Heart On My Sleeve

In this deeply personal episode of Heart on My Sleeve, Luke Cook sits down with neuro-transformational coach and keynote speaker Narissa Trinadade 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 nameThe four-hour lunch that changed her lifeHer terrifying but transformative experience with Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapyThe fluid fusion between her identity and OCD—and how she's learning to separate the twoHow one word—maybe—has given her the freedom to live againThis 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 athttps://www.instagram.com/tesscbrouwer/Link to her book:https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869Link 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: Moving medicine away from diagnosis towards a holistic model of care Why we need to look outside of the mind when treating mental illness What is the Focalength Method™ and how we can all apply the principals His work specialising in ADHD and the elements that are often-overlooked Modern day mental illnesses - where we've gone wrong with treatment A deep dive into the impact of our core beliefs and attachment styles 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: rising quickly to online success but struggling internally her experience with therapy and navigating severe anxiety an obsessive concern that kept her paralysed on content creation navigating the rollercoaster of going viral online and chasing validation how to audit your belief system, build thick skin and stop people pleasing exploring sexuality, attachment style and enmeshment in her relationships 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: the unique skill that all high performers possess the biggest limiting beliefs that stop people succeeding how to move past defeat and into true resilience #1 thing you're doing wrong if you want to get promoted why all high performers are a little bit f*cked up 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... Sonny's journey to self and being exposed to psychiatric care as young as 4 the difference between mental health disorders and neurodivergence breaking down ADHD, autism, and mental illness - are labels helpful or harmful? why suddenly everybody seems to be getting a late ADHD diagnosis the most powerful skill you can harness when you don't understand or agree You can connect with Sonny here:www.instagram.com/livedexperienceeducator www.livedexperienceeducator.com

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: Her traumatic experience at school confronting her childhood bully 15 years later The psychological entrapment of an emotionally and physically abusive relationship How to rebuild mental fortitude when you've experienced repeated hardship Receiving psychiatric care at her most vulnerable and the shocking treatment from staff How to get out of victim mindset and forgive yourself for all you put up with to survive Her best tools to shift self-esteem and internal narratives from unworthy to deserving 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: Her experience with peri and post-natal depression Her opinion on mental illness and the shame that surrounds new mothers Navigating journalism and the impact of second-hand trauma How to protect our own mental health when we're in a 24/7 vortex of bad news stories Her take on whether women have to sacrifice like-ability for a successful career 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: his unspoken story of struggle, stigma and feeling like a burden. the impact of football on his mental health, from extreme highs to unmanageable lows. the media's portrayal and what really went on behind closed doors. anger on the field and run-ins with the police - from bad boy to family man. injury, pain, addiction and grieving the loss of his father. becoming a father and navigating his own identity change. 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

In episode 46, Mitch Wallis speaks to founder of EQ Minds and recovering perfectionist, Chelsea Pottenger, who shares how her experience with mental illness fuelled her passion for helping busy minds reset and recharge so they can successfully balance high performance and great mental wellbeing. If you find yourself dancing around the edges of burnout more often than not, this ep is for you. This episode covers: how 2 traumatic brain injuries triggered her mental health issues the single greatest mindset shift to help reduce perfectionism how to let go of ego to better serve your goals and wellbeing what factors in life really drive people to burn out, and why they might not be what you think the clinical difference between exhaustion and burnout how to integrate achievable mental and physical resets across the year taboo topics and non-conventional ways to support your mental health Stay connected: www.instagram.com/chelseapottengerofficial www.eqminds.com 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/5IFdF5eIS5I

Matt Purcell was born in a small town in South Korea to a young mother who was unable to raise him. This sparked an incredible work drive in Matt who has since founded KYU media, an award-winning creative agency, and Social Kung Fu, Australia’s number 1 verbal self-defence and confidence training for students. Matt shares wisdom from his own personal journey, how to overcome hardship, find purpose and have an impact. This episode covers: where to begin with combatting insecurities how he built his own self-worth from the ground up the #1 best quality in a personal brand the framework that will set your brand up for success his unique gifts: verbal sparring and pattern recognition the proven formula for combatting bullying Connect with Matt: www.instagram.com/mattpurcellofficial Work with Matt: www.socialkungfu.com.au www.kyumedia.com

In Episode 44, Mitch Wallis speaks to Dr. Cody, an American-born, Australian Chiropractor with over 10 years of experience, who has clicked, popped, and cracked his way into over 2 million TikTok followers. He's passionate about education and the prevention of disease so that people can achieve complete wellness.  This episode covers: his untold story and ongoing battle with mental health the biggest misconceptions about chiropractic science how trauma and mental-ill health shows up in our physical body the mind-body connection: 5 best ways to keep your nervous system healthy the body keeps the score - how to stimulate the vagus nerve to aid healing expanding chiropractic treatment and support for Neurodivergent patients Book an appointment with Dr Cody: https://www.combinedclinics.com.au/ Stay connected: www.instagram.com/drcody_dc www.tiktok.com/@drcody_dc 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/drregtspSsE