The Chronically Unbalanced’s Podcast

On this weeks episode..
In this crossover with 10 Ninety - Mason, Sarah, and Megan sit down with Holly O'Malley, who grew up as "Summer's little sister" in a town that never forgot a fatal car accident. Holly talks about Sundays at the cemetery, losing her mum at 11, watching her dad slowly die from brain cancer, and what it does to your sense of self when grief is all you've ever known.
This episode is blunt, darkly funny at times, and painfully honest about not wanting to be here—and staying anyway. 
 
This weeks episode sponsor - Maret Styling @maretlarnachstyling 
https://maretlarnach.com/ 

On this weeks episode...
Some stories are difficult to hear.
Some stories are impossible to imagine.
And some stories remind you just how fragile, precious and unpredictable life can be.
Tomorrow, we are joined all the way from the USA by Mason Sawyer from 10ninety Podcast, who shares one of the most heartbreaking stories we have ever had the privilege of hearing.
In 2021, Mason lost his wife, two of his three children, his brother and his nephew in a devastating car accident.
Five people from one family. Gone in an instant.
Mason opens up about grief, unimaginable loss, finding a way to keep going, and what life looks like when the people you love most are suddenly no longer there.
This is not an episode about having all the answers.
It’s about listening to someone who has lived through something most of us can barely comprehend.
We are incredibly grateful to Mason for trusting us with his story and for sharing it with such honesty, vulnerability and courage.
If you listen, take your time with this one.
And perhaps, when it’s finished, hold your people a little closer. 🤍
 
This episode is possible thanks to this weeks sponsor - Aimee's at Anna Bay 
https://aimeesatannabay.com/ 
 
Guest: @10ninetyrule
Sponsor: @aimeesatannabay

In this episode of Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with Billy Newman.
Billy shares her story of becoming addicted to ice, how it slowly took over her life, and the moment she realised something had to change.
She talks honestly about rock bottom, the hard work of recovery, and what it really takes to rebuild your life when everything feels broken.
This is a powerful conversation about accountability, resilience, and choosing to keep going when giving up would be easier.
Billy’s story is raw, inspiring, and full of hope — especially for anyone who’s been touched by addiction, either personally or through someone they love.
Sponsorship:
This episode is proudly sponsored by the wonderful Skin Rejuvenation Clinic - Salamander Bay
We appreciate your support. 
Trigger Warning:
This episode discusses drug addiction. 

This week on The Chronically Unbalanced, we’re joined by Briony, whose story is one of resilience, advocacy, and navigating life through uncertainty.
Diagnosed in early childhood with brittle bones disease after a series of unexplained fractures, Briony’s journey began with a long and challenging search for answers. By the age of 30, she had experienced more than 30 broken bones—each one shaping her understanding of her body, her limits, and her strength.
But Briony’s story isn’t defined by her diagnosis alone. She’s also a devoted mum, raising children with their own special needs, bringing a deeply personal perspective to caregiving, advocacy, and the realities of living with chronic conditions within a family.
In this episode, Briony shares what it was like growing up without clear answers, the impact of a lifelong condition, and how she balances her own health while supporting her children. Her story is honest, powerful, and a reminder of the strength it takes to keep showing up—especially on the hard days.
 
SPECIAL SHOUTOUT to this weeks sponsor @maretlarnachstyling 

In this episode of Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with Kris Byrnes — coach, blended-family thinker, and host of her own podcast Inside Out With Kris and the Step Parent Podcast.
Kris works with step-parents to help them lead with clarity, confidence and emotional strength. She talks honestly about the push-pull of blended family life, the invisible pressure that comes with not having a “manual,” and how step-parents can find their voice and their calm in the chaos. 
We dive into the real emotional work of connection, identity and leadership in families where no one gets training before they start. Kris keeps it raw, practical and full of insight. 
Whether you’re in a blended family, thinking about it, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will make you feel seen and less alone.
Sponsorship:
This episode is proudly sponsored by the wonderful Rhyse Cains Building 
We appreciate your support. 
 
 

In this episode of Chronically Unbalanced, we’re joined by Amy, whose husband Brad was just 34 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer—only weeks after the birth of their second child.
Amy takes us through their journey: the shock of diagnosis, the whirlwind of surgeries and treatments, the moments of hope, and the reality of facing life and love when the future is uncertain.
She shares how Brad’s strength, humour, and devotion to his family carried them through, and how she’s navigating life after his passing at just 38.
This conversation is raw, honest, and filled with love. It’s a reminder of how quickly life can change, how fiercely we can fight for the people we love, and how important it is to share these stories.
Sponsorship:
This episode is proudly sponsored by the wonderful Spotlock Marine
We appreciate your support. 
Trigger Warning:
This episode discusses cancer, terminal illness, and the death of a loved one. Please take care while listening.
 

On December 15, 2014, a regular Sydney morning turned into the unimaginable.
At Martin Place’s Lindt Café, 18 people—including Louisa Hope—were held for hours in a brutal hostage situation
This is the biggest and most powerful conversation we’ve ever had on The Chronically Unbalanced.
On what began as an ordinary December morning in Sydney, Louisa Hope walked into a café for a cup of coffee with her mother. Within minutes, her life changed forever. She was among those taken hostage in what became one of Australia’s most shocking events.
In this special two-part series, Louisa shares her story in her own words—what it was like inside, the fear and uncertainty of those hours, and the split-second moments that stayed with her forever.
She also opens up about the years that followed, the challenges of recovery, and the ways she’s found strength, purpose, and even hope after unimaginable trauma.
Sponsorship:
This episode is proudly sponsored by the wonderful Lu and Co
We appreciate your support. 
Trigger Warning:
This episode contains discussion of traumatic events including terrorism, hostage situations, gun violence, murder, serious injury, and the long-term impacts of trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised, especially for those who may find these topics distressing.
If you need support, you can contact:
Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Victims of Terrorism Australia (VOTA) — 1800 999 037
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7 mental health support)
 

On December 15, 2014, a regular Sydney morning turned into the unimaginable.
At Martin Place’s Lindt Café, 18 people—including Louisa Hope—were held for hours in a brutal hostage situation
This is the biggest and most powerful conversation we’ve ever had on The Chronically Unbalanced.
On what began as an ordinary December morning in Sydney, Louisa Hope walked into a café for a cup of coffee with her mother. Within minutes, her life changed forever. She was among those taken hostage in what became one of Australia’s most shocking events.
In this special two-part series, Louisa shares her story in her own words—what it was like inside, the fear and uncertainty of those hours, and the split-second moments that stayed with her forever.
She also opens up about the years that followed, the challenges of recovery, and the ways she’s found strength, purpose, and even hope after unimaginable trauma.
Sponsorship:
This episode is proudly sponsored by Don't Shrink Me.
They are a Sydney based counselling practise focusing on young people aged 12-25.
 
Trigger Warning:
This episode contains discussion of traumatic events including terrorism, hostage situations, gun violence, murder, serious injury, and the long-term impacts of trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised, especially for those who may find these topics distressing.
If you need support, you can contact:
Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Victims of Terrorism Australia (VOTA) — 1800 999 037
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7 mental health support)
 

On this episode of The Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with Victoria — mum to two beautiful kids, Jack and Chloe — to share her family’s extraordinary journey through one of the toughest challenges a parent can face: waiting for a heart transplant for your child.
At just 18 months old, Jack was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure and spent 11 months on a Berlin Heart before receiving his life-saving donor heart. Victoria opens up about life in the hospital, giving birth to Chloe during their stay, the friendships and heartbreaks along the way, and the immense gratitude they carry for Jack’s “donor angel.”
 
This is a powerful story about resilience, hope, and the life-saving gift of organ donation.
 
A huge thank you to this week's sponsor White Barn Pokolbin.
 
🔔 Trigger warning:This episode may contain discussions of child illness, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if the content feels too heavy for you right now.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
Lifeline (Australia) – 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 – for mental health support and resources
You’re not alone, and help is always available.
 

This week on the podcast, we’re honoured to welcome a very special guest — Kassie.Kassie is a mum of three, a business owner, and someone with a powerful story to share. She’s joining us to talk about her journey with childhood grief after losing her younger brother at a young age — a loss that profoundly shaped her early years and the woman she is today.
In this episode, Kassie opens up about what it was like to grow up with the weight of sibling loss, how it impacted her emotionally and mentally, and how those experiences continue to influence her today as a mother and entrepreneur.
It’s a heartfelt, honest, and deeply important conversation about grief, healing, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. We’re so grateful to Kassie for sharing her story with us.
 
This weeks sponsor @rhyse_cains_building
 
🔔 Trigger warningThis episode may contain discussions of child loss, sibling loss, and mental health struggles, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if the content feels too heavy for you right now.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
Lifeline (Australia) – 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 – for mental health support and resources
You’re not alone, and help is always available.