In the week leading up to Christmas, we need to debrief. Christmas and all the societal expectations have us tired. As two retired people-pleasers, we're trying a new tradition - to do less.

So what's important to us then, what's the minimum standard for Christmas? What actual brings joy around the holiday period?

Let's be honest guys, this is pretty much just a casual yap fest, but hey, y'all seem to enjoy it, so we'll keep giving it to ya. Xx

CW: child s*x abuse, r*pe, violence, armed hold ups, suicide

We have one of our listeners (and dear friends) Katie join us on the pod for a vast and deep discussion about, life, trauma and healing. Katie talks about how she held everything in until a moment at work brought her crashing down into full blown PTSD.

We talk about how she went on to change her whole life, leave a marriage, come out, go to therapy, parent through the chaos and build her new, beautiful existence.

Also - we recorded this on Wear It Purple Day (in August!!). We've been keeping it in the barrel for a while... whoops.

"Did we just become best friends?"

We adored our chat with Jacquie, and felt like we could have kept waffling on forever!

Jacquie is a Psychologist, Mum and now Published Author based in Sydney, Australia who works with children, adolescents and their families, with a special interest in supporting people who experience Sensory Processing Sensitivity, more commonly referred to as 'Highly Sensitive Kids/People'.

We learn about Jacquie's transition from a corporate career to psychology, the traits of and unique challenges faced by highly sensitive individuals, the impact of societal expectations, and the importance of compassion in parenting.

We found this conversation to be light, fun, warm, validating AND energising all at once (we felt ready to take on the world fueled by love, compassion and empathy), we decided that Jacquie is now one of our Pod Besties, we'll probably start a commune together some day and we trust you'll enjoy the side quests and tangents along the way!

Sam + Jess

WANT TO SEE MORE OF JACQUIE'S WORK?

Instagram - @jacquie_ward_

Children's Book - Billy's Brilliant Butterflies

Online Course - Helping Your Highly Sensitive Child to Thrive

Website - www.jacquieward.com.au