The Chronically Unbalanced’s Podcast

Briony | Over 30 fractured bones, Brittle Bones disease & raising children with special needs

This week on The Chronically Unbalanced, we’re joined by Briony, whose story is one of resilience, advocacy, and navigating life through uncertainty. Diagnosed in early childhood with brittle bones disease after a series of unexplained fractures, Briony’s journey began with a long and challenging search for answers. By the age of 30, she had experienced more than 30 broken bones—each one shaping her understanding of her body, her limits, and her strength. But Briony’s story isn’t defined by her diagnosis alone. She’s also a devoted mum, raising children with their own special needs, bringing a deeply personal perspective to caregiving, advocacy, and the realities of living with chronic conditions within a family. In this episode, Briony shares what it was like growing up without clear answers, the impact of a lifelong condition, and how she balances her own health while supporting her children. Her story is honest, powerful, and a reminder of the strength it takes to keep showing up—especially on the hard days.   SPECIAL SHOUTOUT to this weeks sponsor @maretlarnachstyling

Kris Byrnes | Australia's leading Step Parent Coach & blended family expert

In this episode of Chronically Unbalanced, we sit down with Kris Byrnes — coach, blended-family thinker, and host of her own podcast Inside Out With Kris and the Step Parent Podcast. Kris works with step-parents to help them lead with clarity, confidence and emotional strength. She talks honestly about the push-pull of blended family life, the invisible pressure that comes with not having a “manual,” and how step-parents can find their voice and their calm in the chaos.  We dive into the real emotional work of connection, identity and leadership in families where no one gets training before they start. Kris keeps it raw, practical and full of insight.  Whether you’re in a blended family, thinking about it, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will make you feel seen and less alone. Sponsorship: This episode is proudly sponsored by the wonderful Rhyse Cains Building  We appreciate your support.

When Cancer Ends a Love Story - Amy and Brad's Journey

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 [https://spotlockmarine.com.au] We appreciate your support.  Trigger Warning: This episode discusses cancer, terminal illness, and the death of a loved one. Please take care while listening.

Part 2: The Lindt Cafe Siege - Louisa Hope

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 [https://luandcoboutique.com.au/?cid=581982&scid=372284&%2F%3Futm_source=RL&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_campaign=PaidShoppingAdsNewSouthWales&cid=581982&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22373071591&gbraid=0AAAAA_AVvRVCt8S1UjM3U8MjTZAy9iCeP&gclid=CjwKCAjwk7DFBhBAEiwAeYbJsWvjAgb3m49znDH0BFBrf63Yw5vTW6OgOvsSgiTx8bQxC6-m0fdT8BoCCp0QAvD_BwE] 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)

Part 1: The Lindt Cafe Siege - Louisa Hope

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. [https://www.dontshrinkme.com] 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)