The Chronically Unbalanced’s Podcast

The Chronically Unbalanced
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The Chronically Unbalanced is a podcast where two besties, bonded by their shared experiences of trauma, dive headfirst into the messy, raw and often hilarious side of healing. Each week, we bring on incredible guests to share their stories of resilience, heartbreak and triumph. Together, we tackle tough conversations with a healthy dose of dark humour and laughs. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, solidarity, or just a space to laugh through the chaos, this podcast is your unapologetically real guide to navigating life’s curveballs

  1. FEB 9

    Kris Byrnes | Australia's leading Step Parent Coach & blended family expert

    In this episode of Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with Kris Byrnes — coach, blended-family thinker, and host of her own podcast Inside Out With Kris and the Step Parent Podcast. Kris works with step-parents to help them lead with clarity, confidence and emotional strength. She talks honestly about the push-pull of blended family life, the invisible pressure that comes with not having a “manual,” and how step-parents can find their voice and their calm in the chaos.  We dive into the real emotional work of connection, identity and leadership in families where no one gets training before they start. Kris keeps it raw, practical and full of insight.  Whether you’re in a blended family, thinking about it, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will make you feel seen and less alone. Sponsorship: This episode is proudly sponsored by the wonderful Rhyse Cains Building  We appreciate your support.

    1h 1m

  2. FEB 2

    When Cancer Ends a Love Story - Amy and Brad's Journey

    In this episode of Chronically Unbalanced, we’re joined by Amy, whose husband Brad was just 34 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer—only weeks after the birth of their second child. Amy takes us through their journey: the shock of diagnosis, the whirlwind of surgeries and treatments, the moments of hope, and the reality of facing life and love when the future is uncertain. She shares how Brad’s strength, humour, and devotion to his family carried them through, and how she’s navigating life after his passing at just 38. This conversation is raw, honest, and filled with love. It’s a reminder of how quickly life can change, how fiercely we can fight for the people we love, and how important it is to share these stories. Sponsorship: This episode is proudly sponsored by the wonderful Spotlock Marine We appreciate your support.  Trigger Warning: This episode discusses cancer, terminal illness, and the death of a loved one. Please take care while listening.

    1h 26m

  3. 08/25/2025

    Part 2: The Lindt Cafe Siege - Louisa Hope

    On December 15, 2014, a regular Sydney morning turned into the unimaginable. At Martin Place’s Lindt Café, 18 people—including Louisa Hope—were held for hours in a brutal hostage situation This is the biggest and most powerful conversation we’ve ever had on The Chronically Unbalanced. On what began as an ordinary December morning in Sydney, Louisa Hope walked into a café for a cup of coffee with her mother. Within minutes, her life changed forever. She was among those taken hostage in what became one of Australia’s most shocking events. In this special two-part series, Louisa shares her story in her own words—what it was like inside, the fear and uncertainty of those hours, and the split-second moments that stayed with her forever. She also opens up about the years that followed, the challenges of recovery, and the ways she’s found strength, purpose, and even hope after unimaginable trauma. Sponsorship: This episode is proudly sponsored by the wonderful Lu and Co We appreciate your support.  Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of traumatic events including terrorism, hostage situations, gun violence, murder, serious injury, and the long-term impacts of trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised, especially for those who may find these topics distressing. If you need support, you can contact: Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support) Victims of Terrorism Australia (VOTA) — 1800 999 037 Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7 mental health support)

    42 min

  4. 08/19/2025

    Part 1: The Lindt Cafe Siege - Louisa Hope

    On December 15, 2014, a regular Sydney morning turned into the unimaginable. At Martin Place’s Lindt Café, 18 people—including Louisa Hope—were held for hours in a brutal hostage situation This is the biggest and most powerful conversation we’ve ever had on The Chronically Unbalanced. On what began as an ordinary December morning in Sydney, Louisa Hope walked into a café for a cup of coffee with her mother. Within minutes, her life changed forever. She was among those taken hostage in what became one of Australia’s most shocking events. In this special two-part series, Louisa shares her story in her own words—what it was like inside, the fear and uncertainty of those hours, and the split-second moments that stayed with her forever. She also opens up about the years that followed, the challenges of recovery, and the ways she’s found strength, purpose, and even hope after unimaginable trauma. Sponsorship: This episode is proudly sponsored by Don't Shrink Me. They are a Sydney based counselling practise focusing on young people aged 12-25.   Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of traumatic events including terrorism, hostage situations, gun violence, murder, serious injury, and the long-term impacts of trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised, especially for those who may find these topics distressing. If you need support, you can contact: Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support) Victims of Terrorism Australia (VOTA) — 1800 999 037 Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7 mental health support)

    42 min

  5. 08/11/2025

    11 Months Waiting for our Donor Angel | Jack's Story

    On this episode of The Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with Victoria — mum to two beautiful kids, Jack and Chloe — to share her family’s extraordinary journey through one of the toughest challenges a parent can face: waiting for a heart transplant for your child. At just 18 months old, Jack was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure and spent 11 months on a Berlin Heart before receiving his life-saving donor heart. Victoria opens up about life in the hospital, giving birth to Chloe during their stay, the friendships and heartbreaks along the way, and the immense gratitude they carry for Jack’s “donor angel.”   This is a powerful story about resilience, hope, and the life-saving gift of organ donation.   A huge thank you to this week's sponsor White Barn Pokolbin.   🔔 Trigger warning: This episode may contain discussions of child illness, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if the content feels too heavy for you right now. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available: Lifeline (Australia) – 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 – for mental health support and resources You’re not alone, and help is always available.

    1h 17m

  6. 08/04/2025

    Kassie | Childhood grief & silbling loss

    This week on the podcast, we’re honoured to welcome a very special guest — Kassie. Kassie is a mum of three, a business owner, and someone with a powerful story to share. She’s joining us to talk about her journey with childhood grief after losing her younger brother at a young age — a loss that profoundly shaped her early years and the woman she is today. In this episode, Kassie opens up about what it was like to grow up with the weight of sibling loss, how it impacted her emotionally and mentally, and how those experiences continue to influence her today as a mother and entrepreneur. It’s a heartfelt, honest, and deeply important conversation about grief, healing, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. We’re so grateful to Kassie for sharing her story with us.   This weeks sponsor @rhyse_cains_building   🔔 Trigger warning This episode may contain discussions of child loss, sibling loss, and mental health struggles, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if the content feels too heavy for you right now. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available: Lifeline (Australia) – 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 – for mental health support and resources You’re not alone, and help is always available.

    1h 9m

  7. 07/28/2025

    A Mother's Instinct: Leo's Journey with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

    When her son Leo was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at just 3 years old, today's guest was thrust into a world she never expected—one marked by uncertainty, medical complexity, and fierce maternal advocacy. DMD is a rare genetic condition that primarily affects boys, leading to progressive muscle degeneration and significantly shortened life expectancy. But this episode isn’t about seeking pity—it’s about the power of a mother’s intuition. We dive into her story of recognising early signs, navigating the diagnosis, and learning to trust her gut even when the medical answers were unclear. It's a candid, powerful conversation about resilience, parental instincts, and finding strength in the most unexpected places.   Guest: Jacquie Cooper https://www.instagram.com/jacquiecooper/  Sponsor: Evolution Laser Clinic Salamander Bay https://www.instagram.com/evolutionlaser/   DISCLAIMER This episode contains discussions that may be distressing to some listeners, including themes of child loss, mental illness, and physical illness. We acknowledge that these topics are sensitive and may bring up difficult emotions. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out for support. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Help is available, and you're not alone. Please take care while listening.

    1h 21m

  8. 07/21/2025

    Six Weeks Postpartum… and Fighting for My Life!

    In this powerful and raw episode of The Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with an incredible mum who shares the terrifying journey that began just six weeks after giving birth. What started off as mild cold-like symptoms for Emily quickly spiralled into a life-threatening condition. From being rushed to hospital, separated from her newborn and husband, to hearing the words “you need a heart transplant”—this is a story of unimaginable trauma, resilience, and survival. She walks us through the shock of an ICU admission, the rollercoaster of transplant surgery, and what it means to live with a new heart—only to face devastating rejection years later. But through it all, she shows up, keeps fighting, and is slowly finding her strength again. This is not just a medical story. It's a human one. A mother's one. And one you won't forget. Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive topics related to health and illness that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. * Special thanks to the voiceover artist for their professional work on our advertisements. You can find Jeremy at That Alter Guy. Thank you to our Sponsor for this episode. Rhyse Cains Building located in Port Stephens, NSW Australia.

    1h 43m
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About

The Chronically Unbalanced is a podcast where two besties, bonded by their shared experiences of trauma, dive headfirst into the messy, raw and often hilarious side of healing. Each week, we bring on incredible guests to share their stories of resilience, heartbreak and triumph. Together, we tackle tough conversations with a healthy dose of dark humour and laughs. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, solidarity, or just a space to laugh through the chaos, this podcast is your unapologetically real guide to navigating life’s curveballs

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