Not Us Podcast

He trained to be a pastor. He wore the purity ring. He left the church. And he came out.This week on Not Us, we sit down with filmmaker and author Brett Michael Innis to talk about faith deconstruction, coming out as an adult, rebuilding identity, and what courage actually feels like when your old life no longer fits.We unpack: – Leaving Christianity – Purity culture and shame – Creative self-censorship – Masculinity and feminine energy – The highs and lows of the arts – Telling stories that move peopleThis is a conversation about change, choice, and the messy in-between — for anyone questioning, evolving, or rewriting their life.#NotUsPodcast #FaithDeconstruction #ComingOut #CreativeLife #LGBTQ #PersonalGrowth

Is Valentine’s Day romantic… or just a marketing scheme with overpriced roses and forced romance? This week, we’re calling it Love Day and talking about what love looks like when you’re not interested in performative gestures, public displays, or “romcom copy-paste” effort.We cover love languages (flowers vs quality time), why heartbreak changes your relationship with love, and the real question: what love do you need to give yourself first? Plus: our rally cry for 2026, be a rebel in love.#NotUsPodcast #ValentinesDay #LoveDay #Relationships #SelfLove #LoveLanguages

In this episode, we talk about labels and identity and why it’s so easy for other people’s opinions to become the story you live under. From sexuality and assumptions (“the lesbian neighbour”) to career labels and being called “aggressive,” we explore how identity shifts across seasons of life and how labels can either help us belong or box us in.This isn’t a lecture. It’s a real sister-to-sister conversation about nuance, growth, and the question we keep coming back to: who are you being?#Identity #Labels #Belonging #PersonalGrowth #NotUsPodcast

January has people asking the same brutal question: “Can I really do another year like last year?” In this episode, Angela & Sam talk about the frustration of returning to work after the holidays, the emotional hangover of empty promises, and the quiet pressure to make a career decision fast.They introduce a practical framework: Stay, Shape, or ExitStay: What am I learning and building right now?Shape: What needs to change to make this sustainableExit: What are my red lines, and what runway do I need?They also get real about the job market, fear-based hiring, salary shifts, AI, networking, and why interviews often come down to one thing: vibe.If you’re reassessing your role, job hunting, or trying to rebuild your career from a more empowered place, this episode will help you reset with clarity.

January is weird. The festive lights disappear overnight, your energy is low, and somehow the world expects you to be refreshed, focused, and ready to plan your entire year by Wednesday.In this episode, Angela & Samantha talk about the January slump, the reality behind Blue Monday, and why winter is meant to be a slower, more inward season. They share practical ways to reset gently without forcing productivity: working with your natural rhythm, planning small things to look forward to, getting outside even when it’s freezing, and using simple daily habits (movement, nature, boundaries, and routines) to support your mind and body.If you’re feeling flat, overwhelmed, or like January is an “assault on your nervous system,” this one’s for you.Show notes: 📚 Breathe by Dr Ela MangaKeywords: January blues, Blue Monday, post holiday slump, winter reset, gentle habits, circadian rhythm, motivation vs discipline, mental health supportHashtags: #JanuaryBlues #GentleJanuary #BlueMonday #NotUsPodcast

Happy 2026 and welcome back to Not Us Podcast. In this first episode after the holiday break, sisters Angela & Sam debrief the ultimate festive-season experiment: two weeks under one roof with Angela’s brother (the brother she grew up with), her partner Nathan, two dogs, and one highly strategic cat.It was joyful, chaotic, hilarious, deeply human… and surprisingly energising. They unpack what actually made it work: boundaries, shared responsibility, emotional maturity, the gift of a “judgment-free zone,” and how family dynamics shift when your family story doesn’t fit into a neat little box.You’ll hear about:What it’s really like hosting family for two weeksNavigating “tummy mom / heart mom” family dynamics (adoption + blended family stories)How to create space for people to show up authenticallyWhy perfectionism often disguises procrastinationThe art of debating sober… the morning afterExpanding your capacity to receive (help, love, generosity, opportunities)The post-holiday emotional hangover and January crash landingIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by family gatherings, struggled to be yourself around relatives, or you’re entering a new year trying to do things differently without pretending life is perfect… this one’s for you.📩 Email us: notuspod@gmail.com 📍 Follow: Instagram + Facebook 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts | Watch on YouTubeKeywords:we survived the holidays, post holiday reset, january crash, emotional hangover after christmas, family holiday debrief, hosting family for two weeks, boundaries with family, adoption family dynamics, blended family holidays, perfectionism and procrastination, intention setting 2026, not us podcastHashtags: #WeSurvivedTheHolidays #PostHolidayReset #FamilyDynamics #Boundaries #AdoptionStory #BlendedFamily #Perfectionism #IntentionSetting #NotUsPodcast #Happy2026

The holidays aren’t always holly-jolly, even for people who adore Christmas. In this festive episode, sisters Angela and Samantha explore what it really takes to survive the season: the joy, the chaos, the emotional landmines and the quiet moments in between.They unpack:Hosting Christmas in a new home and new relationshipFamily dynamics and shifting guest listsChristmas as a newly single woman after 18 yearsWhy some people feel intensely lonely or overwhelmed during the seasonThe pressure to create a “perfect” holidaySetting boundaries without guiltSimple acts of kindness that make a real differenceDealing with the January slump and winter bluesHow to find magic without losing yourselfHonest, warm, a little sparkly and beautifully human, this episode is a reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Whether you’re navigating big emotions, big families or big expectations, you’re not alone.📧 Email: notuspod@gmail.com 📲 Instagram & Facebook: @notuspod 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.Hashtags (if visible on platform): #HolidaySeason #FestiveStress #Christmas2025 #LonelinessAtChristmas #FamilyDynamics #NotUsPodcast #WinterBlues

Join Angela and Samantha on the Not Us Podcast, where they dive deep into the significance of World AIDS Day. In this episode, the sisters discuss the importance of raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, debunk common myths, and reflect on their own experiences growing up in South Africa. They emphasize the relevance of continuing the conversation around HIV/AIDS in today’s world, addressing the stigma related to the disease, and the critical role of education. Tune in as they highlight statistics, share personal anecdotes, and seek your input on this vital topic. Don't forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe!

Navigating Modern Dating - Insights and Experiences from 2025Welcome to 'Not Us,' a podcast hosted by sisters Angela and Sam, where they discuss everyday challenges and celebrate life's journey. In this episode, they are joined by guests Petra and Chloe to dive into the world of dating in 2025. Topics include the evolution of dating norms, dating after long-term relationships, coping with societal pressures in your thirties, and the physical and emotional preparation needed for dating. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with personal stories, laughter, and deep reflections on finding love and self-worth in the modern world. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Navigating Gratitude: Insights and Reflections from Not US PodcastIn this episode of Not US Podcast, hosts Angela and Sam dive deep into the theme of gratitude. Stemming from an initial disagreement about Thanksgiving, the sisters explore how gratitude shapes their lives. They share personal stories, scientific insights, and heartfelt quotes from friends and family about what gratitude means to them. From daily practices to the impact of positive thinking on mental and physical health, this episode offers a comprehensive look at living a life of appreciation. Tune in to hear how pausing, reflecting, and cultivating gratitude can transform your world.

In this heartfelt episode of the Not Us Podcast, hosted by sisters Angela and Sam, the duo dives into their unique family dynamic influenced by adoption. Angela shares her emotional journey of finding her birth mother and reconnecting with her biological family after being adopted as a baby. The episode candidly discusses the complexities of adoption, the nature versus nurture debate, the impact on families, and how their bond as sisters has evolved through these transformative experiences. Listen as they navigate the beautiful and messy intricacies of their lives, emphasizing the importance of community, love, and open communication. This conversation is filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and poignant insights into what it means to belong and be connected.

Navigating Menopause: Awareness, Advocacy, and Personal ExperiencesWelcome to Not As Podcast with your hosts, sisters Angela and Samantha. In this episode, we dive into the topic of menopause, exploring everything from pre-menopause, perimenopause, to post-menopause. This discussion is sparked by a listener's request and aims at raising awareness and educating our community on one of the most significant yet often misunderstood phases of a woman's life. Both Angela and Samantha share their personal journeys and struggles with menopause, shedding light on various symptoms, treatments like HRT, and the importance of self-advocacy. We'll also share valuable resources for further learning, including some recommended podcasts, books, and experts in the field. Whether you're going through menopause or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate this change. Join the conversation and don't forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe!

Birthday Celebrations, and the Beauty of AgingJoin Angela and Samantha on the latest episode of the Not Us Podcast as they discuss the nuances of celebrating birthdays, a little dive into their astrology, and the beauty and challenges of aging. As they prepare for Angela's birthday, the sisters delve into how their celebrations have transformed over the years and what birthdays mean to them now. They also touch upon their favourite birthday memories, the art of receiving gifts, and the significance of honouring oneself at different life stages. Packed with laughter, heartfelt stories, and insightful astrological musings, this episode is a celebration of life, love, and personal growth.

In this candid episode of Not Us, sisters Angela and Samantha unpack the beautiful, annoying puzzle of adult friendships: how to make them, how to keep them, and when to let them go. From moving countries and starting over to navigating energy exchange, nervous system safety, boundaries, jealousy, and outgrowing people, this conversation gets real about what friendship looks like after the tequila years.What we coverWhy adult friendships feel harder than childhood ones“Does my nervous system relax around them?” Safety as a friendship filterEnergy exchange: give, receive, and when it’s one-wayReason–Season–Lifetime: releasing the pressure for “forever”Family vs friends: building a sisterhood on purposeWorkmates vs true friends (and how to tell the difference)Letting go with maturity… or, you know, tryingBuilding community in new cities (London, Netherlands)If you’re redefining who your people are, this one’s for you.Tags: #AdultFriendships #WomensVoices #Sisterhood #Boundaries #Vulnerability #ExpatLife #Community #MentalWellbeing #ReasonSeasonLifetime #NotUsPodcast

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Not Us, sisters Angela and Samantha open up about Angela’s real-life cancer journey - from diagnosis and treatment to healing and hope.As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Angela shares her story of being diagnosed with cervical cancer, navigating choices between natural healing and medical treatment, and discovering what it truly means to rebuild life after the words “It’s cancer.”This is more than a cancer story - it’s a conversation about resilience, early detection, and the quiet strength of families who walk this path together.💗 If you or someone you love is facing cancer, this episode offers compassion, courage, and clarity.

Discover why we have decided to start a podcast, because it wasn't on either of our dance cards for the year. We explore why we are doing this - in a world with 5 million podcasts already in existence.We didn't grow up together - we have learnt to sister while being adults. Join us as we have conversations and tell stories.