This conversation sits where many of us are living right now: caring for kids and partners while also preparing to say goodbye to the people who raised us. Tess and Layne open with a real life audit, naming the season they are in as the sandwich generation. They invite guest Mitch Wallis (Heart On My Sleeve – https://www.mitchwallis.com) to help untangle grief with honesty and practical tools. You will hear why ambiguity makes grief so hard, how to “undensify” big feelings through presence, and why the most healing question is often the simplest: “What are you going to miss about your dad the most?” Together they model emotional regulation, co-regulation, and the courage to feel it to heal it, then close with a clear toolkit: “Stop fixing. Start listening.”

What you will learn:

• How to run a quick life audit when you feel stretched on all sides
• Why uncertainty supercharges grief and how to find steadiness in it
• Simple body anchors from Mitch’s practice: “light, bright, tight, might”
• A supportive question that opens connection: “What are you going to miss about them the most?”
• How to balance pre-grieving with presence, so you do not wish away the time you still have
• Co-regulation basics for friends and leaders who want to help without rescuing
• Three tools to use today: feel it to heal it, breathing and grounding, stop fixing. start listening.

Connect with Awake

• Join the Awake Collective Community for monthly masterclasses https://awake-academy.mykajabi.com/awake-collective-sales
• Get Awake’s transformative book: Know yourself grow yourself to live a happier more purposeful life  https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869
• Watch the episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Awake_Academy
• Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley
• Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer
• Follow Awake Academy on Instagram @awake_academy
• Book us for a workshop – wakeup@awakeacademy.com.au
• Awakes TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_
• Sign up for a wake up call for a weekly wake up call
• Sponsor our podcast wakeup@awakeacademy.com.au

Disclaimer

The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.

If you’re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.