Trigger warning: sexual abuse and childhood trauma
Jessica Ella reveals how years of abuse by her father from age three reshaped her idea of love. At thirty, a guided meditation brought back memories she had long pushed aside and began the process of healing. She speaks about generational trauma, the fear that followed, moments of hearing him when he wasn’t there, and the steady support of her mother.
Now a women’s trauma expert and mother to River and Banjo, Jessica shares how she broke unhealthy patterns in relationships, found safe love with her partner Gav, and rebuilt her identity step by step. Her story is raw and deeply hopeful, showing that even after profound pain it is possible to heal, reclaim your life, and create real love and purpose.
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30:45
"Every single day is something different" - Ariel Bryant
After two later stage miscarriages and the relentless pressure of retail buying, Ariel knew something had to change. One morning in her bathroom, she decided to walk away and instantly felt a weight lift.
In this episode, Ariel reflects on her best 20s spent in New York, partying, travelling and living life to the fullest, before building a new chapter in Australia. Over time, her career collided with the reality of motherhood, IVF and the toll of trying to balance it all.
Ariel shares the moment she chose to walk away from her career, the guilt and relief of IVF, and how these experiences led her to co-found From Day One, a positive safe space for mums to connect.
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Fatima Yousufi "I was a target in our family,"
Fatima Yusufi’s journey is one of courage, defiance and relentless hope. Growing up in Afghanistan, she fought against deep rooted beliefs that girls could not play sport, challenging her own father’s mindset before taking on society’s. As the goalkeeper and captain of the Afghan women’s national soccer team, Fatima risked her life for the right to play, facing threats, bombings and the constant fear of Taliban retaliation.
In a desperate and dangerous escape, she left with her siblings, suddenly responsible for their safety and with no idea where they were going or what their future would hold. She is now using her second chance to pursue her dreams and share a powerful message to girls everywhere: believe in yourself, even when the world tells you no.
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Elizabeth Silver - "I went through one of the hardest times in my life"
In this real, raw episode Elizabeth, founder of Australian natural skincare brand SODA & Co, opens up about navigating motherhood, business, and resilience.
Becoming a mum at 19, Elizabeth faced judgment and immense pressure, but her inner confidence and determination carried her through. She shares how motherhood shaped her, why she started SODA & Co for her daughter with allergies, and how building the brand became a family journey with her girls by her side.
Elizabeth also reflects on one of the hardest times in her life. Her marriage breaking down during COVID. She speaks candidly about mother guilt, rediscovering herself, and learning to put herself first. Now standing on her own two feet, she encourages others to never lose hope, sharing how challenges shaped her strength and the woman she is today.
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Stephanie Easton - "In this society, we're made to feel like we're sick"
In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode, Stephanie Easton shares her journey of surviving decades of drug and alcohol abuse, trauma, eating disorders, and the failures of the mental health system. A mum of three and the founder of Melbourne’s first holistic rehab facility, Steph opens up about the years she spent stuck in cycles of addiction, medicated into numbness, and trying to find help in a system that was never designed to truly heal.
Her turning point came when she began reconnecting with her body. Through somatic therapy, yoga, subconscious healing, and a deep commitment to self-inquiry, Steph slowly found her way back to herself. Not through labels or diagnoses, but by learning how to feel again, how to sit with pain, and how to rebuild from the inside out.
This conversation is a powerful reflection on healing, self-awareness, and starting again. Steph reminds us that it is never too late to change your story.
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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.
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