After almost 20 years as a funeral celebrant, I’ve heard it over and over again:
 “I wish I’d asked.”

That simple sentence has stayed with me—and it’s exactly why this podcast exists.

I believe everyone has a story worth telling.
 Not just the people we love, but the stranger beside us. Even you.

In each episode, I sit down with everyday people to explore the moments, memories, and meaning that shape a life—and the legacy they’ll leave behind.

These conversations are raw, real, and deeply human.
 Because when we share our stories, we connect in ways we never imagined.

🗣️ So please—record it, write it down, say it out loud.
 Your story matters. Don’t let it be lost.

🎙️ Life’s Rich Tapestry — new episodes coming soon.

#LifesRichTapestry #LegacyStories #ShareYourStory #PodcastAnnouncement #StorytellingMatters #FuneralCelebrant #EveryLifeMatters

In this special two-part edition of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn takes listeners behind the scenes at the 2025 District 70 Conference, held at Campbelltown Catholic Club. As a roaming reporter, she captured the energy, emotion, and excellence of the weekend through candid interviews with contestants and passionate members.

The conference featured all four major contests—Humorous, Table Topics, Evaluation, and International—with strong representation from StageTime Toastmasters, including multiple finalists. Listeners hear firsthand reflections from speakers like Oscar, Vicky, Daryl, Jule and Sri, who share both triumphs and challenges. The presence of Toastmasters International President Radhi Spear added excitement, along with inspiring keynotes and heartfelt moments of community spirit.

From humorous hiccups to evaluation excellence, from standing ovations to quiet moments of growth, Evelyn’s interviews reveal the human side of Toastmasters—courage, connection, and celebration. Whether you’re a longtime member or curious newcomer, this episode captures the magic of what it means to find your voice and share it with others.

Join me on this  next episode with my next guest Shruthi Rao, who ran her very first Ultra100 KM Trail Race in October 2022. The race event is called the Ultra Trail Australia (UTA) is the largest race event in the Southern Hemisphere set in the heart of the Blue Mountains region, a listed world heritage with the most unique and diverse landscapes,. The race is designed to accommodate different distances, starting from 11km, 22km, 50km to the ultimate 100km.  

Here’s the link for Ultra Trail Australia (UTA) https://uta.utmb.world 

For Shruthi’s Blog click on the following link 

https://medium.com/@shruthirao/my-first-100k-ultra-run-in-the-heart-of-the-blue-mountains-d007cdd3226d

Here is Shru’s Strava profile:  https://www.strava.com/athletes/rao_shruti

You can contact her via:  instagram https://www.instagram.com/riturhs

or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrurao2

Listen in on this podcast  with Dr Forcina as he shares his personal story growing up in a small village in Italy, moving to Argentina where his family struggled  to make ends meet, and how his parents hard work and sacrifice inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor

Despite facing numerous challenges – including learning a new language and being an immigrant , … Dr Forcina, preserverd and ultimately achieved his goal.

To purchase his book –

https://www.amazon.com.au/American-Doctor-Salvatore-J-Forcina/dp/1592112099

Dr. Salvatore Forcina's book, The American Doctor:
 Key Takeaways:

1.   Regardless of your origins or initial circumstances, success hinges on both education and resilience

2.   Success remains achievable through dedication and strategic planning.

3.    Thriving in any competitive arena demands diligence, resolve, and a readiness to adjust to shifting conditions.

Reviews

"The prose is clear and straightforward, and the author painstakingly re-creates everyday events as well as notable moments of sorrow and achievement--the many elements that make up a good life." --Kirkus Reviews.
 
 "A memoir that reinforces the spirit of working toward a better tomorrow and always believing in yourself." --K.C. Finn of Readers Favorite.
 
 "A truly captivating book that includes several intriguing themes - including Italian food, friendship, loss, prejudice, family, cancer, medicine, and jealousy." --Foluso Falaye of Readers Favorite.
 
 "This book felt like I was reliving the author's life. I cannot recommend it enough for those looking for an emotional rollercoaster ride." --Joanne Ang of Readers Favorite. 

From the exact time of your birth, the planetary alignment tells us a story about who you are and who you are destined to become.

Julie Nelson, has been a practicing astrologer for 27 years, her 'Sacred Soul Astrology' reading is an enlightening and healing experience that will ultimately connect you with the brilliant sparkle that lies within your soul.

A personalised astrology reading can help you to re-align with your inner sparkle as you embody the full brilliance of your soul’s potential.

Her greatest joy in her business is to work one on one with you.

Is your soul calling for you to take this journey with Julie? Are you ready to dive into a world of Astrology?

Contact Julie – 

https://www.julienelson.com.au/rich-witch-academy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienelsonperfumer/

https://www.facebook.com/julienelsonrichwitchartisanperfumer

https://www.instagram.com/julienelsonrichwitch/?hl=en

Growing up in the stunning world heritage listed Blue Mountains, West of Sydney, my next guests, sister duo act Rory and Tessa McKay from up-and-coming band River Li have been singing and making music for as long as they can remember.    Listen in on this highly engaging interview, with an added bonus of a special song added about Rory and Tessa’s grandmother.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/auroralimusic/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086947323723

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCviHKZaWbMsFTAoyd_CptP

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theriverli/

 https://www.instagram.com/auroramli/

Website -https://auroralimusic.wixsite.com/website

While on my family holiday in Florida, I was able to interview a lovely young lady.  It is very rare in life, when you get to meet someone who is 100 years old.  Individuals aged 100 or older, referred to as centenarians, make up less than 1 percent of the U.S. population – and about 85 percent of them are women.  I interviewed Helen, who has just recently moved in the Blake, which is a newly opened resort style , Assisted Living Facility in Viera, Florida.

Join me in this heart-warming and raw story.  Helen is a popular resident at the Blake, and a much loved family member.   Helen Houda Tomczak was born on the 5th of January 1923 in Chicago.  She has 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 17 grandchildren.  She was married to Walter for 76 glorious years, he passed away at the age of 99.   Her strong faith in God, long marriage, loving family, being with people, playing golf, embracing technology and dealing with whatever situation is thrown her way has led to her leading a full and rich life.

Marcus is a careers counselor who draws on the wisdom of one’s soul blueprint (numerology and astrology) to help people form a more complete picture of their vocation, higher purpose, and best use of their gifts in the world.

In this episode discover

• Book which changed his life
• Importance of knowing your life path through your birthday
• When his interest in Numerology/ Astrology began?
• History of Numerology
• What is a soul’s Blue Print?
• Inspiration for writing his book “A Different Drummer
• Collective year VS Personal year
• How different is it applying for a job currently 
• Difference with the new generation being born in 2000 versus those born in 1900s
• What do you love the most about your job

For personal readings, retreats, courses, and Events – 

https://adifferentdrummer.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/adifferentdrummer7/

https://www.instagram.com/a_different_drummer_book/

Jane Meredith is an author, ritualist and teacher. Her books include the best selling Journey to the Dark Goddess, Aspecting the Goddess, Circle of Eight and she is the co-author of Magic of the Iron Pentacle and co-editor of Elements of Magic. Her latest book is Falling through the Tree of Life Embodied Kabbalah.

www.janemeredith.com

Fascinated by magical systems, myth, fairytale, and the vivid natural world we are part of.

Jane teaches distance courses online as well as presenting at conferences, festivals and teaching in-person workshops across the world. 

Jane is a registered Marriage Celebrant in Australia and performs legal weddings as well as handfastings, namings and other ceremonies.

Her upcoming events include

Embodied Kabbalah - Falling through the Tree of Life 

Online, 11 sessions (monthly) 
 Starts February 26, 8am-10:30am Sydney time

To register click on following link -

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIKjzyDE8_bbjM-F5RRiqRZAspr2mIvWSNJIfg_ccySutwsw/viewform

Glastonbury Goddess Conference 

Jane will be a presenter at the Goddess Conference
 Fringe workshop: The Gates of Wisdom
 Sunday July 30. 10am-4pm. £60

To register click on following link –

https://goddessconference.com/product/fringe-ticket/

To contact Jane –

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/janemeredithauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/JaneMeredithAuthor/

https://twitter.com/janemere22

In this episode, I am honored to have Decalie, a nurse and survivor of childhood sexual abuse, as my guest. She shares her personal journey and experience of overcoming the trauma of family childhood sexual abuse. It is a difficult topic to discuss, but it is important to bring awareness to this issue and provide support for those who have been affected by it. Decalie's story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of survivors. If this topic has triggered any difficult emotions for you, we encourage you to seek out the resources listed below for support in Australia.

(Resources will be updated as necessary – if you have resources from your country please email me at [email protected] )

If you are at risk

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, call 000.

National

1800RESPECT
 (1800 737 732)

The National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

24 hours, 7 days a week.

www.1800respect.org.au

Lifeline  (13 11 14)  A national number which can help put you in contact with a crisis service in your state.

24 hours, 7 days a week. www.lifeline.org.au

Blue Knot This is a support service for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, parents, partners, family and friends. Phone 1300 657 380, 9 am-5 pm, 7 days a week.

Kids Helpline  Kids Helpline is a free, confidential phone counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. It also offers webchat and email counselling. Phone 1800 551 800, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

https://au.reachout.com/articles/sexual-assault-support-service

health.nsw.gov.auhttps://www.health.nsw.gov.au › se...Resources for victims and families - Sexual assault - NSW Health

 Resource for parents 

Braveheartshttps://bravehearts.org.au › 
Raising Children Networkhttps://raisingchildren.net.au › sexu...Child sexual abuse & assault: resources 

WHO  https://www.who.int/health-topics/violence-against-children#tab=tab_1

NSVRC  https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/Publications_NSVRC_Booklets_Global-perspectives-on-sexual-violence.pdf

National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)

https://www.rainn.org/statistics/children-and-teens

CDC   - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (.gov)https://www.cdc.gov › fastfactFast Facts: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse |Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC

UNICEF  https://www.unicef.org/media/89206/file/CSAE-Brief-v3.pdf

 World vision AUST.  World Vision Australiahttps://www.worldvision.com.au › c...Child Abuse - Facts, Stories & How We Can End It