From The Heart

Allison Ockenden

From The Heart: Talking Truths, Taboos & Triumphs is a raw, real, and radically honest parenting podcast that dives deep into the unspoken sides of motherhood and family life. Hosted from Newcastle, NSW, we share stories of truth, tackle taboos, and celebrate triumphs from parents navigating everything from neurodivergence and disability, to mental health, addiction, trauma, and identity. This is for the mums who love their kids fiercely—but sometimes fantasize about running away. We see you. Expect weekly episodes with solo insights, guest interviews, and group chats that challenge myths about motherhood, explore the complexities of parenting, and validate the hard stuff—with a good dose of dark humour and zero judgment. Subscribe to join a growing community of real parents talking real stuff—from the heart. 🎙️ New episodes every week 💬 Truths. Taboos. Triumphs. 📍 Based in Newcastle, Australia

Episodes

  1. From The Heart with Connie Paglianiti Ep 31

    18/02/2025

    From The Heart with Connie Paglianiti Ep 31

    ***TRIGGER WARNING**** This episode contains mention of drug use, fraud, arrest and prison time. Connie Paglianiti is a dynamic keynote and motivational speaker, best seller author, and award-winning event manager with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Having faced and overcome a gambling addiction that led to life-altering consequences, she now uses her lived experience to break the stigma around addiction and inspire others on the path to recovery. Through her powerful storytelling, Connie speaks on resilience, transformation, and second chances, sharing how she rebuilt her life after hitting rock bottom. She is the author of From the Shadows into the Light: Breaking Free from Stigma and Scandal, a deeply personal and powerful book that sheds light on the realities of addiction, the journey to redemption, and the courage to start over. In addition to her advocacy work, Connie is the founder of WeSocialise, where she teaches aspiring and seasoned event professionals how to run successful, high-impact events through her online course, launching in 2025. Connie’s mission is twofold: to empower those struggling with addiction to take control of their future and to help event professionals thrive by learning from real-world experience rather than just theory. Whether speaking on stage, hosting workshops, or coaching, Connie’s message is one of hope, reinvention, and the power of turning adversity into opportunity.

    41 min
  2. Episode 30 with Jeanette Yates

    29/12/2024

    Episode 30 with Jeanette Yates

    The Realities of Caring: Love, Loss & Lessons Welcome to From The Heart: Talking Truths, Taboos & Triumphs, the podcast where we dive into the raw, the real, and the resilient stories of parenthood and beyond. Today’s episode is a heartfelt exploration of the highs and lows of being a carer—whether for a parent, a disabled child, or anyone whose needs extend beyond the typical. We’ll be breaking down the unique challenges carers face, the impact on relationships, and the incredible lessons they teach us about love, patience, and perseverance. This is not just about caregiving—it’s about the realities that often go untold, the taboos that need challenging, and the triumphs worth celebrating. 1. The Shift in Roles: - How caregiving blurs the lines between traditional roles like parent, child, and partner. - The emotional weight of stepping into a role you never expected. 2. The Unspoken Challenges*: - Navigating burnout, grief, and feelings of isolation. - The societal pressures and lack of understanding about the carer’s journey. 3. The Beautiful, Messy Reality* - Moments of connection and joy that make it all worthwhile. - How caring fosters empathy, strength, and a deep appreciation for the small wins. 4. Breaking the Taboos: - Normalizing conversations about resentment, frustration, and guilt. - Challenging the notion that carers should sacrifice everything for their role. 5. Support & Triumphs: - Finding support through community, resources, and self-advocacy. - Celebrating the resilience and growth that comes from caregiving. Caring for someone you love can feel both like an honor and a burden, but it’s a journey that deserves to be seen, understood, and supported. If today’s conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And remember, you’re not alone—your truth, taboos, and triumphs matter. Join us next time as we continue to speak from the heart and shine a light on stories that need to be told. To get in touch with Jeanette or to follow her go to her Instagram @theselfcaregiver

    13 min

About

From The Heart: Talking Truths, Taboos & Triumphs is a raw, real, and radically honest parenting podcast that dives deep into the unspoken sides of motherhood and family life. Hosted from Newcastle, NSW, we share stories of truth, tackle taboos, and celebrate triumphs from parents navigating everything from neurodivergence and disability, to mental health, addiction, trauma, and identity. This is for the mums who love their kids fiercely—but sometimes fantasize about running away. We see you. Expect weekly episodes with solo insights, guest interviews, and group chats that challenge myths about motherhood, explore the complexities of parenting, and validate the hard stuff—with a good dose of dark humour and zero judgment. Subscribe to join a growing community of real parents talking real stuff—from the heart. 🎙️ New episodes every week 💬 Truths. Taboos. Triumphs. 📍 Based in Newcastle, Australia