Episode Playlist
Real Lives, Raw Stories - Tali Taulago-Leauma - The Silent Struggles of a Young Widow ( 0:45:22)
Episode Information
"Tali, is a remarkable and resilient young woman who has faced unimaginable loss. Just days before Christmas in 2021, she lost her husband — the love of her life — and soon after, her beloved mum.
Tali is sharing her raw story — one of heartbreak, healing, and rediscovering her authentic self. This is a conversation about love, loss, and finding light after darkness."
Published: 4/11/2025 9:00:00 a.m.
Real Lives, Raw Stories - Christina Thornton - Breaking the Cycle: Christina’s Journey of Resilience( 0:47:1)
Episode Information
In this episode, Christina shares her powerful journey from a childhood shaped by addiction and trauma to building a successful career and creating a new life in New Zealand.
Becoming a mum marked the start of her healing, and a life-changing event led her to her true calling as a life coach. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and proving that it’s possible to rise above adversity and rewrite your future.
Published: 2/09/2025 9:00:00 a.m.
Real Lives, Raw Stories - Marina Shearer: Breaking the Silence on Her Family’s Untold History( 0:51:10)
Episode Information
"Today we hear from Marina Shearer. Marina has been on an extraordinary journey of discovery, delving into her family’s remarkable — and at times harrowing — history.
Her search uncovered her father’s childhood in a Japanese concentration camp in Indonesia during World War II and opened the door to long-buried truths.
This episode is a moving reminder that our past can be a powerful catalyst for change — if we’re brave enough to face it. Lets dive in. "
Published: 5/08/2025 9:00:00 a.m.
Real Lives, Raw Stories - Sharon Armstrong - Relationship Scams: It's Simple Really.( 0:51:12)
Episode Information
In this episode, we meet Sharon Armstrong—justice advocate, author, and speaker. In 2011, Sharon’s life changed overnight when she was arrested in Argentina, caught in an international drug scam that started as an online romance.
What sounds like a movie plot is, sadly, a reality for many.
Sharon shares how she was manipulated, her time in prison, and how she’s turned her experience into a powerful mission to educate others and inspire hope and resilience
Published: 1/07/2025 9:00:00 a.m.
Real Lives, Raw Stories - Brenda Bickerstaff - My Journey Through Alcoholism( 0:48:2)
Episode Information
"Today, we’re joined by Brenda — a brave and inspiring woman who opens up about her journey through alcoholism. From losing control and hitting rock bottom to finding the strength to rebuild her life, Brenda shares her story with raw honesty and deep insight.
This is a conversation about addiction, resilience, and hope — and a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how far gone things may seem."
Published: 3/06/2025 9:00:00 a.m.
Real Lives, Raw Stories - Ryan Astle - What it means to be a BetterMan( 0:42:58)
Episode Information
Today, we’re joined by Ryan Astle, the founder of BetterMan, an initiative dedicated to redefining masculinity and encouraging men to embrace personal growth and emotional well-being. We’ll discuss what it truly means to be a ""better man,"" the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability, and how shifting these conversations can lead to real change.
Published: 6/05/2025 9:00:00 a.m.
Real Women, Raw Stories - Ep 24: Building a Village: How Dew Drops Supports New Parents ( 0:24:50)
Episode Information
In this episode, we learn about Dew Drops, a service dedicated to supporting new parents in New Zealand. Founder Jessie Johnson shares how her personal experiences shaped her passion for helping families navigate the challenges of early parenthood. We’ll explore the essential services Dew Drops provides, the struggles many parents face today, and Jessie’s vision for the future of parent support. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building a strong village for new families.
Published: 26/03/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Real Women, Raw Stories - Ep 22: Christa Jellyman – My journey with Cushing’s Disease( 0:30:13)
Episode Information
"In this episode, Christa shares her journey from being an active young woman to navigating the challenges of Cushing's disease. After years of unexplained symptoms, she finally got the diagnosis she'd been searching for.
Christa opens up about her diagnosis, the treatments she underwent, and how she pursued her dream of motherhood. Through resilience, she has rebuilt her life, offering an inspiring story of perseverance and hope."
Published: 26/02/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Real Women, Raw Stories - Ep 21: Philly McMeekan - My journey with Alopecia( 0:20:30)
Episode Information
In this episode of Real Women Raw Stories, we sit down with Philly to discuss her journey with alopecia.
She shares what alopecia is, how it presents, and the emotional challenges that come with hair loss. Philly opens up about misconceptions, the treatments available, and how she has navigated confidence in a world that often misunderstands the condition.
This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-acceptance, and empowerment. Lets dive in
Published: 12/02/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Real Women, Raw Stories - Ep 19: Anna McVeigh - Healing Trauma Through Self and Somatic Care( 0:26:56)
Episode Information
"Today, we welcome Anna, a counsellor, therapist, and group facilitator based in South Brighton, Christchurch. With a holistic approach, Anna integrates mind, body, and spirit in her work, drawing on a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including Narrative Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, and Havening.
Join us as Anna shares her journey, her therapeutic approach, and insights into the transformative power of holistic healing. Let’s dive in!"
Published: 15/01/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Real Women, Raw Stories - Ep18: Moira Murphy: The Story Behind Real Women Raw Stories( 0:21:20)
Episode Information
Today, we introduce you to Moira Murphy, a woman passionate about sharing authentic stories and creating a safe space for exploring life’s toughest moments. Moira is the visionary behind Real Women Raw Stories, a platform that celebrates resilience, vulnerability, and transformation. In this episode, Moira shares her journey, the inspiration behind the event, and how it all came to be. Let’s dive in!
Published: 1/01/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Real Women, Raw Stories - Ep16: - Lisa Tregenza: Trauma Survivor to Trauma Coach( 0:29:31)
Episode Information
Today on Real Women Raw Stories, we’re joined by Lisa, an inspiring woman who has turned her personal experience with family harm into a powerful mission to support trauma survivors. Through resilience and determination, she rebuilt her life and became a successful businesswoman. Lisa is here to share her incredible journey, the challenges she overcame, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. Let’s dive in.
Published: 4/12/2024 11:00:00 a.m.
Real Women, Raw Stories - Ep 15 - Kellee Berry - Mastering Your Mind: Unlocking Potential( 0:31:5)
Episode Information
"Today, we have a special guest, Kellee Berry, a renowned mind coach who has helped countless individuals transform their thinking, break through mental barriers, and unlock their true potential.
In this episode, we’ll dive into Kellee’s approach to coaching, the key mindset shifts that lead to personal growth, and how to cultivate mental resilience in your everyday life. Stay tuned for a conversation that will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take control of your own mind!"
Published: 20/11/2024 11:00:00 a.m.