Heart On My Sleeve

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 layers of what it's really like to live with intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and the mental gymnastics of emetophobia (fear of vomit) - a condition Zoe mistook for decades as just anxiety or a phobia.We explore:The moment Zoe realised her lifelong fear had a nameThe four-hour lunch that changed her lifeHer terrifying but transformative experience with Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapyThe fluid fusion between her identity and OCD—and how she's learning to separate the twoHow one word—maybe—has given her the freedom to live againThis conversation is deeply personal, sometimes confronting, often enlightening - and full of hope. Whether you live with OCD, love someone who does, or simply want to understand the inner world behind a smile, this episode is for you.Zoe’s vulnerability is a gift. Her story is a mirror. And her healing is a reminder that even in the darkest confusion, trust and surrender can light the way.👉 Connect with Zoe: @zoebmarshall | arise.com.au

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, vulnerable conversation about living, parenting, and thriving as a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD woman.From growing up in rural Ireland under emotional suppression, to unknowingly masking for decades in school and corporate life, Ashling shares how her son’s diagnosis led to her own awakening. Together, they unpack the deep grief, shame, and relief that can come with understanding your neurodivergent identity as an adult—and how those painful moments can transform into purpose.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt “too much,” who’s learned to blend in to survive, and who is ready to reclaim the power in being unapologetically themselves.⚠️ Content note: This episode touches on trauma, burnout, and emotional masking. Connect with Aisling: https://aisling-smith.com/Bio:Aisling Smith is a globally recognised Neurodiversity Trainer of the Year, 40 Under 40 Business Elite Award Honouree and Silver Stevie Award winner for Social Change in Disability. A late-diagnosed autistic woman with ADHD, Aisling leverages her lived experience and over a decade of professional expertise to empower neurodivergent individuals and transform workplaces worldwide.As an international speaker, best-selling author, and highly sought-after consultant, Aisling has inspired thousands with her innovative approach to neuro-inclusion. She partners with global organisations to implement sustainable neuro-inclusive strategies, rewrite policies, and create thriving, diverse workplaces. Her 7-pillar diversity and inclusion training program has become a benchmark for organisations aiming to foster inclusive environments and unlock the full potential of their teams.Aisling’s expertise is deeply rooted in her personal journey. As the mother of a neurodivergent child, she is driven to normalise and celebrate neurodiversity in all aspects of life. Her work transcends professional boundaries, as she also founded The New to Neurodiversity Club, a transformative community for late-diagnosed professional women with autism and ADHD. This platform offers tailored resources, coaching, and empowerment to help women embrace their strengths and create fulfilling lives.With a background spanning 15+ years in psychology, event production, advertising, and business, Aisling combines her professional and entrepreneurial experience with ground-breaking psychological and neuroscience techniques. She is known for delivering engaging, actionable presentations that challenge traditional thinking and empower audiences to create workplaces where neurodivergent employees excel.Aisling’s accolades include:• Neurodiversity Trainer of the Year 2024• 40 under 40 Business Elite 2024• Silver Stevie Award for Social Change in Disability 2024• MBN Awards: New Business of the Year 2022• IACC: Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist 2022• Most Empowering Corporate Trainer 2023Aisling’s dedication to breaking biases around neurodiversity and promoting workplace inclusion has positioned her as a trailblazer in her field.Her mission is clear: to impact over a million lives by making neurodiversity a celebrated and normalised aspect of human diversity worldwide. Aisling Smith is the speaker and trainer your organisation needs to foster understanding, enhance collaboration, and drive innovation through neuro-inclusion.

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 reality of solo parenting through grief, and the quiet resilience it takes to keep showing up.From collapsing on the pavement in shock to rising each day with intention, Ashleigh's story is not just one of tragedy - it’s a masterclass in courage. She speaks about the power of saying “I’m not okay,” the weight of new labels like “widow,” and how she's transforming her pain into purpose through her work with Yellow Falcon.This episode is for anyone navigating the complexity of grief, identity, or starting over - and a testament to the fact that healing doesn't mean forgetting... it means carrying forward with love.Find Ash online: @ashleigh.conwell and @yellow.falcon

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 person in order to help them get well, and stay well. This episode covers: Moving medicine away from diagnosis towards a holistic model of care Why we need to look outside of the mind when treating mental illness What is the Focalength Method™ and how we can all apply the principals His work specialising in ADHD and the elements that are often-overlooked Modern day mental illnesses - where we've gone wrong with treatment A deep dive into the impact of our core beliefs and attachment styles Stay Connected: www.focalength.com.au www.instagram/mitch.wallis

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 productivity, maximize performance, and accelerate growth. As a Registered psychologist, Gaj leans on his psychology training to deliver the most effective evidence-based solutions to his clients that are proven to enhance potential and performance. This episode covers: the unique skill that all high performers possess the biggest limiting beliefs that stop people succeeding how to move past defeat and into true resilience #1 thing you're doing wrong if you want to get promoted why all high performers are a little bit f*cked up Stay connected: https://kompassconsultancy.com/www.instagram.com/gajravichandra www.instagram.com/mitch.wallis Have feedback to share, questions you want answered or guests you want to see on the show? Get in touch: contact@mitchwallis.com Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8fRx_64RQR4

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 as bullying, and domestic violence, both of which are experiences that she's survived. Jacinta is a big believer in sharing stories to connect and help others, something I’m equally passionate about so I'm honoured to be able to bring you her story of resilience. This episode covers: Her traumatic experience at school confronting her childhood bully 15 years later The psychological entrapment of an emotionally and physically abusive relationship How to rebuild mental fortitude when you've experienced repeated hardship Receiving psychiatric care at her most vulnerable and the shocking treatment from staff How to get out of victim mindset and forgive yourself for all you put up with to survive Her best tools to shift self-esteem and internal narratives from unworthy to deserving Stay connected: www.instagram.com/just.anothergirl_www.justanothergirlproject.com.au www.instagram.com/mitch.wallis Have feedback to share, questions you want answered or guests you want to see on the show? Get in touch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@mitchwallis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yMis1WuMPQA

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 episode dives deep into untold stories of struggle both on and off the pitch. this episode covers: his unspoken story of struggle, stigma and feeling like a burden. the impact of football on his mental health, from extreme highs to unmanageable lows. the media's portrayal and what really went on behind closed doors. anger on the field and run-ins with the police - from bad boy to family man. injury, pain, addiction and grieving the loss of his father. becoming a father and navigating his own identity change. Stay connected: www.instagram.com/birdman_13 www.projectnetzero.com.au www.instagram.com/mitch.wallis Have feedback to share, questions you want answered or guests you want to see on the show? Get in touch: ⁠⁠⁠contact@mitchwallis.com⁠⁠⁠ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HkZJxdLJB04