Jenette Blandford - Balancing Business, Babies and the Wisdom of Feeding our Families

Taegan Partington - Falling into Fortitude

In this episode, I sit down with Taegan — my dear friend, a mum of two, trained physiotherapist, mental health peer worker, and the creator of Nurture by Taegan, a space that began as her way of not feeling so alone in motherhood and has since grown into a community for women navigating mental health and connection. Our stories are unexpectedly intertwined. Taegan, diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her twenties, lost her mum in a car accident when she was four. I was raised by my dad, who lived with bipolar disorder in silence for most of his life, and twenty years after Taegan lost her Mum, I lost him in the same way.  Both of us have been shaped by grief and mental health, learning, in our own ways, what it means to love, to mother, and to make peace with the parts of our stories that still ache. In this conversation, Taegan opens up about her experience of living with bipolar disorder, the unpredictability of postpartum depression, and her ongoing journey with chronic suicidality. She shares the coping tools, insights, and small acts of self-compassion that have helped her rebuild and find meaning in her lived experience. Together, we explore the power of storytelling, the importance of boundaries, and the strength that comes from connection. This episode is a raw, honest reflection on mental health, motherhood, and what it really takes to nurture yourself — not perfectly, but truthfully. Content Note This episode includes open discussions about mental illness and suicidality. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, please reach out for help: Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 United States: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. (call or text 988) United Kingdom: Samaritans 116 123 [https://www.samaritans.org] Canada: Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566 New Zealand: Lifeline Aotearoa 0800 543 354 If you’re outside these regions: Find international hotlines at [findahelpline.com [https://findahelpline.com/]], a verified global directory of mental health helplines in over 100 countries. You are not alone, and help is available. Follow: Taegan — @nurture_by_taegan [https://www.instagram.com/nurture_by_taegan] Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 05:13 The Impact of Early Loss on Identity 08:13 Teenage Years and Mental Health Awareness 10:56 The Role of Dance in Coping Mechanisms 13:59 Diagnosis and the Journey with Bipolar Disorder 16:40 Motherhood and Mental Health Challenges 19:55 Exploring Recovery and Self-Understanding 22:48 The Importance of Open Conversations 25:33 Reflections on Family and Mental Health 28:37 Empowering the Next Generation 30:04 Navigating Mental Health in Peer Support 31:32 Understanding Family Dynamics and Mental Health 33:59 The Challenges of Parenting and Self-Identity 35:56 The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adulthood 37:52 Empathy and Sensitivity in Relationships 39:58 The Role of Connection in Mental Health 41:56 Coping with Suicidality and Mental Health Struggles 55:20 Navigating Mental Health and Voices 56:21 Embracing Intuition and Energy Work 58:25 Health Journeys and Women's Health Issues 01:00:40 The Intersection of Mental Health and Hormones 01:02:10 Pregnancy Challenges and Miscarriages 01:04:49 Understanding Chronic Pain and Trauma 01:07:14 The Importance of Listening to Women's Health 01:08:44 Preparing for Major Surgery 01:10:06 The Holistic Approach to Health 01:13:56 Finding Balance in Life 01:16:08 The Journey of Self-Expression 01:17:59 Empowerment Through Storytelling and Community

Jenette Blandford - Balancing Business, Babies and the Wisdom of Feeding our Families

Introducing Jenette Blandford.  My dear friend Nettie and I go way back to our early Air Force wife days. She’s always been one of those people who serves it up straight, which I’ve always loved about her. A wife, mother, and registered practising dietitian, Nettie is also the founder of Starting Solids Australia, a platform created to support parents through one of the most overwhelming stages of early parenthood, feeding their children. What began as a response to the flood of conflicting advice online has grown into a trusted community of nearly 100,000 families. Through education, evidence-based guidance, and thoughtfully designed feeding products, Nettie and her team of health professionals are helping parents feel more confident and connected. In this conversation, we explore the realities of motherhood, the challenges of running a business, and the courage it takes to navigate life with neurodivergent children. Nettie’s openness about her own ADHD diagnosis, ADHD burnout, balance, and compassion offers a refreshing reminder that there’s no perfect way to do any of this, only the way that feels right for you and your family. Chapters 00:00 The Birth of Starting Solids Australia 08:43 Navigating Parenthood and Neurodiversity 11:27 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact 21:40 The Education System and Neurodiversity Challenges 23:55 Navigating Neurodiversity in Education and Society 27:58 The Journey of Diagnosis and Understanding 31:27 Family Dynamics and External Judgments 35:10 The Importance of Community Support 37:54 Balancing Business and Personal Life 39:15 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting 40:23 The Power of Sharing Stories 48:55 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Community Engagement You can access and join Nettie’s beautiful Starting Solids Community by visiting her at;  Starting Solids Australia Website  [https://www.startingsolidsaustralia.com.au/] Starting Solids Australia Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/startingsolidsaustralia/?hl=en]

Dr Martina Zangger - Not My Shame

In this episode of Kind of a Mess, I sit down with Dr Martina Zangger, survivor, therapist, lecturer, and author of Not My Shame. Martina’s story begins in Switzerland, hidden behind the façade of a “perfect” family, where she endured years of abuse at the hands of her grandfather and uncle. Searching for healing and belonging, she later found herself in the cult of Rajneesh in America, a place that promised freedom but became another cage. To fund her devotion, Martina worked in sex work in Sydney at just nineteen years old, navigating fear, survival, and unexpected solidarity with other women. Eventually, she found the courage to walk away from the cult and began the long, painful process of therapy, uncovering the truth of her past and learning to shift the shame back to where it belonged, to the perpetrators. Today, Martina is a respected psychotherapist and lecturer who has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting women and children impacted by sexual assault and domestic violence. This conversation is raw and courageous, but also filled with hope. It’s about survival, resilience, and the discovery that love doesn’t have to be dangerous, it can be safe, respectful, and kind. Please note: this episode discusses child sexual abuse and sexual violence. If you need support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Martina’s book ‘Not my Shame’ can be purchased on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/Not-My-Shame-memoir-healing/dp/1763832058 [https://www.amazon.com.au/Not-My-Shame-memoir-healing/dp/1763832058] Martina can be contacted through her website  https://martinazangger.com.au/ [https://martinazangger.com.au/] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Martina's Journey 01:44 The Call to the Commune 05:36 Entering the Cult: Expectations vs. Reality 11:36 Disillusionment and the Harsh Truth 15:36 The Catalyst for Change 19:28 Healing and Moving Forward 21:57 Surviving Trauma: The Journey Begins 24:08 The Complexity of Suicidal Thoughts 27:11 Understanding Pain and Addiction 29:03 Finding Strength Through Education 32:32 The Power of Anger and Hope 35:23 Navigating the Work of Healing 38:11 The Healing Power of Storytelling

Vanessa Maiorano - There's Always Love

In this conversation, Vanessa Maiorano shares her profound journey of facing cancer while raising two young children. Diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and later breast cancer, she navigated the challenges of treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Through her struggles, Vanessa found solace in writing letters to her children, which later inspired her to create a series of children's books aimed at helping kids understand complex emotions. She also started a virtual assistant business to support other mothers seeking flexible work. Vanessa's story is one of resilience, love, and the importance of being present for family, emphasising that every mother's best is enough. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vanessa's Journey 00:57 The Diagnosis: Balancing Motherhood and Cancer 05:07 The Impact of COVID on Health and Family 09:58 Writing Letters: A Mother's Love and Legacy 10:58 The Grueling Treatment Journey 14:49 Finding Purpose Through Adversity 18:06 The Road to Remission and New Beginnings 21:58 Sharing the Journey with Children 23:53 The Children's Book Series: Teaching Through Stories 26:07 Navigating Childhood Fears and Realities 27:13 The Journey of Writing a Children's Book 28:53 Inspiration from Personal Experience 30:52 The Creative Process of Writing 33:21 Understanding Children's Perspectives 35:29 Life After Cancer: A New Perspective 37:07 Words of Wisdom for Parents 39:23 Building a Virtual Assistant Business Vanessa can be contacted via her website.  Vanessa's Website - Click Here [https://www.vanessamaiorano.com/] Vanessa's Book - There's Always Love, can be purchased here.  [https://www.amazon.com.au/There-Always-Vanessa-Galieri-Maiorano/dp/1763808009]

Kelsey Grace - Till Death and Then Some

Introducing one of my all-time favourite humans, Kelsey. Our paths first crossed in 2017, when my husband was posted to a US Air Force base in Phoenix, Arizona. I had no idea at the time that I’d become a witness to one of the most defining years of Kelsey’s life, the year she both became a mother and lost her beloved husband, Stephen, call sign "Trip." Seven years on, we meet Kelsey at the beginning of a powerful new chapter.  In this conversation, Kelsey shares her extraordinary journey through grief, love, and everything in between. We talk about the complexities of motherhood, the unexpected wisdom that can arise in heartbreak, the beauty of community, and the signs that love leaves behind. I’m so grateful to share this space with her, and I hope you find as much depth, grace, and light in this conversation as I did. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Loss 05:55 Childhood Memories and Early Influences 06:41 Childhood Reflections and Early Influences 08:54 Love Story: Meeting Stephen 11:45 Navigating Long-Distance Relationships 14:57 College Life and Career Beginnings 17:46 Yoga Journey and Community Connections 24:50 Life in South Korea and Personal Growth 29:34 Becoming a Mother: The Journey Begins 37:37 Navigating Grief During Pregnancy 40:27 The Birth of Georgia and Love's Depth 41:50 The Tragic Loss of Stephen 47:35 Community Support in Times of Grief 49:34 Surprises in Grief and Dark Humor 53:45 Wisdom from Grief: What to Do and Not Do 01:01:15 Making Big Decisions in Grief 01:06:37 Adjusting to Life in Cincinnati 01:09:31 Embracing Family Dynamics and Support 01:11:36 Personal Growth Through Yoga and Healing 01:14:51 Navigating Motherhood and Independence 01:17:53 Living with Grief and Connection 01:21:36 Signs from Beyond: Connecting with Loved Ones 01:24:26 Evolving Beliefs About Life and Afterlife 01:26:33 Finding Joy and Playfulness in Grief 01:32:05 Goals for the Future: Maintaining Peace and Creativity You can find Kelsey's beautiful work and follow along on her next adventures on Instagram @kelseygrace.co [https://www.instagram.com/kelseygrace.co/?hl=en] And don't forget to follow along for the next installments of Kind of a Mess on Instagram too - @kind_of_a__mess [https://www.instagram.com/kind_of__a_mess/]