Real Lives Raw Stories

Today on Real Women Raw Stories, we meet Sarah from Prehab. After years in the demanding world of ballet and movement, Sarah developed chronic pain that gradually took over her life. Despite countless treatments and specialists, answers remained elusive. In this episode, Sarah shares how discovering the connection between the brain, nervous system, and body transformed her understanding of pain and recovery, and how she now helps others find hope and healing.

Welcome to today’s guest, Sara Carter. From working in Darwin to executive leadership roles in Timaru, Sara has built an incredible career in male-dominated industries while navigating the realities of pressure, workplace culture, and burnout. Today, we explore what burnout really looks like, how it can impact your life and leadership, and the steps Sara took to manage it and move forward.

Today’s guest is Belinda, a mother whose daughter Hayleigh was born with moderate haemophilia. What followed were years of hospital infusions, a Hepatitis C exposure through contaminated blood products, and the enormous emotional and financial strain of life-saving treatment.

Belinda has since fought for compensation and better treatment coverage for families impacted by contaminated transfusions, becoming a powerful voice for change.

Today, she shares her journey of resilience, courage, and determination. Lets dive in.

Today’s guest is Lisa Fong. Lisa created Move It Mama around the philosophy of exercising for your mental health. Focusing on how it makes you feel, rather than just how you look.

We’re reconnecting to talk about what life looks like now. From moving to Australia to the unexpected life shift of her husband’s illness.

We'll discuss the challenges she’s faced, the resilience she’s shown, and the role exercise has played throughout this time. Let’s dive in.

After doing this show for nearly two years I wanted to take you back. Today I am going to share with you the top 2 episodes. In each story you’ll hear courage, raw honesty, and the reminder that you don’t have to be alone in your journey. Let’s begin.

Today, I’m joined by Anna Gibbons, a mother of four and wellbeing coach, who tragically lost her second eldest child to depression in June 2024. This heartbreak reshaped her life and sparked her mission to support youth mental health in New Zealand.

Joining us tonight is Kent, Lucca's father and he will share his journey and perspective on grief, resilience and what hope looks like. Together, they talk about life before and after loss and turning pain into purpose. Lets dive in.

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!