TWOU Ep 1 - The Cost of Keeping it All Together

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Whole of Us where we unpack the truth behind what looked like a dream life… and why we chose to walk away.

In this opening episode, we (Tom & Kelsey) take you back to where it all began:

✔️ getting married young

✔️ building a business

✔️ raising two daughters

✔️ chasing the “perfect” life that ticked all the boxes…

Until we burned out.

What followed was a slow, raw, and brave unraveling, one that took us across 22 countries, into deeper healing, and toward a life that feels more grounded, hopeful, and whole.

This isn’t just our story, it’s an invitation to anyone feeling stuck, stretched thin, or disconnected from their own life. The journey toward wholeness might not look how you expect, but it’s always worth it.

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⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Our Journey

How it all started: marriage, babies, burnout, and the big unraveling

03:00 – Challenges and Growth

Postnatal depression, survival seasons, and holding it all together while falling apart

09:00 – The Importance of Community

Why we had to leave to heal — and how we learned healing happens faster in connection

15:00 – Redefining Our Lives

Travel, trauma, transformation, and rebuilding life with new rhythms and values

21:00 – Launching The Whole of Us Podcast

Why we’re here, what’s to come, and how we hope to walk with you through it all

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🧠 Keywords:

burnout recovery, family travel, leaving everything behind, nervous system healing, wholeness, intentional living, authentic marriage, parenting, emotional health, faith, slow living, trauma recovery

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🧡 Let’s connect:

Website → www.thewholeofus.com

Instagram → @thewholeofus

Podcast → Spotify | Apple | YouTube

💬 What have you walked away from to build something that feels more alive?

Drop a comment or question below. We’d love to hear your story.