I'm In Control

Emmilia O'sullivan
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"I'm in Control" is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, as I share my journey of defying the odds through resilience and an unshakable will to survive. I'm here to inspire you to face your challenges head-on, find the light in the darkest moments, and embrace the power of a positive mindset.

  1. FEB 8

    Be True to You: Navigating OCD and Business with Nick & Janaya Kennett

    In this episode of I’m In Control, I’m joined by Adelaide-based powerhouse guests Nick and Janaya Kennett. We dive into how Janaya transitioned from marketing into finance to start her own brokerage, Pink Loans, built on transparency rather than being "money hungry". She also shares the mission behind The Janaya Store, which focuses on empowering women through luxury skincare and eco-friendly products. Nick opens up about his streetwear brand, This Is Your Apparel, and the "Be True to You" movement. He speaks candidly about his lived experience with OCD, specifically "thought-based" compulsions, and how he uses his platform to support mental health. Together, we discuss our shared experiences navigating the medical system - from Janaya’s Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis to my own survival story with sepsis and a brain tumour. We explore the power of choice, the importance of standing up for others, and why authenticity is the ultimate way to take back control. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Nick and Janaya Kennett 00:42 – Janaya’s background in finance and starting Pink Loans 02:12 – Nick’s background in PT and mental health 03:22 – The origin of This Is Your Apparel 07:32 – The Janaya Store: Glass bottles and skincare 09:08 – Empowering women through descriptive, positive choices 10:01 – Amelia on celebrating the small wins while recovering 14:53 – Creating a safe space without judgement 20:16 – Janaya’s Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis story 26:18 – Understanding OCD as a compulsion of thoughts, not just cleaning 28:42 – The pre-wedding breakup and finding the right therapist 29:34 – Amelia’s brain tumour diagnosis and medical hurdles 35:14 – Amelia’s survival story: Sepsis, cardiac arrest, and comas 54:06 – Nick takes control by winning back his fiancé

    58 min

  2. JAN 24

    When Prison Becomes the Turning Point (Phoenix Rose’s Journey)

    In this episode of I’m In Control, I sit down with writer, poet and intuitive guide Phoenix Rose for a raw and deeply honest conversation about addiction, prison, healing and reclaiming self-worth. Phoenix shares her lived experience of drug addiction, domestic violence, and being sentenced to almost three years in prison. She opens up about the moment she realised she was ready for change, how prison became a place of deep reflection rather than punishment, and why rehabilitation and lived-experience support are so powerful. We talk about smashing stigma around the prison system, forming meaningful connections behind bars, and the life-changing impact of rehabilitation programs. Phoenix also shares her journey into embodiment, ritual and self-connection, including the creation of her yoni steaming practice as a way to heal deep trauma and reconnect with herself. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, shame can be released, and control doesn’t always come from doing more - sometimes it comes from learning to let go. Episode timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Phoenix Rose 01:15 – Addiction, arrest and sentencing 03:30 – Life before prison and readiness for change 07:00 – Entering prison and early reflections 08:40 – Quiet moments, structure and education inside 11:45 – Friendships and rehabilitation programs 14:00 – The importance of rehab and self-responsibility 15:00 – Writing a book and returning to prisons to give back 18:00 – Embodiment, yoni steaming and healing trauma 22:00 – Self-love, spirituality and lived experience 29:00 – Fear, control and breaking cycles 31:20 – A defining moment of surrender and growth 35:40 – Where to find Phoenix and closing reflections

    36 min

  3. JAN 11

    Letting Go of Control: Anxiety, Food and Resilience with Sammy Barnett

    In this episode of I’m In Control, I sit down with clinical nutritionist, author and speaker Sammy Barnett to explore anxiety, panic disorder, nutrition and the pressure many of us put on ourselves to stay in control. Sammy shares her lived experience of panic attacks from childhood, agoraphobia, and how those challenges led her into nutrition and mental health education. We unpack the strong connection between the gut and the brain, why stress affects how we absorb nutrients, and how an obsession with “eating right” can sometimes create more harm than good. We also talk about orthorexia, people-pleasing, parenting children with anxiety, and why anxiety is often a message from the body rather than something to fight or eliminate. Sammy opens up about writing her book, supporting her own kids through anxiety, and learning to step out of control and into flow. This episode is an honest and grounded conversation about food, fear and resilience, and a reminder that anxiety isn’t the enemy - it’s information. Episode timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Sammy Barnett 03:00 – Living with panic disorder and agoraphobia 06:00 – The gut-brain connection and mental health 09:00 – Orthorexia and diet culture 12:00 – Stress, absorption and balance 15:00 – Parenting children with anxiety 18:30 – Writing a book and reframing anxiety 22:30 – People-pleasing and self-worth 26:00 – Movement, resilience and nervous system regulation 30:30 – Letting go of control and living in flow

    33 min

  4. 12/28/2025

    Finding Joy in the Toughest Times (Laura Grams’ Journey)

    In this episode of I’m in Control, I sit down with the inspiring Laura Grams - better known online as “Little Bags” – to talk about her whirlwind year battling triple‑negative breast cancer. Laura shares how a late‑night scratch led to the discovery of a lump, a flurry of scans and biopsies, and the shocking news that she had one of the more aggressive forms of breast cancer. She dives into the reality of six months of chemotherapy, losing her hair, undergoing a double mastectomy and reconstruction, and how a positive mindset and her cheeky sense of humour kept her going. We also talk about the role of pets in healing, the origin of her quirky nickname, and the importance of self‑advocacy when you feel something isn’t right. Together, we reflect on our own cancer journeys, the frustration of being dismissed by doctors, the power of a supportive network and why you should always trust your gut. Laura also touches on grief after losing her mum, dealing with seizures and a skull fracture during chemo, and why she refuses to be defined by her diagnoses. 00:00 – Introduction: finding a lump, testing and being diagnosed with triple‑negative breast cancer 05:00 – Sharing our chemo stories, staying positive and using humour and music to cope 10:00 – Advocating for your health, the role of pets and building a support network 15:00 – Handling stares, the “Little Bags” nickname and life after a double mastectomy 20:00 – Seizures, mental health, grief and using dance to keep your spirits up This episode is an honest, laughter‑filled conversation about resilience, self‑advocacy and finding joy in the toughest of times. Laura’s energy and openness remind us that even when life throws you curveballs, there’s always a way to dance through the pain and come out stronger on the other side.

    29 min

  5. 12/14/2025

    Healing Through Animals and Self‑Acceptance (Mish Cogley’s Journey)

    In this episode of I’m in Control, I sit down with the remarkable Mish Cogley to explore her unique path as a canine and human behaviour specialist, author and “animal soul alchemist.” Mish opens up about the profound bond she formed with her soulmate dog, Diesel, and how he inspired her to study dog behaviour, work with vets on complex cases and ultimately weave together behavioural science, energetics and somatic practices. She shares how animals became her compass back to life after a period of intense loss and upheaval - including the death of Diesel, a life‑threatening reaction to a Covid vaccine, and the passing of her father and cat all within a year. We also talk about how dogs mirror our own anxieties, why blind or anxious animals don’t need pity, and how animal wisdom can shine a light on our unconscious behaviours. She and Amelia delve into their own healing journeys, the importance of honouring every emotion, and why accepting all parts of ourselves is the ultimate act of taking control. 00:00 – Introduction: Mish’s background as a canine behaviourist and animal soul alchemist, and the series of losses that shaped her 10:00 – Diesel’s story: from reluctant dog owner to animal trainer and how Diesel’s blindness shifted her career and deepened their bond 20:00 – Animals as mirrors: how dogs reflect their owners’ anxieties, the power of animal wisdom and the beginnings of personal development 30:00 – Navigating injury and grief: Mish’s vaccine‑induced illness, losing Diesel, her father and her cat, and choosing to keep going 40:00 – Radical self‑acceptance: blending animal wisdom with soul work, living from your essence and the moment Mish truly took control This episode is a raw and uplifting conversation about love, loss and the lessons our animals teach us. Mish’s honesty and insight remind us that embracing every emotion, honouring our pain and accepting ourselves completely are key to healing.

    44 min

  6. 11/30/2025

    Whole-Self Care, Cricket, and Taking the Leap (Luke Bramichs Journey)

    In this episode of I’m in Control, I chat with Luke Bramich, founder and CEO of Kneadasoothe Allied Health, about building a truly holistic allied-health clinic and backing yourself when it counts. Luke walks us through his path from remedial massage into sports science, the services his team offers (from osteo using counter-strain techniques to one-on-one reformer Pilates, nutrition and rehab), and why treating the person - not just the textbook - gets better results. We talk about mindset, the “pie-chart of thoughts”, and how community, kindness and straight talk can keep recovery on track. Luke also shares how cricket has kept him grounded, the ripple effect of my talk at his club (premiership vibes!), and the moment he took control, stepping up to run the business solo while expecting his first bub. It’s a very Aussie conversation about care, courage and doing the hard things with heart. 00:00 – Intro: Meet Luke and Kneadasoothe Allied Health; evidence-based care with heart 05:00 – From remedial massage to sport science: choosing one-on-one impact over team sport settings 10:00 – Services rundown: remedial, PT, injury rehab, nutrition (incl. online), reformer Pilates, and osteo with counter-strain 15:00 – Mind-body-spirit: aiming for a “360” model (and why a psychologist would round it out) 20:00 – Person over textbook: honest plans, root-cause thinking, and care plans via your GP 25:00 – Word of mouth > main road: building trust, reputation and reviews 30:00 – Cricket & community: leadership behind the scenes and a club-room talk that stuck (plus a long-awaited flag) 35:00 – Mindset chat: managing fear, the positivity pie-chart, and choosing action 40:00 – Taking control: business transition, backing yourself, and the power of support at home 45:00 – Wrap-up: you’re in control—pivot, learn, and keep moving forward

    32 min

  7. 11/16/2025

    Turning Pain into Purpose (Ann Toscano’s Mental Health Mission)

    In this episode of I'm in Control, I sit down with the incredible Ann Toscano - an award-winning mental health advocate, community worker, writer, and musician. Ann shares her powerful journey of transforming lived experiences of trauma and chronic illness into advocacy, creativity, and connection. We talk about how writing and music became her outlets for healing, leading to the release of raw, emotional songs that have reached international audiences. Ann also opens up about founding Bent But Not Breaking, a grassroots initiative that supported families through the challenges of COVID lockdowns, and how her motto - “we can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone” - continues to shape her work. Together, we explore the realities of navigating Australia’s healthcare system with chronic illness, the importance of self-advocacy, and why showing vulnerability is a form of strength. 00:00 - Introduction: Ann’s creative advocacy and lived experience 05:00 - Using writing and music as therapy 10:00 - Mental health challenges and turning struggle into strength 15:00 - Navigating chronic illness and medical systems 20:00 - Founding Bent But Not Breaking and helping others during COVID 30:00 - Finding empathy, purpose, and self-accountability 40:00 - Taking control: redefining healing and mental health This episode is a raw, honest, and empowering conversation about resilience, recovery, and the courage to speak up. Ann’s authenticity and compassion remind us that even in our darkest moments, connection and creativity can light the way forward.

    46 min

  8. 11/02/2025

    Leading with Purpose and Connection (Preetah Bolaky’s Journey)

    In this episode of I'm in Control, I sit down with the inspiring Preetah Bolaky — a global speaker, self-leadership coach, and founder of the Kickass Buddy Movement. Preetah shares her remarkable story of leaving a successful corporate banking career to follow her intuition and create a movement built on connection, empowerment, and purpose. She opens up about what it truly means to lead yourself first, the power of having someone in your corner, and why fulfilment can’t be found in job titles or financial security alone. Preetah also talks about growing up in Mauritius, the lessons of resilience and joy she learned from her parents, and how those values now guide her mission to help others rediscover their “real you.” 00:00 - Introduction: From banking to leadership transformation 05:00 - Creating the Kickass Buddy Movement and tackling loneliness 10:00 - Following intuition and redefining success 15:00 - The five steps to transformation and finding purpose 20:00 - Lessons from Mauritius: happiness, resilience, and gratitude 25:00 - The twelve lessons of personal growth and self-leadership 35:00 - Taking control: choosing courage over comfort This episode is an empowering conversation about courage, self-discovery, and the beauty of human connection. Preetah’s warmth, authenticity, and wisdom remind us that we can all build lives of purpose — when we lead ourselves first and surround ourselves with the right people.

    38 min
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About

"I'm in Control" is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, as I share my journey of defying the odds through resilience and an unshakable will to survive. I'm here to inspire you to face your challenges head-on, find the light in the darkest moments, and embrace the power of a positive mindset.

Information

  • Creator
    Emmilia O'sullivan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit