Hearing the words "I love you" from her mother when she was a child sent a chill of dread through Louise Newton-Keogh. They were a warning sign of trouble ahead ... that her mother, who suffered from bi-polar disorder, was about to sink into another episode of mental illness. Louise and her siblings learnt to cope but the impact has been long-lasting.

Warning: This episode refers to mental illness. For more information or support contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Louise Newton-Keogh — I Love You

Tall Tales & True brings together the very best of live storytelling from across Australia. Courageous storytellers front up to the microphone to bare their soul and share their life-changing moments in front of a live audience. Captivating, jaw-dropping and thought provoking, these pure Australian stories will make you laugh, cry or gasp, or maybe all three at once.

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Before Mahmood Fazal was a writer and journalist, he was part of an outlaw motorcycle club, abusing drugs and running wild. He saw plenty of destruction and death, but when his best mate was killed everything changed. Mahmood shared this story for Better Off Said: Eulogies for the Living and Dead. Better Off Said is a spoken-word event celebrating stories and human experiences. Presented by Emilie Zoey Baker and Marieke Hardy. For more information check out their website: betteroffsaid.com.au

Mahmood Fazal — 'When death comes you wake up'

Adelaide in the 1980s was not the easiest place for a kid to figure out their gender. Jen Cloher's stint as "John" the Galaga-playing champ at the local takeaway was short-lived and ended ingloriously. Jen first told this story for the national LGBTQI+ storytelling project Queerstories, curated by Maeve Marsden. Subscribe to the podcast or check out the Queerstories book.

Jen Cloher — John

Three years before she transitioned genders, Cadance was a fat, depressed guy buying weed from bikie gangs and nursing a near-killer blood clot. Then came a surprising chat in the most unlikely place. Cadance first told this story for the national LGBTQI+ storytelling project Queerstories, curated by Maeve Marsden. Subscribe to the podcast or check out the Queerstories book.

Content warning: This story contains adult themes and touches briefly on suicide. For support in a crisis contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Cadance Bell — Small talk

Growing up can be pretty hard work and there's not a lot of room to think about anyone else, especially your parents. Rebecca Day has some fond memories from her days as an angsty, rebellious teen, but she does regret the trouble she caused for her poor old dad.

This story was first told for SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. For more stories like this go to spun stories.

Rebecca Day – The good, the dad, and the angsty

When your community has lost the plot and is driven to riot after racist goading by powerful voices, who can you turn to for warmth and safety? Jordan Shea reflects on his bond with his Grandmother – his 'Lola' – during an ugly chapter of Australian history. Jordan first told this story for the national LGBTQI+ storytelling project Queerstories, curated by Maeve Marsden. Subscribe to the podcast or check out the Queerstories book.

Louise Newton-Keogh — I Love You

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