Today on Real Lives Raw Stories, I’m joined by Krissy Christensen, compiler of the powerful book Please Say Their Name.

Drawing on her experience as a nurse, celebrant and friend, Krissy has gathered raw, honest, and courageous stories from parents who have lost children in many different ways. These stories explore grief that never disappears but changes shape over time.

This episode is an invitation to listen with compassion and honour those who have shared their experiences. Let’s dive in.

Today on Real Lives Raw Stories, I’m joined by Karen Hattaway — restaurateur and entrepreneur. 

But her story goes far deeper — as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, she’s turned her experiences into purpose, guiding others through her philosophy C.R.E.A.M. — Courage, Resilience, Empowerment, Action, and Moving Forward.

In this episode, Karen shares her journey, her inspirations, and the lessons that continue to empower her and those around her. Lets dive in.

Tali, is a remarkable and resilient young woman who has faced unimaginable loss. Just days before Christmas in 2021, she lost her husband — the love of her life — and soon after, her beloved mum.

Tali is sharing her raw story — one of heartbreak, healing, and rediscovering her authentic self. This is a conversation about love, loss, and finding light after darkness.

Today I’m joined by Jared Rogers — the personal trainer on a mission to bring 10,000 Kiwis together for the world’s biggest HIIT workout. We talk about the vision behind HIIT FOR HOPE, the challenges of pulling off a world-record event, and the personal story that fuels his passion.

This conversation will leave you inspired — and maybe even ready to join him!

In this episode, Christina shares her powerful journey from a childhood shaped by addiction and trauma to building a successful career and creating a new life in New Zealand. 

Becoming a mum marked the start of her healing, and a life-changing event led her to her true calling as a life coach. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and proving that it’s possible to rise above adversity and rewrite your future.

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!