At 17 weeks pregnant with triplets, Ashleigh Conwell’s life changed forever when her husband Matt passed away suddenly during the height of the pandemic. In this raw and profoundly moving conversation with host Luke Cook, Ashleigh opens up about the identity shift that followed, the brutal reality of solo parenting through grief, and the quiet resilience it takes to keep showing up. From collapsing on the pavement in shock to rising each day with intention, Ashleigh's story is not just one of tr...
Jul 09, 2025•40 min
If you’ve ever struggled to slow down, to feel proud, or to say “I’m enough,” this episode is a must-listen.We often see the hustle. The 3am alarms. The shredded physique. The front covers and product launches. But what we rarely see is the cost behind the curtain. In this raw and revealing episode, Heart On My Sleeve Clinical Director Michaela Overman sits down with celebrity trainer and gym owner Jono Castano to explore the emotional weight that success can carry. From growing up in a small Co...
Jun 26, 2025•33 min
In episode 53, Mitch Wallis speaks to Dr Tony Mastroianni, a psychiatrist with over 30 years' experience in clinical practice. Tony specialises in the treatment of ADHD and schizophrenia, and is the founder of the Focalength Method™, a holistic approach to treatment that takes a 360 view of a person in order to help them get well, and stay well. This episode covers: Moving medicine away from diagnosis towards a holistic model of care Why we need to look outside of the mind when treating mental i...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 36 min
In episode 52, Mitch Wallis speaks to Maddy MacRae, a comedy creator who exploded onto the scene during lockdown with her hilarious and relatable skits about sex, dating and everything in-between. We go deep and explore previously untouched topics such as her mental health journey, her sexuality and the reality of life online. This episode covers: rising quickly to online success but struggling internally her experience with therapy and navigating severe anxiety an obsessive concern that kept he...
Feb 02, 2024•49 min•Ep. 52
In episode 51, Mitch Wallis speaks to Gaj, a highly sought-after performance coach recognized for his effective leadership training techniques and passion for helping clients reach higher potential. For over 20 years, Gaj has worked with leading organizations and individuals to enhance productivity, maximize performance, and accelerate growth. As a Registered psychologist, Gaj leans on his psychology training to deliver the most effective evidence-based solutions to his clients that are proven t...
Dec 08, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Sonny Jane is a multi-neurodivergent, queer, and disabled public speaker, advocate, and author with a strong social media presence. Sonny was diagnosed as a child and grew up only hearing a deficit narrative about their neurodivergence. Since then, they have gone on to build an audience of over 100,000 people online, have written ‘The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills’, and works with organisations all over Australia to help change the narrative around neurodivergence. Sonny is a br...
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr 1 min
This episode comes with a trigger warning of domestic violence. In episode 49, Mitch Wallis speaks to Jacinta Dubojski who is the creator and founder of Just Another GIRL, an initiative designed to inspire and empower students by arming them with the tools to navigate difficult situations; such as bullying, and domestic violence, both of which are experiences that she's survived. Jacinta is a big believer in sharing stories to connect and help others, something I’m equally passionate about so I'...
Nov 24, 2023•44 min
In episode 48, Mitch Wallis speaks to Antoinette, a multi-award-winning journalist, author, broadcaster, columnist, TEDx speaker, and mental health ambassador with a bold and authentic approach to life... This episode covers: Her experience with peri and post-natal depression Her opinion on mental illness and the shame that surrounds new mothers Navigating journalism and the impact of second-hand trauma How to protect our own mental health when we're in a 24/7 vortex of bad news stories Her take...
Nov 17, 2023•50 min
In episode 47, Mitch Wallis speaks to Greg Bird, a proud Anaiwan Man, born and raised in country New South Wales. He was a professional Rugby League player for an impressive 18 years, hanging up his boots in 2019 to move up to the Gold Coast and prioritise time with his wife and kids. This episode dives deep into untold stories of struggle both on and off the pitch. this episode covers: his unspoken story of struggle, stigma and feeling like a burden. the impact of football on his mental health,...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 16 min
In episode 46, Mitch Wallis speaks to founder of EQ Minds and recovering perfectionist, Chelsea Pottenger, who shares how her experience with mental illness fuelled her passion for helping busy minds reset and recharge so they can successfully balance high performance and great mental wellbeing. If you find yourself dancing around the edges of burnout more often than not, this ep is for you. This episode covers: how 2 traumatic brain injuries triggered her mental health issues the single greates...
Nov 03, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Matt Purcell was born in a small town in South Korea to a young mother who was unable to raise him. This sparked an incredible work drive in Matt who has since founded KYU media, an award-winning creative agency, and Social Kung Fu, Australia’s number 1 verbal self-defence and confidence training for students. Matt shares wisdom from his own personal journey, how to overcome hardship, find purpose and have an impact. This episode covers: where to begin with combatting insecurities how he built h...
Oct 27, 2023•55 min
In Episode 44, Mitch Wallis speaks to Dr. Cody, an American-born, Australian Chiropractor with over 10 years of experience, who has clicked, popped, and cracked his way into over 2 million TikTok followers. He's passionate about education and the prevention of disease so that people can achieve complete wellness. This episode covers: his untold story and ongoing battle with mental health the biggest misconceptions about chiropractic science how trauma and mental-ill health shows up in our physic...
Oct 20, 2023•1 hr 8 min
In episode 43, Mitch Wallis speaks to Milly. From lifestyle journalism in Silicon Valley to youth mental health charity founder, Milly Bannister is a well-known face in the online world of wellbeing. We discuss everything from the trivial use of mental health language on social media to the power of educational peer support programs in schools. This episode covers: Milly's personal journey with mental health and maintaining authenticity in an online world Addressing the generational gaps in our ...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 3 min
In episode 41, Mitch Wallis speaks to his personal therapist. Lewin completed six years of tertiary education in psychology and counselling, learning from leaders in the fields of relational, mindful, and somatic psychotherapy. Lewin has been my personal therapist for over 6 years and has seen me at my lowest points. This episode explores all of your burning questions about therapy and sheds some light on the answers that no therapist has been bold enough to tackle. This episode covers: supporti...
Sep 29, 2023•1 hr 22 min
Sam Hann is a popular Sydney yoga teacher who's spent over 6 years sharing his knowledge in studios and through his YouTube channel. In 2021, he lost his brother, Blake and his world has never been the same. In this episode, we cover: Grief - the hard, messy and raw reality of losing a loved one that people don't speak about. The moment he heard the news and how that impacted his life and family as he knew it. The 5 stages of grief - why it's not that simple and the pain it doesn't capture. The ...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 3 min
In episode 39, Mitch Wallis speaks to Alice Child, a Somatic Sexologist, Sex Counsellor and Sex Coach who believes everyone deserves a happy, healthy, safe and fulfilled sex life. Alice has a passion for vulnerable conversations, confronting taboos, and creating inclusive spaces free of judgment. This episode covers: Why shame surrounds sex and how we can start to shift our perspective The most common concerns that people see a sex therapist for Play, initiation, domination, submission, consent ...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 18 min
In episode 48, Mitch Wallis speaks to Cooper Chapman, an ex-pro surfer who founded The Good Human Factory after mental illness and suicide impacted the lives of his loved ones. In this episode, we cover: The story that triggered the Good Human Factory The fear that drove his curiosity to find his life's purpose Managing comparative suffering and the 3 key values that he lives by The underrated importance of practicing gratitude The unusual and unconventional path to working in mental health How ...
Sep 15, 2023•1 hr 4 min
In episode 37, Mitch Wallis speaks to Joey Daymond, who has already proved himself to be a star in the world of New Zealand comedy, but outside of comedy and acting, Joe is also the founder of West Park, a youth-led, indigenous-focused company. He’s hilarious, hard-working, and genuine in all that he does. In this episode we cover: his relationship with family: from suffering to freedom facing darkness and moving towards the hard stuff culture, racism and establishing his own identity building a...
Sep 08, 2023•1 hr 33 min
In episode 36, Mitch Wallis speaks to Leah Simmons , the founder of the online phenomenon, KAAIAA, the physical workout for your mental health. In this episode, we explore everything from founding a successful business to unconventional parenting styles. This episode covers: Finding a niche in the wellness industry, building a successful online brand, and the meaning behind the name KAAIAA. Learning to flex entrepreneurial skills as a creative and the number one skill she's found success in as a...
Sep 01, 2023•1 hr 3 min
In episode 35, Mitch Wallis speaks to Jad Nehmetallah, a beloved TV Personality on the Nation’s favourite Gogglebox Australia. He is an entrepreneur, restauranteur, and most importantly one of his best friends. In this episode we explore: Stigma affecting help seeking for mental health in ethnic communities Different manifestations of anxiety and the impact of feeling out of alignment with your purpose The journey of being raised as by immigrant parents from a war-torn country and how it's shape...
Aug 25, 2023•1 hr 23 min
In episode 34, Mitch Wallis speaks to Ben Handsaker, one of the most familiar faces in the personal training industry in Australia, with a reputation for being infectiously happy all the time. Yet, as we know in most cases like these, that's not the full story... In this episode we explore: How to turn the pain of addiction into a superpower How to create an unbreakable mindset How to find your why in moments of darkness How to endure setbacks and turn them into purpose and meaning How to make f...
Aug 18, 2023•49 min
A masterclass in how individuals & workplaces can identify, support and prevent domestic violence with leading expert Dannielle Miller.
Oct 26, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 33
This episode's guest is Sarah Wilson - author of "I Quit Sugar", journalist, TV host, environmental activist. Sarah lives with Bipolar disorder, OCD and Hashimoto's disease. We cover: How do you know when anxiety is your super power Her George Costanza moment of doing the opposite and how it saved her life The importance of "the wrestle" - how we aren't focussing on resilience enough in our approach to mental health We unpack what it means to "do anxiety once" Why Sarah trusts anxious people mor...
Aug 10, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 32
About Mitch's Mum Grew up working class, raised Mitch as a single mother in his early years Fought her way into a better life for both of them Had her second child when Mitch was 15 Gina is now a successful sales manager at a large technology company "She is the best person ever" Mitch In this episode we cover: Independence vs. safety - how do we navigate taking care of a child but empowering autonomy - especially when a mental health issue is present in the child #1 thing she did that helped me...
Aug 03, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 31
In this episode: - Parenting pitfalls and how to avoid passing on your insecurities to your children - The science of presence and how it can be used to overcome trauma - How being "real" is not just an ethical choice, but a psychological benefit Dr Dan Siegel Daniel J. Siegel received his medical degree from Harvard University and completed his postgraduate medical education at UCLA with training in pediatrics and child, adolescent and adult psychiatry. He served as a National Institute of Ment...
Jul 18, 2022•54 min•Ep. 30
In this episode: A world leading expert on attachment psychology gives us a masterclass in how relationships affect our brain A Harvard psychologist perspective on why mental health is so bad in our modern world We disclose the #1 thing that can affect your mental health The 5 attributes of giving secure attachment to others those we care about How to overcome conflict and ruptures in relationships through boundaries How we can become more mature in our ow=n emotional regulation An exploration o...
Jul 18, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 29
In this episode: - what it was like to grow up having a worldwide spiritual guru as a parent - Mallika shares incredibly beautiful insights around the power of gratitude and what setting an intent really means (beyond just what we may have read in books like The Secret). - We discuss the usually messy and sometimes dark journey of figuring out who we really are and what we really want - Mallika gives some invaluable advice and perspectives on parenting, and of course, meditation. About Mallika C...
Jul 18, 2022•48 min•Ep. 28
Today's guest is Margo Lydon. In this episode we cover: The most recent insights relating to corporate mental health in Australia from the country's largest wellbeing survey An overview of the 5 core domains of a thriving workplace What some organisations aren't doing well to support their staff (and what they could be doing more right) How COVID has impacted Australian workers (with a surprising finding) What leaders can do to serve their team more effectively About Margo Lydon Margo has been w...
Jul 18, 2022•58 min•Ep. 28
In this episode we cover: - A real story from a successful black man who has experienced racism his whole life to humanise the reality of racism in the 21st century - The difference between white privilege & racism - What we can do to help lift up our black brothers & sisters and do small acts to push society forward - How the Black Lives Matter Movement extends beyond an issue of police brutality - An exploration of the incarceration issue and the layers that build up to perpetuate or p...
Jul 18, 2022•59 min•Ep. 26
Meet Liz, a Tax Partner at PWC in Texas who gets very real about her experiences with anxiety, clinical depression, medication and OCD. Liz was naturally good at everything she turned her hand to, including mastering the art of living an inauthentic life to please others. Her goal was to be seen and liked. And she was, but it was for the person she thought they wanted her to be, so she had to keep her “true” thoughts and compulsions hidden. She openly talks about her relationship with external v...
Mar 08, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 25
