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. Let's dive in.

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.

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.

Today, we’re joined by Shell Withers, who was unexpectedly diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 35.

She shares her journey and the realities of living with bipolar disorder—the stigma, the challenges of treatment, and what she wishes more people understood. Let’s dive in.

Today, we’re joined by Ryan Astle, the founder of Better Man, 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. Let’s dive in!

Today, we’re joined by Primrose and Kathryn, two incredible women who have faced breast cancer and turned their journey into something meaningful: Altered Freedom, an initiative that provides specially designed backpacks for breast cancer patients.

We’ll discuss their personal experiences, the challenges of treatment, and how they’re making a difference with these innovative backpacks. Let’s dive in!

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.

Welcome to Real Women Raw Stories. Today, we’re joined by Kathy, who traded a high-powered finance career in San Francisco for a new life in New Zealand as a somatic practitioner. We’ll explore what sparked this dramatic shift, how it shaped her journey, and what somatic practice really is. If you’ve ever considered a big life change, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!

https://birdsongretreat.nz/

www.KathyGuidi.com

www.instagram.com/kathyguidiwow/

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.

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.