Episodes
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Lydia’s Story: When a Mother Becomes the Enemy, The Fight to Break Free
What do you do when the person who should nurture you becomes the one who breaks you down? For Lydia, childhood took a sharp turn when her younger brother was born. Her mother became unpredictable—cruel, controlling, and emotionally abusive. What started as biting words and impossible…
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Diana’s Story: Surviving a Mother’s Betrayal, Abuse, Cancer, and Breaking the Cycle
What happens when the person meant to protect you is the one who sells your safety for their own gain? For Diana, childhood wasn’t just traumatic—it was orchestrated cruelty. From the age of five, she endured years of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse at the hands of her stepfather, all while...
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Alex’s Story: Groomed, Controlled, and Silenced, Escaping a Childhood Built on Fear
How do you recognise abuse when it’s disguised as control and manipulation? For Alex, childhood was overshadowed by coercion, fear, and emotional abuse at the hands of her stepfather. From the ages of 8 to 15, she endured a cycle of grooming and control that shaped every part of who she is today....
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Paula’s Story: The Illusion of Love, When a Father Puts His Ego Before His Child
What happens when a parent cares more about how they *look* as a parent than actually being one? For Paula, love with her father was never unconditional—it was a performance for social media, a show for public events, but behind closed doors, it was filled with emotional distance, blame, and zero...
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Tyeicha’s Story: The Mother Who Won’t Take Blame - When Denial Becomes Another Form of Abuse
What happens when a parent refuses to take responsibility for the damage they’ve caused? For Tycheica, the deepest pain isn’t just the neglect and abuse she endured as a child—it’s her mother’s complete lack of accountability. While her mother acknowledges her siblings’ struggles, she dismisses...
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Mel Bevan's Story: The Shame of Being Left Behind, When a Mother Walks Away and Never Comes Back
What happens when the person who’s supposed to love you most decides not to? For Mel, that reality shaped her entire life. At just five years old, her mother moved away, taking her brother and grandmother but leaving Mel behind. For years, she was fed lies about why her mother wasn’t in her life,...
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Grace's Story: The #1 Betrayal That Cuts the Deepest (And How to Heal)
What happens when the people who are supposed to protect you are the ones who cause you the most pain? In this episode, Grace shares her story of growing up in an unstable home—navigating her parents’ divorce, her father’s deep depression, and years of bullying from her mother’s partner. Feeling...
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Claire's Story: Walking on Eggshells and Healing from an Emotionally Abusive Mother
Growing up in a home where love felt conditional and emotional instability ruled can shape every part of who we become. In this episode, Claire shares her experience of growing up with an emotionally abusive and neglectful mother—one whose words and reactions left lasting wounds. Claire opens up...
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Hiruni's Story: The Impact of a Childhood Without Intervention
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we talk with Hiruni about her journey of estrangement, resilience, and healing after years of emotional and physical abuse. Leaving her family home at just 17, Hiruni faced the challenges of sofa-surfing while preparing for her A-levels and navigating...
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Matt Appleby's Story: Polarity Healing
In this episode, we sit down with Matt Appleby as he shares his journey of healing from a toxic family dynamic shaped by a narcissistic parent. Matt opens up about how pivotal life moments—becoming a father, the loss of a beloved grandparent, the breakdown of his marriage, and the realisation of...
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Sarah's Story: Healing from a Narcissistic Mother’s Abuse
In this episode, Sarah shares her journey of growing up with a narcissistic mother who relied on guilt, blame, and shame to control and manipulate. As the scapegoat in her family, Sarah endured both physical and mental abuse, leaving her with high-functioning anxiety and a deep desire to protect...
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Lisa’s Story: Breaking the Cycle of Neglect and Narcissism
In this episode, Lisa opens up about her childhood with a neglectful and narcissistic mother who failed to meet her emotional needs and took no accountability for the harm caused. Now, as Lisa prepares to welcome her own baby, she reflects on the fears of repeating the past and the determination...
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Ashleigh's Story: Breaking Free and Finding Peace
Growing up surrounded by chaos, abuse, and dangerous relationships, Ashleigh's childhood was anything but stable. In this episode, she shares her journey of navigating trauma, the challenges of being a people pleaser, and how cutting ties with her mother became the turning point in her healing....
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Pollyanna's Story: Breaking Cycles and Finding Strength
In this episode, we sit down with Pollyanna, a beacon of hope and healing. Pollyanna opens up about her journey through trauma and how she found strength and purpose in even the darkest moments. She shares her experience of dealing with a parent struggling with alcohol abuse, offering insights…
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Emily's Story: The Impact of Stepparents
In this empowering episode, we welcome Emily. Emily shares her journey of overcoming adversity, reclaiming her voice, and finding strength through vulnerability. She also shares stories that encourage a thought-provoking discussion about the potential dangers of step-parents in unhealthy dynamics.
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Maggie Maher's Story: The Power of Acceptance in Healing
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Maggie Maher, a compassionate advocate for healing and community. Maggie shares her personal story of overcoming childhood trauma and the transformative power of building meaningful connections. Tune in for a moving conversation filled with hope…
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Sonam Dave's Story: From Scapegoat to Reborn
Welcome to Season 2 of Unburdened! I am so deeply appreciative and grateful to bring YOU on to the podcast for season 2, to share you stories and experiences and ultimately break this narrative and stigma that society still holds about family. I apologise for the sound quality on this episode,...
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Unfollowing Mum with Harriet Shearsmith
In my favourite episode of Unburdened yet, I am joined by special guest Harriet Shearsmith to tackle the heavy and complex topic of guilt—especially when it comes to setting boundaries or going no-contact with family. Harriet shares her deeply personal journey of breaking free from guilt after...
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Your Christmas Stories!
For many, Christmas can feel far from magical—filled with tension, unrealistic expectations, and tricky family dynamics. In this episode of Unburdened, we dive into the realities of a holiday that isn’t always picture-perfect. From managing over-the-top parents and handling feelings of jealousy…
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My Top 10 Books That Helped Me Heal
https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/iamzoelouise/list/8DTOK1H2AW4K?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_m 1. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself - Dr Joe Dispense 2. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - Mark Manson 3. A New Earth - Eckhart Tolls 4. Psycho-Cybernetics - Maxwell Maltz 5. Many Lives, Many...
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Breaking the Cycle
Becoming a mother can bring fears of repeating the past, but it also offers the power to break the cycle. In this episode, I share my personal journey of recognising and overcoming trauma, explore what it takes to avoid passing it on, and celebrate the signs that the cycle is truly broken.
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Bullying and Childhood Abuse
In this episode, we explore the deep link between childhood trauma and bullying. Why are some kids more likely to be targeted? How does bullying reinforce harmful beliefs shaped by abuse? I share my personal story, uncover the impact of bullying, and discuss how to break free from these cycles....
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Healing the Inner Child
This episode covers the powerful practice of inner child healing, explaining what it is and why it can be transformative. It discusses how self-criticism often targets our younger selves and how shifting to a compassionate, protective mindset can help in fostering self-compassion, ultimately...
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Attachment Styles
Our attachment style is formed in the first TWO years on life and affects our adult relationships. Learn about the different attachment styles, so you can move towards a secure one and have healthier relationships! Book mentioned in the podcast:...
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How To Manage The Guilt with Melissa Byrne
Guilt. It's the biggest emotion I hear people struggle with. Guilt for feeling different, guilt for having to introduce boundaries, guilt for having to limit contact. How can we manage the guilt so we can make choices that are right for us? This week we have a special guest, Melissa Byrne who...
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Navigating Different Contact Options
How do you know when it's time to reduce contact? What do you do if you want to maintain a relationship? This episode discusses the different contact options you have available with a toxic parent, and how to decide which one is right for you.
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Sibling Rivalry
Why does your sibling see it differently, despite growing up in the same household? This week, we discuss the responses between siblings, from the differing perspectives despite a similar upbringing to the roles your parent had you play (scapegoat or golden child).
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Narcissistic Parents and Special Occasions
Today, we’re diving into a topic that so many of you can relate to—birthdays and the narcissist. Whether it’s their birthday, yours, or anyone else's, these occasions can quickly turn into emotional minefields. If you’ve ever felt like what should be a joyful celebration ends up leaving you...