The Chronically Unbalanced’s Podcast

From Female to Male | Shane's path to becoming HIM-self.

In this inspiring episode of The Chronically Unbalanced, Peg Leg Meg and Sarah sit down with a courageous trans man who shares his deeply personal journey of self-discovery and the challenges of transitioning.
From growing up feeling different but not having the words to express it, to coming out as gay in high school, and ultimately transitioning in university, his story is one of perseverance, resilience, and finding peace in a world that often makes that path difficult.
He opens up about the hardships of accessing gender-affirming care in Australia, the impact of rising anti-trans rhetoric, and the constant fight for trans rights, both locally and globally.
Join us for a conversation on navigating identity, healing, and the ongoing battle for dignity and rights in a rapidly changing world.
 
Disclaimer: This episode includes discussions of mental health struggles, coming out, and the personal experiences of transitioning and being part of the LGBTQ+ community.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or needs support, please reach out to ACON.
ACON is an Australian organisation that provides support and resources for people in the LGBTQ+ community, including mental health services, advocacy, and information on gender-affirming care.
You can find more information and support on the ACON Website.
 

Surviving the Bali Bombing | Lana Pilar

In this powerful episode, Lana shares her personal account of the 2005 Bali bombing—an experience she’s never spoken about publicly until now.
What began as a family holiday at Jimbaran Bay turned into a nightmare when a terrorist suicide bomber took the lives of three innocent friends and critically injured others.
Lana was there in Bali, and for the first time ever, she bravely recounts her experience of survival, loss, and the strength it took to move forward after such a catastrophic event.
This is her story, raw and real.
Disclaimer: This episode contains sensitive content, including discussions of terrorism, suicide, mental health, and eating disorders. Listener discretion is advised. The stories shared in this episode may be triggering or upsetting for some individuals. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, suicide, or eating disorders, please seek support from a professional or contact a helpline. Remember, it’s important to reach out to those who can offer help and support.
If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to a crisis support service in your area. You are not alone.
 
 

Closets Are for Clothes, Not People! | BONUS EP

SURPRISE! Our co-hosts have more in common than just their disabilities, they are also women loving women and married to their beautiful wives.
Coming out can be awkward and sometimes it’s hilarious. In this episode, we’re spilling the tea on our own coming out stories, the wild (and sometimes weird) reactions we got, and how life with our incredible wives is everything we hoped for—and more.
But we also know that not everyone’s coming out journey is easy. If you’re struggling or need support, ACON is here to help. You can reach them at 1800 063 060 or visit www.acon.org.au.
So grab a drink (or a U-Haul), and join us for some laughs, love, and a reminder that closets are strictly for clothes. 🌈

Discovering his father's dark secret | Pat Picton

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Pat as he shares the shocking story of discovering his father’s dark secret. What started as a seemingly ordinary day turned into a life-altering moment when Pat learned that his father had been arrested for the possession of illegal child images.
With raw honesty, Pat walks us through the emotional turmoil, the questions that haunted him, and the impact this revelation had on his family and personal identity. He opens up about navigating grief, anger, and shame while finding a path toward healing and resilience.
This conversation is a testament to the strength it takes to confront painful truths and reclaim your own story. Join us for a deeply moving episode about betrayal, self-discovery, and the power of speaking your truth.
 
Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of sensitive and potentially distressing topics, including child exploitation and familial betrayal. Listener discretion is strongly advised, especially for those who may find these subjects triggering.
Our goal is to share Pat’s story with honesty and respect, shedding light on the emotional impact of uncovering such a devastating truth. If you or someone you know has been affected by similar experiences, please consider seeking support from a trusted friend, counsellor, or professional resource.
If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to a crisis support service in your area. You are not alone.

Chronic Illness, Unfiltered | Sarah Chippindale's MS Story

In this weeks, raw, honest, and hilarious episode, Sarah takes us through her journey of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) over 15 years ago.
From the shock of the diagnosis to the highs and lows that followed, Sarah’s story is one of resilience, humour, and real talk. She opens up about the challenges of living with a chronic illness, navigating the ups and downs of mental health, and finding laughter even in the darkest moments.
While Sarah's journey is inspiring, we also acknowledge that some topics discussed in this episode may be triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please know that help is available. For support, reach out to Beyond Blue Australia at 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au for resources and assistance.
Join us for an unforgettable conversation filled with vulnerability, hope, and plenty of laughs.

Peg Leg Meg | The story of becoming an amputee

In this deeply personal episode, our very own co-host, Megs aka Peg Leg Meg - opens up about the life-changing accident that led to her becoming a below knee amputee just three months ago. 
With raw honesty and a touch of humour, Megs shares the details of that day, the challenges of recovery, and the resilience that has carried her through. From navigating rehab to embracing her new reality, she reflects on the determination and mindset that has kept her moving forward. 
This is an episode filled with inspiration, vulnerability, and the unfiltered truth about life after limb loss. 
 
PLEASE NOTE: We are strong advocates for mental health, and we understand that some of the topics discussed today may be triggering. If anything has affected you, we strongly encourage you to reach out for support. You’re not alone, help is available. Please consider contacting Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636 or exploring additional mental health resources in your area. Your well-being matters.

Welcome to the Chaos!

It's finally here! - Our very first episode! We are so pumped to kick off this podcast and bring you along for the ride. In this episode, we introduce ourselves, share a bit about how this wild idea came to life and dive into some classic banter that sets the tone for what's to come. Expect laughs, random tangents, and a glimpse into the friendship that started it all. 
This is just the beginning of our weekly episodes, and we can't wait to have you along for the journey. Buckle up - it's going to be a fun one!
Please note: We are strong advocates for mental health, and we understand that some of the topics discussed today may be triggering. If anything has affected you, we strongly encourage you to reach out for support. You’re not alone, help is available. Please consider contacting Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636 or exploring additional mental health resources in your area. Your well-being matters.

Teaser Ep | The Chronically Unbalanced

The Chronically Unbalanced is a podcast where two besties, bonded by their shared experiences of trauma, dive headfirst into the messy, raw and often hilarious side of healing. Each week, we bring on incredible guests to share their stories of resilience, heartbreak and triumph. Together, we tackle tough conversations with a healthy dose of dark humour and laughs. Whether you're looking for inspiration, solidarity, or just a space to laugh through the chaos, this podcast is your unapologetically real guide to navigating life's curveballs.