Content Warning:

This episode contains discussions about sensitive topics, including death and cancer. The conversation may be upsetting for some listeners, so please proceed with caution. We encourage anyone who may need support to reach out to a professional or trusted individual.

This episode is not part of my BPD Diaries series.

In this deeply personal episode, I’m joined by my amazing friend Stano—my second podcast guest—as he shares the emotional journey of loving and caring for his late wife, who battled cancer. Stano opens up about their relationship, the challenges and beauty of being her full-time carer, and what it was like to be by her side from the very beginning to her final breath. We also discuss practical advice for carers, the importance of support, and how Stano has been navigating his own path of grief and healing.

This is a moving conversation about love, loss, resilience, and hope.

A Special message to Stano: Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us. You are incredibly courageous, strong, and an amazing person. I feel so blessed to have you in my life. I’m beyond excited to share your voice and your journey with the world. You’ve been doing an incredible job of taking care of yourself, healing, and moving forward.

PS: I'm excited for our next Superstore Session.

Thank you Stano

Here are some resources that are available for current carers:

UK- Carers UK Website: www.carersuk.org Carers UK provides support, advice, and information on a wide range of issues, from financial assistance to emotional well-being. They also offer a helpline for carers and provide a community for carers to connect.

Canada: Caregiving Canada Website: www.caregiveresource.ca This website is a Canadian resource for caregivers, offering educational tools, emotional support, and practical tips for those caring for someone with a serious

Global: The World Health Organization (WHO) - Caregiving

Website: www.who.int

The WHO provides global guidelines and advice on caregiving, including the mental, physical, and social challenges caregivers face, as well as strategies for improving caregiver well-being.

Thank you Guys

xoxox

In this episode, I open up about what it really means to change your life. The truth is—stepping into a new version of yourself often means grieving the old one. Change is scary, but its all part of the process.

I talk about the identities I shed, and the painful moments of letting go. But I also share the freedom, peace, and strength I’ve found on the other side. If you’re going through a season of transformation—or if you’re standing at the edge, scared to leap—this episode is for you. Growth costs, but so does staying stuck.

Remember Growth is VERY uncomfortable. Embrace it.

Thank you Guys,

xoxox

*Be compassionate, curious and caring*. Quote by Ducharme.

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Straight Up Zoe, I’m joined by my very first guest—and best friend—Ducharme. Together, we explore deep and meaningful conversations about his work in homicide support, living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), the role of faith in healing, and the beautiful chaos of everyday life.

From family and friendship to mental health and spiritual growth, this episode is real, raw, and rooted in compassion. Ducharme’s wisdom, honesty, and heart shine through every moment. We talk about the importance of showing up for others, navigating grief, choosing curiosity over judgment, and finding hope in the hard places.

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a journey through vulnerability, resilience, and connection. Whether you’re going through something heavy or just need a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode will speak to your soul.

A special message to Ducharme: Thank you for being my Bestie. You are my biggest supporter and I wouldn’t be doing this podcast right now if it weren’t for you. I’m so excited to share this conversation with the world, as everyone will get to see just how incredible and kind you are—not only to me, but to everyone you meet.

Thank you Ducharme.

Check out Ducharme's Websites:

https://ducharmeservices.com/

https://ducharmeglobal.com/ - Check out his previous interviews on the Social Purpose link in the Bio, click on Stories, then watch all the amazing videos Ducharme has created and been a Guest on. ( My favourite is the Galiano Island BC. Its a beautiful hand made documentary created for his incredible Mum's memorial).

https://prettypatticheesecakes.com/

https://youtu.be/HCahYNRHuCY-

Thank you Guys

xoxox

In this deeply personal episode of Straight Up Zoe, I open up about the loss of my soul cat — the one who stayed with me through darkness, breakdowns, and quiet moments.

Grief hits differently when you live with mental illness sometimes. It’s not just sadness — it’s heartbreak in every cell of your body. In this episode, I talk about what it felt like to lose her, how grief has been showing up in my life, and what I believe about the afterlife — especially for our beloved pets.

If you’ve ever lost a pet and felt like the world didn’t understand your pain — this episode is for you. You are not alone in your grief. And love never dies.

A slideshow Ducharme and I created for Cat Kat — CHECK IT OUT! Look how cute she was. She was precious.”

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WH8XA0QS39XwJxnMALCMaSuHFO-kMnALmR4PnZoaisw/edit?usp=drivesdk

Life waits for no one. Here's Next Year by Donovan Woods –
https://open.spotify.com/track/3tf7tejvFw0l4Dtq6l5JtD?si=eKl_OpypSC-NJN0FX-q_rg

Special thank you to my Besties Ducharme, Vas, and Lucy — I wouldn’t have got through it without you. You guys are Awesome.

Thank You Guys, See you next week

Xoxox

In this episode, I open up about the incredible friends who came into my life exactly when I needed them most — especially two best friends who know me better than I know myself. They’ve become everything to me.

To my dear best friends: I love you, you mean the world to me. I also dive into the challenges of living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and how it affects relationships. Through it all, I reflect on how I believe God placed these amazing people in my life for a reason. This one’s personal, raw, and full of heart.

I wouldn’t be here doing this podcast if it wasn’t for Ducharme. Thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me to share my voice.

Go check out his website https://ducharmeservices.com/

P.S. Go hug your friends, tell them you love them, and remind them how much they mean to you. ❤️

Thank you Guys, See You Next Week

xoxox

Stability? Sometimes I feel like I don't even know what that is. I have always wanted it but do not have it. In this episode I’m opening up about my complicated relationship with stability in every form: mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual.

From feeling like I'm constantly treading water to finding unexpected moments of peace in my faith, this is a deep dive into the struggle of craving calm while only knowing how to function in chaos.

This episode is for the people who crave peace but only know how to function in chaos. if you have ever asked yourself, "why does calm feel scary?" and why is this happening to me. Together, we’ll explore how change—while uncomfortable—might just be the path to the stability we’ve been chasing all along.

Remember you are not alone. Time to trust the process and embrace it.

Than you Guys, See you next week

xoxox

In this episode, I talk about the struggle with loving myself not in a poetic way, but in the quiet, heavy, everyday way. I open up about how trauma and mental illness can make self-love feel almost impossible, and how those experiences shape the way we see ourselves.

This is for anyone who feels disconnected from themselves, tired of trying to “just think positive,” and is looking for something real. Figuring out the things that work for me in my road to loving myself has been differcult and messy but I am getting there. I share all the things that can help you.

I also want to mention that I didn’t get here by myself. The Spirit of Christ has helped me in ways I can’t fully comprehend, and I’m deeply grateful. I also have an amazing best friend who has been a constant source of support and love.

*Full disclosure- I am NOT or WANT to be defined by my mental health or trauma. I just want to share my stories and experiences to help you and let you know you are not alone. You are not your diagnosis or trauma. Do not let anyone ever tell you otherwise.

You are strong and resilient!!!!!! Keep going.

Thank you Guys, See you next week

xoxox

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Please take care while listening.

In this episode, I talk about a time in my life when I struggled with suicidal thoughts and attempts—before I found faith, back when I was an atheist. I share how, in my lowest moments, God found me and started changing everything.

Trusting God's plan hasn’t always been easy. It’s messy, it’s confusing, and sometimes it feels impossible—but it’s real. This episode is about that journey: the pain, the questions, and the beginning of hope.

If you’re in a dark place or questioning everything, I hope this reminds you—you’re not alone, and your story isn’t over.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone. You are not alone.
Here are some resources that can help:

• United Kingdom

• • Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org

• Canada

• Talk Suicide Canada: Call or text 988 (free, 24/7) or visit talksuicide.ca

• Mexico

• SAPTEL: Call 800 472 7835 (24/7 emotional support line)

• Worldwide

• • Visit findahelpline.com — a global resource that connects people to mental health support services in their region.

  
  

  Thank you Guys, See you next week

  xoxox