The Pursuit of Freedom

Rosie Burrows
The Pursuit of Freedom

G’day, and welcome to the Pursuit of Freedom podcast! Tune in to unpack what freedom truly means to you so you can start taking action TODAY to make your free, rich life a reality. After each episode, you will be one step closer to uncovering who you are when you step away from society’s expectations and follow your heart. So the only question that remains is, "Are you ready to stop settling and start truly living? "

  1. 87: Dancing with Trauma and Our Journey Towards Healing with Ronika Merl

    APR 21

    87: Dancing with Trauma and Our Journey Towards Healing with Ronika Merl

    In this episode, I sit down with Ronika Merl for a deep conversation about storytelling, trauma, and the messy, nonlinear path to healing. We talk about how sharing our stories helps us process pain, why acceptance is a huge part of personal growth, and the power of authentic connections. Ronika shares her take on aging as a privilege and why freedom means living life at your own pace, without society’s expectations weighing you down. This conversation is a reminder that our experiences, both good and bad, shape who we are, and that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have for making sense of it all. 💡 Key Takeaways Authentic connections are more valuable than sales pitches.Storytelling is a fundamental aspect of human experience.Everyone has a unique and extraordinary life story.Trauma can shape our identities but does not define us.Healing is a journey that requires patience and self-love.Acceptance is a natural part of the healing process.Freedom is the ability to pursue life at your own pace.Aging should be seen as a privilege and an opportunity for growth.We can learn from our traumas and dance with them.Self-love can start with just 10 seconds of acceptance. 🔗 Links/Resources Learn more about Ronika: https://www.ronikamerl.com/ 📖 Chapters 00:00 Authenticity in Connection 03:13 The Art of Storytelling 06:13 The Role of Trauma in Storytelling 09:23 The Healing Power of Storytelling 27:31 Navigating Trauma and Healing 30:49 The Dance with Trauma 36:40 Understanding Grief and Healing 41:58 The Tennis Ball Analogy of Grief 47:13 Embracing Grief as a Companion 48:40 Navigating Grief and Acceptance 52:12 The Challenge of Letting Go 54:23 The Journey of Self-Love 01:00:26 Defining Freedom 01:07:10 Embracing Life's Adventures ---------- Send a tip to say thanks: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/support ---------- 🎤 Send me a voicemail: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/contact ⭐️ Leave a review: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/leaveareview ✉️ Join the email list: https://subscribepage.io/freedom 🎙️ Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/guest ----------

    1h 11m
  2. 86: Grief is like moving into a new town and not knowing anybody with Lynn Banis

    APR 14

    86: Grief is like moving into a new town and not knowing anybody with Lynn Banis

    In this episode, I chat with Dr. Lynne Banis, who has faced unimaginable loss—losing her mother, brother, and husband in a short span of time. She shares her personal experience with grief and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it, from the deep psychological impact to the unexpected ways it can reshape who we are. We talk about the importance of community support, the different ways people cope, and why finding your tribe is essential in the healing process. Dr. Banis also opens up about the journey of moving forward, how grief can redefine our identity, and the surprising personal growth that can come from profound loss. 💡 Key Takeaways Grief is a traumatic upset of the brain and emotions.It's important to define grief in personal terms.Life before grief can feel drastically different.Each loss can evoke different types of grief.Busy coping mechanisms can lead to burnout.Finding a supportive community is crucial.Avoiding hurtful phrases can help in conversations about grief.Offering genuine support can make a difference.Grief can be isolating; finding your tribe is essential.Moving forward does not mean forgetting the lost loved one. 📖 Chapters 00:00 Understanding Grief: A Personal Journey 03:34 The Nature of Grief and Its Impact 06:38 Navigating Loss: Different Types of Grief 09:37 Coping Mechanisms: Busy vs. Reflective 12:36 Finding Support: The Importance of Community 15:39 What Not to Say: Common Missteps in Grief Conversations 18:37 How to Support Someone in Grief 21:27 Creating Healing Memories 24:41 Moving Forward with Grief 27:36 Finding Your Tribe: Building a Support Network 31:44 Navigating Grief: Finding Hope and Healing 35:12 Rewiring the Mind: Adjusting to Loss 39:17 Shifting Mindsets: From Grief to Growth 44:50 The Complexity of Moving On 51:08 Honoring the Past: Living with Loss 55:28 Empowerment in Grief: Finding Your Strength 01:00:40 00.New Outro_2025.mp4  ---------- Send a tip to say thanks: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/support ---------- 🎤 Send me a voicemail: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/contact ⭐️ Leave a review: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/leaveareview ✉️ Join the email list: https://subscribepage.io/freedom 🎙️ Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/guest ----------

    1h 2m
  3. 85: Talking grief with Angela Clement

    APR 7

    85: Talking grief with Angela Clement

    💡 Key Takeaways Grief is a unique and sacred process for everyone.The five stages of grief are not a linear path.Healing through grief can lead to self-discovery.Support from others is crucial during the grieving process.It's important to acknowledge and honor one's grief.Grief can transform into gratitude and appreciation over time.Helping others can be a powerful part of healing.Coping mechanisms vary; it's essential to find what works for you.Relationships may change after a loss; some may grow stronger while others fade.Freedom comes from knowing who you are and what you want. 🔗 Links/Resources Find all Angela's resources and offerings on her website, including the links to my weekly podcast, Awaken Your Soul's Journey: Embracing Grief as a Pathway to Transformation: https://www.healingenergy.world/ 📖 Chapters 00:00 Understanding Grief: A Personal Journey 06:17 The Five Stages of Grief: A Misconception 10:41 Healing Through Grief: A New Perspective 14:24 Embracing Emotions: The Role of Sadness 19:43 Navigating Triggers: Finding Peace in Memories 22:46 Support Systems: Finding the Right Help 27:29 The Role of Grief Coaches 29:50 Navigating Support During Grief 32:10 Acknowledging Painful Days 33:57 Changing Relationships in Grief 35:54 Finding Balance in Grieving 37:17 Angela's Journey of Discovery 40:01 The Healing Power of Sharing Stories 42:12 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Discovery 45:11 The Journey Back to Self 49:07 Defining Freedom Through Grief 51:04 00.New Outro_2025.mp4 ---------- Send a tip to say thanks: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/support ---------- 🎤 Send me a voicemail: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/contact ⭐️ Leave a review: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/leaveareview ✉️ Join the email list: https://subscribepage.io/freedom 🎙️ Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/guest ----------

    52 min
  4. 84: Healing Through Creativity - A Doctor’s Journey to Artistic Freedom With Vasu Tolia

    MAR 31

    84: Healing Through Creativity - A Doctor’s Journey to Artistic Freedom With Vasu Tolia

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Vasu Tolia, a former paediatrician and medical researcher who made the bold decision to leave her established career and pursue a life of creativity through art. We explore the intersection of medicine and creativity, how artistic expression can be a powerful tool for healing, and what it takes to embrace a second career later in life. Dr. Tolia shares how she overcame self-doubt, external criticism, and the fear of starting over, ultimately redefining her success on her own terms. Whether you're considering a big life change or simply want to tap into your creativity, this conversation will inspire you to take that leap. 💡 Key Takeaways Creativity is Everywhere: It’s not just about painting or music—problem-solving, cooking, and even making lists can be creative.Overcoming Self-Doubt: Reinventing yourself requires resilience and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.Healing Through Art: Creativity isn’t just an outlet—it can reduce stress, boost mental health, and foster personal growth.Aligning Passion with Purpose: True fulfillment comes from using your skills to serve both yourself and others.Freedom is a Mindset: Sometimes, the biggest barriers are internal, and breaking free requires courage. 🔗 Links/Resources Learn more about Vasu: https://www.vasutolia.art/ 📖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Career Transitions and the Power of Creativity 00:46 Meet Dr. Vasu Tolia: From Medicine to Art 02:01 How Creativity Exists in Every Profession (Even Medicine) 04:04 What is Creativity? A Fresh Perspective 06:45 The Science Behind Art’s Healing Power 09:04 The Challenges of Reinventing Yourself 12:33 Letting Go of External Expectations 15:09 Success on Your Own Terms: Why Awards Aren’t Everything 18:26 How Art Helped Dr. Tolia Redefine Her Identity 20:34 Using Creativity to Navigate Stress and Life Transitions 25:02 Why Everyone Has Creativity (Even If You Think You Don’t) 28:56 The Mindset Shift Required for Reinvention 31:08 What Freedom Means to Dr. Tolia 36:03 Final Reflections: Actively Creating Your Own Freedom  ---------- Send a tip to say thanks: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/support ---------- 🎤 Send me a voicemail: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/contact ⭐️ Leave a review: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/leaveareview ✉️ Join the email list: https://subscribepage.io/freedom 🎙️ Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/guest ----------

    43 min
  5. 83: Signs of Burnout and Misalignment, and the Importance of Values with Mary Guerdoux Harries

    MAR 24

    83: Signs of Burnout and Misalignment, and the Importance of Values with Mary Guerdoux Harries

    In this episode, I sit down with Mary Guerdoux-Harries, a core energy coach who helps women design a life they love without burning out. Mary shares her journey from working in corporate engineering to finding purpose in coaching, highlighting the wake-up calls that led her to reevaluate her path. We dive into how stress, overwhelm, and those little moments of "outbursting" can signal deeper misalignment in our lives, and she walks us through practical steps to reconnect with our values. Mary also opens up about her experience as an assault survivor, sharing how she found healing, reclaimed her story, and stepped into her power. This is an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about self-discovery, courage, and what it truly means to live a "free-range" life. 💡 Key Takeaways Signs of Burnout and Misalignment: How to recognize when your life needs a shift.The Power of Core Values: Aligning your choices with what truly matters.Reclaiming Your Story: The importance of owning your narrative in healing.Breaking Free from "Shoulds": Letting go of external expectations and guilt.Small Steps to Big Change: How to take action without feeling overwhelmed. 🔗 Links/Resources Try out Mary's energy profiler to get an understanding of how well your energy is working for you today: https://mary-liccsnha.scoreapp.com/ 📖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction: No Editing Experiment & Episode Overview 02:15 Meet Mary Guerdoux-Harries: From Engineering to Coaching 05:29 The Wake-Up Call: Realizing Life Needed to Change 07:35 The Turning Point: From Corporate Burnout to a Free-Range Life 10:54 Identifying the Signs: When Stress and "Outbursting" Take Over 13:02 Why Some People Stay Stuck (and What Finally Pushes Them to Change) 16:26 Do You Have to Hit Rock Bottom to Change? 19:59 The Emotional and Physical Toll of Misalignment 21:21 Practical Questions to Identify What’s Really Going On 24:06 Should You Work with a Coach? How Outside Support Can Help 26:28 The Myth of "The Right Time" to Make a Change 30:45 Owning Your Story: Mary’s Journey to Speaking Publicly About Her Trauma 35:48 Healing After Trauma: How Somatic Therapy Helped Mary Move Forward 40:12 The Power of Speaking Your Truth and Sharing Your Story 45:22 Redefining Freedom and Designing a Life You Love 50:03 Final Reflections: Takeaways for Your Own Journey ---------- Send a tip to say thanks: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/support ---------- 🎤 Send me a voicemail: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/contact ⭐️ Leave a review: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/leaveareview ✉️ Join the email list: https://subscribepage.io/freedom 🎙️ Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/guest ----------

    1h 6m
  6. 82: Healing Trauma Without Reliving It: A Groundbreaking Approach with Kasia Makuch-Cole

    MAR 17

    82: Healing Trauma Without Reliving It: A Groundbreaking Approach with Kasia Makuch-Cole

    In this episode, I sit down with Kasia Makuch-Cole, a psychotherapist and founder of Balance Psychotherapy Clinic, to explore a refreshing, body-focused approach to mental health. Kasia challenges traditional therapy models that prioritize storytelling and diagnoses, advocating instead for working with body sensations and emotions to process trauma and find balance. We discuss how sensations in the body can reveal deeper emotions, the role of self-compassion, and why mental health isn’t just about the mind—it’s about the entire nervous system. If you’ve ever felt frustrated with conventional mental health approaches, this conversation will open your eyes to a whole new way of healing. 💡 Key Takeaways Mental Health is More Than the Mind: Healing involves the body, emotions, and nervous system.Trauma Lives in the Body: You don’t have to retell your story to heal from it.Self-Compassion is Key: A nurturing approach to emotions leads to deeper healing.Body Awareness Matters: Understanding sensations can help process emotions.Joy Over Happiness: Instead of chasing happiness, focus on cultivating lasting joy. 🔗 Links/Resources Check out Liz's app, Basic Psych: https://balancepsychotherapy.passion.io/. The app aims to help individuals live a life filled with meaning, purpose, and joy. 📖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction: A New Approach to Mental Health 02:12 Meet Kasia Makuch-Cole: Psychotherapist & Founder of Balance Psychotherapy Clinic 03:36 The Problem with Traditional Therapy Approaches 06:08 Trauma Lives in the Body—Not Just the Mind 09:26 The Role of Affect: Understanding Body Sensations 12:42 Why Naming Emotions Can Limit Healing 15:10 A Live Demonstration: Connecting with the Body’s Signals 21:14 How to Cultivate Self-Compassion and Emotional Safety 25:42 The Impact of Stress and the Nervous System 30:14 Healing Isn’t Just Psychological—It’s Biological Too 35:28 The Role of Diet and Physical Health in Mental Wellbeing 40:12 The Difference Between Joy and Happiness 45:26 How to Align with Your Values for a Simpler, More Meaningful Life 50:03 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways  ---------- Send a tip to say thanks: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/support ---------- 🎤 Send me a voicemail: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/contact ⭐️ Leave a review: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/leaveareview ✉️ Join the email list: https://subscribepage.io/freedom 🎙️ Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/guest ----------

    1h 35m
  7. 81. Identifying your core values will get you unstuck

    MAR 3

    81. Identifying your core values will get you unstuck

    In this episode, I get real about burnout, feeling stuck, and how I’m recalibrating my life and this podcast. After months of pushing myself too hard, I’ve realised that two episodes a week isn’t sustainable, and it’s time to shift gears. I open up about the challenges I’ve been facing—being stuck in one place due to van troubles, financial stress, and questioning my direction. But instead of spiraling, I went back to my core values, an exercise I first shared in episode three, and I’m walking you through it again. If you’re feeling stuck, lost, or just need a reset, this episode will help you realign with what truly matters so you can start making decisions that feel right for you. 💡 Key Takeaways Burnout and Recalibration: Recognizing when something isn’t working and adjusting.Feeling Stuck: Why it happens and how to shift your mindset.Core Values Exercise: A practical method for gaining clarity and direction.Letting Go of Expectations: Why we default to what’s familiar and how to break the cycle.Courage and Self-Belief: Making bold decisions that align with who you are.Taking Action: Small steps today lead to big changes in the future. 🔗 Links/Resources Listen to episode 3Follow me on TikTok: tiktok.com/@burrawayDownload a copy of the *free* PDF to uncover your core values: kookalini.kit.com/values 📖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Burnout and Feeling Stuck 00:43 The Reality of Podcast Burnout and Making Changes 02:24 Why I’m Scaling Back to One Episode a Week 03:18 Feeling Trapped: Van Troubles, Money Stress, and Doubt 04:42 Remembering Episode 3: My Own Advice on Feeling Stuck 06:25 Revisiting Core Values: Why It Matters 09:06 How to Identify Your Core Values (Step-by-Step) 12:38 Truth, Courage, and Self-Belief: My Updated Core Values 16:42 Recognizing When You’re Straying from Your Values 19:31 Small Actions to Start Walking in Alignment Today 22:55 Red Flags That Signal You’re Operating Outside Your Values 25:42 Finding Support: Who Can Hold You Accountable? 27:05 The Power of Decision-Making and Moving Forward 28:03 What’s Next: Big, Scary, Exciting Changes Ahead!  ---------- Send a tip to say thanks: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/support ---------- 🎤 Send me a voicemail: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/contact ⭐️ Leave a review: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/leaveareview ✉️ Join the email list: https://subscribepage.io/freedom 🎙️ Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/guest ----------

    29 min
  8. 80: Why I shaved my head, and society's double standards

    FEB 16

    80: Why I shaved my head, and society's double standards

    I shaved all my hair off, live on TikTok. What started as a spontaneous challenge turned into one of the most liberating experiences of my life. But what I didn’t expect were people assuming I was sick, having a meltdown, or that I would regret my decision. In this episode, I share why I shaved it all off, the fears I had before doing it, and the surprising confidence boost that followed. Plus, we dive into the deeper societal beliefs around women and hair because, let’s be real, if I were a guy, no one would be asking if I was okay. 💡 Key Takeaways Sometimes, the things we think we “have to” do (like having long hair) are just habits we’ve never questioned.Fear of judgment often holds us back, but once we push through, we realize how little it actually matters.True confidence comes from feeling comfortable in yourself—not from fitting into beauty standards.People’s reactions say more about them than they do about you.Letting go of something you thought defined you can be incredibly freeing. 🔗 Links/Resources Follow me on TikTok 📖 Chapters [00:00:44] Intro: It’s been a while since I did a solo episode! [00:01:08] My complicated relationship with my hair. [00:02:49] The realization: Why do I have to have hair at all? [00:03:34] My biggest fear before shaving it off. [00:04:24] The TikTok challenge that sealed my fate. [00:04:49] The exhilarating experience of shaving my head live. [00:06:11] The unexpected confidence boost I never saw coming. [00:07:10] The wild reactions—cancer, mental breakdowns, and concern. [00:09:26] The deep-rooted beliefs we hold about hair and identity. [00:10:11] Why I love my shaved head and don’t plan on growing it back. [00:11:17] Wrapping up: More solo episodes to come? Let me know! ---------- Send a tip to say thanks: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/support ---------- 🎤 Send me a voicemail: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/contact ⭐️ Leave a review: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/leaveareview ✉️ Join the email list: https://subscribepage.io/freedom 🎙️ Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/guest ----------

    12 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

G’day, and welcome to the Pursuit of Freedom podcast! Tune in to unpack what freedom truly means to you so you can start taking action TODAY to make your free, rich life a reality. After each episode, you will be one step closer to uncovering who you are when you step away from society’s expectations and follow your heart. So the only question that remains is, "Are you ready to stop settling and start truly living? "

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