Heart On My Sleeve
by Heart On My Sleeve Movement
Heart On My Sleeve is where raw honesty meets real healing. This podcast shares unfiltered stories of lived experience – from the quiet battles to the loud breakthroughs. Each episode is a reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness – it’s the first step toward connection. Whether you’re supporting someone or struggling yourself, this is a space for feeling seen, heard, and human.
Episodes
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From Chaos to Calm: Healing Trauma Through the Body with Sammy Chessa
What happens when the pain we carry lives deeper than words? In this episode, Michaela sits down with spiritual healer and somatic therapist Sammy Chessa to explore the journey from deep childhood trauma to emotional regulation, purpose, and healing. Sammy shares her raw story of growing up…
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When the Truth Hits Harder Than the Pressure: A Leader’s Story of Letting Go and Leading Better with James Copsey
In this deeply honest conversation, we hear from senior executive James Copsey working at the highest levels of corporate affairs - a space known for its relentless pace, complexity, and high expectations. But beneath the external success was a personal struggle he could no longer keep quiet. He...
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Shame, Seasons of Grief & Finding Magic After Loss with Paul Bennell
In this Heart On My Sleeve episode, host Michaela Overman sits down with Paul Bennell, Manager of Fundraising & Relationships at children’s grief charity Feel the Magic. Paul shares what it was like losing his mum to suicide at age 10, being bullied for his loss, and growing up hiding both his...
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Invisible but Heavy: Gaslighting, grit, and rebuilding after diagnosis with Emily Winters
When pain is invisible, so is the understanding. In this raw and heartfelt conversation, Michaela Overman sits down with her best friend Emily. Emily’s pain didn’t show up on scans — until it did. One of just 20 people globally with both cyclical Cushing’s and acromegaly, she shares the years of...
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Leading Without Losing Yourself: Vulnerability, Resilience & Real Performance with Dorothy Hisgrove
Leadership is often measured by targets and strategy - but the real story is human. In this Heart On My Sleeve episode, KPMG Australia’s National Managing Partner for People & Inclusion Dorothy Hisgrove opens up about the moments that reshaped her leadership: grief, self-reflection, and the…
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Reborn: PTSD, Healing & Motherhood with Ash Thomsen
Mitch sits down with lifelong friend Ash Thomsen for a raw, generous account of her son Bodhi’s birth - and the identity shift that followed. Ash shares how a gruelling 36-hour labour, medical complications, and postpartum anxiety/depression culminated in PTSD, and how she found her way back...
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Order & Chaos: Designing a Life After Pain - with Anna Carin
Interior designer Anna Carin joins host Michaela Overman for a tender, honest conversation about living with both beauty and pain at the same time. Raised on a Swedish farm and now three decades in Australia, Anna shares how a single incident of childhood sexual abuse (content note) shaped her...
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The Quiet Kind of Grief: Nerissa Trindade on Surrendering to Possibility After Separation
In this deeply personal episode of Heart on My Sleeve, Luke Cook sits down with neuro-transformational coach and keynote speaker Nerissa Trindade to explore the heartbreak that doesn't come with a funeral but still requires mourning - separation and divorce from those we thought we'd be with...
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Love, Loss & Resilience: Adam Crouch MP on Grief, Community and Carrying On
This week on the Heart on My Sleeve podcast, Mitch Wallis sits down with NSW MP Adam Crouch for a raw and deeply moving conversation about love, loss, and resilience. After losing his wife Jill—an oncology nurse who cared for others while bravely fighting her own battle with cancer—Adam shares…
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Resilience, Loss, and Life Lessons from Baseball, with Gavin Fingelson
In this episode, Michaela Overman sits down with Gavin Fingelson - former professional baseball player, father of two, and CEO of Feel the Magic. Gavin shares his journey of navigating deep personal loss from a young age, the lessons baseball taught him about failure and resilience, and how...
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Beyond the Diagnosis: Sarah Susak on Cancer, Consciousness & Reclaiming Your Story
When lawyer and mum Sarah Susak was told she had a rare - and deadly - cancer just a year after the birth of her “miracle baby,” her world cracked. In this uncompromising conversation, she takes us through surgery, grief, and the path of spiritual rebirth that followed. Sarah shares how Vedic...
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Living with 'Her': Zoe Marshall on OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & the Courage to Heal
In one of our most raw and powerful episodes to date, I sit down with my dear friend Zoe Marshall - TV presenter, author, manifester, podcast host, and mental health advocate - for an unfiltered conversation about her journey through Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Together, we peel back the...
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Dani Lombard: The Golden Girl Who Broke Then Rebuilt – A Story of Panic, Pressure & Finding Peace
Dani Lombard - PR powerhouse, unapologetic truth-teller, and lifelong “friend collector” - joins psychologist and HOMS clinical director Michaela Overman for her first-ever podcast appearance. But this isn’t about publicity. It’s about pulling the curtain back. In this raw and revealing...
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From Masking to Meaning: Aisling Smith on Autism, ADHD & Identity
What happens when the mask you've worn your whole life finally falls off? In this moving episode of The Heart On My Sleeve Podcast, host Lainie Cassidy sits down with Aisling Smith – internationally recognised neurodiversity consultant, Stevie Award winner, and Trainer of the Year – for a raw,...
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From Rock Bottom to Rebirth: Tess Brouwer on Trauma, Truth, and Learning to Feel Again
What happens when your body breaks... but it's your soul that needs healing? In this raw and powerful conversation, Tess Brouwer shares the story behind her life-altering spinal cord injury that forced her to stop running from pain, from grief, from herself. Tess, a mental fitness trainer and...
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Hope After Heartbreak: Ashleigh Conwell on Loss, Labels & Loving Again
At 17 weeks pregnant with triplets, Ashleigh Conwell’s life changed forever when her husband Matt passed away suddenly during the height of the pandemic. In this raw and profoundly moving conversation with host Luke Cook, Ashleigh opens up about the identity shift that followed, the brutal…
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Behind the Muscles: Jono Castano on Loneliness, Legacy & Learning to Feel
If you’ve ever struggled to slow down, to feel proud, or to say “I’m enough,” this episode is a must-listen.We often see the hustle. The 3am alarms. The shredded physique. The front covers and product launches. But what we rarely see is the cost behind the curtain. In this raw and revealing...
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Psychiatrist Dr Tony Mastroianni: why we need to stop treating mental illness solely with medication
In episode 53, Mitch Wallis speaks to Dr Tony Mastroianni, a psychiatrist with over 30 years' experience in clinical practice. Tony specialises in the treatment of ADHD and schizophrenia, and is the founder of the Focalength Method™, a holistic approach to treatment that takes a 360 view of a...
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Maddy MacRae: on having 3 million followers and a secret anxiety about creating content
In episode 52, Mitch Wallis speaks to Maddy MacRae, a comedy creator who exploded onto the scene during lockdown with her hilarious and relatable skits about sex, dating and everything in-between. We go deep and explore previously untouched topics such as her mental health journey, her sexuality...
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Gaj Ravichandra: the unusual #1 skill that high performers possess
In episode 51, Mitch Wallis speaks to Gaj, a highly sought-after performance coach recognized for his effective leadership training techniques and passion for helping clients reach higher potential. For over 20 years, Gaj has worked with leading organizations and individuals to enhance...
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Sonny Jane Wise: "at 4 years old, my Psychiatrist called me a narcissist"
Sonny Jane is a multi-neurodivergent, queer, and disabled public speaker, advocate, and author with a strong social media presence. Sonny was diagnosed as a child and grew up only hearing a deficit narrative about their neurodivergence. Since then, they have gone on to build an audience of over...
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Jacinta Dubojski: escaping an abusive relationship and confronting her school bully 15 years later.
This episode comes with a trigger warning of domestic violence. In episode 49, Mitch Wallis speaks to Jacinta Dubojski who is the creator and founder of Just Another GIRL, an initiative designed to inspire and empower students by arming them with the tools to navigate difficult situations; such…
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Antoinette Lattouf: "I'm OK with being struck off people's Christmas card list"
In episode 48, Mitch Wallis speaks to Antoinette, a multi-award-winning journalist, author, broadcaster, columnist, TEDx speaker, and mental health ambassador with a bold and authentic approach to life... This episode covers: Her experience with peri and post-natal depression Her opinion on…
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Greg Bird: his untold story of struggle, hidden behind the game
In episode 47, Mitch Wallis speaks to Greg Bird, a proud Anaiwan Man, born and raised in country New South Wales. He was a professional Rugby League player for an impressive 18 years, hanging up his boots in 2019 to move up to the Gold Coast and prioritise time with his wife and kids. This…
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Chelsea Pottenger: from a panic attack in the Sydney harbour tunnel to a thriving CEO
In episode 46, Mitch Wallis speaks to founder of EQ Minds and recovering perfectionist, Chelsea Pottenger, who shares how her experience with mental illness fuelled her passion for helping busy minds reset and recharge so they can successfully balance high performance and great mental wellbeing.…
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Matt Purcell - the quickest way to upgrade your self-worth
Matt Purcell was born in a small town in South Korea to a young mother who was unable to raise him. This sparked an incredible work drive in Matt who has since founded KYU media, an award-winning creative agency, and Social Kung Fu, Australia’s number 1 verbal self-defence and confidence training...
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Dr Cody: TikTok's #1 chiropractor on how trauma manifests in the body
In Episode 44, Mitch Wallis speaks to Dr. Cody, an American-born, Australian Chiropractor with over 10 years of experience, who has clicked, popped, and cracked his way into over 2 million TikTok followers. He's passionate about education and the prevention of disease so that people can achieve...
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Milly Bannister: has Gen Z gone too far?
In episode 43, Mitch Wallis speaks to Milly. From lifestyle journalism in Silicon Valley to youth mental health charity founder, Milly Bannister is a well-known face in the online world of wellbeing. We discuss everything from the trivial use of mental health language on social media to the power...
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Lewin de la Motte: my personal therapist bears all...
In episode 41, Mitch Wallis speaks to his personal therapist. Lewin completed six years of tertiary education in psychology and counselling, learning from leaders in the fields of relational, mindful, and somatic psychotherapy. Lewin has been my personal therapist for over 6 years and has seen me...
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Sam Hann - losing his brother, the parts of grief that nobody talks about (our most vulnerable episode to date)
Sam Hann is a popular Sydney yoga teacher who's spent over 6 years sharing his knowledge in studios and through his YouTube channel. In 2021, he lost his brother, Blake and his world has never been the same. In this episode, we cover: Grief - the hard, messy and raw reality of losing a loved one...
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Alice Child: Want better sex? A sex therapist reveals all...
In episode 39, Mitch Wallis speaks to Alice Child, a Somatic Sexologist, Sex Counsellor and Sex Coach who believes everyone deserves a happy, healthy, safe and fulfilled sex life. Alice has a passion for vulnerable conversations, confronting taboos, and creating inclusive spaces free of judgment....
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Cooper Chapman: why you NEED this gratitude practice
In episode 48, Mitch Wallis speaks to Cooper Chapman, an ex-pro surfer who founded The Good Human Factory after mental illness and suicide impacted the lives of his loved ones. In this episode, we cover: The story that triggered the Good Human Factory The fear that drove his curiosity to find his...
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Joey Daymond: suffering, self-identity and breaking free from societal constraints
Mitch Wallis speaks to Joey Daymond, who has already proved himself to be a star in the world of New Zealand comedy, but outside of comedy and acting, Joe is also the founder of West Park, a youth-led, indigenous-focused company. He’s hilarious, hard-working, and genuine in all that he does. In...
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Leah Simmons: why breaking societal norms is necessary for success
Mitch Wallis speaks to Leah Simmons, the founder of the online phenomenon, KAAIAA, the physical workout for your mental health. In this episode, we explore everything from founding a successful business to unconventional parenting styles. This episode covers: Finding a niche in the wellness...
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Jad Nehmetallah (Gogglebox): mental health stigma in Arab communities
In episode 35, Mitch Wallis speaks to Jad Nehmetallah, a beloved TV Personality on the Nation’s favourite Gogglebox Australia. He is an entrepreneur, restauranteur, and most importantly one of his best friends. In this episode we explore: Stigma affecting help seeking for mental health in ethnic...
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Ben "Abstacker" Handsaker: overcome addiction with an unbreakable mindset
Mitch Wallis speaks to Ben Handsaker, one of the most familiar faces in the personal training industry in Australia, with a reputation for being infectiously happy all the time. Yet, as we know in most cases like these, that's not the full story... In this episode we explore: How to turn the pain...
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Dannielle Miller OAM: domestic violence prevention masterclass
A masterclass in how individuals & workplaces can identify, support and prevent domestic violence with leading expert Dannielle Miller.
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Sarah Wilson: make anxiety your super power
This episode's guest is Sarah Wilson - author of "I Quit Sugar", journalist, TV host, environmental activist. Sarah lives with Bipolar disorder, OCD and Hashimoto's disease. We cover: How do you know when anxiety is your super power Her George Costanza moment of doing the opposite and how it…
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Gina Willard a.k.a Mitch's Mum: parenting with unconditional love
About Mitch's Mum Grew up working class, raised Mitch as a single mother in his early years Fought her way into a better life for both of them Had her second child when Mitch was 15 Gina is now a successful sales manager at a large technology company "She is the best person ever" Mitch In this...
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Dr Dan Siegel: the power of presence
In this episode: - Parenting pitfalls and how to avoid passing on your insecurities to your children - The science of presence and how it can be used to overcome trauma - How being "real" is not just an ethical choice, but a psychological benefit Dr Dan Siegel Daniel J. Siegel received his…
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Dr Daniel P Brown: attachment styles and dealing with trauma
In this episode: A world leading expert on attachment psychology gives us a masterclass in how relationships affect our brain A Harvard psychologist perspective on why mental health is so bad in our modern world We disclose the #1 thing that can affect your mental health The 5 attributes of…
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Mallika Chopra: intention setting to unlock your potential
In this episode: - what it was like to grow up having a worldwide spiritual guru as a parent - Mallika shares incredibly beautiful insights around the power of gratitude and what setting an intent really means (beyond just what we may have read in books like The Secret). - We discuss the usually...
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Margo Lydon: indicators of a thriving workplace
Today's guest is Margo Lydon. In this episode we cover: The most recent insights relating to corporate mental health in Australia from the country's largest wellbeing survey An overview of the 5 core domains of a thriving workplace What some organisations aren't doing well to support their staff...
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Pervis Taylor: white privilege and BLM
In this episode we cover: - A real story from a successful black man who has experienced racism his whole life to humanise the reality of racism in the 21st century - The difference between white privilege & racism - What we can do to help lift up our black brothers & sisters and do small acts to...
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Liz Sweigart: the addiction of INSECURITY
Meet Liz, a Tax Partner at PWC in Texas who gets very real about her experiences with anxiety, clinical depression, medication and OCD. Liz was naturally good at everything she turned her hand to, including mastering the art of living an inauthentic life to please others. Her goal was to be seen...
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Matt Caruana: gaining purpose after losing the ability to walk
Matt became paraplegic after severing his spine during an attempt to end his life. Months and years of physical and mental rehabilitation have seen him completely transform his mindset. Today, Matt is a motivational speaker and mindset coach, particularly influential among his generation, and is…
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Jake O’Brien: surviving against the odds
Jake grew up with a single mum, and even as a child, he took on the role of “the man’ in the house. When his stepdad came along, things were ok for a while, but later Jake would have to endure the fear and anger of living with an unstable parent figure. Jake escaped to pursue his own life of…
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Sean X Michael: feeling invisible
After constantly yearning for his father’s love, acceptance and approval, which never came, Sean had a longing to be seen and heard. He fought his way through a devastating revelation in childhood, and challenging teenage years to build a life worth living. Toward the end of this chat, Mitch and...
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Tofe Evans: running ultramarathons to cope with his mental health
Mitch Wallis speaks to Tofe Evans who talks about running ultramarathons to cope with his mental health. This episode covers: Fighting through adversity fuelled by drugs & alcohol abuse, driven by shame, victimisation, and identity crises. How a lust for external validation infected every area of...
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Josh Wiggins: the reality of male eating disorders
Mitch Wallis speaks to Josh Wiggins, Nutritionist, Mentor & Mental Performance Coach. Topics covered: The damaging effect of presenting a façade of coping: how being strong for other people removes authentic connection and can exacerbate mental ill health. How teenagers searching for a sense of...
About this show
Heart On My Sleeve is where raw honesty meets real healing. This podcast shares unfiltered stories of lived experience – from the quiet battles to the loud breakthroughs. Each episode is a reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness – it’s the first step toward connection. Whether you’re supporting someone or struggling yourself, this is a space for feeling seen, heard, and human.
Hosted by
Heart On My Sleeve Movement