Curveball – The Club you didn't want to be part of

Send us a Text Message.We all have a different understanding of our sexuality. Depending on our circumstances and upbringing, many of us are left to discover it on our own. If there's any education, sex is generally taught as something precious and private between two people in a relationship, with an emphasis on baby-making, not pleasure. Touch and sexual expression are a fundamental part of our humanity, a powerful way to connect with others and ourselves, experience pleasure and express desire. Sex as a commodity, as a means of making a living - an ancient art - is rarely encouraged by career counsellors; so, what leads one to become a sex worker, what's it like and how does it impact you? Guided by host Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of how they came to sex work, their experiences and revelations. Three women of different generations, one in their thirties, seventies and eighties, share their intimate stories and life lessons. It's a revolutionary and revelationary discussion, including advice for those considering the profession.Please note: * Content warning for discussion of sexual assault, rape, suicide and child abuse that some viewers may find distressing—intended for an adult audience. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Sex Worker's Outreach Project (SWOP)https://swop.org.au/what-we-do/swopconnectScarlett's alliance - https://scarletalliance.org.au/Australian Sex Workers Association. Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone. To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8We appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Contact Beth at: beth@curveballmedia.com.auSound production: Unison Sound.Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth ArmstrongHost: Beth ArmstrongEditor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey. Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral. Composer: Biddy ConnorArtwork: wisebrownfoxhttps://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

What happens when you can't pay the rent or find anywhere cheaper? Perhaps you or your dependents are ill, divorce or loss has left you short, or you're unemployed or retired with minimal savings, or you've left a bad situation. No one imagines they will one day become homeless. Women over 55 are the largest growing cohort in Australia. What's it like to face homelessness?   Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of hardship, how they came to the point of homelessness and the subsequent impact on their lives. In the first episode, they share their life stories and the process they went through to find a home; in this second episode, they share personal triumphs and trials, discuss their views on what needs to change and offer advice for others who may find themselves facing homelessness or want to advocate for others. Please note:  * Content warning for discussion of child sexual abuse and sexual violence that some may find distressing. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue.TA = temporary accommodationHAAG = Housing for the Aged Action Group                https://www.oldertenants.org.au/haag/aboutCHIA = Community Housing Industry Association https://www.communityhousing.com.au/Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge                                                                                                             Crisis and emergency accommodation in Sydney, NSW.Homeless Persons hotlineCBT = Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Departing of Community Housing                                             https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/nswgovdirectory/dcj-housingCOPD = Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseShare women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone. To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8We appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Contact Beth at: beth@curveballmedia.com.auSound production: Unison Sound.Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth ArmstrongHost: Beth ArmstrongEditor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey. Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral. Composer: Biddy ConnorArtwork: wisebrownfoxhttps://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

What happens when you can't pay the rent or find anywhere cheaper? Perhaps you or your dependents are ill, divorce or loss has left you short, or you're unemployed or retired with minimal savings, or you've left a bad situation. No one imagines they will one day become homeless. Women over 55 are the largest growing cohort in Australia. What's it like to face homelessness?   Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of hardship, how they came to the point of homelessness and the subsequent impact on their lives. In this first episode, they share their life stories and the process they went through to find a home; in the second episode, they discuss their views on what needs to change, share personal triumphs and trials and offer advice for others embarking on the process. * Content warning for content covering child sexual abuse and sexual violence that some listeners may find distressing. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue.TA = temporary accommodationHAAG = Housing for the Aged Action Group                https://www.oldertenants.org.au/haag/aboutCHIA = Community Housing Industry Association https://www.communityhousing.com.au/Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge                                                                                                             Crisis and emergency accommodation in Sydney, NSW.Homeless Persons hotlineCBT = Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Departing of Community Housing                                             https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/nswgovdirectory/dcj-housingCOPD = Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseShare women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone. To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8We appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Contact Beth at: beth@curveballmedia.com.auSound production: Unison Sound.Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth ArmstrongHost: Beth ArmstrongEditor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey. Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral. Composer: Biddy ConnorArtwork: wisebrownfoxhttps://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Part Two - we highly recommend listening to Part 1 first!In Australia, drinking alcohol is invariably a rite of passage into adulthood, an intrinsic part of our culture for better or worse. It's fun, relaxing and a social lubricant; sometimes, it becomes a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety or unpleasant emotions. What happens when you're compelled to drink even though you know it's causing you problems? Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of how they came to be at Family Court, their experience and how it has impacted their families and lives. Speaking anonymously, they give their views on what needs to change and offer advice for others embarking on the process. * Content warning - adult themes. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue.Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone. To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8We appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Contact Beth at: beth@curveballmedia.com.auSound production: Unison Sound.Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth ArmstrongHost: Beth ArmstrongEditor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey. Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral. Composer: Biddy ConnorArtwork: wisebrownfoxhttps://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

In Australia, drinking alcohol is invariably a rite of passage into adulthood, an intrinsic part of our culture for better or worse. It's fun, relaxing and a social lubricant; sometimes, it becomes a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety or unpleasant emotions. What happens when you're compelled to drink even though you know it's causing you problems? Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of how they came to be at Family Court, their experience and how it has impacted their families and lives. Speaking anonymously, they give their views on what needs to change and offer advice for others embarking on the process. * Content warning - adult themes. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue.Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone. To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8We appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Contact Beth at: beth@curveballmedia.com.auSound production: Unison Sound.Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth ArmstrongHost: Beth ArmstrongEditor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey. Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral. Composer: Biddy ConnorArtwork: wisebrownfoxhttps://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

We leave school with plans to study or work and an idea of how life might unfold, but as the saying goes: "Life is what happens when we're busy making other plans." Some people want to change course or expand, returning to study at a later age. Is it ever too late to start again? Tonight's club is Mature Age Students. Beth Armstrong guides a conversation between three generous, articulate and thoughtful women who speak anonymously about how and why they came to study in mid-life and beyond,  their fears, experiences,  and discoveries. Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone. To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8We appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Contact Beth at: beth@curveballmedia.com.auSound production: Unison Sound.Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth ArmstrongHost: Beth ArmstrongEditor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey. Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral. Composer: Biddy ConnorArtwork: wisebrownfoxhttps://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

This is Part 2.  We highly recommend you listen to Part 1 first.When we partner and have children, no one imagines they will end up in family court fighting to access those children or keep them safe from a person once trusted.  What is it like to deal with the family court in Australia?  Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of how they came to be at Family Court, their experience and how it has impacted their families and lives. Speaking anonymously, they give their views on what needs to change and offer advice for others embarking on the process. * Content warning for discussion of coercive control, domestic violence, suicidality and child abuse. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond BlueShare women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone. To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8We appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Contact Beth at: beth@curveballmedia.com.auSound production: Unison Sound.Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth ArmstrongHost: Beth ArmstrongEditor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey. Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral. Composer: Biddy ConnorArtwork: wisebrownfoxhttps://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

When we partner and have children, no one imagines they will end up in family court fighting to access those children or keep them safe from a person once trusted. What is it like to deal with the family court in Australia?  Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, three guests share their stories of how they came to be at Family Court, their experience and how it has impacted their families and lives. Speaking anonymously, they give their views on what needs to change and offer advice for others embarking on the process. Please note this episode is a little unusual in that the first part is the story of one woman who had to purge her story; the other two stories and discussion are in Part 2. * Content warning for discussion of coercive control, domestic violence, suicidality and child abuse. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond BlueShare women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone. To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8We appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Contact Beth at: beth@curveballmedia.com.auSound production: Unison Sound.Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth ArmstrongHost: Beth ArmstrongEditor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey. Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral. Composer: Biddy ConnorArtwork: wisebrownfoxhttps://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Part Two  (We highly recommend listening to Part One first)Humans are social creatures wired to seek connection, and we grow up with stories of romantic love and the assumption we will partner. What's it like when you're not looking for love, you've been there, done that, or content single - or partnered -  and then you're struck by cupid's arrow?Beth Armstrong guides a conversation between three generous, articulate and thoughtful women who speak anonymously about their experiences of falling in love unexpectedly and how it impacted their lives. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636 or Lifeline at 13 11 14.If you want to hear more powerful, raw and intimate conversations like these, please help us create another episode by donating via Pay Pal using this link. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8Help spread these gifted stories and women's wisdom worldwide for all people. Help us Stay On Air, stay free of advertising, and remain free to tackle the taboo. Another way to help is to write a review on Apple or Spotify and share episodes; we'd love your feedback and suggestions. Contact Beth at: beth@curveballmedia.com.auSound production: Unison SoundProducer: Luke Mynott, Beth ArmstrongHost: Beth ArmstrongEditor: Tom HerdmanComposer: Biddy ConnorArtwork: wisebrownfoxhttps://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Humans are social creatures wired to seek connection, and we grow up with stories of romantic love and the assumption we will partner. What's it like when you're not looking for love, you've been there, done that, or content single - or partnered -  and then you're struck by cupid's arrow?Beth Armstrong guides a conversation between three generous, articulate and thoughtful women who speak anonymously about their experiences of falling in love unexpectedly and how it impacted their lives. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636 or Lifeline at 13 11 14.If you want to hear more powerful, raw and intimate conversations like these, please help us create another episode by donating via Pay Pal using this link. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8Help spread these gifted stories and women's wisdom worldwide for all people. Help us Stay On Air, stay free of advertising, and remain free to tackle the taboo. Another way to help is to write a review on Apple or Spotify and share episodes; we'd love your feedback and suggestions. Contact Beth at: beth@curveballmedia.com.auSound production: Unison SoundProducer: Luke Mynott, Beth ArmstrongHost: Beth ArmstrongEditor: Tom HerdmanComposer: Biddy ConnorArtwork: wisebrownfoxhttps://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

The decision is to pack up and move away from your extended family, friends, and culture to live in a foreign land. Perhaps for work, to broaden opportunities, education, love or adventure, or to live a better or a different life. We imagine it might be a certain way, but it's a leap into the unknown. What's it like to emigrate to Australia? Beth interviews three women from different countries (Brazil, Singapore and India), speaking anonymously and talking together, sharing their stories of what it was like to emigrate to Australia and how it has altered them. It's an intriguing, winding and frank conversation over two episodes.Topics include: The pandemic experienceGains and losses of EmigrationStereotypesSense of Belonging Food discrimination Advice for newcomers Transcripts are forthcoming.  

The decision is to pack up and move away from your extended family, friends, and culture to live in a foreign land. Perhaps for work, to broaden opportunities, education, love or adventure, or simply to live a better or a different life. We imagine it might be a certain way, but it's a leap into the unknown. What's it like to emigrate to Australia? Beth interviews three women from different countries (India, Singapore and Brazil) speaking anonymously and talking together. They share their stories of what it was like to emigrate to Australia and how it has altered them. It's an intriguing, winding and frank conversation over two episodes. Topics include:Perceptions of Australia emigratingRacism MulticulturalismAustralianismsRaising children away from your own cultureMother's guiltAussie spiritFinding new friendsApproach to relationships

As children, we read stories about romance and living happily ever after. We learn there's a script to follow: find our passion, our job, meet somebody and create a family. What happens when your life doesn't follow that script, and you are single and want to have children? This is the Single Mothers by Choice club. Beth interviews three bold, funny and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of how and why they decided to raise children independently.  Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Topics include: IVFTraumaMaternal instinctBaby lossmiscarriageyounger mumsgeriatric mumspregnancy optionssurrogacyIUIinternational sperm donorslocal sperm donorsanonymous donorsknown donorsadoptionembryo donationteenage mumsFather's daycontrol seeking to co-parent websitesAge-appropriate explanations for childrenmedical system catering for couplesempowermentintroducing donors to baby/childrenbullying role modelsbirthing classesGrief lonelinesssingle mother by necessity single mother by choice judgement blended families accidental pregnancyDating personal spacelack of sleepnumber of children spare embryossiblingssafetyWho will care for the children if something happens to their sole parentFear of dying in childbirth Birth stories IVF counselling misconceptions about surrogacy, donors and IVFmothering myths, fantasies and realitiesattitudes to one-parent or duo-parent familiesgender-specific skills as an outdated conceptWhether to seek out donor siblings - “diblings.”Children's characteristics similar or different to birth motherSelecting the donor and seeking specific characteristics Advice to others considering becoming a SMC (single mother by choice)The realities of conceiving at different agesDating while undertaking IVFIntrusive questions, judgements, romanticisationCurveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

You're married or partnered, maybe have children, a career and your identity is heterosexual, but then you're single again and unexpectedly you fall in love with a woman. How does that work? Tonight's club is the Later-Life lesbian club.Beth interviews three bold, funny and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of coming out later in life and how it has affected their lives. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Topics include: coming out blended families gay marriage identity religion online dating love heteronormative privilegesingle mother identifying words and pronouns  awakeningsexhomosexuality lesbian films and televisionintimacy one night standssymbolsAnglo Saxon discrimination  references to violence towards the gay community self-acceptance IVFgay community Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

You're married or partnered, maybe have children, a career and your identity is heterosexual, but then you're single again and unexpectedly you fall in love with a woman. How does that work? Tonight's club is the Later-Life lesbian club.Beth interviews three bold, funny and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of coming out later in life and how it has affected their lives. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Topics include:  marriage equality coming outlesbian clubslesbian cultureThe pink sofa online dating u-haulingfamily reactions to coming out as gay later in lifediscrimination generational changechildren of gay parents coming out as straight or otherwiseMardi Grasidentity within gay community/pansexual lesbian films and television pronouns/categories  step-family dynamics/blended familiesgold star lesbians bi-phobia patriarchy impact on marriage/domestics comparative to same-sex book - the tragedy of heterosexuality pressures of representing a community longevity as a dubious marker of success sexual attraction sharing breastfeedingthe complexity of breadwinner/mother dynamicswho gets pregnant, and bonding with both motherspost natal depression IVFlove Finding community/your tribe and allies religion toaster oven conceptsexual similarities/differences heterosexual men learning from lesbians to appreciate women and heterosexual women learning to ask/express sexual desiresmale/female gaze Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

As children, we grow and learn the ways of the world and what is right and wrong. Our parents and carers, who we rely on, are our guides. But what happens when those adults or any person asks you to do something, or someone does something to you, touches you in a way that doesn't feel right or makes you feel strange? Maybe you're told it's special or a secret, or that it's your fault. When someone who professes to love you and should protect you, hurts you, it's confusing and damaging at any age, especially for vulnerable children. How do you make sense of it, escape it and cope? Tonight's episode is the Child Abuse Club.Beth interviews three brave, astute and articulate women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of abuse when they were children and how it has affected their lives. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Topics include:  why the perpetrator sexually abuses a child? love/coercion/grooming/using the idea of love as manipulation pornographic imagesfamilial assault abuse begets abuse as an excuse if most victims of sexual assault are women, why isn't there a pandemic of female abusers? forgiveness stranger assault psychologist entitlement/sickness of perpetratorsinflicting devastation on children  immediate tangible effects of assault not evident or even understood by the victim allows perpetrators to excuse behaviour invisible harm, but mental devastation strategies of violence or emotional manipulation to comply sexual abuse survivor triggersaddressing sexual assault as an adult head onmistrust and defensiveness, violent reactions scepticism from others because of nondisclosure as a child scepticism because you didn't go to the police and report the offences facing/confronting the perpetrator many years later visualising little vulnerable self and protecting them name change/moving away from the perpetrator hatred strength, using your voice crossing the road to avoid men Hannah Gadsby show, “Nanette”validating having experience confirmed  family dysfunction  abuse has a ripple effect through families parenting style anti-secrecy body autonomy Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

As children, we grow and learn the ways of the world and what is right and wrong. Our parents and carers, who we rely on, are our guides. But what happens when those adults or any person asks you to do something, or someone does something to you, touches you in a way that doesn't feel right or makes you feel strange? Maybe you're told it's special or a secret, or that it's your fault. When someone who professes to love you and should protect you, hurts you, it's confusing and damaging at any age, especially for vulnerable children. How do you make sense of it, escape it and cope? Tonight's episode is the Child Abuse Club.Beth interviews three brave, astute and articulate women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of abuse when they were children and how it has affected their lives. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Topics include: sexual assaultgrooming pornographic imagesemotional abuse sexual responses out of body experiences coercionviolencesecrecy disclosure  vulnerable target intergenerational traumamultiple perpetrators recriminations social difficulties brain development learning difficulties  taboo, shameful, hidden healing non-abusive parental guiltsigns of abuse sleeping difficultieseating disordersrunningmasking true emotions - clown facetrust difficultiescelibacy turning to religion sexually promiscuous distorted true nature suicide family reputation accusations of victim being somehow partly responsibledistorted ideas of love, manipulationgrooming - victim feeling sexual pleasure is an indicator of guilt, confusion  anger whistleblower syndrome, where the victim is seen as the troublemakerthreats of violencepower of the voice, of speaking out self-punishment drugs as a coping mechanism Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

We meet someone, fall in love, and develop a relationship, but then something happens, and your partner hurts, manipulates or frightens you. Perhaps you address it, but it's denied, or it's somehow your fault, or they apologise and promise it won't happen again. And we all make mistakes, so you trust this person who has hitherto loved you to redeem themselves. But what happens when this becomes a pattern, and you slowly realise you are walking on eggshells and embroiled in a volatile or destructive relationship?Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Beth interviews three brave, astute and articulate women who anonymously speak together to share their domestic violence stories with an intimate partner, how they escaped, and how it has affected their lives.  Topics include:  impact of domestic violenceemotional, physical and sexual abusestereotypes family law courtcross-cultural and classovert and covert abusealcoholismonline connectionscharming, manipulative and deceitful frog in boiling water analogyabusive childhoodemotional dependencecontrol - creating dependencejealousy preference for a boy baby obsessed with perfection - “mini-me” childperpetrator playing the victim - accusations of affairs and deceitrelationship models from childhoodcompassion - women brought up to fix things emotional investment for love, wanting the dreamrespecting their vulnerability, their hurt, wronged by past partners, comparisonsshared bank accounts, controlled by the perpetratorfriends who call out abusive behaviour as enemies, perpetrator criticising themisolationguardian angel friendsmanaging safety for childrenthe victim minimises the impact of a person intervening,  as they'll suffer when the abuser takes his anger out on them. monitoringcycle of violenceblinded by social-economic factorspsychological abuse and coercive controlphysical intimidationperpetrators in the police forceimage-based abuse - fake profile - publishing intimate photos onlineturning point leaving means abuse will get worse and putting children in dangernavigating escapeCurveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.         

Our mothers birth us and/or raise us, and if so, are naturally pivotal in our lives as role models and caregivers - we hope they love us and have our best interests in mind and that we love them. But what happens when that isn't the case, or they are dysfunctional, or the relationship between you is toxic or broken down to the point of estrangement. How does that affect you and your place in the world? Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Beth interviews three brave, astute and articulate women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of how they became estranged from their mothers and the consequences of that relationship breakdown.   Topics include: abandonmentparental deathfavourtismemotional abuse alcoholismbisexualityfather as primary carerdrugs, sex and alcohol as a means of copingfamily dysfunctioncaring guiltJehovahs Witness philosophy of "don't spare the rod, you'll spoil the child"black sheepphysical abuse running awayhiding - faking it untill we make itletting go - acceptance   shame gaslightingcriticismbody dysmorphia  intergenerational trauma child as parentkilling desire to become a parentmothering skillssexual assault post-natal depressionweaponising grandchildren unconditional loveresiliencepositivity emotional breakdownanxiety depressiontherapyvulnerabilityperfectionism OCDself-careself-punishmentaffirmationsbelongingfriends become familyunpredictability sabotagelonelinessmeditationworkaholicunemploymentpeaceCurveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

We are born into a family with a set of values and beliefs that might evolve. Some familiesare strict adherents to a particular religion or cult, which rejects the mainstream. Aschildren, we know nothing else and are guided by our parents, but what happens whendeep inside we question or observe hypocrisy or feel limited and not in tune with thesevalues? What is it like to strike out alone? How do you find the mettle to go againsteverything that you know and risk losing family?Beth interviews three brave, astute and articulate women who speak togetheranonymously to share their stories of growing up in a cult or religion and escaping.Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing for some listeners.If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

We are born into a family with a set of values and beliefs that might evolve. Some familiesare strict adherents to a particular religion or cult, which rejects the mainstream. Aschildren, we know nothing else and are guided by our parents, but what happens whendeep inside we question or observe hypocrisy or feel limited and not in tune with thesevalues? What is it like to strike out alone? How do you find the mettle to go againsteverything that you know and risk losing family?Beth interviews three brave, astute and articulate women who speak togetheranonymously to share their stories of growing up in a cult or religion and escaping.Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing for some listeners.If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Beth interviews three brave, astute and articulate women, who speak together, anonymously to share their stories of adult diagnosis of Diabetes-Type One, a misunderstood chronic condition with no cure, requiring constant, lifelong management. Unfortunately, Type One is often incorrectly attributed to poor lifestyle choices, causing additional suffering.Topics include: type one diabetes - auto-immune disease adult diagnosisGestational Diabetestype one diabetes managementDiabetic Ketoacidosis supportriskstype two diabeteseducationdenial shamemedia portrayals of diabetesHbA1canxiety blood glucose levelscontinuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)pump Therapy pregnancy with Diabetes Type Oneself-care/Life-work balance risk factors unmanaged Diabeteshighs and lowsresilienceRecommendations:Diabetes Sports Weekend - Diabetes support groups/Facebookwww.dafne.org.auCurveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

You're having a baby - what will they look like, and who will they become? As they grow, we observe milestones, but then comes an instinct or awareness that something is awry or different to what we expected. Then a diagnosis that you have a child with a disability and life is necessarily going to change. Tonight's club is Mum's of children with a disability. Beth interviews three brave, astute and articulate women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of becoming a mum to a disabled child and how it has changed them. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

We grow up with the story that we'll likely have children one day. We usually spend some time trying not to get pregnant, until one day the decision is made that it's time to conceive, but it's not always that easy.  Years may pass. When do we stop and what does that mean? Beth interviews three bold, funny and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of infertility and how it has affected their lives. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

Sexuality is something we discover in our youth, develop relationships, and somehow our sexuality is established. Sometimes change, or an urge arises inspiring exploration. Beth interviews three bold, funny and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of discovering and celebrating sexual freedom. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

Three women share their deeply personal and quite different stories about a family member or partner taking their own life, in an incredibly raw, honest way. Not for the fainthearted, this is challenging but enlightening and profoundly moving.  Beth interviews three articulate, passionate and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of losing a loved one to suicide and how it impacted them. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

You fall in love with a person, and they come as a package, with kids. Maybe you have your kids too. How does that work? An intriguing insight into the complexities and ordeals of this role from three women on the frontline.Beth interviews three articulate, passionate and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of how becoming a stepparent impacted their lives. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

Excited about your growing baby and the new addition to your family, until the unthinkable, when you learn your baby is severely compromised. Suddenly you are faced with an unbearable decision. Three brave mothers open up and share their deeply traumatic experiences—an incredibly moving and life-affirming episode.Beth interviews three articulate, passionate and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of making the profoundly challenging decision to terminate their pregnancy and how it impacted their lives.Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

Mums of Transgender Kids - What happens when you think you have a boy or a girl, only to have your child tell you otherwise. We discuss the journey through confusion, acceptance and the battle of helping your child and family to thrive. Beth interviews three bold, passionate and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of learning their child is transgender and how they have journeyed together.Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

No one gets married and has children planning to divorce. No matter how you got there –  the person leaving or left; you have to reconfigure your life and work out how to move forward. With hilarious frankness and compassion, these three women give us their take.Beth interviews three bold, funny and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of how they came to divorce, and the impact on their lives.  Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

A taboo topic that we crack wide open with three women speaking with incredible honesty and depth about the impact of losing their child. Get a quiet space to listen, as this will affect and inspire. Beth interviews three bold, articulate and wise women who speak together anonymously to share their stories of how losing their baby impacted them and their family. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

Three fabulous, fascinating women speak anonymously with warmth, humour and alacrity about what it's like to live with mental illness, including psychosis and times spent in and out of psych wards. Some topics included in this discussion may be triggering or distressing. If you need support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Curveball Media is an independent company working in collaboration with Unison Sound, Sydney, Australia. We give voice to everyday people who have extraordinary stories, which are considered taboo. The best way to support Curveball Media is to click ‘Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts,' Follow' on your Spotify app, or subscribe for updates at curveballmedia.com.au, where you can also leave feedback, share your own story and suggest topics; we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review in the app where you listen to the podcast, as it helps bring new listeners and share with your friends. Follow our social media to keep up to date: instagram.com/curveball_media/facebook.com/curveballpodcastBeth Armstrong hosted and co-produced this episode, produced by Luke Mynott at Unison Sound, edited by Tom Herdman, sound engineered by Cihan Siral and music by Biddy Connor.  

Welcome to the hotly anticipated podcast series by host Beth Armstrong. Here's a taste of what's to come in an 8 episode series that delves into some truly hard-hitting topics that range from Stillbirth to Late Termination and Mums of Transgender kids to Mid Life Sexual Awakening.The first three episodes will launch on 29 May 2020. So please subscribe and stay tuned for sometimes juicy, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking conversation.For more information, visit curveballmedia.com.au