After surviving childhood abuse and domestic violence, Anita became a psychotherapist specialising in domestic violence. Combining her personal and professional experience, Anita tells us her story.

TRIGGER WARNING: this episode describes graphic scenes of domestic violence.

*Apologies for the audio quality in this episode - we appreciate your understanding as we work to improve for future episodes :)

Instagram: @makingsenseofchaos

Supports:

Safe Steps - 1800 015 188

Victoria's 24/7 family violence support service. 

1800 Respect - 1800 737 732

The national 24/7 support service to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.

No To Violence - 1300 766 491 

Victoria's 24/7 support to men who are wanting to stop their violent or abusive behaviour towards their family members.

Mensline - 1300 78 99 78

The national 24/7 telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns.

Jemma Katz, a 24-year-old uni student, received a shock cancer diagnosis in November last year.

Jemma writes: "Before I could finish my psychology undergrad last year I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Since then, my emotions and cognitive boundaries have been challenged, and being invited onto this podcast was such an incredible way to explore that."

Instagram: @jemmakatz

 @makingsenseofchaos

Resources:

Cancerchicks - @cancerchicksau

A support group for young women aged 20-30 with cancer. (Of which our previous guest, Rikki, is the founder!)

Lymphoma Australia 

Instagram: @makingsenseofchaos

A more philosophical episode, as we sit down with writer and artist Ike Curtis, discussing topics such as what goes on in the mind of a serial killer, whether religion eases fear of death and what it means to look at death after a "fulfilling life".

Instagram: @makingsenseofchaos

34-year-old psychologist Ceara Rickard on recently receiving a terminal diagnosis.    

Ceara is a psychologist with strong interests in adult and youth mental health, recovery and social justice. Her most recent role involved working with young people experiencing mental distress with high and complex needs. 

"I've decided that my approach to living with a terminal illness is going to be radical openness. We all die eventually, and I don't think I'm someone who wants to hide from that reality."

Instagram: @ceararickard

Support Ceara's Cancer Journey

Instagram:@makingsenseofchaos

After 20 years working as a senior executive in the corporate sector, a series of significant life events led Asher to shift gears. Whilst grieving the deaths of his sister and then mum, Asher was diagnosed with a progressive rare blood cancer. 

In this episode Asher shares with us his some of his innermost emotions and experiences on death, suffering and love.  

*Apologies for the audio quality in this episode - we appreciate your understanding as we work to improve for future episodes.

Instagram: @makingsenseofchaos

SUPPORTS

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

Griefline - 1300 845 745

Mensline - 1300 78 99 78

ASHER’S WORK

The Warrior Within

@asherpackman 

Kim speaks about the day 18 years ago that changed her life forever, when she accidentally killed a teenage boy whilst driving. Kim is joined by hosts Maddie and Jason, as well as her daughter, Renee (Jason's partner). 

Instagram:@makingsenseofchaos

Supports:

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

Griefline - 1300 845 745

Road Trauma Support Services Victoria - 1300 367 797

Personal Stories:

Accidental Impacts

Information and support for people trying to cope with causing a serious accident. Maryan (website founder) is a social psychologist who accidentally killed a young boy whilst driving. 

Insight - Accidental Killers

An episode with guests who have unintentionally ended someone's life. 

The Georgina Josephine Foundation 

A charity which provides a support network for families affected by low-speed vehicle runover accidents. The charity was started by the parents of the late Georgina Cockburn, who was accidentally run over and killed as a result of the injuries she sustained in her own garage. 

Rikki Stern is founder of Cancer Chicks Australia, a support group for young women aged 20-30 with cancer.

With rawness, honesty and humour, 22-year-old Rikki shares her story living with Hodgkins Lymphoma.  

Instagram: @cancerchicksau

Instagram: @makingsenseofchaos

Stephy, a currently serving Australian police officer, goes into depth about her experiences on the job, and her perceptions around death, life and suffering. 

Instagram: @makingsenseofchaos

Gideon Cohen (25) shares his views on life and suffering after the loss of his dad at age 18. 

Gideon is Maddie's childhood friend and currently works as a screenwriter and actor. 

Instagram: @makingsenseofchaos

*apologies for audio quality on this ep!*

Join Jason Weel and Maddie Brygel as they discuss death and dying, and the underlying motives for starting this podcast. 

Jason and Maddie met whilst studying psychology, and currently work as counsellors in the mental health, addiction and family violence sectors.  

Instagram: @makingsenseofchaos