What to Do When Life Feels Sh*t: A Mindset Reframe with Toni Powell

17 June

Introducing: Toni

In this episode, Luan explores how internal programming and mindset shape the way we respond to life’s hardest moments - grief, diagnosis, overwhelm - with Toni Powell.
Toni is an author, happiness speaker and self-confessed former misery expert who went from living in a shed, broke and heartbroken, to becoming a joyful, purpose-led speaker helping people rewire their thinking and reframe their struggles.

We talk about how self-advocacy can start with the stories you tell yourself - especially when life feels unfair, uncertain or just plain awful. This isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending things are fine. It’s about pausing, processing and gently shifting what you focus on so you can feel more in control, more connected and more okay.

Toni’s story is packed with practical wisdom, heartfelt honesty and a whole lot of humour. From reprogramming your 'sh*t algorithm', to discovering the power of gratitude and connection, this is a conversation about what happens after everything goes to crap - and how you might start again, one thought at a time.

Content note: This episode includes a brief mention of suicidal thoughts and a few choice words. Nothing graphic, just honest, human conversation. Pop in your headphones if you’re listening with little ears around, or hit pause if you don't feel in the right frame of mind to listen.

Feeling stuck in a loop of anger, grief or overwhelm? You're not alone. But you don't have to stay there.

In this episode:

How Toni went from making jewellery at home to winning international film awards (and then losing it all).
The difference between grief and getting stuck in your own story.
Why questioning your thoughts can change your life.
What she means by “the shit algorithm” and how to change it.
How humour, happiness and gratitude are powerful (and underrated) survival tools.
The link between connection, community and self-advocacy.
Why you don't have to believe everything you think.

Resources for this episode: