I'm In Control

Emmilia O'sullivan

"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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 10/05/2025

    Lessons in Leadership, Loss and Legacy (with Billie Sharp)

    In this episode of I'm in Control, I sit down with powerhouse business coach and entrepreneur Billie Sharp to uncover her remarkable journey of resilience, reinvention, and impact. Raised by a single mum, surviving childhood abuse, and living on her own from the age of 16, Billie transformed adversity into strength—working multiple jobs as a teenager before rising into upper management and eventually building five thriving businesses. Billie shares how hitting financial rock bottom after the birth of her daughter forced her to rethink everything, leading her to embrace entrepreneurship with courage and vision. We dive into her philosophy on delegation, leadership, and the real meaning of wealth—choosing freedom, family, and fulfilment over burnout. She also opens up about her trauma recovery journey, giving up drinking, and how healing herself has amplified her impact in business and in life. With a passion for helping others, Billie proves that generosity, strategy, and hard work can change lives far beyond your own. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Billie’s story of resilience and adaptability 05:00 – Growing up fast: working three jobs at 16 and moving out on her own 12:00 – From corporate success to financial struggle and rebuilding 18:00 – Starting her first business and scaling to five companies 25:00 – Delegation, leadership, and redefining freedom in business 35:00 – Rejecting victim mentality and embracing accountability 45:00 – Trauma recovery, giving up drinking, and taking control of healing This episode is a powerful conversation about grit, growth, and giving back. Billie’s honesty and boldness will inspire you to back yourself, break through limitations, and create the life and business you truly want.

    50 min
  7. 09/21/2025

    Redefining Safety and Self-Worth (Angelina Badri’s Story)

    In this episode of I'm in Control, I sit down with the remarkable Angelina Badri, founder and director of Universal Safety Wellness Abhiyan. Angelina shares her powerful journey from aspiring educator to global advocate for safety and wellness in high-risk industries. She opens up about the pivotal moment that shaped her mission — witnessing the devastating impact of a workplace accident — and how it fuelled her passion to protect and empower workers. We dive into the realities of burnout, fatigue, and toxic workplaces, and how reframing our beliefs, building resilience, and celebrating small wins can shift the way we lead and live. Angelina also speaks candidly about navigating bias as a woman in male-dominated industries, the importance of humour and connection, and why every worker — from executives to frontline operators — deserves to feel valued and heard. 00:00 - Introduction: Angelina’s mission to transform workplace safety and wellbeing 05:00 - Witnessing a life-changing workplace injury and becoming an advocate 10:00 - Understanding burnout, fatigue, and resilience in high-risk industries 15:00 - Reframing self-worth and taking back personal power 20:00 - Showing up differently: embodiment, leadership, and authentic presence 25:00 - Disrupting bias, building connection, and valuing every worker 30:00 - Taking control: creating your own story and future This conversation is both practical and deeply human, reminding us that safety is about more than systems and processes — it’s about people. Angelina’s courage, humour, and vision shine through as she challenges us to live authentically, value ourselves, and take back control of our own stories.

    32 min

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.