Everyone has a story that has shaped them into the person they are today.
“A Double Life” raises awareness about the unseen challenges faced by parents, especia...
Simone O'Brien "They gave me a 3-5% chance of survival"
Simone shares her powerful and emotional story of surviving a horrific domestic violence attack. After meeting a man online while raising three children and working two jobs, what began as a charming relationship quickly turned controlling and manipulative. Despite early red flags, Simone stayed until she finally ended the relationship—only for him to show up days later and brutally assault her in her home. Left with a shattered arm, brain injuries, and just a 3–5% chance of survival, Simone was placed in an induced coma. After years of surgeries and recovery, she now bravely speaks out to raise awareness about domestic violence and the importance of trusting your gut.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence (DV), it's important to access the resources and support available. Here are important details regarding 1-800 RESPECT, which is the national sexual assault and domestic violence counseling service in Australia:
1-800 RESPECT Details
Phone Number: 1-800-737-732 (1-800 RESPECT)
Website: 1800respect.org.au
This podcast is proudly presented by Meke Baby & Oli6
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36:10
Elysia K and Carly D - "Postpartum anxiety can happen to 1 in 5 mothers"
Postpartum anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of their background or success. Carly worked with a highly accomplished businesswoman known for her control and ability to handle anything. But after the life-changing experience of motherhood, she was taken completely by surprise when postpartum anxiety developed.
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36:49
Madelyn Carafa - "Motherhood cracked me into a million pieces"
Motherhood isn’t about comparison, as Madeline says, “Your hard is your hard.” It reshaped her identity, but over the years, she’s been finding her new self.
The challenges you face as a parent aren’t permanent, they’re all part of the journey.
0:00 – Your heart is your heart—it doesn’t have to be anyone else’s.
1:00 – Motherhood cracked me into a million pieces.
2:00 – Picking up those pieces and finding the new me.
3:00 – The power of stillness and perspective.
4:00 – This season is hard, but it’s not permanent.
5:00 – Gratitude filled my entire body.
6:00 – Dropping my son to a daycare he loves.
7:00 – My daughter was thriving, and I was doing work that fueled my soul.
8:00 – Carrying guilt during my second pregnancy.
9:00 – Sleep deprivation and dark thoughts.
10:00 – My breaking point: an emergency surgery.
11:00 – Sitting in the darkness while holding gratitude.
12:00 – My parents’ support was a turning point.
13:00 – Simple acts of self-care started to rebuild me.
14:00 – Gratitude and perspective became my superpowers.
15:00 – Returning to myself through small, intentional moments.
16:00 – My son’s anaphylactic reaction—another challenge.
17:00 – Sleep deprivation changed who I was.
18:00 – The turning point at 12 months—finding hope.
19:00 – Letting go of expectations that didn’t serve me.
20:00 – Gratitude for a thriving family and a fulfilling career.
21:00 – It’s okay to feel the hard moments deeply.
22:00 – Finding the new version of yourself as a mother.
23:00 – Self-care is essential—it shapes who you become.0:00 – Your heart is your heart—it doesn’t have to be anyone else’s.
1:00 – Motherhood cracked me into a million pieces.
2:00 – Picking up those pieces and finding the new me.
3:00 – The power of stillness and perspective.
4:00 – This season is hard, but it’s not permanent.
5:00 – Gratitude filled my entire body.
6:00 – Dropping my son to a daycare he loves.
7:00 – My daughter was thriving, and I was doing work that fueled my soul.
8:00 – Carrying guilt during my second pregnancy.
9:00 – Sleep deprivation and dark thoughts.
10:00 – My breaking point: an emergency surgery.
11:00 – Sitting in the darkness while holding gratitude.
12:00 – My parents’ support was a turning point.
13:00 – Simple acts of self-care started to rebuild me.
14:00 – Gratitude and perspective became my superpowers.
15:00 – Returning to myself through small, intentional moments.
16:00 – My son’s anaphylactic reaction—another challenge.
17:00 – Sleep deprivation changed who I was.
18:00 – The turning point at 12 months—finding hope.
19:00 – Letting go of expectations that didn’t serve me.
20:00 – Gratitude for a thriving family and a fulfilling career.
21:00 – It’s okay to feel the hard moments deeply.
22:00 – Finding the new version of yourself as a mother.
23:00 – Self-care is essential—it shapes who you become.
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24:00
Elysia K and Melanie G - "Formula vs. Breastmilk: Breaking the Stigma and Choosing What's Best"
For the first time ever, Elysia is joining a double life to discuss this important topic, because no mother should feel judged for doing what’s best for her and her baby.
Women continue to face guilt and judgment for their choices, whether they choose to breastfeed or formula feed. Too often, societal expectations and outside opinions create unnecessary pressure, making mothers feel like they have to justify their decisions.
The reality is that every mother's journey is unique, shaped by personal circumstances, health considerations, and what works best for both her and her baby. True support should focus on offering guidance, compassion, and reassurance, ensuring mothers feel empowered to make the choices that suit their families rather than feeling pressured to follow one prescribed path.
[00:03.2]
Breastfeeding was so special, and I cried when I had to stop both times. Nutrition during the first thousand days is crucial.
[02:12.6]
I love how raw A Double Life is. It’s a different experience for me since I’m not in the spotlight.
[05:09.2]
A pediatric dietitian can guide you on formulas and their differences.
[06:50.3]
Formula won’t compare to breast milk, but it’s important to talk about it openly.
[08:31.4]
In Australia, all formulas meet basic nutritional criteria but suit different families.
[10:26.9]
I had to switch from organic to goat’s milk formula, which made a huge difference.
[13:23.5]
Room temperature formula is safer, but it’s a personal preference.
[15:22.3]
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and seek dietitian guidance if unsure.
[17:04.2]
Toddler formula can help fussy eaters or those with immunity struggles.
[18:16.5]
Get young kids interacting with veggies to help them appreciate them.
[19:00.1]
Small changes can help fussy eaters accept new foods.
[20:22.7]
It’s easy to be hard on yourself when your child won’t eat veggies.
[21:55.4]
I believe exposing my daughter to different foods early helped.
[23:32.6]
As a new parent, you overanalyze things, but trust yourself more with time.
[24:06.1]
Trust your instincts when it comes to feeding your child.
[25:08.7]
Parenting is a journey, but you’re making great progress.
[25:40.8]
Be kind to yourself and keep going!
[26:17.3]
Anyone who’s been through the early years with a child will relate.
[26:52.7]
Every little step forward is a victory.
[27:40.4]
It’s about building your village and keeping up the great work.
[28:17.2]
Take it day by day—you’ve got this!
[28:51.8]
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate it.
[29:08.0]
Great conversation! Take care!
[29:23.1]
We’re all in this together—keep going!
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36:33
Melanie McGrice
Melanie’s journey began with a life changing visit to an orphanage, where she was swarmed by kids craving love. Over ten years, she fostered around forty children, but everything changed when she took in a baby.
That little one was then returned to her birth mum, but the experience planted a seed. She wondered if she would have a child of her own and how she would navigate pregnancy in her late thirties. Letting go was heartbreaking, but somehow she found the strength to foster again. She always says it is the hardest thing she has ever done but also the best.
[0:00] I remember visiting an orphanage, and it changed everything for me. The kids were starved for love and attention, and it broke my heart.
[2:30] I came back to Melbourne, and I asked God what to do with this. Over 10 years, I fostered 40 kids. The idea of taking in a baby came to me, and I felt this deep calling.
[5:00] When I finally got a baby, I was like, "I didn’t expect this." The authorities asked if I’d keep her permanently. I wasn’t planning on it, but I thought, "Why not?"
[7:30] Then they told me she’d go back to her birth mum. That moment made me realize, I wanted to adopt. I thought, "I can’t let this little girl go."
[10:00] I spent two years recovering from the fear of losing her, and then I knew I was called to foster again. It was the hardest thing I’d ever done, but it was also the most rewarding.
[12:30] Hi, I’m Melanie McGrice. I became a Christian at 29, and I thought I was going to go into missionary work. But I think God had a different plan for me.
[15:00] So I went to the orphanage, thinking I was going to stay long-term. But when I saw how the kids were so desperate for love, it broke my heart.
[17:30] When I came back to Melbourne, I started my business. I was doing things with faith, leadership, and mission. I also trained dietitians in fertility and pregnancy, all while supporting Compassion’s mother-baby centers and fostering kids.
[20:00] And then I heard a story on the radio about fostering. I looked it up, and that’s how it all began. I started with emergency cases, and eventually, I fostered 40 kids.
Everyone has a story that has shaped them into the person they are today.
“A Double Life” raises awareness about the unseen challenges faced by parents, especially women, breaking down societal stereotypes and expectations. Through storytelling, education, and empowerment, we highlight resilience and courage while creating a supportive community for individuals navigating adversity and juggling multiple responsibilities.
Please be advised that the following content may contain triggering topics such as child loss, suicide, domestic violence, drug use, and other sensitive themes. Viewer discretion is advised and it is recommended that individuals who may be triggered by such subjects proceed with caution or seek support if needed. Your mental health and well-being are important, and we encourage you to prioritise self-care while engaging with this content.
Brought to you by Meke Baby & Oli 6 Goat Milk
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