It can feel hard to get into the festive spirit, especially if you’ve got trauma in your past, and especially if it’s tied to a Christmas memory. BUT, my shining light on the Christmas tree is… it can get better! In this week’s episode, I chat about what I’ve done in the last year to really shift my mindset and how Christmas can be an important time for anyone in any kind of recovery. In this week’s episode, I discuss: How Christmas felt when I had an eating disorder, and what I wish I’d done differently.How to cope if your trauma memories are linked to the festive systemWhy Christmas can cause us to be sooo hard on ourselves and our recovery.Why your Negative Bias can kick in over Christmas, and how to rebalance it with the good stuff.3 ways I keep my triggers in check over Chrissie.How to rewrite your own Christmas story and challenge your inner criticHow a set of matching pyjamas became of symbol of my recovery As this season of Sass & Something! comes to a close, you can follow along and reach out on Instagram @amy_molloy. Or, if you’re ready to share your trauma, come and write with me through my Book Writing Remedy course or mentoring program. Find out more: www.amymolloy.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're joined once again by Ally Hensley, who you might remember from episode 3 of season 2. When we last spoke, Ally was just finishing writing her memoir about the rare condition, which transformed her sexual identity. Since then, she's signed a book agent in the UK (no small feat!). This episode is a must, if you dream of writing a book but you believe you have to be famous for people to care about your story (spoiler alert: you don't!) In this episode, we talk about: Dealing with rejection during the pitching processWriting about a taboo topic – and getting the publishing world to buy in.The pitfalls of writing about gender and sexualityThe mistake people make when writing memoirs, and how ot avoid itWriting about traumatic experiences before you’ve even shared it with your friends or family.The legal juggle of writing a memoir, and how to still share your truth whilst protecting yourselfA sneak behind the curtain of how I support my writers.Why I say memoir writing can be like therapy therapy! If you're ready to write that book, doors are now open for my course, The Book Writing Remedy or enquire about working with me 1:1. We can even ghost-write your memoir if you want us to transform your past into a book for you. www.amymolloy.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JESSIE CRIPPS: is a sponsored spear-fisher, free-diver and the cofounder of Underwater Ally Productions who pivoted a career working in TV and events, to dive headfirst (literally!) into the adventure world. Pre-lockdown, Jessie and her partner pooled their savings on a 37ft Catamaran, which they now live on full time. From their YouTube channel, it looks idyllic, but, of course, it comes with challenges! In this episode, Amy and Jessie talk about: Spending lockdown at sea as the world shuts down.Why it can feel easy to postpone your dreams.Coping with fear, in and out of the water.How to soothe your body when it feels under threat.Letting go of what you can’t control.The freedom of life when you stop comparing.And, how everyone can chase their own version of adventure. If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s spread some feel-good content together. Follow Jessie’s adventures on her Youtube channel, Sailing Popao and follow her on Instagram @jessie_cripps_sv_popao https://www.youtube.com/c/sailingpopao https://www.instagram.com/jessie_cripps_sv_popao/?hl=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the writer behind The Space mindfulness podcast, Amy Molloy (that's me!) spends her days packaging up meditation in a way that is attainable and relatable, and she hears all the reasons you can’t ‘get’ it. Whether you’re a beginner or a ‘boomerang meditation’ who returns to it in desperate times, how can you make it a regular part of your life, and really start to feel the benefits? In this episode, Amy discusses: Her journey from teen meditator to mindful content creator.Making meditation work in the real world with your limitations.Why your car is the best place to meditate and how to trick yourself into it.Finding the time when it feels impossible.Meditating as a family – in your own unique ways!How to go from chore to ‘cure’.And, we end with a guided meditation that will become your go-to! In the future, to skip straight to the guided meditation go to 22minutes on this episode. Or download the track for free here at https://www.amymolloy.com.au/meditation-tracks Listen to Sass & Something! wherever you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, please share it and leave a review — let’s spread some feel-good content together. For a twice-daily dose of meditation and mindfulness, follow Amy’s other podcast, The Space at @thespace_podcast and listen here: https://omny.fm/shows/the-spaceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FLEUR CHAMBERS is a multi-award winning meditation teacher and the gentle voice and curious heart behind The Happy Habit mindfulness app, which helps people to get their daily dose of ‘feel good.’. Her book, 10 Pathways, shares her journey with chronic pain, and how it inspired her to explore the power of the mind and find peace without a cure. In this episode, Amy and Fleur discuss: What your pain (physical or emotional) is trying to tell you.How she found the emotional cause of her chronic pain.The two arrows of suffering, and the stories we tell ourselves.How soothing our inner child can transform our bodies.Softening your attitude to ‘relapsing’.Not attaching yourself to a diagnosis.The healing effect of wonder and awe.Being more mindful in all areas of life. Listen to Sass & Something! wherever you get your podcasts. If you love this episode please review and share — let’s spread some feel-good content together. Follow Fleur on Instagram @thehappyhabitwithfleurchambers, download her app, The Happy Habit App and buy her book, 10 Pathways: A Framework for Redefining Happiness.  https://www.thehappyhabit.com.au/appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JESSICA DA SILVA is a marriage and family therapist, an attachment coach and creator of The Secure Attachment Academy. She helps adults to end their unhealthy dating patterns and create healthier, strong relationships using ‘attachment theory framework’. Ever wondered why you can’t take constructive criticism? Why you self-sabotage relationship? Why you’re always on the edge of an anxious spiral? It could be your Attachment Style — and there is something you can do about it! In this episode, Amy and Jessica discuss: The four types of Attachment Style and how they show up.How our childhood attachment impacts us as adults.The patterns we replay in our relationships.Attachment styles with friends and co-workers.How you can outgrow and evolve your attachment style.And, Jessica’s own lessons as she records this podcast with a back injury! If you love this episode, please share and leave a review — let’s spread some feel-good vibes together. Follow Jessica on Instagram @thejessicadasilva and TikTok: @jessicadasilvacoaching. Take her attachment style quiz and learn more about her course and services at Jessicadasilvacoaching.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MEL JUDD is a Cognitive Behavioural Coach (CBT), Counsellor and Trauma practitioner and founder of Integra Healing Co. The creator of This is Me Academy, she helps girls to move through their teen years and into adulthood with confidence, courage and resilience. She also works with women to process past trauma with a full-body approach to healing. On today’s episode, Amy and Mel talk about: How our teenage angst can shape us in positive and negative ways.The downsides of mental health going viral, and our over-attachment to labels.How to break the cycle of passing down trauma to our daughters.Reframing social media so it’s not the enemy.Why talk therapy isn’t always enough — and what to add to the mix!And, how to get over your teenage angst as an adult, once and for all! If you love this episode, share and subscribe — let’s spread some feel-good content together. Follow Mel on Instagram @integrahealingco and find out more about her services and programs at MelJudd.com https://meljudd.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CATHRINE MAHONEY had a very enviable job as a celebrity publicist, when she decided to try and make it as an author. Spoiler alert: she got the book deal! Her memoir, Currently in Between Husbands charts the breakdown of her marriage to one of Australia’s highest profile sport stars It wasn’t the topic she thought she write about, but it became a passion project, which has propelled her forward. In this episode, Amy and Cathrine discuss: How it feel when your breakup story is told for you.Writing a funny book about your biggest heartbreak.Why Cathrine is glad she waited before sharing her story.Owning your identity when you’re tied to a big personality.Her coping tips for when life derails.And, why she has thrived in her forties without finding love. If you loved this episode, please share and review — let’s spread some feel-good content together. Follow Cathrine on Instagram @cathrinemahoney and buy her book, Currently Between Husbands wherever books are sold. www.cathrinemahoney.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you’ve turned a painful past into a product or you’ve just been open with your friends, family or followers, sharing our toughest memories is an important part of the healing process. Amy has spent a career championing the benefits of ‘Storytelling for Healing’. There is, however, a final part of the formula — one she hasn’t talked about before now. Talking about trauma, and revisiting our past pain, can be an addictive process and one we grow to rely on for self-worth, validation and a sense of purpose. It can also stopping you from really overcoming heartbreak and enjoying the full freedom of recovery. So, how can we share our trauma, and then set ourselves free of it? In today’s episode, Amy discusses: How sharing our trauma stories can become a crutch.Why we tend to revisit pain when we feel vulnerable or disconnected.What Closing the Loop on trauma means to her and YOU.Taking back control of who, what and how you share your story.Sharing your happiness with as much courage as you share your pain.How to really enjoy the freedom of recovery — at last! Listen to Sass & Something! wherever you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, please share it and leave a review — let’s spread some feel-good content together. Spots are now open for the Closing the Loop mini-course. Sign up for instant access to the self-paced content and start your journey to Close the Loop today. www.amymolloy.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TW: This episode includes references to self-harm and disordered eating. ALLY HENSLEY is a writer, speaker and advocate, who has built a global community for girls and women living with the rare disorder she was born with. Her story and content has spread across the world, but she is sooo much more than “the woman born without a vagina.” Since the age of 16, when she began the journey to ‘create’ her own vagina canal — without surgery – she has been on a path to body love and sexual acceptance. She is also Amy’s best friend — a friendship forged by uncensored honesty. On today’s episode, Amy and Ally talk about:  How ‘creating’ her own vagina (mostly in her own bedroom!) impacted her relationship with her body and sexuality.Why she kept her condition a secret for years, and why she finally decided to ‘out’ herself.The upsides and downsides of advocacy.How it feels to be told your true story is too ‘confronting’.Infertility and how they navigate the ‘baby divide.’How a ‘boob selfie’ became a symbol of healing. If you love this episode, share and subscribe — let’s spread some feel-good content together. Follow Ally on Instagram @ally__hensley and watch this space for when her book launches into the world. You can also read her writing on Contently at https://achensley.contently.com/  https://www.instagram.com/ally__hensley/?hl=en   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TW: This episode includes references to sexual assault. JULIE TENNER is an intuitive bodyworker, counsellor, and Divine Feminine and Embodiment Leader who teaches women how to love wider, feel safe in surrender and tap into their sensuality in all areas of their life. She also knows, stress can be a major turn-off, not only wreaking havoc with our libido but the roles we play in our relationships. On today’s episode, Amy and Julie talk about: The impact of trauma on our sexual personality, and how it can also lead to an awakening.How to fit sex into a stressed-out schedule and stop it feeling like a chore.Why we’re having sex at the wrong time of the day.The one question to ask about your sex life to transform it.Why we fall back on ‘quick sex fixes’ when life is challenging.Sex toys, porn and how to feel turned on by all areas of your life. If you love this episode, share and subscribe — let’s spread some feel-good content together. Follow Julie @julietenner.love and find out more about her services and programs at http://julietenner.love/ Sign up for her free program, Seen, Felt, Known ~ Feminine energy 10: 9 days of super simple shifts to change your life and your relationship to feminine energy. https://www.instagram.com/julietenner.love/?hl=en http://julietenner.love/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LOLA BERRY had a thriving career as Australia’s favourite nutritionist, when she decided to make the leap into the acting world — and she leapt with both feet. After getting a Green Card (thanks to a lot of perseverance), she moved to LA during lockdown, leaving behind her long-term partner, Matt to fully embrace chasing her dream. That’s gutsy! On today’s episode, Amy and Lola talk about: Not living by the labels you’ve put on yourself (or the world puts on you).Leaving behind the people you love to pursue a passion.Why time is just an illusion & you can play by your own schedule.Fearlessly failing, egg freezing & enjoying the process of starting over.And, what having ‘grit’ really means to us. If you love this episode, share and subscribe — let’s spread some feel-good content together.  Follow Lola on Instagram @yummololaberry and listen to her Fearlessly Failing podcast wherever you get your poddies. https://www.instagram.com/yummololaberry/?hl=en https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fearlessly-failing-with-lola-berry/id1478245620  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season two of Sass & Something! is coming! We've been on a bit of a journey since season one, and we bet you have too! This podcast began because there's always something. We wanted a show that SHOWED-UP for your struggles. But, what if that something wasn't a bad thing? Every week, join journalist, editor and mindfulness coach, Amy Molloy as she talks to guests about the upside of the unexpected. How you can turn an ending into a beginning.How you can hope for the best after the worst.How you can push against our Culture of Suffering. This podcast is for you if you want to rewrite your story. If you want to feel good without talking in cliches. If you want to embrace the freedom of recovery. Subscribe to Sass + Something! wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Amy @amy_molloy for when season two goes LIVE!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever found yourself apologising for having an opinion? How about honouring what you need? Ever said sorry for crying in public or leaving the party early because your internal fire alarm was going off?  Yeah, I think we all need to cut that shit out.  Join Katie and Amy, as they delve into our constant need to say we're sorry and why — big offensive behaviour aside — we need to stop apologising for the complex, messy, fiery women we are. This is our STOP APOLOGISING episode. What we cover: What are some things we’ve said sorry for. Crying. Feeling. Having an opinion. Periods. Not wanting sex! Where does this need come from? The word ‘JUST’ and why it’s problematicHow to step more INTO yourself.Why are you apologising for changing? Write with Amy www.amymolloy.com.au Connect with Katie www.katieford.com.au DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not designed to address intense or complicated trauma, or to replace therapeutic support from a specialised practitioner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s topic can be a little divisive! Like it or not, we’re suspicious of people who don’t drink. Will they judge me? What do they do for fun? How on earth do you date when sober. And, why would you want to? Yet, more people than ever are getting sober curious. As we record this it’s Dry July, which means an army of people across the world are swapping their wine for a soda water. The question is; is it really empowering? Or, can it be another form of self-punishment? So raise a glass. Mix a mocktail. Get comfortable. We’re talking about Sober Curiosity and how to drink more joyfully. What we cover: The rise in people exploring sober-curiosityWhat does drinking (or not) mean for your identity.Sober, teetotal or ‘on a break’ — what’s in a name?How to date sober!!!Is quitting really right for you?Or is it another form of ‘deprivation punishment.’How to drink more joyfully (and avoid hang-xiety!) Write with Amy www.amymolloy.com.au Connect with Katie www.katieford.com.au DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not designed to address intense or complicated trauma, or to replace therapeutic support from a specialised practitioner. If alcohol is harming you or someone you know, it could be good to seek advice from a professional. For support visit: www.drinkwise.org.au References: https://www.eharmony.com/study/happiness-index-2022/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oooh, validation. We are addicted. A little ‘like’ here. A little ego-boost there. We crave validation for a LOT of different reasons.  Most of us know when our ego takes over but what about those SMALLER cries for attention? Our urge to scroll. Our need to people-please. Can we love ourselves without a slow drip of praise? THAT’S the question. So, put down TikTok. Stop taking a selfie. Forget your like-count for one, tiny moment. We’re talking about MICRODOSING VALIDATION. It’s a mouthful and it’s a great topic! What we cover: - Where our urge for validation comes from? - Is it all bad or is it okay to crave praise? - How to validate yourself (in super practical ways). - What’s your validation weak spot? - The link between your values and FEELING valued. - PLUS, if Katie was a cheese, what cheese she would be! Credit to James McCrae @wordsarevibrations who gave us the inspo for this episode. p.s If you have an emotional hurdle, you’d love Amy and Katie to offer some guidance on DM @sassandsomething and #shareyoursomething. And, join us next week wherever you get your podcasts. Write with Amy www.amymolloy.com.au Connect with Katie www.katieford.com.au DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not designed to address intense or complicated trauma, or to replace therapeutic support from a specialised practitioner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We couldn’t get through a season without talking about THIS topic. It’s our specialist subject. Our Personal Brand of Anxiety. The thing which nearly broke us, but then made us. It’s that little voice in your head, which tells you every headache is a tumour. The panic when you’ve “lost” your tampon. The spiral with every sniffle. Health anxiety CAN be sneaky. Luckily, Katie and Amy are on it! So, wash your hands. Sterilise your headphones. Strip off and step behind our curtain. This is our HEALTH ANXIETY episode (Part One!). What we’ll cover: The sneaky little ways health anxiety shows up.What your symptoms are really trying to tell you.The impact of “Comparisonitis” (and our old mate, ego).Our quick fixes for anxious urges.How to not lose your mind when your kids are CONSTANTLY sick.Why you don’t need to be cured! p.s If you have an emotional hurdle, you’d love Amy and Katie to offer some guidance on DM @sassandsomething and #shareyoursomething. And, join us next week wherever you get your podcasts. Work with Amy www.amymolloy.com.au Connect with Katie www.katieford.com.au DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not designed to address intense or complicated trauma, or to replace therapeutic support from a specialised practitioner.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartbreak SUCKS. It feels like a gaping wound in your chest, monkeys in your stomach or like someone has ripped the rug out from under you.  A broken heart doesn’t just apply to romantic uncouplings (thanks Gwyneth!) In so many areas of our life, we hold on FAR longer than we are meant to. Why does it hurt so much? What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to cope with it all? Let’s face it, heartbreak hotel sucks big sweaty balls. We don’t care for it one bit, but we are here to talk about it (and normalise it!).  This is our BROKEN HEARTED episode. Maybe there’s a gift in it after all.  What we cover: Why is it that we hold on far longer than we are meant to?Is it laced in reality or a grieving process of dreams?How our attachment styles impact our breakups.How to get over one person before you’ve found the next one.Why it’s time to stop comparing our love lives (cos we're all a CATCH!). p.s If you have an emotional hurdle, you’d love Amy and Katie to offer some guidance on DM @sassandsomething and #shareyoursomething. And, join us next week wherever you get your podcasts. Write with Amy www.amymolloy.com.au Connect with Katie www.katieford.com.au DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not designed to address intense or complicated trauma, or to replace therapeutic support from a specialised practitioner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TW: This episode includes references to eating disorders and sexual assault. It's a conversation we have as women on the WEEKLY. I don't like this bit. I wish I could change that bit. How we feel about our bodies is a full-figured topic. Sure, shaking up your fitness regime can help, but it’s really only a Bandaid. What is really behind the need to change your appearance? Both Katie and Amy have learnt a LOT about body love over the years. Eating disorders. Surgery. Pregnancies. We’ve been there! So, gather your hang-ups. Get ready to go skin deeper. This is our BODY IMAGE episode. What we cover: - What’s really behind your body hang-ups? - The link between loneliness and body issues. - Katie’s explant surgery. - Amy’s Eating Disorder recovery. - Why you don’t have to love your body EVERY DAMN DAY.  P.S. If you have an emotional hurdle, you’d love Amy and Katie to offer some guidance on DM @sassandsomething and #shareyoursomething. Write with Amy www.amymolloy.com.au Connect with Katie www.katieford.com.au  DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not designed to address intense or complicated trauma, or to replace therapeutic support from a specialised practitioner. We do not condone or recommend any dietary strategies discussed in this episode. If you, or anyone you know, are impacted by an eating disorder or negative body image, please speak to your doctor or reach out to The Butterfly Foundation: https://butterfly.org.au/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether or not we realise it, what we are avoiding OWNS US. What we don’t say always says something. Have you ever thought about it? Have you had aggressive internal dialogues around it? Do you repeatedly live with inner conflict because of it? Let’s go there …  Join Amy and Katie for their COMMUNICATION episode, as they delve into the difficult dilemma of how much to share (especially in a romantic situation). What we cover: The signs you’ve censored yourself for the wrong reasonsHow silencing ourselves feels in our bodies and sparks our anxietyNavigating communication on first dates and long-term relationshipsAmy and Katie’s ‘we learnt the hard way’ mistakesWhat we can learn from what we don’t say! p.s If you have an emotional hurdle, you’d love Amy and Katie to offer some guidance on DM @sassandsomething and #shareyoursomething. And, join us next week wherever you get your podcasts.   Write with Amy www.amymolloy.com.au Connect with Katie www.katieford.com.au  Produced By: Sophie (@soundstreetworld)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.