In this episode, Dr Mel Baker sits down with designer and creative practitioner Sam Angell for a conversation that moves gently through identity, belonging, mental health, and the courage it takes to live as one’s whole self. Sam shares their journey of discovering their non‑binary identity and how that revelation helped untangle long‑held patterns of tying self‑worth to work performance. Coming out became a turning point, not only in how they saw themselves but in how confidently and authentically they began to move through the world. Together, Mel and Sam explore the idea of community as something deeper than labels. Sam speaks about finding a sense of unity within the queer community, a place where their layered identities—gender, neurodivergence, queerness, lived experience—could finally rest without explanation. Mel reflects on her own path toward belonging and the challenge many people face when trying to find their tribe across multiple intersecting identities. Sam opens up about their mental health journey, describing years of navigating anxiety, anorexia, substance use, and late diagnoses of bipolar disorder, ADHD, and autism. More recently, their diagnosis shifted to schizoaffective disorder, bringing clarity to experiences that had long been misunderstood. Sam speaks candidly about the barriers they’ve faced in the medical system and how resilience and the willingness to reach out to friends during difficult moments has been essential. The conversation then moves into Sam’s creative world. Originally trained in architecture, Sam found their way into graphic design, specialising in accessible and inclusive communication. Their disabilities shaped the decision to work independently, and over time their practice evolved into building full branding ecosystems that prioritise clarity, accessibility, and wellbeing. They describe the early days of freelancing, taking low‑cost jobs to build experience, and how coming out as their authentic self strengthened their business presence. Today, most of their clients sit within the health and wellness space, and Sam works under both their own name and their business, Angell Designs. Sam speaks with grounded honesty about persistence, purpose, and the quiet discipline of continuing to show up. Their motivation comes from knowing their work makes a difference, particularly in mental health, physical health, and accessibility. They share how personal creative practices help them create space for themselves. Sam was named Graphic Designer of the Year by the Prestige Awards Australia. The episode closes with Sam’s gentle wisdom: celebrate the small wins, honour the resilience that has carried you this far, and remember that you have a 100% success rate in life. Their story is one of authenticity, courage, and the ongoing work of building a life that feels true. *Special thanks to the artists of Pixabay for their royalty-free music.
