In Episode 7, we're venturing into an intensely personal journey with our guest, Nick Ocky.

Prepare to be captivated as Nick takes us through his tough upbringing, marked by the devastating loss of his mother and the subsequent hardships that followed. His story is one of confronting serious challenges, ranging from dealing with a thyroid condition and bullying, to falling into the grips of addiction and criminal activity, which nearly led him to serve a 45-year prison sentence.

Despite hitting rock bottom, Nick reveals how he turned his life around, focusing on self-improvement and education, harnessing the power of strength training not just to rebuild his body, but his entire life. Now, as the owner of Oki Strength Conditioning in Sydney, he dedicates his life to empowering others, teaching them how to find mental and physical strength, and most importantly, how to embrace change.

Get ready to be moved by Nick's story of redemption and transformation in today's episode. Learn how one man's regret and resilience propelled him to make a profound positive impact on his community and himself.

Overview & Timeline

00:00 Healthy upbringing, early diagnosis, fortunate despite loss.

06:58 Childhood responsibilities taught valuable life lessons early.

10:57 Struggling with bullying, blaming, and self-esteem.

16:56 Desire for success and family responsibility.

23:16 Honesty is best, regret dishonesty's havoc.

29:37 Podcaster and guest share experiences of addiction.

35:43 Ego drove drug and gambling behavior, then profit.

39:05 Unusual encounter with Mitsubishi Outlanders on quiet street.

47:22 Realization of impending jail and heartbreaking family support.

55:27 Took training to heart, stayed out of trouble.

56:16 Maintained trouble-free by projecting strength and confidence.

01:03:57 Seeking forgiveness, acknowledging the impact of drugs.

01:08:29 Regretful moment leads to impactful life change.

01:13:00 Overcoming challenges changes perspective and aspirations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ash;s Story - Part 2.

In this episode, we delved into Ash's tumultuous childhood, touching upon the challenges of growing up in foster care and the darkness that followed, leading her to question the very essence of her existence. Today, we peel back the layers of what it means to rise from the ashes of despair. Ash recounts the torrent of emotions faced when learning of her biological mother’s sudden death through the flicker of a social media post — an event that catalyzed a profound spiral in Ash's mental and physical health.

We'll follow the heartrending, yet uplifting, narrative as Ash juggles the complexities of parenting two children, one of which, young Harlequin, is diagnosed with type one diabetes - a condition that tests the limits of Ash's strength and resolve. From the intimate moments in Brisbane's hospitals, we learn of the transformational power of support, love, and the unwavering bond with a partner from high school days, Mr. Ash. Through her vulnerability, Ash gifts us a raw look into the life-shaping experiences that include heavy drinking, a suicide attempt, and the ultimate journey back from the brink led by the guiding light of her partner's love.

Today's episode promises to be an emotional ode to the power of perseverance and the indomitable human spirit. It's a tale that Ash hopes will reach out and touch the hearts of those walking similar paths, and to echo the belief that there's always a glimmer of hope, no matter how faint.

Timestamps & Overview

00:00 Unbreakable me podcast discusses resilience through hardship.

06:37 Understanding and empathizing with different thought processes.

12:54 Frustration with foster care system's impact.

20:18 Transition from long relationship to brief one.

23:06 Moved to town, struggled, found independence, encountered stranger.

28:56 Acknowledgement of past trauma; hopeful change ahead.

36:34 Choosing positivity, living life with loved ones.

41:53 Struggled with love, attempted suicide, facing consequences.

47:48 No bad blood, shock over false death news.

52:25 First impression, then bond, and challenges.

58:57 Foster care challenges, but you'll be okay.

01:00:30 Thank you, Ash, for sharing your powerful story.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content Warning - This episode delves into sensitive subjects, including child abuse, neglect, foster care, and self-harm.

"Ash Story - Part 1," The Monster's that Created me Started my Story but I get to Finish It!

Ash's upbringing was anything but ordinary, marked by instability, constant upheaval, and hazardous living conditions. Their reality was one of extreme neglect and abuse, cleverly concealed behind a veneer of normalcy that remained unnoticed for years, despite warning signs seen by teachers and healthcare professionals.

During this episode we'll uncover life in the most secluded corners, where isolation became a tool for concealment, and basic needs were often neglected, forcing Ash and her siblings to navigate dire circumstances on their own. The family's illusion of normality shattered when law enforcement and Child Protective Services unveiled a shocking level of maltreatment.

In this narrative, Ash revisits the defining moments of their youth, including the impactful day when they were liberated from their perilous environment, marking the beginning of a bittersweet journey towards hope and healing in foster care.

Get ready to embark on a journey that might shake you to your core but will also illustrate the indomitable strength of the human spirit.

This is the UnBreakable Me Podcast, and this is Ash's stark, unfiltered truth.

Timestamps & Overview

00:00 Ash's traumatic story will continue in future.

09:57 Limited family ties, devoid of typical memories.

16:00 Financial difficulties lead to childhood abuse experiences.

18:20 Conflicted support for older sibling, personal struggles.

23:30 Siblings suffered from severe abuse and trauma.

30:24 Living in dire conditions without basic essentials.

33:59 Unsanitary living conditions due to lack of plumbing

40:02 Pregnant woman establishes firm boundaries with biological parent.

46:22 Law enforcement and medical vehicles reached isolated location.

49:18 Isolation, coercion, squalor, and deceased animals - a disturbing situation.

58:15 Briefly describe the experience with the first foster mom.

01:04:45 Arrival fraught with anxiety, reassurance, trust.

01:09:23 Challenges with hygiene, living conditions, therapy, seeking justice.

01:12:05 Defendant found guilty of serious child abuse.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.