It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with Brisbane radio veteran Robin Bailey for a deeply honest and emotional conversation about the extraordinary highs and devastating lows of her life behind the microphone.

I first met Robin in the mid-90s at B105 - I was the overnight guy, she was a new breakfast producer. From there, she quickly cemented herself as a staple and a survivor of the brutal commercial radio industry. In Brisbane alone, she's worked across three commercial station, been sacked at least three times (and most recently re-hired after a month thanks to listener backlash).

But away from the microphone, Robin has endured a number of tragedies that many of us would struggle to come back from - and she's done it time and time again - all under the spotlight of her radio audience.

In this conversation, Robin shares the moments that shaped her career - and her life. She opens up about losing her former husband Tony to suicide, then another husband Sean to cancer, raising three sons through grief, navigating public scrutiny, and why authenticity became her greatest strength.

We also unpack memories of our radio careers, and how Robin would like to see the industry evolve, particularly for female presenters, producers and journalists.

This is a raw, powerful and ultimately hopeful conversation about survival, healing and choosing love in the face of pain.

And a note, this episode deals with suicide, mental health and grief. If you or someone you know need support, please see the resources below.

SUPPORT:
If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:

• Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

LINKS 

• Robin's book 'Flamingos Aren't Born Pink' is available now
• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...

• The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose
• Natalie Bassingthwaighte Lifts the Curtain on Her Career & Personal Struggles
• When Australian Idol's Wes Carr Picked Up A Shovel It Changed What Happens When He Picks Up A Guitar

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.