The Chronically Unbalanced’s Podcast

The Loss of Tara's Brother | A Brief but Unbreakable Bond.

In this heartfelt episode of the Chronically Unbalanced podcast, Tara Jackson opens up to Sarah and Megs about the devastating loss of her older brother Robbie, who passed away at just 19.
Tara, only 18 at the time, reflects on the deeply close bond they shared and how the brevity of their time together shaped her grief.
She candidly discusses the unexpected moments when grief hits the hardest and the journey to healing through EMDR therapy.
This episode offers insight into the complexity of loss, mental health struggles, and the power of therapy.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions on mental health and suicide.
Sponsored by Haus of Wyld:
This episode of The Chronically Unbalanced is proudly sponsored by Haus of Wyld, where Sherri brings her professional hair and makeup expertise to every project.
Specialising in film/TV, commercials, editorial, fashion, and bridal beauty, Sherri has worked on a variety of high-profile projects, ensuring each client looks and feels their best. From film sets to weddings, her work reflects a dedication to perfection and creativity.
To learn more about Sherri’s exceptional work and explore her services, visit Haus of Wyld. Whether you're preparing for a special event or looking to enhance your on-camera look, Haus of Wyld is here to bring your beauty vision to life.
* Special thanks to the voiceover artist for their professional work on our advertisements. You can find Jeremy at That Alter Guy
 

Bel's Battle | A Raw Journey Through Stage 4 Breast Cancer

In this powerful episode of The Chronically Unbalanced Podcast, Bel sits down with Sarah and Megan and shares her incredibly raw and candid journey with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
Diagnosed in 2019, she continues to fight this relentless disease, undergoing treatment every few weeks. 
From the moment she discovered something was wrong while at a concert to her experience with a mastectomy, this conversation delves deep into the realities of living with terminal cancer.
Her openness and strength are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive topics related to health and illness that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to a crisis support service in your area. You are not alone.
* Special thanks to the voiceover artist for their professional work on our advertisements. You can find Jeremy at That Alter Guy.
 

Stuart's Journey: Part Two | Overcoming Challenges and Finding Resilience

In Part Two of this two-part episode of The Chronically Unbalanced, we continue Stuart’s powerful story. After discussing the emotional and social challenges of growing up gay during the AIDS epidemic, Stuart takes us through the diagnosis journey that led him to Parkinson’s and the intense emotional battles that followed.
Stuart opens up about the deep mental health struggles that affected his journey to health, including the heartbreak of losing his partner to suicide and how he found strength through adversity. He discusses his experience with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery and what it has meant for his life moving forward.
This episode continues to touch on themes of mental health and resilience, offering a raw and inspiring look at Stuart’s fight to overcome life’s challenges, both physical and emotional.
Disclaimer: This episode discusses mental health, suicide, and the AIDS epidemic. Listener discretion is advised.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or needs support, please reach out to ACON or Beyond Blue.
You can find more information and support on the ACON Website. Or please contact Beyond Blue. 
 
 
 

Stuart's Journey: Part One | A Story of Diagnosis, Struggles, and Resilience

In this powerful episode of Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with Stuart, who opens up about his long and challenging journey to a Parkinson's diagnosis. After being misdiagnosed with MS for many years, Stuart eventually learned the truth about his condition and underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery at a relatively young age.
Stuart's story is not just about medical struggles—it’s also about the emotional and mental health battles he’s faced throughout his life. He shares the heartbreaking reasons he put his health on the back burner for so long, including the trauma of growing up gay in England during the AIDS epidemic and losing his partner to suicide.
This episode touches on heavy themes such as mental health, suicide, and the impact of the AIDS crisis. Please note that it may be triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available.
Join us as Stuart bravely opens up about his journey, providing an honest and raw look at living with Parkinson’s, mental health challenges, and the resilience needed to overcome it all.
Disclaimer:This episode discusses mental health, suicide, and the AIDS epidemic. Listener discretion is advised.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or needs support, please reach out to ACON or Beyond Blue.
You can find more information and support on the ACON Website. Or please contact Beyond Blue. 
 

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.