Soul with Sammy

Held by Purpose: Robyn's Journey Rising Through Heartbreak and the Pandemic

🎙 Held by Purpose: Robyn's Journey Rising Through Heartbreak and the Pandemic
Welcome back to Soul with Sammy—a space where real stories meet the heart, and we hold space for the raw, the real, and the deeply human.
In this profoundly moving episode, Sammy sits down with Robyn, a metaphysical massage therapist and holistic healer, whose life was turned upside down just before the world shut down.
At the end of a 32-year marriage, Robyn found herself alone for the first time in her life—living in a granny flat, surrounded by uncertainty, grief, and fear. Then the pandemic hit. What followed was a journey of complete transformation, marked by loss, resilience, and the unwavering power of purpose.
Robyn shares her story of:
Leaving her marriage after nearly two decades of hesitation
Facing isolation with no physical touch or support system
Learning to self-soothe and comfort her nervous system through intuitive practices
Becoming a business owner during lockdown to continue serving her community
Navigating the emotional toll of placing her father in aged care and being his fiercest advocate
Finding deep spiritual connection and grace in the final days of his life
Witnessing the long-tail impact of COVID on the body, nervous system, and collective psyche
This episode is about what it means to rise—not because you’re ready, but because something within you knows you must. Robyn’s story is a testament to the human spirit, the power of intuition, and the healing that happens when we choose to show up, even in our most broken moments.
💛 If you’ve ever faced heartbreak, grief, or felt the weight of the world, this one’s for you.
Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy or a substitute for mental health support. If you are struggling, please seek professional help from a qualified therapist or counsellor.
Sammy offers Trauma, Grief and Anxiety Counselling through her work at The Still Space www.thestillspace.com.au.
Connect with Robyn at www.biomechanicshealthcare.com.au
🎧 Subscribe to Soul with Sammy and leave a review to help more hearts find this space.

The Village That Carried Us: Mel's Journey Through Her Son's Cancer Diagnosis

This is the episode you won’t want to miss. It will break your heart — and gently piece it back together again.
In today’s powerful and deeply moving conversation, I sit down with Mel, a devoted mother whose life was turned upside down when her seven-year-old son, Tom, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer just days before Christmas. What followed was over a year of high-dose chemotherapy, radiation, and a complete reshaping of life as they knew it.
Mel shares with breathtaking honesty what it means to parent through trauma — the sleepless nights, the fear, the hospital routines — and how she and her husband made an early decision to show up equally for both of their boys. She speaks to the strength she didn’t know she had, the heartbreak of watching Tom lose friends, and the unexpected healing that came from connection.
In this episode, we explore:
The moment they found the lump, and how everything changed
Honest conversations with a child facing their own mortality
The Starlight Room, and the magic of childlike joy in a hospital ward
Survivor’s guilt, anxiety, and learning to live moment to moment
The simple things that kept Mel going — coffee, sunshine, and deep breaths
The village that carried them — and why asking for help changed everything
This story is one of fierce love, unimaginable challenge, and incredible hope. Whether you're a parent, a carer, or someone holding space for someone in pain — Mel’s voice will stay with you long after the episode ends.
Quote to carry with you:
“In this moment, he’s okay.”
💛 If you or someone you love is facing cancer or navigating grief, please know you're not alone.
📞 Cancer Council Support Line: 13 11 20📞 Griefline Helpline: 1300 845 745
Support is available — please reach out.
If this episode touched you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. Let’s keep these real and important conversations going.
🧡 Connect with us on Instagram: @soulwithsammy

More Than a Body: Sarah’s Journey Through Anorexia and Healing

Trigger Warning:This episode contains sensitive discussions around eating disorders, suicide, and sexual abuse. Please take care of your mental health and choose to listen when and if it feels safe for you.
Episode Summary:In this deeply vulnerable and powerful conversation, Sammy sits down with Sarah — a woman who has lived in the shadows of anorexia since the age of 13. What began as a quiet attempt to find control amidst the chaos of her parents’ divorce grew into a decades-long battle with restriction, shame, and self-punishment.
Sarah opens up about the reality behind her illness — the loneliness, the misunderstood stereotypes, and the consuming internal noise that comes with living with an eating disorder. She shares how trauma, perfectionism, and the desire to simply be “enough” shaped her relationship with food, her body, and herself.
Together, Sammy and Sarah explore the hidden layers of eating disorders and the strength it takes to reach for healing. Sarah also talks about her time in a recovery clinic, what helped her the most, and why empathy, support, and community are so vital.
This episode is not only a story of pain — it’s a story of resilience, honesty, and hope.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:
Sarah’s early life and the emotional impact of her parents' divorce
How anorexia became a coping mechanism for trauma and anxiety
The misconception that eating disorders are about vanity or appearance
The genetic, societal, and personality factors that can contribute to disordered eating
Sarah’s contrasting experiences with treatment in hospital vs. a holistic clinic
The emotional toll of living with a misunderstood illness
Why support, patience, and compassion from others can change everything
What recovery means, and why it’s not a linear path
A Message from Sarah:"I didn’t choose this. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But I’m still here — learning, healing, and hoping. And I want others to know they’re not alone."
You Are Not Alone – Support Is Available:
If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to one of the following support services:
Butterfly Foundation (Eating Disorder Support, Australia)📞 1800 33 4673 (8am–midnight AEST, 7 days)🌐 butterfly.org.au
Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support)📞 13 11 14🌐 lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue (Mental Health Support)📞 1300 22 4636🌐 beyondblue.org.au
National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC)🌐 nedc.com.au(Provides information and connects you to services like Butterfly)
Connect with Sammy:🧠 Registered Counsellor. Mental Health Advocate. Host of Soul with Sammy.🌐 www.thestillspace.com.au📱 Instagram: @thestillspaceau @soulwithsammy

A Mother’s Fight: Tennelle's Story of Love, Loss, and the Will to Keep Going”

💛 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses birth trauma, PTSD, postnatal depression, suicide and grief. Please take care while listening.
Episode Summary:
In this deeply moving episode of Soul with Sammy, we welcome Tennelle, a mother whose journey through motherhood has been marked by immense physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. From enduring a traumatic birth experience that left lasting scars to navigating postnatal depression and PTSD, Tennelle's story is one of resilience, strength, and survival.
She opens up about the reality of living with chronic pain, the battle for proper medical care, and the emotional toll of advocating for herself and her daughter, who has sensory processing challenges and an autism diagnosis. With raw honesty, Tennelle shares how she fought to reclaim her mental health while also caring for her mother through a devastating cancer diagnosis.
🌿 In This Episode, We Talk About:✔ The trauma of childbirth and the long road to healing✔ The impact of PTSD and postnatal depression on motherhood✔ Parenting a child with sensory sensitivities and neurodivergence✔ How grief shapes us and the lifelong imprint of losing a parent✔ The importance of mental health support, therapy, and self-care
This episode is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure, adapt, and keep moving forward, no matter how heavy the weight of life becomes.
Resources & Support:
✨ You Are Not Alone. If this conversation resonates with you, know that support is available.
🧡 Counselling at The Still Space – Compassionate, trauma-informed counselling is available for those navigating grief, birth trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and the challenges of motherhood. Whether you need a space to heal, process, or simply be heard, reach out to The Still Space for support at www.thestillspace.com.au.
📩 Connect:💬 Share your thoughts and experiences. Send me a message on Instagram @soulwithsammy or @thestillspaceau.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Grief Came Because Love Came First: Sonia's Story of Loss & Strength

Welcome back to Soul With Sammy, where we open the door to raw, real, and meaningful conversations about mental health and the messiness of life.
In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Sonia Kapur-Taylor, a psychic energy healer, spiritual activator, and Divine and Light Language channel. Sonia’s story is one of unimaginable loss, resilience, and the profound ways grief shapes and transforms us.
In December 2022, Sonia experienced the devastating loss of her son, Theo, after premature labor at 21 weeks. This was her second pregnancy loss, and what followed was a journey through profound grief, PTSD, and a battle with her own body as she struggled with unexplained neurological symptoms that left her physically unwell. In this conversation, Sonia courageously shares:
✨ The moment everything changed—the heartbreaking day she lost Theo✨ The emotional and physical toll of grief, PTSD, and navigating a healthcare system that dismissed her pain✨ A powerful realization: Grief came because love came first✨ How spirituality and energy healing helped her find purpose and reconnect with herself✨ The unseen struggles of women experiencing child loss and how we can better support them
Sonia’s journey is a testament to the power of love, healing, and finding light even in the darkest places. If you’ve experienced grief or know someone who has, this episode will touch your heart and help you understand the silent weight of loss that so many carry.
Connect with Sonia Kapur-Taylor
Sonia is a Certified Advanced Soul Realignment® Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Spirit Channeler, and Life Coach. She is dedicated to helping big-hearted women who feel stuck and disempowered in their lives—whether it’s due to draining relationships, unfulfilling jobs, or ongoing stress and uncertainty.
With her unique blend of energy healing, intuitive coaching, and a touch of magical woo, Sonia works with you to let go of old habits and negative beliefs, heal deep-rooted wounds, and release outdated patterns that no longer serve you. She helps you reconnect with your intuitive wisdom and align your energy, guiding you to create a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Through personalized support, Sonia empowers you to unlock your true potential and step into a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with what you truly want at this stage of life.
💫 Find out more about Sonia and her work: www.soniakapurtaylor.com📲 Connect with Sonia on Instagram: @soulsessionswithsonia
Looking for Support? Contact The Still Space
If you are navigating grief, loss, trauma, or significant life challenges, The Still Space offers compassionate, trauma-informed counselling for both adults and children.
💙 Find out more & book a session: www.thestillspace.com.au📲 Follow on Instagram: @thestillspaceau📧 Enquiries: hello@thestillspace.com.au
Helpful Contacts for Support in Australia (Infant Death & Loss)
If you or someone you know is experiencing grief due to infant or pregnancy loss, these organizations offer counselling, peer support, and resources across Australia:
💜 Red Nose Australia (Sands) – Grief & Loss Support📞 24/7 Bereavement Support Line: 1300 308 307🌐 www.rednose.org.au(Support for parents, grandparents, and families coping with pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and infant death.)
💙 Bears of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support📞 24/7 Support Line: 1300 11 HOPE (1300 11 4673)🌐 www.bearsofhope.org.au(Counselling, support groups, and memorial services for pregnancy and infant loss.)
💜 The Pink Elephants Support Network🌐 www.pinkelephants.org.au(Support for early pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and recurrent loss.)
💙 Stillbirth Foundation Australia🌐 www.stillbirthfoundation.org.au(Resources, advocacy, and support for families impacted by stillbirth.)
💜 Griefline Australia📞 National Helpline: 1300 845 745🌐 www.griefline.org.au(Free phone and online grief counselling for all types of loss, including infant loss.)
You don’t have to navigate grief alone—there is support available. 💙
🔗 Listen now and share with anyone who needs to hear this message of hope and healing.

Kym’s Journey: A Mother’s Love, Advocacy & Unbreakable Strength

Today’s episode is an incredibly powerful and moving conversation with Kym Gleeson, a devoted mother, advocate, and warrior navigating life with a child who has a rare genetic condition, Acrodysostosis.
🎧 In This Episode:
Kym shares her deeply personal journey of motherhood, the challenges of raising her daughter Frankie, and the battles she’s fought to ensure Frankie has access to the support and education she deserves. This episode is a raw and honest look at resilience, advocacy, and the unwavering love of a mother.
💡 Key Topics Covered:✔️ The emotional and physical toll of early motherhood and receiving a rare diagnosis✔️ Navigating grief, guilt, and resilience after learning about Frankie’s condition✔️ The power of advocacy—fighting for educational rights and inclusivity✔️ How a Facebook support group changed her family’s journey✔️ The realities of judgment, stigma, and societal views on disabilities✔️ Lessons on self-compassion, kindness, and strength in the face of adversity
🌟 Why You Should Listen:
Kym’s story is one of raw honesty, perseverance, and hope. Whether you are a parent, an advocate, or someone navigating the unknown, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and more compassionate toward the unseen struggles of families raising children with disabilities.
📢 Resources & How to Support:
💜 The Frankie Foundation: Supporting children with disabilities and their families.🔗 thefrankiefoundation.org
📖 Learn More About Acrodysostosis:🔗 What is Acrodysostosis?
👩‍💻 Connect with Kym Gleeson:🔗 LinkedIn Profile
🎧 Listen Now!
👉 Available on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Your Favorite Podcast App
💬 Let’s Connect!✨ Follow Soul with Sammy for more real conversations.📩 Share your thoughts—DM me on Instagram @soulwithsammy❤️ If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with a friend!

From Silicon Valley to Self-Worth: Julie’s Journey of Burnout, Boundaries & Breakthroughs

In this powerful episode of Soul with Sammy, I sit down with Julie Demsey, a former Silicon Valley tech executive turned hypnotherapist and mindset coach. Julie shares her journey of success, burnout, and ultimately, transformation—moving across the world to Australia, shifting careers, and rewriting her own story.
We discuss:✅ How childhood experiences shape our mindset and self-worth✅ The dangers of overachieving, people-pleasing, and corporate burnout✅ Julie’s turning points that led her to make bold life changes✅ The power of mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and mindset shifts in personal growth✅ Why imposter syndrome and self-doubt are more common than we think✅ Practical strategies for setting boundaries and reclaiming your time
Julie also opens up about writing her book, FOUND: Swiping Right on Me to Find Love, and the deep lessons she uncovered about self-worth, relationships, and the importance of choosing yourself first.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction & Julie’s Morning Routine[05:45] Growing Up with Anxiety & Overachieving Tendencies[12:30] Burnout in Silicon Valley & the Breaking Point[22:15] Moving to Australia & Making a Career Shift[30:40] The Role of Hypnotherapy & Mindset Coaching[40:10] Imposter Syndrome, People-Pleasing & Self-Worth[50:20] Setting Boundaries & Taking Back Your Time[58:00] Writing FOUND & the Power of Self-Discovery[1:05:15] Final Advice for Listeners
Connect with Julie:
🌎 Website: www.juliedemsey.com📩 Email: julie@juliedemsey.com📷 Instagram: @juliedemsey
Connect with Sammy & The Still Space:
🌎 Website: www.thestillspace.com.au📷 Instagram: @thestillspaceau📩 Email: hello@thestillspace.com.au
Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear your thoughts, what resonated with you the most? Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram and tag us! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoyed this episode.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Helen’s Story: Motherhood, Addiction, and the Road to Recovery

In this deeply moving episode of Soul With Sammy, we sit down with Helen, a resilient mother whose life has been shaped by love, loss, addiction, and ultimately, hope. Helen shares her raw and honest story, from navigating the challenges of raising two children with cystic fibrosis to battling alcohol addiction as a means of coping with immense stress and trauma. Her journey through motherhood, grief, and recovery is nothing short of extraordinary.
Helen opens up about the impact of receiving her children’s diagnoses, the emotional toll of constant medical battles, and the moment she realized she needed to choose sobriety for herself. She takes us through her experience with rehab, the struggles of relapse, and how a groundbreaking medical treatment changed the trajectory of her family's life. Now four years sober, Helen shares her wisdom on addiction, mental health, and finding strength in the darkest of times.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and its impact on Helen’s early years
The challenges of raising children with cystic fibrosis and the emotional toll it took
How stress and trauma led to a cycle of alcohol addiction
The pivotal moment that led Helen to seek help and commit to recovery
Life in sobriety: finding joy, connection, and new coping mechanisms
The groundbreaking medical breakthrough that changed her children's future
The myths around addiction and why quitting is not as simple as "just stopping"
How Helen found meaning and purpose beyond addiction
Key Takeaways:✔️ Addiction is not a choice, and recovery is an ongoing journey that requires support.✔️ Mental health struggles can manifest in many ways—seeking help is a sign of strength.✔️ Even in the darkest times, there is always something worth fighting for.✔️ Science and medical advancements continue to bring hope to families facing chronic illness.✔️ Healing comes from within, but community and connection are crucial.
Resources & Links:📌 Follow Soul With Sammy on Instagram: @SoulWithSammy📌 Learn more about cystic fibrosis: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation📌 Need support for addiction? Visit Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery📌 If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:
Australia: Lifeline – Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au
USA: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
UK: Samaritans – Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
Global: Find local support through findahelpline.com

The Story Behind the Mic: Why I Started This Podcast

Welcome to the very first episode of Soul with Sammy! In this deeply personal and heartfelt conversation, I open up about my journey—the challenges, the triumphs, and the moments that shaped me into who I am today. From childhood struggles and financial hardships to medical trauma, motherhood, and finding my calling in mental health, this episode is a raw and honest reflection on resilience, healing, and purpose.
Join me as I share why I started this podcast, my passion for supporting others, and my hope that these conversations will remind you: you are not alone.
✨ In this episode, I talk about:✔️ Growing up in a single-parent home and overcoming financial struggles✔️ The impact of childhood trauma and navigating self-worth✔️ Facing medical crises with my children and the lasting effects of medical trauma✔️ The transition from corporate burnout to mental health advocacy✔️ Why real, unfiltered conversations about mental health matter
💛 You don’t have to do this alone 💛
If you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, grief, or stress, I’m here to support you. As a Counsellor and Integrative Mindfulness Practitioner, I offer 1:1 counseling for adults and children at The Still Space.
🌿 Book a session or learn more:🔗 Website: www.thestillspace.com.au📩 Contact: hello@thestillspace.com.au
💬 If you need immediate support, please reach out to Lifeline.📞 Lifeline (Australia): 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)🌍 For other countries, please check your local crisis helpline.
This is just the beginning of Soul with Sammy, and I’m so grateful you’re here.
If this episode resonates with you, please share, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories. 💛
🔗 Follow & Connect:📸 Instagram: @soulwithsammy and @thestillspaceau