The Chronically Unbalanced’s Podcast

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 warning
This 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.