Taboo Talk with Sarah

Sarah Jordan-Ross

Taboo Talk with Sarah is the podcast that breaks the silence on life’s toughest challenges. From grief and mental wellness to caregiving and the cracks in the healthcare system, we dive into the topics no one talks about but everyone feels. Together, we’ll foster hope, build connection, and remind you that you’re never alone.

  1. Jul 13

    Taboo Talk eason 2 Episode 17 Take Off the Mask: Finding the Courage to Be Seen with Christine Blosdale

    🔑 Main Topics & Takeaways • Why so many people—especially women—hide behind masks and struggle with imposter syndrome • How shifting the focus from yourself to the people you're called to serve changes everything • The difference between confidence, arrogance, and authentic self-belief • Why finding the right "cave" and community allows you to truly belong • How clarity, authenticity, and trust are more valuable than ever in today's noisy world   🗣️ Memorable Quotes   "Your audience doesn't get your gifts if you don't show up." "Maybe you don't need to fit into someone else's cave. Maybe it's time to build your own." "We're craving authentic people—people we can trust."   ⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps   00:00 – Introduction to fear, belonging, and the masks we wear 01:29 – Why so many talented people are afraid to be seen 03:51 – Caring for everyone else before ourselves 04:44 – Shifting the focus from fear to service 06:37 – Why the world needs your unique gifts 07:25 – The purpose behind the masks we wear 08:22 – What happens when people finally allow themselves to be seen 09:29 – Sarah shares why she started Taboo Talk 11:10 – Tall Poppy Syndrome and standing out in Australia 12:51 – Confidence versus arrogance 13:57 – Why hiding is often about protection, not weakness 15:50 – Becoming a chameleon to fit in 16:00 – "Maybe you need to build your own cave." 18:20 – The courage to try, even if you're not perfect 19:18 – Teaching children that failure is part of growth 20:56 – Why mentors help us avoid unnecessary mistakes 22:10 – The biggest mistakes Christine sees in new businesses 23:59 – Why clarity is essential in communication 25:25 – The power of simplicity, authenticity, and trust 26:50 – Navigating AI while remaining genuinely human 29:31 – Growing up before social media 30:31 – Why connection matters more than ever 31:32 – Confidence grows through doing, not waiting 32:55 – Helping clients become comfortable on camera 35:15 – What gives Christine hope for the future 36:57 – One small step can create a ripple effect 37:24 – Christine's encouragement for anyone hiding behind fear 38:23 – Where to connect with Christine and her work 40:39 – Final reflections on using your gifts to serve others

    Taboo Talk eason 2 Episode 17 Take Off the Mask: Finding the Courage to Be Seen with Christine Blosdale
  2. Jul 7

    Taboo Talk Season 2 Episode 16 One Last Hit: Addiction, Approval & Finding the Way Back with Austin Rampt

    🔑 Main Topics & Takeaways Why tying your worth to achievement can create a lifelong need for approval The connection between addiction, shame, belonging, and the desire to feel relief Why wanting connection while fearing vulnerability can keep us trapped How recovery and healing are rarely a straight or perfect journey Why community and honest vulnerability are essential to recovery The powerful realisation that love and worth aren't things we have to earn   🗣️ Memorable Quotes “That if I achieve, I am somehow worthy. And the flip-flop is also true. If I don't achieve, then somehow I'm not worthy.” “I was just so deathly afraid that if you saw me, you wouldn't love me.” “Nothing is beyond repair, but you can't do it alone.”   ⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps 00:00 – Austin's story and the deeper themes of shame, identity, and belonging 01:39 – Childhood anxiety, body shame, and feeling “not good enough” 02:20 – Learning to connect achievement with approval and worth 03:52 – Austin explains the idea of “approval addiction” 05:02 – Wanting connection while being terrified of vulnerability 05:53 – Drinking at 13 and the rapid progression into addiction 07:26 – The accident that burned Austin's family home to the ground 08:22 – Nearly nine years in recovery and the relapse that changed everything 09:43 – Overdose and arriving at detox in stage four renal failure 11:39 – Addiction, destructive relationships, and escalating chaos 12:10 – Police intervention and being ordered into treatment 13:30 – Running from rehab and unexpectedly flying to Cancun 14:29 – Addiction spirals further during Austin's time in Mexico 17:15 – The dangerous belief that never running out of drugs might solve the problem 17:40 – Missing his young daughter and believing he would never see her again 18:15 – 22 months in Mexico and losing almost everything 19:00 – Finding unexpected love and connection with a family who had very little 21:00 – A drug dealer, a gun, and the moment Austin knew he had to leave Mexico 21:49 – The therapist's question that changed Austin's understanding of worth 22:48 – How another man's vulnerability gave Austin permission to face his own shame 23:30 – Understanding the difference between impact and intent 24:30 – Finally asking the question: “Am I actually enough?” 25:57 – Who Austin is today and why recovery hasn't been linear 27:00 – Learning how to become a father 28:10 – Relapse, sobriety, and the importance of recovery community 29:00 – Writing One Last Hit and confronting the stories Austin told himself 30:00 – Pride, entitlement, and learning to let go 31:00 – The power of men being honest about fear and struggle 32:26 – Why vulnerability isn't weakness—it's strength 33:58 – The life-changing realisation that you're not alone 35:30 – Austin's message for anyone who feels broken beyond repair 36:34 – Why we need other people to help us see our lives clearly 37:23 – Austin shares the story behind One Last Hit 38:04 – Where to connect with Austin and listen to his podcast 38:37 – Learning to lead with your heart 40:17 – You don't have to earn your worth or deserve love 42:19 – Sarah's closing reminder: your story matters, so share it

    Taboo Talk Season 2 Episode 16 One Last Hit: Addiction, Approval & Finding the Way Back with Austin Rampt
  3. Jun 16

    Taboo Talk Season 2 Episode 14 The Caregiver Nobody Sees: Navigating Love, Loss & the Invisible Load of Caring with Dr. Monique Nugent

    🔑 Main Topics & Takeaways The realities of becoming part of the "sandwich generation" Why caregivers often feel invisible inside healthcare systems The emotional toll of caring for ageing parents and loved ones Learning how to communicate and advocate within medical settings Why self-care isn't selfish—it's essential for sustainable caregiving The hidden grief that comes with watching someone slowly decline Building support systems before a crisis happens     🗣️ Memorable Quotes "There are no medals in the Martyr Olympics." "Caregiving gets very lonely because people leave." "You are with you when the journey is over." "The journeys of caregiving will end. When they do, you're going to have to face yourself again."     ⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to caregiving and emotional overload 03:32 – Becoming the generation responsible for caring for parents 05:46 – The realities of the sandwich generation 08:30 – Why difficult conversations need to happen before a crisis 12:13 – Sarah shares her experience caring for her mother through cancer 14:18 – Why caregiving becomes isolating 15:27 – The difference between offering help and actually helping 18:43 – Why caregivers often feel invisible within healthcare systems 21:25 – Why caregivers know things doctors need to hear 23:51 – Understanding hospital systems and communication challenges 24:47 – Learning how to advocate effectively in medical settings 32:43 – The caregiver whose own health failed during the journey 34:00 – Why caring for yourself is caring for your loved one 39:36 – "There are no medals in the Martyr Olympics" 40:26 – The heartbreaking realities families face when support systems fail 43:06 – The ageing population crisis and healthcare challenges 50:23 – When family caregivers become medical experts by necessity 54:38 – The grief of role reversal between parent and child 56:13 – Mourning the small losses before the final goodbye 59:27 – The importance of self-compassion for caregivers 1:02:36 – Final reflections and advice for carers everywhere

    Taboo Talk Season 2 Episode 14 The Caregiver Nobody Sees: Navigating Love, Loss & the Invisible Load of Caring with Dr. Monique Nugent
  4. Jun 8

    Taboo talk Season 2 Episode 13 More Than Skin Deep: Confidence, Self-Care & Growing Up in a Body That Feels Different with Dr. Angela Casey

    🔑 Main Topics & Takeaways Why skin conditions affect much more than physical appearance The connection between skin health, inflammation, and overall wellness How self-care routines build confidence and emotional resilience The powerful role parents play in modelling healthy habits Why sunscreen may be the most important skincare product you'll ever use     🗣️ Memorable Quotes "Our skin is really the billboard that announces what's going on inside of us." "Self-care is healthcare." "Skincare doesn't have to be complicated, but it does have to be consistent."     ⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps 00:01 – Introduction to skin confidence and identity 02:11 – Why skin issues feel so overwhelming during adolescence 04:24 – The "snow globe" analogy for puberty and teenage development 05:45 – Self-care as a critical part of mental and physical health 08:55 – Why teenagers follow what parents do, not what they say 12:00 – Skin health is far more than a cosmetic issue 13:30 – The connection between skin, inflammation, and overall health 15:37 – Using your skin as an early warning system 18:09 – The story behind Bright Girl Skincare 20:20 – Social media skincare trends and teen skin damage 22:10 – Why simple skincare routines work best 24:12 – Oily skin still needs moisturiser 25:13 – Sarah shares her melanoma experience 26:00 – Skin cancer prevention and early detection 31:57 – The emotional impact of acne and skin conditions 35:59 – Why consistency beats complicated routines 38:11 – The one skincare product everyone should use daily 42:12 – Modelling healthy habits for children 43:23 – The truth about moisturiser and acne-prone skin 46:47 – Where to find Bright Girl and learn more 🌟 Resources Mentioned   Bright Girl Skincare A dermatologist-developed skincare line specifically designed for teen and tween skin, focusing on gentle, effective ingredients and healthy self-care habits. Website: BrightGirl.com

    Taboo talk Season 2 Episode 13 More Than Skin Deep: Confidence, Self-Care & Growing Up in a Body That Feels Different  with Dr. Angela Casey
  5. Jun 2

    Taboo talk Season 2 Episode 12 The Grief That Stays: Finding Hope, Purpose & Presence After Loss with Kelly Edmondson

    🔑 Main Topics & Takeaways Why grief doesn't end after the funeral—it often begins there The importance of remembering and speaking the names of those we've lost How rituals, memories, and meaningful traditions help us navigate grief Why support is often needed most after everyone else has moved on Turning personal pain into purpose through service and connection     🗣️ Powerful Quotes from the Episode "People say they don't want to remind someone of their loss. It's the one thing I can't forget." "Great loves are great losses. But the love is the gift." "Grief will reshape you, but it doesn't have to limit you."     ⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to grief beyond the immediate aftermath 01:37 – Why grief becomes a lifelong companion 03:30 – Kelly shares the story of losing her son, Darius 05:37 – The silence that comes after the funeral 07:58 – Learning to give yourself permission to grieve 10:19 – The Mother's Day experience that changed everything 13:46 – "I will make room for purpose in this pain" 15:07 – The inspiration behind Timely Presence 17:04 – Why people need support on milestone dates 19:40 – Supporting mothers through pregnancy and infant loss 22:43 – A story that confirmed the impact of Timely Presence 23:27 – Advice for those navigating grief alone 24:20 – Creating rituals that bring meaning and healing 26:48 – The importance of self-care during grief 29:35 – "The cost of loving is losing" 31:13 – Legacy, memory, and keeping loved ones present 38:50 – Why unprocessed grief can be dangerous 41:17 – Final reflections on grief, healing, and hope

    Taboo talk Season 2 Episode 12 The Grief That Stays: Finding Hope, Purpose & Presence After Loss  with Kelly Edmondson
  6. May 12

    Taboo talk Season 2 Episode 11 You’re Not Broken: Trauma, the Nervous System & Learning to Feel Safe Again with Steve Soporn

    🔑 Main Topics / Takeaways Why trauma is a nervous system adaptation, not a personal failure How childhood trauma impacts the brain, emotional regulation, addiction, and relationships The difference between “fixing” emotions and learning to stay present with them How men are conditioned to suppress emotions—and the long-term cost of that Why healing happens through small consistent steps, not perfection     🗣️ Intriguing Quotes “I didn’t come out of the womb broken.” “Your brain adapted… and it can adapt again.” “We all came into the world as a bright shining light… and life covered it up.”     ⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps 00:03 – Introduction: trauma beyond mindset 02:26 – Steve’s brain scan and the moment everything changed 06:54 – Trauma as adaptation, not damage 09:39 – The impact trauma had on parenting and relationships 11:35 – “Man up, stuff it down” and emotional suppression in men 14:22 – Leaving a 30-year finance career to pursue healing work 17:58 – Understanding trauma through nervous system regulation 20:51 – Breathwork, neurofeedback, psychedelics & inner child work 22:56 – Why trauma responses aren’t conscious choices 27:04 – How healing changes relationships and attracts healthier people 28:37 – Addiction, trauma, and the body trying to feel safe 34:33 – Post-traumatic growth and reclaiming your life 37:59 – Final takeaway: “You are not broken.” 📚 Resources Mentioned 🎧 The Neuro’s Journey Podcast (A podcast exploring trauma, healing, leadership, nervous system regulation, and personal growth.) 🧠 Neurofeedback / QEEG Brain Scanning 📖 Work and concepts from Dr. Daniel Amen

    Taboo talk Season 2 Episode 11 You’re Not Broken: Trauma, the Nervous System & Learning to Feel Safe Again  with Steve Soporn
  7. May 5

    Taboo Talk Season 2 Episode 10 When Who You Were No Longer Fits: Rediscovering Your Spark in Midlife with Heike Yates

    🔑 Main Topics / Takeaways The quiet unraveling of identity in midlife and why it’s more common than we think Letting go of old identities (like “the runner”) and grieving who we used to be Why “reinventing yourself” is the wrong approach—and what to do instead The importance of resetting, not restarting, and honoring your lived experience How to find your “spark” again through curiosity, small steps, and self-trust     🗣️ Intriguing Quotes “Something that once fit really well… doesn’t anymore.” “You don’t need to reinvent yourself—you need to reset.” “Stop dimming your light and pursue your spark.”     ⏱️ Key Moments 00:00 – Introduction: the quiet shifts of midlife 02:14 – Heike’s “aha moments” and evolving identity 05:30 – Pushing harder… until the body says no 06:59 – The wake-up call: burnout and physical breakdown 10:32 – Losing identity as a runner and grieving the change 15:04 – The healing power of Pilates and slowing down 18:00 – Identity, community, and letting go of who you were 21:53 – Moving forward without looking back 23:34 – Why sparks change over time 28:04 – The story behind Pursue Your Spark 32:50 – Your spark doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be yours 38:07 – Why “reinvention” is the wrong mindset 42:09 – Finding your next step when you feel stuck 44:29 – Final message: stop dimming your light 👤Guest Heike Yates is a Midlife Fitness Expert, author, and creator of the SPARK Framework. She helps midlife women navigate seasons when what used to work no longer fits and routines feel harder to follow than they used to. With over 35 years of experience in fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching, Heike supports women who feel stuck in the gap between knowing what matters and actually following through. Her approach is practical, compassionate, and designed for real life — not ideal days. She is the host of the Pursue Your Spark Podcast and award-winning author of Pursue Your Spark, where she blends science and lived experience to help women rebuild self-trust and move forward with steady steps, without guilt, extremes, or starting over.

    Taboo Talk Season 2 Episode 10 When Who You Were No Longer Fits: Rediscovering Your Spark in Midlife  with Heike Yates

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Taboo Talk with Sarah is the podcast that breaks the silence on life’s toughest challenges. From grief and mental wellness to caregiving and the cracks in the healthcare system, we dive into the topics no one talks about but everyone feels. Together, we’ll foster hope, build connection, and remind you that you’re never alone.