Explore every episode of the podcast Life After I Left
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64: Life After… Is Becoming a Book: Turning Pain into Purpose, Untold Stories & Why Your Voice Belongs on the Page | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:09:26 | |
What if the story you haven't told yet is the one that changes someone else's life? In today's solo episode, I'm announcing something that feels like the natural next chapter for everything Life After I Left has been building toward. And I want you to be part of it! The Life After I Left anthology is officially open for submissions from 1 August 2026. In this episode, I chat about:
No topic is off limits. No writing experience required. Just your truth, in your words. Submissions are open 1st – 31st August 2026 for women based in Australia. We can't wait to read your stories! Apply to be an author in our Life After I Left Anthology: https://forms.gle/1wHgV4c7i7GRgqRv6 Listen to my episode with Jenna Little from The Daring Press: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JehP54i0U1GMG82mPjl1m Connect with Cat:
Connect with The Daring Press:
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| 63: Veronika Whyte on Life After… Identity: Rebuilding from Zero, Choosing Your Challenges & Claiming What You Want | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:36:16 | |
What if the fire that burned everything down was actually the moment that set you free? Today I'm joined by Veronika Whyte. Veronika is a registered child and family psychotherapist, play therapist, author, television host, and founder of Star Kids Therapy in Melbourne. After immigrating to Australia and rebuilding her career and qualifications from scratch, losing a decade of university studies in the process, she's become a leading voice in emotional resilience, identity, and helping women step into what's next. She's also the creator of Victoria Pearl, a community for women who have survived, rebuilt, and are now ready for something bigger. In this episode, we chat about:
This episode is a reminder that identity isn't something you settle into once and stay there. It shifts, it evolves, and, when you're ready, you get to choose it deliberately. Veronika's story is proof that you can rebuild from absolute zero, more than once, and come out with something more aligned than anything you had before. Connect with Veronika:
Connect with Cat:
Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast — I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you're subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we'd love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don't be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 54: Danikah Rose on Life After… Listening To Your Soul: Self-trust, alignment and a soul-led business | 20 May 2026 | 00:54:39 | |
Note: There are brief mentions of domestic violence and suicide. Please take care when listening or skip this episode if this feels triggering. What happens when you stop abandoning yourself and start trusting what you already know? Today I’m joined by Danikah Rose. Danikah is a lifelong psychic and light language channel with over 17 years of experience in business management, sales, and marketing, bringing together strategy and intuition in a grounded, practical way. She works with women worldwide, supporting them to grow and scale their businesses through what she describes as energetic alignment and business intuition. She is also a mother of five. But Danikah’s story is about far more than business. In this conversation, she shares her journey through motherhood, toxic relationships, identity loss, and radical self-honesty, and the turning point that led her to rebuild her life and business. In this episode, we chat about:
If you’re in a season of questioning, rebuilding, or learning to trust yourself again, this episode is a reminder that clarity doesn’t usually come from more noise, but from learning to listen inward. Connect with Danikah: Links: https://www.danikahrosecreative.com/link-in-bio Website: www.danikahrosecreative.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danikahrosecreative/ Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/strategyandsoulbusinessgroup YouTube: Strategy and Soul PODCAST - Introduction - YouTube Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strategyandsoul Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/strategy-and-soul-with-danikah-rose-creative/id1669405584
Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 53: Life After… One Year of the Podcast: Reflecting on storytelling, healing, community, and what’s next | 13 May 2026 | 00:22:39 | |
One year ago, I launched the Life After I Left podcast. A space for women to share the stories they had spent years hiding. A space to break the silence. And now? 53 episodes, 39 guests, listeners in 45 countries, 6 live events, and a community that continues to grow in ways I never imagined. It’s just me here today, reflecting on the first year of the podcast, the journey that led me here, and the powerful impact storytelling can have when women feel safe enough to share their truth. I talk about why I created Life After I Left after surviving domestic violence relationships, how storytelling helped save my own life, and why I believe sharing our experiences can create connection, healing, and change. I also share some podcast and event milestones, reflect on the stories that have deeply impacted others, and give a glimpse of what’s coming next, including an international event, a national tour, a book anthology, and building a brand new business to help women move through fear and change their lives. In this episode, I chat about:
Thank you for being here, for listening, and for holding space for these stories. Thank you for sharing episodes, attending events, sending messages, and helping this community grow. And remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. Episodes mentioned: 40: Adrienne Donnelly on Life After... Rebuilding my Identity 47: Marina Garbuio on Life After... Coercive Control 15: Sophie Spencer on Life After... Being Safe in My Own body 23: Irene Jones on Life After... Loss 29: Annelise McCarthy on Life After... Finding her Voice Connect with Cat: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catlouisedunn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterileftpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catlouisedunn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catlouisedunn/ Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 52: Brenda Keane on Life After… Backing Yourself: Body confidence, starting a business at 57 & challenging beauty standards | 06 May 2026 | 00:53:14 | |
What if starting over at 57 was the beginning of something bigger than you imagined? In today’s episode, Brenda Keane joins us. Brenda is an author, an SBS TV star (well, she was in one episode of a series), an entrepreneur, and, at 64, her life journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After facing many personal challenges, Brenda chose to start over at 57, stepping into a completely unfamiliar industry to build her own activewear brand from scratch. With a “never give up” mindset and a lot of resilience, she’s created not just a business, but a powerful movement helping women feel confident, seen, and supported in their bodies. Her passion for empowerment has led to a vibrant community of curvy women who now look and feel incredible in their activewear. In this conversation, Brenda shares the story behind the brand, alongside the personal experiences that shaped her. From navigating weight stigma and building a business later in life, to opening up about her past and how it’s led her to give back to others. We also explore the reality of body image in today’s world, the pressure women face at every size, and what it truly means to feel comfortable, confident, and at home in your body. In this episode, we chat about:
This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to shrink yourself to belong - in business, fitness, or life. There's also a VERY exciting announcement at the end of this episode with plans for the next phase of Life After I Left... Connect with Brenda: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekeane_activewear/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeKeaneHealthyAndFit/ Website: https://bekeanehealthyandfit.com.au/ Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 51: Catherine Ashton on Life After… Facing the Inevitable: Death planning, grief & why preparation matters | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:51:36 | |
What if talking about death could actually help you live more fully? In today’s episode, Catherine Ashton joins us. Catherine is the founder of Critical Info, a certified social enterprise helping Australians improve death literacy and plan for the end of life with confidence. After surviving a major car accident in 2019 and losing a close friend in 2023, Catherine launched the Critical Info Platform, a secure, grief-informed planning tool now used by aged care providers and communities nationwide. She is also the creator of the national guide, My Loved One Died. What Do I Do Now? and host of the Don’t Be Caught Dead Podcast. A passionate advocate and award-winning social entrepreneur, Catherine is on a mission to ensure no one is left unprepared for death. Catherine shares her story of trauma, chronic pain, career reinvention, and how some of life’s hardest moments led her to meaningful work that is now helping others prepare for the inevitable with more clarity, confidence, and care. We dive into why death planning doesn’t have to be scary, how avoiding these conversations creates more stress later, and the simple ways we can start putting practical plans in place now, for ourselves and the people we love. In this episode, we chat about:
If talking about death feels uncomfortable, this episode is a gentle reminder that planning ahead isn’t about fear, and we can approach it with curiosity. It’s about care, connection, and making life easier for the people who matter most. Connect with Catherine: Website: https://criticalinfo.com.au/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info Try Critical Info Free for 10 Days: https://criticalinfo.com.au/critical-info-platform/ Podcast: https://criticalinfo.com.au/podcast/ Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 50: Debbie Zita on Life After… Going Within: Trauma healing, spiritual awakening & building an aligned business | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:45:24 | |
What if the answers you’ve been searching for have been within you all along? In today’s episode, Debbie Zita joins us. Debbie is a TEDx speaker, the Business Body Guide, international bestselling author, and creator of the Six Selves Model of Self-Inquiry. With over 25 years of experience in human behaviour, personal development, and business, she supports purpose-driven women to build aligned, profitable businesses rooted in identity leadership and embodied success. Debbie shares her story of trauma, grief, and transformation. From experiencing abuse, loss, and life-altering challenges to discovering the power of inner work, spiritual healing, and creating a business grounded in self-trust, purpose, and personal leadership. We dive into what it really means to go within (beyond the buzzwords), and how developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and spiritual connection can completely change the way you live, lead, and grow a sustainable business.
In this episode, we chat about:
If you’ve been looking for clarity, direction, or a deeper connection to yourself, this episode is your reminder to slow down, tune in, and trust what’s already there. Connect with Debbie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deb_zita/ Website: https://debbiezita.com/ Programs and offers: https://program.debbiezita.com/the-ultimate-activation-release-and-reclaim https://program.debbiezita.com/business-build-mastermind https://program.debbiezita.com/the-reclamation https://program.debbiezita.com/the-six-selve-immersive Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 49: Evelyn Lopez Delon on Life After… Rebuilding a business: Personal branding, AI systems, and scaling without sacrifice | 15 Apr 2026 | 01:01:35 | |
Can you really rebuild a business after hitting zero revenue? This week, I’m joined by Evelyn Lopez Delon, co-founder of Sales Command and creator of Speak Studio AI, who helps coaches, consultants, and founders grow their business without losing themselves in the process. You might recognise Evelyn’s name because, yes, she’s been here before. But this conversation is a whole new chapter. Since her last appearance, Evelyn has transitioned from running a coaching business to rebuilding from zero revenue alongside her husband, stepping into AI, becoming an international speaker, and launching a new podcast. In this episode, she shares the raw, behind-the-scenes reality of what it actually takes to rebuild, pivot, and scale a business without sacrificing your life, your family, or yourself. We also dive into the power of personal brand, how visibility opens doors you didn’t even know existed, and why now is one of the most powerful times to create something of your own. In this episode, we chat about:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a pivot, rebuilding after a setback, or learning to grow a business without burning out. Connect with Evelyn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelynlopezdelon/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evlopez/ Website: https://salescommand.ai/ Evelyn Linktree: https://linktr.ee/EvelynLopezDelon Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 48: Dani Zetzer on Life After… Becoming a Divorce Lawyer: Family Law, Coercive Control & Empowering Women Through Separation | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:47:03 | |
There’s a side to divorce and family law that no one prepares you for. In today’s episode, Dani Zetzer joins us. Dani is a Melbourne-based principal family lawyer, founder of Respect Legal, and host of Diary of a Divorce Lawyer. With over a decade in family law, she’s known for cutting through fear, jargon, and misinformation to bring clarity to conversations most people avoid. Dani supports individuals navigating separation, power dynamics, and rebuilding life after relationship breakdown, with a strong focus on empowering women through the process. We dive deep into the realities of family law in Australia, the emotional and psychological impact of coercive control, and what women actually need to know before leaving a relationship. In this episode, we chat about:
This conversation shines a light on the intersection of domestic violence, coercive control, and family law, while also offering practical insight into how individuals can approach separation with more clarity, support, and confidence. Connect with Dani: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellezetzer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.zetzer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-zetzer/ Website: https://danizetzer.com.au/ Diary of a Divorce Lawyer Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NUoVIZh15FSWEcqIY8ItQ Respect Legal: https://respectlegal.com.au/ Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 47: Marina Garbuio on Life After… Coercive Control: Rebuilding your life from the ground Up, finding balance & escaping emotional abuse | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:55:34 | |
Host note: I incorrectly state that coercive control is only criminalised in Queensland, Australia. As of the time of recording (March 2026), it is also criminalised in New South Wales and South Australia. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, coercive control, and suicidal ideation. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering. What if the most dangerous form of abuse wasn’t physical, and you didn’t even realise it was happening? In today’s episode, Marina Garbuio joins us. Marina is the founder of Motivating Marketing, a marketing strategist, and university lecturer who helps service-based businesses turn expertise into clear, practical marketing that actually works. For 16 years, Marina lived in a relationship where her self-worth was slowly eroded through constant criticism, manipulation, intimidation, and psychological abuse. She believed it was simply the 'ups and downs of marriage' until one night changed everything. That moment shattered the illusion she had been living under and finally gave language to what she had been experiencing for years. Marina shares how she left that long-term abusive relationship whilst pregnant, navigated the legal system, and slowly reclaimed her independence, identity, and voice. In this episode, we chat about:
This conversation sheds light on coercive control, a form of abuse that is still widely misunderstood, and explores how it can show up not just in romantic relationships, but within families, friendships, and workplaces. Marina’s story reminds us that investing in your own healing can completely shift your mindset, moving from survival mode into a place of balance, purpose, and empowerment. Connect with Marina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marina_garbuio Website: https://www.motivatingmarketing.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinagarbuio/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motivatingmarketing If you are a DV violence survivor or facing a similar situation, I'm here for you. You can connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast If you need urgent support, reach out to one of these incredible services: 1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7) Text: 0458 737 732 Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au Safe Steps – Family violence response centre (Victoria) Phone: 1800 015 188 (24/7) Website: https://safesteps.org.au Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7) Text: 0477 13 11 14 Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety and depression Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7) Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 46: Linda Kaye on Life After… Four Divorces: Healing from Toxic Relationships, Breaking Patterns & Finding Safe Love | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:45:34 | |
How many times would you repeat the same relationship pattern before you finally choose yourself? This week, I’m joined by Linda Kaye, a relationship coach who turned the pain of four divorces into a powerful pathway for healing, boundaries, and self-worth. Linda now helps men and women break old patterns, rebuild confidence, and create relationships and lives that feel healthy, honest, and aligned. In this conversation, Linda shares her journey of repeatedly finding herself in toxic, abusive, and unfulfilling relationships, and the moment everything finally shifted. From being abandoned at 17 and living in survival mode for decades to experiencing a life-changing breakthrough in a breathwork session, Linda shares what it takes to break the cycle and choose yourself. In this episode, we chat about:
Linda’s story is proof that no matter how many times you’ve repeated the same patterns, and no matter how long you’ve felt stuck, you can break the cycle, choose yourself, and create a life and love that actually feels safe. Connect with Linda: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindakaye.official/ Website: https://lindakaye.com.au/ Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 45: Life After… Burning Down My Business: Choosing purpose, trusting your intuition, and stepping into the unknown | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:22:44 | |
Sometimes life asks you to make a decision that feels both terrifying and completely right at the same time. Trigger warning: This episode mentions domestic violence. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering. In this solo episode, I’m sharing what happened after I spoke at an International Women’s Day event in Melbourne and the realisation that followed. Standing on that stage, sharing my story of domestic violence and survival, something shifted in me. For the first time in a long time, I felt completely aligned with the work I was doing and the impact I wanted to have. And it made me realise something hard. I’ve spent the last five years helping build other people’s dreams through my work as an online business manager. Work I’m proud of. Work I’m good at. But something inside me is asking for more. So I made a decision that honestly scares me. I’m stepping away from the business I built so I can figure out what comes next. In this episode, I talk about trusting intuition, following the pull toward purpose, and allowing yourself to change direction even when you don’t have the answers yet. Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do is start again. In this episode, I chat about:
Thank you for being here, for listening, and for being part of this community. There is so much more to come, and I’m grateful you’re here for the journey. Links: Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Watch my International Women's Day Talk: https://youtu.be/k_wod7L-YAE Watch my business announcement on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVz4dL0kYYC/ Leishman Finance Services: https://www.leishmans.com.au/ Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 62: Life After… Learning to Be Alone: Solo Travel, Loneliness, and What Fear Is Costing You | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:15:31 | |
What is your fear actually costing you? I'm flying solo this week, fresh off a spontaneous trip to Adelaide, including dinners alone, a winery tour with strangers, a festival packed with couples and groups while I stood there by myself. What started as a break from business overwhelm turned into something bigger: a real look at why so many of us can't be alone with our own thoughts, and what that fear is actually protecting us from. In this episode, I chat about:
Fear isn't the enemy here; it's the compass. If there's somewhere you've been avoiding because you'd have to face it alone, this episode is your nudge to take one small step toward it, not away from it. Wanna share your story? I'd love to invite you to be a guest on the podcast. If you have a story you'd like to share, apply here: https://forms.gle/yWGz7SAfzNdpna5dA Connect with Cat:
Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast — I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you're subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we'd love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don't be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 44: Jenna Little on Life After… Writing Saved My Life: From losing herself and numbing the pain to reconnecting through journaling | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:57:29 | |
Could the thing that helps you find yourself again be as simple as putting pen to paper? Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of self-harm, bulimia, suicide, and substance abuse. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering. In today’s episode, we're joined by Jenna Little, a romance author, publishing mentor, and visionary behind The Daring Empire, a creative ecosystem devoted to story expression and legacy. She is also the founder of The Daring Press, a cinematic publishing house helping authors bring powerful stories to life through strategy, energetics, and high-touch support. Jenna shares her journey of growing up feeling lost, struggling with self-harm, bulimia, and substance use as a teenager, and the intense pressure to fit in. After years of numbing pain through alcohol and unhealthy coping mechanisms, a simple journal gifted by her mum became the turning point that changed everything. Writing became Jenna’s lifeline. What began as a private space to process her emotions evolved into storytelling, creativity, and eventually a career as an author with 18 published books. In this episode, we chat about:
Jenna’s journey shows that even in our darkest moments, there's always a way forward, and sometimes it begins with something as simple as telling your story. Her story reminds us that even behind the masks people wear, it’s possible to come home to yourself. Writing and creative expression offer permission to exist fully and affirm that no one is broken, alone, or too far gone. Connect with Jenna: Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennallittle Website: www.thedaringbookshop.com Publishing house: https://www.instagram.com/thedaringpress/ The Authoress Mastermind: www.thedaringpress.com Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 43: Natalie Rozen on Life After… Isolation: Agoraphobia, living with anxiety, and refusing to let fear lead | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:36:36 | |
What if learning to live alongside anxiety, instead of fighting it, is what truly sets you free? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Natalie Rozen, an entrepreneur, psychotherapist, and coach helping people create meaningful change in their lives. With over a decade of experience supporting clients through trauma and emotional challenges, she combines practical therapy tools with embodiment and nervous system work to foster lasting transformation. She’s also the founder of Soul-Food Graze, creating beautiful grazing experiences that bring people together, and shares her insights online to inspire growth, courage, and authenticity. Natalie shares her powerful story of growing up with chronic anxiety and agoraphobia, feeling trapped inside her own home, and the pivotal moment at 16 when she decided her life had to change. Through mentorship, therapy, embodiment work, and a complete reframe of her relationship with fear, she learned how to live alongside anxiety. Her journey from isolation to self-liberation shows that when you make a decision to change, the right people, tools, and opportunities appear. In this episode, we chat about:
This conversation is a beautiful reminder that healing isn’t about removing the difficult parts of yourself, it’s about embracing and integrating them. Anxiety doesn’t have to be your enemy, it can guide you, teach you, and even spark transformation. Connect with Natalie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nattyrozen_/ Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalierozencoaching/ Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 42: Life After… Turning 40: Navigating milestone birthdays, societal pressure, reflecting on the past, and choosing who you become next | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:27:11 | |
TW: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering. Turning 40 can bring up a lot. Reflection, fear, grief, pride, and everything in between. And sometimes, it asks us to really look at the life we’ve lived so far. It’s just me here today, reflecting on the last four decades of my life: the relationships I stayed in, the patterns I repeated, and the moments that quietly changed everything. I share how turning 30 once felt terrifying but became one of the best years of my life, how moving to Australia changed my path in ways I never expected, and how years of unhealthy relationships shaped but did not define who I am today. This episode is about self-compassion, breaking patterns, learning to sit with yourself, and understanding that healing isn’t linear and it doesn’t have an age limit. If you’re approaching a milestone birthday, leaving a relationship, questioning old beliefs, or standing at the edge of a life change, this is for you. In this episode, I chat about:
Thank you for being here, for listening, and for holding space; for me and for each other. And here’s to the next 40! Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| Ep 41: Jacqui Maloney on Life After… Pregnancy Loss: Perinatal grief, advocacy, and transforming pain into support for others | 18 Feb 2026 | 01:04:39 | |
TW: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss, grief, and mental health. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering. How do you take unimaginable loss and transform it into purpose, advocacy, and lasting change? This week, I’m joined by Jacqui Maloney, a speaking and communications coach who loves nothing more than helping people tell their story in a way that is heard and remembered. She works with founders, entrepreneurs, and businesses to uncover their unique story and guide them in sharing it effectively. Jacqui was actually our very first podcast guest and, today, she’s back to share a different story. After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, she faced profound grief, relationship challenges, and societal misunderstanding. Jacqui chose to transform her pain into meaningful action, not only for herself, but for women across Western Australia. Through her work, she’s building support systems, resources, and safe spaces for parents navigating one of life’s most difficult experiences. In this episode, we explore:
If you’ve ever faced loss, felt isolated, or wondered how to turn trauma into action, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing, hope, and meaningful change are possible, even after the darkest experiences. Connect with Jacqui: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquimaloneycoaching/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-maloney/ Makuru Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/makurufoundation/ Website: www.jacquimaloney.com Support and resources for pregnancy loss and miscarriage: Pink Elephants: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ Miscarriage Australia: https://miscarriageaustralia.com.au/ Red Nose Australia: https://www.bearsofhope.org.au/ Bears of Hope: https://www.bearsofhope.org.au/ Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 40: Adrienne Donnelly on Life After… Rebuilding My Identity: Finding confidence, connection, and the power of community | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:41:44 | |
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering. What does rebuilding look like when leaving was only the first step? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Adrienne Donnelly, founder of Organised by Adrienne, co-founder of the Newcastle Virtual Assistants Network, owner of Seed Virtual Assistants, and President of Gen Collective. For the first time publicly, Adrienne shares her story of leaving a domestic violence relationship in her early twenties, and how that moment became the catalyst for a life dedicated to community, connection, and supporting women. Adrienne speaks candidly about the isolation that often comes with abusive relationships, the quiet clarity of the day she left for good, and the long process of rebuilding confidence, identity, and safety. Today, Adrienne is known for creating spaces where women feel supported, connected, and less isolated, particularly in small businesses and virtual work. In this episode, we chat about:
Adrienne’s story is a reminder that leaving is only the beginning. Healing takes time, support, and space to rebuild confidence, identity, and safety. If you’ve left an abusive relationship, felt alone in the aftermath, or are searching for connection and community as part of your healing, this episode is for you. Connect with Adrienne: Website: www.organisedbyadrienne.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organisedbyadrienne Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organisedbyadrienne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennedonnelly
If you are a DV violence survivor or facing a similar situation, I'm here for you. You can connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast If you need urgent support, reach out to one of these incredible services: 1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7) Text: 0458 737 732 Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au Safe Steps – Family violence response centre (Victoria) Phone: 1800 015 188 (24/7) Website: https://safesteps.org.au Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7) Text: 0477 13 11 14 Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety and depression Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7) Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 39: Emma Lovell on Life After… A Broken Back: Building a Business Around Travel, Self-Care, and the Bleisure Life | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:41:19 | |
Can work, travel, and self-care really co-exist without burning out? This week, I’m joined by Emma Lovell, Bleisure Coach, speaker, and author, who helps people harmonise business, travel, and self-care in what she calls the ‘bleisure lifestyle’. She shows how a life designed with purpose, joy, and freedom is possible, even while running a thriving business and traveling the world. Before the books, global audiences, and retreats, Emma experienced a life-changing moment at 22 that set her on a path to building a business around travel, self-care, and purpose. In this conversation, she openly shares the clarity, grief, and growth that shaped her approach to life, business, and the bleisure lifestyle. In this episode, we chat about:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating grief, burnout, or the challenge of designing a life they truly love. Emma’s story is a reminder that clarity and growth often come in unexpected ways, and that starting, even imperfectly, is the first step toward a life full of purpose and freedom. Connect with Emma: Website: www.emmalovell.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalovell.au/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalovelly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaLovellAU Podcast: https://emmalovell.au/podcast/ Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 38: Jemma Haythorne on Life After... Diet Culture: Healing your relationship with food, body confidence, and breaking diet culture cycles | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:48:43 | |
This week, I’m joined by Jemma Haythorne, body image coach and host of the Finding Freedom podcast. Jemma helps women ditch body shame, rebuild a healthy relationship with food, and embrace their bodies with compassion, confidence, and self-love. Before she was helping women heal their relationship with food, Jemma experienced the very struggles so many of her clients face like confusing diet rules, obsessive weight cycles, and the impossible beauty standards pushed by social media and society. In this conversation, Jemma shares her personal journey through body dissatisfaction, diet culture traps, and self-sabotage, and how she found freedom and empowerment through mindset work, coaching, and self-awareness. She also opens up about her mission to teach children healthy body image from an early age, because the earlier we start, the bigger the impact. In this episode, we chat about:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone tired of diet culture, struggling with food or body confidence, or for parents wanting to raise children who feel safe, confident, and empowered in their bodies. Connect with Jemma: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejemmarose/ Website: https://www.inspirewellnessau.com.au/ Podcast: https://www.inspirewellnessau.com.au/podcast Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 37: Clare Elizabeth Dea on Life After… Shame: Poland Syndrome, social anxiety, intuition, and learning to feel safe being seen | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:57:02 | |
What happens when the very thing you’ve spent decades hiding becomes the source of your freedom? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Clare Elizabeth Dea, international performance artist, speaker, author, facilitator, and host of Fuckup Nights Melbourne. Clare shares her deeply personal journey of growing up with Poland Syndrome, the shame she carried around her body for years, and how learning to be seen changed everything. Born without a left pectoral and developing only one breast, Clare spent much of her life hiding, managing intimacy through fear, and chasing success while feeling deeply disconnected from her true self. Despite being a trained performer who loved the stage, she was terrified of being truly seen. Through acting training, therapy, intuition-led decisions, and storytelling, Clare slowly reclaimed her voice, transforming shame into beauty, power, and purpose. Today, she helps others feel safe to be seen - whether that’s on stage, in business, or in their personal lives. In this episode, we chat about:
This conversation is a wild journey. From Clare’s first experience with entrepreneurship, to overseas dance and acting training, to creating her own live speaking events, Clare’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to rush to share everything at once to be worthy of being seen. Safety comes first and, from there, transformation follows. If you’ve ever struggled with shame, social anxiety, body image, or trusting your intuition, this episode is for you. Connect with Clare: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clareelizabeth_dea Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clare.e.dea Website: https://www.clareelizabethdea.com Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 36: Sophia Salmon on Life After… Psychiatric Care: Toxic workplaces, burnout, mental health exclusion, and rebuilding her confidence through healing and a 100km walk | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:55:49 | |
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of mental health and suicide ideation. Please take care of yourself and skip this episode if it feels triggering. What happens when the workplace you once loved becomes the very thing that breaks you? This week, I’m joined by Sophia Salmon, business mentor and founder of Wise Mind Consulting. Sophia helps women step into confidence, self-trust, and authentic visibility through an integrated, no-fluff approach that supports business growth without sacrificing lifestyle. But before the thriving business and clients who adore her, there was a version of Sophia left shattered by a workplace that failed her. Sophia openly shares her journey through burnout, psychiatric care, mental health discrimination, workplace exclusion, a traumatic leave experience, and the devastating realisation that her employer wasn’t going to let her return. In this conversation, she takes us inside the reality of what it’s like to rebuild your identity after a workplace breaks your spirit, and how a 100km charity walk became the symbol of her mental and physical strength returning. In this episode, we chat about:
This episode is a powerful listen for anyone who’s experienced burnout or exclusion in the workplace. It’s a reminder that so many burnout stories start in environments that don’t support their people, and why backing yourself, rather than staying somewhere that doesn’t value you, matters so much. Connect with Sophia: Website: https://www.wisemindconsulting.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisemind.consulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-salmon-abbott Age Article: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/hawthorn-accused-of-mental-health-hypocrisy-20220814-p5b9nt.html
Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 35: Dr. Heena Sinha Cheung on Life After… Childhood Sexual Abuse: Advocating for children, breaking cycles & creating safe spaces | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:57:16 | |
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of trauma, sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, and the challenges of leaving unsafe or toxic environments. Please take care of yourself and skip this episode if it feels triggering. Can the pain of your past become the catalyst for protecting the next generation? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Heena Sinha Cheung, a powerful advocate, survivor, and storyteller who has transformed her lived experience into a mission of healing and justice. After leaving behind years of trauma, discrimination, and silence, she rebuilt her life with courage and purpose, emerging as a voice for women, children, and people with disabilities. Today, she works at the intersection of advocacy, policy, and community empowerment, championing safer systems and platforms where survivors can be heard and believed. From surviving abuse in silence to becoming a public advocate, Dr. Cheung has dedicated herself to giving children the vocabulary, tools, and safe spaces they need to express themselves. She is the author of "My Safe Circle: Learning to Protect Ourselves" and the founder of the political movement "Protect Our Children - Jail, Not Bail," which aims to strengthen laws and hold abusers accountable. In this episode, we speak about:
Dr. Cheung's story is a powerful reminder that our past doesn’t define us, but it can inspire change, protect the vulnerable, and create a safer future for children everywhere.
Connect with Dr. Cheung: Jail Not Bail Website: www.jailnotbail.com.au Heena Sinha Cheung Website: www.heenascheung.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heena_sinhacheung/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-heena-sinha/
Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279
Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 61: Ella Hall on Life After... Addiction: Burnout, Human Design & Coming Back to Yourself | 08 Jul 2026 | 01:02:53 | |
Content warning: This episode discusses addiction, disordered eating, and past trauma including childhood abuse. Please take care when listening, or skip this episode if it feels triggering. What if addiction was never the problem, but the solution? Ella Hall is an embodied leadership mentor, transformational speaker, and the creator of the Platinum Method, a framework built from her own journey through addiction, burnout, and reinvention. In May 2026, Ella shared her story on the Life After I Left stage for the first time in a way she'd never spoken it before, and this episode picks up exactly where that talk left off. In this episode, we chat about:
Ella's story is proof that the parts of yourself you've spent a lifetime trying to fix or hide are often where your greatest gifts are hiding too. This conversation is raw, unfiltered, and a powerful reminder that you always have the choice to choose again. Connect with Ella:
Connect with Cat:
Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast — I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you're subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we'd love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don't be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 34: Life After… 2025: Letting go of ‘New Year, new you’, reflecting on what you’ve built, and why safe spaces matter | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:16:00 | |
The start of a new year can bring up a lot, and it doesn’t all have to look like big goals or fresh starts. It’s just me here today, in this solo New Year’s episode. I’m sharing a reflection on welcoming 2026 in your own way, without needing to feel your best on day one. I reflect on the power of celebrating what you’ve already built, the importance of community and storytelling, and the safe spaces created through the Life After I Left podcast and live events. I also share details about our upcoming Melbourne event on 12 February, and why creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported matters now more than ever. This episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and honour yourself for making it here. In this episode, I chat about:
Thank you for being here, for listening, and for being part of this community.
Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now - and use code LIFE5 to save $5: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 33: Elinor Moshe on Life After… Misalignment: Shadow work, archetypes, and reconnecting with her inner truth after years of living through roles. | 17 Dec 2025 | 01:05:37 | |
What if the key to your spiritual growth was simply learning to protect your energy, slow down, and trust what feels right in your body? This week, I’m joined by Elinor Moshe, co-founder of Truth of You and a four-time author. She’s built a remarkable public legacy through awards, books, and a respected podcast. Yet beneath that outward success, a fracture grew. Her external achievements and inner world slowly slipped out of alignment, creating a quiet but relentless tension. At 32, while travelling overseas with her parents, Elinor found herself caught in what she later learned as the ‘devouring mother’, where even simple choices felt impossible. That moment sparked a profound awakening. She realised she had been living through masks and roles, disconnected from her own reality, and vowed to reclaim herself through spiritual guidance and grounded practices. Although this story has unfolded only in recent years, her life today looks completely different. This is a deep, expansive conversation that pulls back the curtain on the spiritual space, and it’s packed with so many golden insights you may find yourself listening more than once. In this episode, we chat about:
Whether you’re deep into your spiritual journey or just taking your first steps, this episode is full of insight and guidance. Elinor’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to force your path; it begins by tuning into what feels true in your body right now. Connect with Elinor: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theelinormoshe/ Website: truthofyou.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinor-moshe/ Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 32: Shani Connard on Life After… Becoming a Mum: The unspoken realities of motherhood, panic disorder, exposure therapy, and finding your way back | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:46:47 | |
What happens when the motherhood you pictured meets the reality of anxiety, exhaustion, and doing it without enough support? Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges and references to suicidal ideation. This week, I’m joined by Shani Connard, a holistic life coach. She supports men and women to be happier parents, live healthier lives, and show up in their relationships with courage and authenticity. She also hosts monthly women's gatherings and potluck dinners where the focus is on being real, authentic, and navigating the ups and downs of life. Shani is also a voice for women who feel unseen and overwhelmed in the early years of parenting. After experiencing debilitating panic disorder and the crushing weight of feeling unsupported, she now speaks openly about the realities so many mothers quietly carry. In this episode, we chat about:
This episode is a reminder that behind the highlight reels of motherhood are real women navigating fear, identity shifts, and invisible emotional loads; and how transformative it is to have the right people and support around you. Connect with Shani: Websites: www.reconnect2life.com.au & www.hertribe.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Reconnect2Life & https://www.facebook.com/her.tribe.gatherings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reconnect_2life & https://www.instagram.com/her.tribe.gatherings/ Gift vouchers for Shani's offers Christmas vouchers are officially live - and if you’re looking for a gift that feels meaningful, supportive and actually helpful… this is it. Vouchers can be used across all Reconnect2Life and Her Tribe offerings in 2026 - workshops, coaching, women’s gatherings, and more: https://www.reconnect2life.com.au/gift-vouchers Free Strategy Call with Shani Unsure? Totally get it… Book a free 20-minute strategy call to feel things out and see if I’m the right fit for you: https://www.reconnect2life.com.au/book-a-session Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 31: Adriana Tantau on Life After… PMDD: Symptoms, limited treatment options, and finding a holistic path forward | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:46:20 | |
Ever experienced pain or symptoms that didn’t feel right, only to hear it’s ‘just bad period pain’? Trigger warning: Discussions of PMDD, mental health struggles, and suicidal ideation (in the context of healing and transformation). In today’s episode, I’m joined by Adriana Tantau, a menstrual mentor and educator helping women live symptom-free menstrual cycles after being let down by the system. Adriana shares her decade-long journey to a PMDD diagnosis, the frustration of being misdiagnosed, and being told her only options were antidepressants or birth control. Through nervous system regulation and menstrual intelligence, she went from barely surviving her cycle to being completely symptom-free. Now, Adriana teaches other women to do the same inside The Cycle Codes™ movement. From understanding symptoms to navigating a healthcare system that often overlooks women’s experiences, Adriana brings both compassion and clarity to a topic that many women struggle with in silence - or may not even be aware of. In this episode, we chat about:
Adriana unpacks a lot in this episode. From her childhood experiences and sobriety journey to her PMDD diagnosis and current motherhood journey. This conversation is a powerful reminder that you deserve options, to be heard, and to feel supported on your path to wellbeing. Connect with Adriana: Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/thecyclecodes Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6RckYyVBPSul2DZkyh0HuY Join SYNCED — a 6-week live masterclass series helping women move from fight-or-flight to symptom-free living through menstrual intelligence and nervous system regulation. https://tr.ee/6gZkdlJmsy
Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 30: Glenda Kroll on Life After… Starting Over: Escaping toxic relationships, rebuilding from nothing, and finding strength through intuition | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:53:42 | |
What happens when the life you built becomes the one you have to leave behind? This week I’m joined by Glenda Kroll, a podcast host and life empowerment strategist, helping women 40+ and special needs families reinvent life with confidence, purpose, and real estate success. She is deeply passionate about reinvention after 40, rebuilding self-worth after betrayal, and empowering women to step into their next chapter with courage and clarity. Glenda shares her extraordinary journey of leaving not one, but two toxic relationships, and how she rebuilt her life, confidence, and business from the ground up. From running a successful company while hiding the reality of her home life to secretly planning her escape, Glenda’s story is one of resilience, strategy, and self-belief. In this conversation, Glenda shares how she found the courage to start over, the lessons she’s passed on to her children, and how trusting her intuition (and a few divine nudges) helped her rebuild a life filled with purpose, peace, and freedom. In this episode, we chat about:
Glenda’s story is more than one of survival. It’s a testament to the truth that you’re never too old, too broken, or too late to start over. Connect with Glenda: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisewomensword/ Website: https://glendakroll.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAMGLENDAKROLL Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 29: Annelise McCarthy on Life After… Finding her Voice: From speech therapy to speaking coach, mastering public speaking, and starting a business at 20 | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:54:30 | |
What happens when the thing you once felt most insecure about becomes your greatest strength? This week, I’m joined by Annelise McCarthy, a renowned women’s speaking coach and founder of Her Speaking Coach. She shares how a childhood struggle with speech became the foundation for a career empowering others to speak with confidence and authenticity. At just 20 years old, she launched her business, but behind the polished brand and professional voice was a young woman terrified she wouldn’t be taken seriously. In this episode, Annelise gets honest about imposter syndrome, starting a business young, and the moment she realised that hiding her age (and her story) was holding her back. This is such a fun and insightful conversation, packed with practical takeaways, lessons on confidence, communication and the power of backing yourself. In this episode, we chat about:
Annelise’s story is a reminder that confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build through practice, self-trust, and courage. Connect with Annelise: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herspeakingcoach/ Website: https://www.herspeakingcoach.com/ You're on Mute Tour: You're On Mute | Australian Tour 2026 | Her Speaking Coach Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 28: Courtney Wilder on Life After… Escaping a Cult: Questioning beliefs, healing from religious control, and her path to freedom | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:46:39 | |
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide ideation, sexual trauma, and religious trauma. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering. What happens when your entire life has been built on fear, control, and shame, and you finally decide to walk away? This week, I’m joined by Courtney Wilder, author, speaker, and coach, who shares her powerful story of escaping a high-control religious group and learnt to rebuild her life from the inside out. After years of suppressing her voice, questioning her worth, and living under constant scrutiny, Courtney made the brave decision to choose freedom, even when it meant starting over completely. Through our conversation, she opens up about the messy middle of healing, and the anger and isolation that come with leaving everything you’ve ever known. But she also shares how reconnecting with her intuition, building community, and doing the inner work helped her reclaim her sense of self. In this episode, we chat about:
Courtney’s story is raw, honest, and full of twists and turns. A reminder that even after the darkest chapters, healing and freedom are possible. Connect with Courtney: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seekingwilder/ Website: www.seekingwilder.com Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 27: Sallyanne Hartnell on Life After… The Perfect Marriage: Choosing yourself, rebuilding your identity after divorce, and navigating separation | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:35:47 | |
What does it really take to rebuild your life after divorce and separation? This week, I’m joined by Sallyanne Hartnell, divorce coach, strategist, founder of Reflect Coaching, and podcast host. Sallyanne helps women decide whether to stay or leave a relationship and guides them through divorce with less drama. With a mix of practical strategies and deep emotional support, she empowers clients to reframe what divorce means, communicate with clarity, and make confident, future-focused decisions, so they can create a life that feels aligned, supportive, and truly their own. In this episode, we chat about:
Sallyanne’s work is a reminder that while divorce and separation can feel overwhelming, they can also be a gateway to clarity, freedom, and self-discovery. Connect with Sally: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reflectcoaching/ Website: https://www.reflectcoaching.com.au/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sallyanne-hartnell Podcast, offers, and resources: https://bio.site/reflect_coaching Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 26: Life After… Scare Acting: Halloween, haunted houses, and the thrill of being scared | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:22:43 | |
Is fear something we should avoid, or does it actually make us feel more alive? This week, I’m going solo with a Halloween-themed episode (costumes and lollies encouraged). From my very first horror movie experience at seven years old, through teenage sleepovers with zombie films, to scare acting in haunted attractions in the UK and Australia, I’m sharing why horror has been such a huge part of my life, and why I believe being scared is one of the best feelings in the world. Fear isn’t just about hiding behind a pillow at the movies. It’s about adrenaline, aliveness, and even building community with the people who “get” you. And when fear happens in a safe space, whether that’s a haunted house, making a bold move in your life, or stepping on stage at a live event, it can change everything. In this episode, I chat about:
So, if you’re a horror fan, Halloween lover, or just curious about what it takes to be a scare actor, this episode is for you. Grab your witch’s hat, line up your favourite spooky film, and let’s talk about why fear can be fun. Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 25: Sarah Gray on Life After… Perimenopause: Understanding symptoms, hormones, and finding the right support | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:38:58 | |
Ever feel like your symptoms aren’t being taken seriously? This week, I’m joined by Sarah Gray, pharmacist, nutritionist, certified lifestyle practitioner, and now author of a brand-new book all about perimenopause. Sarah is passionate about helping women demystify this often confusing stage of life and giving them the tools to advocate for themselves. From hormones to healthcare to simply being heard, Sarah is on a mission to help women stop dismissing their symptoms and start creating a team around them that truly supports their wellbeing. Sarah shares her professional expertise as well as the personal reasons behind her work, and how her book is changing the way women approach this transition. In this episode, we chat about:
Sarah’s work is a reminder that knowledge is power, and that women deserve support, clarity, and compassion through every stage of life. Connect with Sarah: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_nutrition_pharmacist/ Website: https://thenutritionpharmacist.com./ Book: https://thenutritionpharmacist.com/perimenopause-book Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 60: Life After... Becoming a Badass: Audacity, Boundaries, & Showing Up Scared Anyway | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:18:18 | |
What if everything you thought a badass looked like has been wrong this whole time, and you've actually been one all along? I'm taking you back to age eleven, a VHS tape of Grease, and a lifelong chase to figure out what "badass" actually means. After recently speaking at the Badass Women Networking at LOEV in Moorabbin, I sat down to dismantle this word for good because too many women in business think badass is something huge and unreachable, when really, it's already in you. In this episode, I chat about:
This episode is a reminder that badass was never about being the coolest person in the room; it's about boundaries, audacity, authenticity, and showing up scared anyway. If you've ever felt like you don't measure up to the women you admire in business, this one's for you. You are already the badass you've been looking for. Connect with Cat:
Watch a snippet of my live Badass talk at Loev Moorabbin
EmpowerHer Legacy Paperback (NEW) You can grab a copy for your country at the links below.
EmpowerHer Legacy ebook You can grab a copy for your country at the links below.
Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast — I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you're subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we'd love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don't be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 24: Life After… Self-Harm: Vulnerability, recovery, and finding healthier ways to cope | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:24:25 | |
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of self-harm. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering. This is one of the hardest episodes I’ve ever recorded. My heart was racing as I hit record because, for the first time, I’m sharing a story I’ve kept hidden for years - my experience with self-harm as a teenager, and how those scars shaped the woman I am today. For so long, I carried deep shame about it. I hid my arms, made excuses, and feared people would see me as weak, broken, or simply “seeking attention.” But what I’ve learned is that self-harm is not about attention; it’s about survival when you don’t know another way. In this episode, I open up about:
Sharing this makes me feel exposed and vulnerable, but I believe stories like this matter. If you’ve ever struggled with self-harm, or love someone who has, I want you to know you are not alone. There are other ways to cope, and healing is possible. If my story helps even one person feel less isolated or gives them hope that recovery is possible, then recording this episode was worth every nervous breath. If you need urgent support, reach out to one of these incredible services: Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7) Text: 0477 13 11 14 Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety and depression Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7) Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Resources: https://beyou.edu.au/resources/suicide-prevention-and-response/suicide-prevention/self-harm Suicide Call Back Service – For people affected by suicide Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7) Website: https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au 13YARN – Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Phone: 13 92 76 (24/7) Website: https://www.13yarn.org.au Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 23: Irene Jones on Life After… Loss: Grief, resilience, purpose, and empowering women through travel | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:46:22 | |
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide ideation, self-harm, and drug use. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering. What does it mean to transform unimaginable loss into a life filled with meaning and purpose? This week, I’m joined by Irene Jones, entrepreneur and founder of Travel Globe, where she creates women-led travel businesses and experiences that empower, connect, and inspire. She's also a co-presenter on Travel Oz, one of Australia’s longest-running travel series. After the devastating loss of her daughter, Irene faced profound grief and trauma, yet chose to step forward with courage and purpose. With raw honesty and infectious energy, she shares how travel, community, and refusing to stay in the darkness became her pathway to healing. Her story is a testament to the power of women lifting each other up, even in the face of grief, cancer, and the challenges life inevitably brings. In this episode, we explore:
Irene’s story is both heartbreaking and deeply uplifting. If you’ve ever wondered how to move forward after loss or how to find strength in the small moments, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible. Connect with Irene: Website: https://irenejones.com.au/ https://www.travelglobe.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ijones_media/ https://www.instagram.com/travelglobeagents/ Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 16 Oct for our 4th unforgettable event. 4 brand new speakers sharing 4 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-oct-2025-tickets-1514579691629 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 22: Mariana Gaona Lopez on Life After… Leaving My Home Country: Growing up between Mexico and Australia, and navigating identity and entrepreneurship | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:34:40 | |
How does it feel to be shaped by two cultures, always searching for where you truly belong? This week, I’m joined by Mariana Gaona Lopez, a digital operations strategist, mum of two, wife, queer Mexican woman, and founder of Pink Ocean, where she helps service providers systemise and streamline the backend of their business. Mariana’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and the ongoing search for identity. Migrating from Mexico to Australia at 15, she knows what it’s like to navigate life between two cultures. Through her sexuality journey, motherhood, and entrepreneurship, she’s embraced her identity as a Mexican Australian and created a life that honours all parts of who she is. In this episode, we chat about:
Mariana reminds us that identity isn’t fixed, it’s something we create, layer by layer, as we move through life. Her story is both vulnerable and empowering, showing that belonging can be found in the spaces between. Connect with Mariana: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkoceanvs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@pinkoceanvs Website: http://www.Pinkoceanvs.com.au Join The Break Newsletter: https://pinkoceanvs.myflodesk.com/instagram Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 16 Oct for our 4th unforgettable event. 4 brand new speakers sharing 4 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-oct-2025-tickets-1514579691629 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 21: Jess Soto-Ramirez on Life After… Breaking Cycles: Healing from generational trauma, finding refuge, and creating change for future generations | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:46:01 | |
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic and family violence. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering. What does it take to break free from generational cycles of abuse and find your voice? This week, I’m joined by Jess Soto-Ramirez, a mindset and empowerment coach, podcast host, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She helps women rewrite their stories and to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Jess’s story is one of survival, courage, and the ripple effect that happens when one woman chooses to heal, not only for herself, but for her children, her community, and the generations that follow. She shares how her mother’s experience with domestic violence shaped her childhood, what it was like growing up in women’s refuges, and the strength it takes to break the cycle of generational trauma. In this episode, we chat about:
Jess reminds us that healing isn’t just for ourselves, it’s for the generations that come after us. Her story is both raw and hopeful, showing that breaking cycles is possible. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @jesssotoramirez Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ignite-with-jess-soto-ramirez/id1650700891 Rewire & Rise Playbook - coaching.jesssotoramirez.com/freebie Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 16 Oct for our 4th unforgettable event. 4 brand new speakers sharing 4 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Early bird tickets are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-oct-2025-tickets-1514579691629 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 20: Michelle McCarthy on Life After… Having it “All”: Leaving corporate, navigating single motherhood, and building a business in Australia | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:40:30 | |
What happens when you finally have everything you thought you wanted, but still feel unfulfilled? This week, I’m joined by Michelle McCarthy, creative agency founder, brand strategist, solo mum, speaker and all-round powerhouse. From the outside, Michelle had it all, the high-flying corporate career, relationship, new car, the picture-perfect life. But behind the scenes, she felt stuck, unfulfilled, and ready for change. Her story takes us from leaving a relationship with a couple of suitcases and walking away from the corporate ladder, to starting a business in Australia as an expat with no safety net, all while navigating the curveball of unexpected single motherhood. Through it all, Michelle has rebuilt her life and business in a way that truly reflects who she is, proving that success doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s rulebook. In this episode, we chat about:
Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder that your biggest challenges can also become the foundations for your next chapter. It’s about trusting yourself, taking bold steps forward, and creating a life and business that truly feels like yours. Connect with Michelle: Instagram: @immichellemccarthy Website: https://michellemccarthy.com.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@immichellemccarthy Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 16 Oct for our 4th unforgettable event. 4 brand new speakers sharing 4 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Early bird tickets are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-oct-2025-tickets-1514579691629 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 19: Life After… Becoming Psychic: Intuition, ghost stories, and spiritual energy | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:24:16 | |
What if trusting your gut wasn’t just a feeling, but a doorway into your intuition, psychic abilities, and even spiritual energy? This week, I’m taking you on a solo episode to share my own story, and if you love a bit of woo woo, this episode is for you. I shared my very first psychic experiences as a teenager, through toxic relationships where I ignored my intuition, to the ghost stories and spiritual awakenings that eventually led me to embrace this side of myself. For a long time, I pushed down what I was feeling and sensing. But the truth is, our intuition never lies. Learning how to protect my energy, ground myself, and open up to spiritual guidance has been life-changing, not only personally, but also in how I show up in relationships, business, and daily life. In this episode, I share:
This conversation is for you if you’ve ever felt a gut instinct, sensed “something” in the room, or wanted to explore your own psychic abilities. So, if you’re curious about psychic experiences, ghost stories, or simply learning how to tune into your intuition and protect your energy, you’ll want to listen in. Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 16 Oct for our 4th unforgettable event. 4 brand new speakers sharing 4 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Early bird tickets are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-oct-2025-tickets-1514579691629 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 18: Cortnie Kemp on Life After… Anxiety: Presence, motherhood, and healing through bodywork and breathwork | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:44:53 | |
What if calming your anxiety wasn’t about fixing yourself, but about slowing down, breathing, and being present? This week, I’m joined by Cortnie Kemp, a somatic and functional breathing coach, contrast therapy instructor, bodyworker, and speaker. She helps women who are stressed, overwhelmed, or in pain release tension and find freedom through these practices. As a mother herself, she knows the unique pressures and judgments women face, and the importance of creating safe spaces for healing, and community. From ice baths to bodywork to simply remembering how to breathe, her work is all about finding calm in the chaos and finding tools that work for you. In this conversation, Cortnie shares her journey with anxiety, motherhood, and healing, as well as the practices she now uses to support others in doing the same. In this episode, we chat about:
Cortnie’s story is a reminder that healing doesn’t have to look like striving or fixing; it can be as simple as remembering to breathe, connect, and allow yourself to be supported. Connect with Cortnie: Instagram: @cortniekemp Website: https://www.cortniekemp.com.au/
Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 16 Oct for our 4th unforgettable event. 4 brand new speakers sharing 4 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Early bird tickets are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-oct-2025-tickets-1514579691629 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 17: Lurinda Vollmer on Life After… Denial: Using shadow work to overcome trauma, and confronting the systems that silence women | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:48:32 | |
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of sexual assault. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering. How do you begin to heal when you can no longer hide from a truth you’ve buried for years? This week, I’m joined by Lurinda Vollmer, a Somatic Shadow Work Coach and creator of the Surrender Retreat, an immersive healing experience guiding women from survival mode into self-trust, embodiment, and feminine reconnection. As a support coach for the Shadow Work Alchemy Certification, she brings a trauma-informed, nervous system-led approach to trauma healing, helping women safely meet and integrate suppressed parts of themselves. Blending personal experience, intuitive facilitation, and somatic practices, Lurinda creates transformative spaces where women feel seen, safe, and empowered in their truth. Today, Lurinda shares a story she has never spoken about on a platform like this before. She opens up about facing the reality of sexual assault after years of denial, and the resilience it takes to heal in a culture that often silences survivors. From navigating the long-term effects of trauma and shame to finding her voice and using it to support others. In this episode, we explore:
Lurinda doesn’t just tell her story, she speaks for those who haven’t yet found their voice. If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsupported in your healing journey, this episode is a reminder, you are not alone, and your voice matters. Her journey is both powerful and inspiring, carrying a key message, your truth is yours, and no one can take it away. Connect with Lurinda: Instagram: @perspectivebylurinda Website: https://www.perspectivebylurinda.com/ Welcome to Surrender Retreat: https://www.perspectivebylurinda.com/surrenderretreat Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 16 Oct for our 4th unforgettable event. 4 brand new speakers sharing 4 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Early bird tickets are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-oct-2025-tickets-1514579691629 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 16: Jennifer Ginty on Life After… childhood trauma: Reclaiming your voice, healing through group therapy, and creating emotional safety for the next generation | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:47:23 | |
Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of child physical and sexual abuse. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering. What if the pain of your past could become the foundation of someone else’s healing? In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Ginty, a single mum, podcast host, and entrepreneur, who shares her deeply personal journey of healing from childhood trauma and living with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. From growing up in an abusive home to navigating family court, Jennifer’s early life was shaped by silence and survival. After years of pushing her past away, it all came to a breaking point, and her healing journey truly began through therapy, group work, and eventually, creating a therapeutic toy called My Moody Monster. Jennifer now uses her story to help others better understand their emotions, reconnect with their inner child, and heal from trauma in a way that feels safe, empowering, and real. In this episode, we talk about:
Whether you’re in the thick of your healing or just starting to unpack your story, Jennifer’s journey is a reminder that you're not alone, and that recovery, community, and creativity can offer a powerful way forward. Jennifer and I are available to provide additional resources and organisations that can support you in your healing journey, so please reach out.
Connect with Jennifer: Website: http://www.mymoodymonster.com Podcast website: http://www.whennotyetbecomesrightnow.com YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@mymoodymonster Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mymoodymonster Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/my-moody-monster TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@mymoodymonster Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/93141440
Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 16 Oct for our 4th unforgettable event. 4 brand new speakers sharing 4 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Early bird tickets are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-oct-2025-tickets-1514579691629 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 15: Sophie Spencer on Life After... Feeling Safe in My Own Body: Reclaiming yourself, healing through creativity, and being seen in your full power | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:47:58 | |
What if the parts of yourself you’ve been hiding were actually the key to your healing? Content warning: This episode includes brief discussions of sexual violence. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering. This week, I’m joined by photographer, artist, and women’s embodiment facilitator, Sophie Spencer, whose story is raw, powerful, and full of unexpected turns. Sophie doesn’t just capture images, she captures the essence of who you are beneath the surface. Through intuitive, emotionally attuned photographic experiences, she helps women feel safe, seen, and at home in their bodies. She also brings this same intention to her branding and web design work, supporting women-led businesses to show up with authenticity and confidence. From feeling invisible in high school to guiding women in reclaiming their bodies, stories, and sensuality, Sophie’s path reminds us that healing isn’t about fixing but reconnecting with the truth of who you already are. In this episode, we cover:
This is a wild, honest conversation. It’s raw, inspiring, a little bit juicy, and full of “I feel seen” moments. Especially for anyone who’s ever struggled with body image, perfectionism, or feeling like you needed to be more to be worthy. Connect with Sophie: Website: www.sophiespencer.com.au Instagram: @sophiespencer___ Branding Instagram: @brandingbysophie_ Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 59: Jess Mitchell on Life After... Slowing Down: Leaving corporate, backing yourself, and career changes in your 40s | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:44:36 | |
What if the lesson you most needed to learn wasn't about achieving more, but about finally allowing others to do life with you? This week on Life After I Left, I'm joined by Jess Mitchell, sales and leadership specialist, speaker, facilitator, and founder of Women Rise. Jess spent decades working in corporate sales and leadership, always achieving, always over-responsible, always moving fast, until a sudden career change at 44 gave her the gift she never expected: the chance to slow down and finally ask, what is my message? Jess's story begins at six years old, the youngest child of a farming family, when her mum made the courageous decision to move her children out of the family home to create a safer life. From that moment, Jess learned early how to carry more than her share. It took four decades, and stepping out of a role she thought she'd have forever, to realise that the answer to over-responsibility isn't more effort. It's togetherness. In this episode, we chat about:
This episode is for every woman who has been quietly carrying too much, waiting until she feels "ready enough," or talking herself out of the help she actually needs. Jess brings warmth, zero fluff, and the kind of straight-talking insight that makes you feel seen, and sends you straight back into your work with a lot more conviction. Connect with Jess: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.k.mitchell/ Website: https://www.jesskmitchell.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-mitchell-807900123/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.mitchell.71066 FREE Women Rise Masterclass: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MK0MfamUQuWJ7G0OICAaog#/registration Connect with Cat: Join my mailing list to be the first to know about my NEW fear program: https://catlouisedunn.myflodesk.com/mailing-list Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterileftpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catlouisedunn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catlouisedunn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catlouisedunn Website: https://catlouisedunn.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-after-i-left/id1815891092 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@catlouisedunn EmpowerHer Legacy ebook (Australia): https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0H4JBKJ9Q EmpowerHer Legacy ebook (United Kingdom): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H4JBKJ9Q EmpowerHer Legacy ebook (USA): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H4JBKJ9Q Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast — I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you're subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we'd love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don't be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 14: Life After… Coming Home to Yourself: Healing generational trauma, reconnecting with family, and redefining what 'home' really means | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:26:24 | |
What if going backward was the very thing that moved you forward? In this solo episode, I reflect on a recent trip back to the UK, which is the first time I've returned to my hometown of Sunderland in six years. If I'm being totally honest, I was dreading it. But for a trip I wasn’t looking forward to, it turned out to be one of the most healing experiences of my life. So much so… I can’t wait to return! From facing old trauma and reconnecting with loved ones, to realising that home isn't a place; it's who you are, this is a story of coming full circle and finding peace in the most unexpected ways. In this episode, I speak about:
Whether you’ve been avoiding a conversation, a person, or even a part of yourself… this episode is a gentle invitation to stop running and start coming home. Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 16 Oct for our 4th unforgettable event. 4 brand new speakers sharing 4 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Early bird tickets are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-oct-2025-tickets-1514579691629 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 13: Michelle Gardiner on Life After… leaving my vision, mission, and purpose: Following your intuition, finding your people, and redefining ‘home’. | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:43:10 | |
What if the life you’re meant for starts the moment you finally listen to that inner nudge? This week, I’m joined by Michelle Gardiner, a speaker, storytelling coach, and founder of The Aspire Series. Her story of packing up everything she knew to follow a feeling might just inspire you to do the same. From walking away from a life that no longer fit, to building community in Bali, to returning to Melbourne and stepping into a new chapter, Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder that ‘home’ isn’t a place; it’s a sense of self, community, purpose, and belonging. In this episode, we chat about:
Michelle doesn’t sugarcoat the messy middle, and that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful. If you’ve ever wondered “What if?” about a big move, a career shift, or a life change you can’t quite explain, you need to listen to this conversation. Connect with Michelle on Instagram, LinkedIn, and check out The Aspire Series. Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 12: Trang Nova on Life After… Bullying: Rewriting your story, finding your voice, and creating a life beyond expectations | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:33:24 | |
What if your biggest setbacks were actually setting you up for success? This week, I’m joined by TEDx speaker, speaking coach, and all-around powerhouse Trang Nova, whose story will have you feeling fired up to rewrite your own. From being the shy, introverted kid who never felt like she fit in, to building a business that helps others find their voice, Trang is proof that your past doesn’t define your potential. Now, she’s on a mission to help more people speak with confident authority, lead powerful movements as a visible leader, and create a life that feels completely aligned. In this episode, we chat about:
Trang doesn’t just talk about confidence, she embodies it. Her story is a masterclass in personal growth, self-belief, and what happens when you stop playing small and start speaking up. If you’ve ever held yourself back because you didn’t feel ready, visible, or confident enough, this is your reminder: you already have what it takes. And your voice? It’s your biggest asset. Connect with Trang on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Check out her website and podcast here.
Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||
| 11: Yasmin Hussain on Life After... releasing the weight: Shadow work, breaking cycles and emotional healing for women | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:28:55 | |
You’ve got the job, the relationship, the house… so why do you still feel disconnected? In this episode, I’m joined by Yasmin Hussain, a transformational mentor for high-achieving women who are ready to break free from emotional eating, self-sabotage, physical, emotional, and energetic issues that have kept them stuck. With a background in holistic health, shadow work, and embodiment, Yasmin's work goes beyond food and weight loss. We talk about what it looks like to build your emotional capacity so you can stop repeating patterns, face your shadow with compassion, and actually hold more joy, success, and peace. In this episode, we cover:
If you're navigating your own path of self-development, healing, or entrepreneurship, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to move forward - you just need to stay present.
Loved this episode? Send it to a friend who’s doing the inner work while growing her business. Or take a screenshot and tag me, I’d love to know what landed for you.
Connect with Yasmin on Instagram and check out her podcast. Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. | |||