What do you do when the person who should nurture you becomes the one who breaks you down? For Lydia, childhood took a sharp turn when her younger brother was born. Her mother became unpredictable—cruel, controlling, and emotionally abusive. What started as biting words and impossible expectations escalated into full-blown rage, manipulation, and even physical aggression. Unlike the rest of her family, Lydia refused to stay silent. She questioned, she resisted, and for that, she becam...

What happens when the person meant to protect you is the one who sells your safety for their own gain? For Diana, childhood wasn’t just traumatic—it was orchestrated cruelty. From the age of five, she endured years of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse at the hands of her stepfather, all while her mother turned a blind eye. When the truth came out decades later, the betrayal was even darker than she imagined—her mother had knowingly allowed the abuse to continue in exchange for financial s...

How do you recognise abuse when it’s disguised as control and manipulation? For Alex, childhood was overshadowed by coercion, fear, and emotional abuse at the hands of her stepfather. From the ages of 8 to 15, she endured a cycle of grooming and control that shaped every part of who she is today. But in the darkest of times, she found a refuge—school became her safe space, and that experience ultimately led her to become a secondary school teacher. Now, after years of therapy, Alex is...

What happens when a parent cares more about how they *look* as a parent than actually being one? For Paula, love with her father was never unconditional—it was a performance for social media, a show for public events, but behind closed doors, it was filled with emotional distance, blame, and zero accountability. After years of careful conversations, constant effort, and trying to maintain a relationship that always felt one-sided, the final phone call ended with him hanging up. And for...

What happens when a parent refuses to take responsibility for the damage they’ve caused? For Tycheica, the deepest pain isn’t just the neglect and abuse she endured as a child—it’s her mother’s complete lack of accountability. While her mother acknowledges her siblings’ struggles, she dismisses Tycheica’s entirely, gaslighting her pain and denying the trauma she survived. Now a mother of two young daughters, Tycheica is navigating parenting without the safety net of a supportive mother...

What happens when the person who’s supposed to love you most decides not to? For Mel, that reality shaped her entire life. At just five years old, her mother moved away, taking her brother and grandmother but leaving Mel behind. For years, she was fed lies about why her mother wasn’t in her life, yet the only thing she truly felt was shame—shame for not having a mother, for not being in contact, and for being the child who wasn’t chosen. As the years passed, Mel’s mother returned, but...

What happens when the people who are supposed to protect you are the ones who cause you the most pain? In this episode, Grace shares her story of growing up in an unstable home—navigating her parents’ divorce, her father’s deep depression, and years of bullying from her mother’s partner. Feeling trapped in a toxic environment, Grace left home at just 16, spending years sleeping on a friend’s floor, trying to escape the weight of it all. The effects of that betrayal followed her into early adu...

Growing up in a home where love felt conditional and emotional instability ruled can shape every part of who we become. In this episode, Claire shares her experience of growing up with an emotionally abusive and neglectful mother—one whose words and reactions left lasting wounds. Claire opens up about what it was like to walk on eggshells as a child, constantly seeking approval while being met with verbal abuse. She discusses how this experience shaped her confidence, relationships, and even ...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we talk with Hiruni about her journey of estrangement, resilience, and healing after years of emotional and physical abuse. Leaving her family home at just 17, Hiruni faced the challenges of sofa-surfing while preparing for her A-levels and navigating the uncertainties of estranged life as a student. Hiruni opens up about the complexities of emotional vs. physical abuse, the struggles with self-doubt, and the lack of intervention during he...

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Appleby as he shares his journey of healing from a toxic family dynamic shaped by a narcissistic parent. Matt opens up about how pivotal life moments—becoming a father, the loss of a beloved grandparent, the breakdown of his marriage, and the realisation of his mother’s narcissistic traits—have acted as powerful catalysts for growth. He delves into the healing modalities that have supported his journey, from yoga to counseling, retreats, and body-...

In this episode, Sarah shares her journey of growing up with a narcissistic mother who relied on guilt, blame, and shame to control and manipulate. As the scapegoat in her family, Sarah endured both physical and mental abuse, leaving her with high-functioning anxiety and a deep desire to protect her own children from the cycle of trauma. Now in therapy, Sarah is working through the impacts of constant vigilance and people-pleasing, shaped by years of unpredictability at home. She open...

In this episode, Lisa opens up about her childhood with a neglectful and narcissistic mother who failed to meet her emotional needs and took no accountability for the harm caused. Now, as Lisa prepares to welcome her own baby, she reflects on the fears of repeating the past and the determination driving her to break the cycle. From therapy to connecting with others who share similar experiences, Lisa shares the breakthroughs that have helped her heal and step into motherhood with strength and...

Growing up surrounded by chaos, abuse, and dangerous relationships, Ashleigh's childhood was anything but stable. In this episode, she shares her journey of navigating trauma, the challenges of being a people pleaser, and how cutting ties with her mother became the turning point in her healing. Ashleigh speaks openly about the struggles, the lessons, and how she’s managed to rebuild her life with resilience and strength. This is a story of breaking free, setting boundaries, and choosing peace.

In this episode, we sit down with Pollyanna, a beacon of hope and healing. Pollyanna opens up about her journey through trauma and how she found strength and purpose in even the darkest moments. She shares her experience of dealing with a parent struggling with alcohol abuse, offering insights into setting boundaries, protecting your mental health, and finding ways to heal from the pain caused by addiction. This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth and light are possible, no matter...

In this empowering episode, we welcome Emily. Emily shares her journey of overcoming adversity, reclaiming her voice, and finding strength through vulnerability. She also shares stories that encourage a thought-provoking discussion about the potential dangers of step-parents in unhealthy dynamics.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Maggie Maher, a compassionate advocate for healing and community. Maggie shares her personal story of overcoming childhood trauma and the transformative power of building meaningful connections. Tune in for a moving conversation filled with hope, wisdom, and practical tools for your healing journey. To find out more about Maggie and the therapy she offers, you can find her at @attachment.therapy on Tiktok

Welcome to Season 2 of Unburdened! I am so deeply appreciative and grateful to bring YOU on to the podcast for season 2, to share you stories and experiences and ultimately break this narrative and stigma that society still holds about family. I apologise for the sound quality on this episode, please be patient as I navigate recording online, but I am delighted to kick off Season 2 with Sonam Dave. In this episode, we explore her journey of healing, resilience, and breaking fre...

In my favourite episode of Unburdened yet, I am joined by special guest Harriet Shearsmith to tackle the heavy and complex topic of guilt—especially when it comes to setting boundaries or going no-contact with family. Harriet shares her deeply personal journey of breaking free from guilt after choosing no contact with her parents, offering raw insights into the emotional challenges and triumphs along the way. You can buy Unfollowing Mum here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1785045172?linkCode=ssc...

For many, Christmas can feel far from magical—filled with tension, unrealistic expectations, and tricky family dynamics. In this episode of Unburdened, we dive into the realities of a holiday that isn’t always picture-perfect. From managing over-the-top parents and handling feelings of jealousy to setting boundaries and surviving the isolation some of us feel during this season, we’re breaking down the traditional narrative of Christmas. Join Zoe as she explores how to cope with the pressures...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/iamzoelouise/list/8DTOK1H2AW4K?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_m 1. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself - Dr Joe Dispense 2. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - Mark Manson 3. A New Earth - Eckhart Tolls 4. Psycho-Cybernetics - Maxwell Maltz 5. Many Lives, Many Masters - Brian Weiss 6. You Can Heal Your Life - Louise Hay 7. The Big Leap - Gay Hendricks 8. Unlimited Power/ Awaken the Giant Within - Tony Robbins 9. Solve for ...