 Business Elite 2024• Silver Stevie Award for Social Change in Disability 2024• MBN Awards: New Business of the Year 2022• IACC: Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist 2022• Most Empowering Corporate Trainer 2023Aisling’s dedication to breaking biases around neurodiversity and promoting workplace inclusion has positioned her as a trailblazer in her field.Her mission is clear: to impact over a million lives by making neurodiversity a celebrated and normalised aspect of human diversity worldwide. Aisling Smith is the speaker and trainer your organisation needs to foster understanding, enhance collaboration, and drive innovation through neuro-inclusion.
What happens when your body breaks... but it's your soul that needs healing?
In this raw and powerful conversation, Tess Brouwer shares the story behind her life-altering spinal cord injury that forced her to stop running from pain, from grief, from herself. Tess, a mental fitness trainer and co-founder of Awake Academy, opens up about the unspoken traumas she buried for decades - from childhood instability to losing her teenage soulmate to suicide - and how her injury became a portal into profound emotional healing.
Together with host Mitch Wallis, Tess explores why feeling is more important than fixing, how shame manifests in the body, and what it takes to truly let go of pain. With practical tools, embodied wisdom, and brutal honesty, this episode is a guide for anyone ready to stop pretending they’re okay—and start healing for real.
If you've ever felt broken, numb, anxious, or like you’re holding it all together just to get through the day—this conversation might be the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.
Find Tess online at
https://www.instagram.com/tesscbrouwer/
Link to her book:
https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869
Link to her business:
https://www.instagram.com/awake_academy/
At 17 weeks pregnant with triplets, Ashleigh Conwell’s life changed forever when her husband Matt passed away suddenly during the height of the pandemic. In this raw and profoundly moving conversation with host Luke Cook, Ashleigh opens up about the identity shift that followed, the brutal reality of solo parenting through grief, and the quiet resilience it takes to keep showing up.
From collapsing on the pavement in shock to rising each day with intention, Ashleigh's story is not just one of tragedy - it’s a masterclass in courage. She speaks about the power of saying “I’m not okay,” the weight of new labels like “widow,” and how she's transforming her pain into purpose through her work with Yellow Falcon.
This episode is for anyone navigating the complexity of grief, identity, or starting over - and a testament to the fact that healing doesn't mean forgetting... it means carrying forward with love.
Find Ash online: @ashleigh.conwell and @yellow.falcon
If you’ve ever struggled to slow down, to feel proud, or to say “I’m enough,” this episode is a must-listen.We often see the hustle. The 3am alarms. The shredded physique. The front covers and product launches. But what we rarely see is the cost behind the curtain. In this raw and revealing episode, Heart On My Sleeve Clinical Director Michaela Overman sits down with celebrity trainer and gym owner Jono Castano to explore the emotional weight that success can carry.
From growing up in a small Colombian town and navigating childhood bullying in Australia, to battling imposter syndrome at the peak of his career - Jono opens up like never before. He shares the silent toll of loneliness, the inner critic shaped by childhood wounds, and how the pressure to always be “on” led him to a breaking point.
This conversation is about what happens when achievement stops feeling like enough. It’s about learning to connect with your inner world, rebuilding after heartbreak, and finally believing you are worthy—not for what you’ve done, but for who you are.
In episode 53, Mitch Wallis speaks to Dr Tony Mastroianni, a psychiatrist with over 30 years' experience in clinical practice. Tony specialises in the treatment of ADHD and schizophrenia, and is the founder of the Focalength Method™, a holistic approach to treatment that takes a 360 view of a person in order to help them get well, and stay well.
This episode covers:
Stay Connected:
www.focalength.com.au
www.instagram/mitch.wallis
In episode 52, Mitch Wallis speaks to Maddy MacRae, a comedy creator who exploded onto the scene during lockdown with her hilarious and relatable skits about sex, dating and everything in-between. We go deep and explore previously untouched topics such as her mental health journey, her sexuality and the reality of life online.
This episode covers:
Stay connected:
www.instagram.com/maddy_macrae_
www.tiktok.com/@maddy_macrae_
www.instagram.com/mitch.wallis
Have feedback to share, questions you want answered or guests you want to see on the show? Get in touch: contact@mitchwallis.com
In episode 51, Mitch Wallis speaks to Gaj, a highly sought-after performance coach recognized for his effective leadership training techniques and passion for helping clients reach higher potential. For over 20 years, Gaj has worked with leading organizations and individuals to enhance productivity, maximize performance, and accelerate growth. As a Registered psychologist, Gaj leans on his psychology training to deliver the most effective evidence-based solutions to his clients that are proven to enhance potential and performance.
This episode covers:
Stay connected:
https://kompassconsultancy.com/
www.instagram.com/gajravichandra
www.instagram.com/mitch.wallis
Have feedback to share, questions you want answered or guests you want to see on the show? Get in touch: contact@mitchwallis.com
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/8fRx_64RQR4
Sonny Jane is a multi-neurodivergent, queer, and disabled public speaker, advocate, and author with a strong social media presence. Sonny was diagnosed as a child and grew up only hearing a deficit narrative about their neurodivergence. Since then, they have gone on to build an audience of over 100,000 people online, have written ‘The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills’, and works with organisations all over Australia to help change the narrative around neurodivergence. Sonny is a brilliant educator and all-round wonderful human.
The episode covers...
You can connect with Sonny here:
www.instagram.com/livedexperienceeducator
This episode comes with a trigger warning of domestic violence.
In episode 49, Mitch Wallis speaks to Jacinta Dubojski who is the creator and founder of Just Another GIRL, an initiative designed to inspire and empower students by arming them with the tools to navigate difficult situations; such as bullying, and domestic violence, both of which are experiences that she's survived. Jacinta is a big believer in sharing stories to connect and help others, something I’m equally passionate about so I'm honoured to be able to bring you her story of resilience.
This episode covers:
Stay connected:
www.instagram.com/just.anothergirl_
www.justanothergirlproject.com.au
www.instagram.com/mitch.wallis
Have feedback to share, questions you want answered or guests you want to see on the show? Get in touch: contact@mitchwallis.com
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yMis1WuMPQA
In episode 48, Mitch Wallis speaks to Antoinette, a multi-award-winning journalist, author, broadcaster, columnist, TEDx speaker, and mental health ambassador with a bold and authentic approach to life...
This episode covers:
Stay connected:
www.instagram.com/antoinette_lattouf www.instagram.com/mitch.wallis
Have feedback to share, questions you want answered or guests you want to see on the show? Get in touch: contact@mitchwallis.com
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0CCsonotan8
In episode 47, Mitch Wallis speaks to Greg Bird, a proud Anaiwan Man, born and raised in country New South Wales. He was a professional Rugby League player for an impressive 18 years, hanging up his boots in 2019 to move up to the Gold Coast and prioritise time with his wife and kids. This episode dives deep into untold stories of struggle both on and off the pitch.
this episode covers:
Stay connected:
www.instagram.com/birdman_13
www.projectnetzero.com.au
www.instagram.com/mitch.wallis
Have feedback to share, questions you want answered or guests you want to see on the show? Get in touch: contact@mitchwallis.com
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HkZJxdLJB04
