In this episode, Belinda sits down with Nicole Peterson to explore her extraordinary journey from growing up in Papua New Guinea and competing as an athlete, to stepping into the modelling and beauty industry and navigating the pressures that shaped the way she saw her body and herself.
Nicole opens up about getting breast implants at 18, the years of unexplained symptoms that followed, and how discovering breast implant illness ultimately led to her decision to have them removed.
She also shares the heartbreak of seven years of infertility and 11 rounds of IVF, and the emotional journey of accepting that motherhood was not going to be part of her story. Nicole reflects on surviving the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand, the PTSD that followed, and a later battle with Ross River virus that forced her to completely rebuild her health, lifestyle, and perspective on wellbeing.
What We Cover:
• Growing up in Papua New Guinea
• How athletics contributed to body image struggles
• Modelling, the beauty industry, and the pressure of feeling “not enough”
• Getting breast implants at 18, having three sets, and discovering breast implant illness
• Seven years of infertility and 11 rounds of IVF
• Surviving the Boxing Day tsunami and living with PTSD
• Ross River virus and chronic illness
• Rebuilding health through simple daily foundations
• What wellness looks like in midlife
Nicole’s story is a powerful reminder that even after life-changing challenges, trauma, and illness, it is possible to rebuild, heal, and reconnect with who you truly are.
Podcast Sponsor:
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Connect with Belinda:
Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au
(sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates on retreats, podcast episodes, and insights to help you heal, grow & thrive).
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau
Connect with Nicole:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_peterson_lifestyle/
