The Grief Ocean

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Content warning: This episode discusses family and domestic violence, coercive control, and the death of a loved one through domestic violence. Please take care while listening and pause or step away if you need to.

In this deeply moving episode of The Grief Ocean Podcast, I’m joined by Anita, a mum navigating the unimaginable loss of her beloved daughter, Alisha, who was killed by her partner in an act of family and domestic violence.

Together, we talk about Alisha’s life, the woman she was, and the memories and love that continue to shape the lives of those who knew her. Anita shares her reflections on the complexities of domestic violence, the challenges of recognising coercive and controlling behaviour, and why these conversations are so important.

We also explore the profound grief of losing a child, what it means to navigate life after such a devastating loss, and the ways Anita continues to feel connected to Alisha through memories, family, and the meaningful ways she is keeping her daughter’s legacy alive.

At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that Alisha was so much more than the circumstances of her death. She was a daughter, a loved one, and a person whose life, memories and legacy deserve to be remembered.

I’m incredibly grateful to Anita for trusting me with her story and allowing us to get to know Alisha. My hope is that this conversation raises awareness of family and domestic violence, encourages important conversations, and offers a space for greater understanding of the grief experienced by those left behind.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family, domestic or sexual violence, support is available:

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast reflect each person’s personal recollections and perspectives and may not represent the views or experiences of others involved. This podcast is intended to share lived experiences and is not a substitute for professional counselling or advice.

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In this moving special edition of The Grief Ocean Podcast, producer Kellie takes the reins to interview her father-in-law Keith, a proud Vietnam Veteran, in honour of Anzac Day.

Keith shares heartfelt reflections on the meaning and importance of Anzac Day, his own experiences serving in Vietnam, and the deep pride he felt for his father, who also served his country. Spanning generations of service, sacrifice, and remembrance, this powerful conversation offers personal insight into courage, family legacy, and the enduring spirit of those who served. It also gently explores the often-unspoken grief carried by veterans and their families—the grief of trauma, loss, silence, and the lasting impact war can leave across generations.

 Keith also speaks to the heartbreaking reality many Vietnam veterans faced on returning home, often met with misunderstanding, silence, and being left to their own devices to carry what they had endured, alongside the grief of leaving families behind and the complex emotional toll of returning to life after war.

Amid this, he reflects on the enduring power of friendships formed in service—the deep bonds between fellow veterans, and how these connections have often been a vital source of strength, understanding, and survival long after the war ended.

A particularly moving part of this family’s ANZAC story is Keith’s son (Kellie’s husband), Leigh, who last year marched alongside his father, pushing Keith in his wheelchair due to health challenges. Leigh also carried and wore his grandfather’s medals, sharing in a powerful intergenerational moment of remembrance. Moments like these reflect how the next generations continue to honour, remember, and keep the ANZAC spirit alive through lived connection, presence, and shared remembrance.

A deeply touching and meaningful episode, created to honour all veterans and their families this Anzac Day.

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast reflect each person’s personal recollections and perspectives and may not represent the views or experiences of others involved. This podcast is intended to share lived experiences and is not a substitute for professional counselling or advice.

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In our season finale, we’re closing with a conversation that gets right to the heart of what this podcast is all about — the power of connection in grief, and how deeply we need one another when life cracks open.

Today, I’m joined by the lovely Aimee, who generously shares her story of losing her mum — not only her mother, but her very best friend. Her loss reshaped her world in ways she’s still learning to understand, and in this episode, she opens up about what those early days looked like, the moments that helped her simply survive, and the unexpected truths grief revealed along the way.

We talk about the ache of secondary losses, that surreal feeling when the world keeps spinning while yours stands still, and the pressure to be “okay” long before you truly are. Aimee also shares how grief has changed the way she sees life and herself — and how connection, community, and a few unexpected relationships have become a lifeline in her healing. One of the most beautiful parts of her journey has been finding a deeply meaningful bond with Cody, who also lost her mum. Their shared experience created a connection that has held them both through some of the hardest moments — a reminder that sometimes the people who enter our lives during grief become anchors we never knew we needed.

Together, we explore the quiet ways she honours her mum in her day-to-day life, the rituals that help keep her close, and the message she’d offer anyone who feels like they’re drowning in early grief.

This conversation is tender, honest, and full of the kind of truth that helps us breathe a little easier. Aimee reminds us that even in the darkest moments, connection can hold us, steady us, and slowly guide us forward.

Thank you for joining us for this season, and for being part of this community. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who may need it or connect with us over on The Grief Ocean community page.

Until next time — take gentle care of yourselves, and each other.

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast reflect each person’s personal recollections and perspectives and may not represent the views or experiences of others involved. This podcast is intended to share lived experiences and is not a substitute for professional counselling or advice.

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In this episode of The Grief Ocean Podcast, we dive into a powerful and often overlooked aspect of grief—the collective kind that lives within communities. I’m joined by Julian Canny, director and creative force behind Euphorium, a vibrant collective dedicated to building big-thinking communities through creativity, play, and co-creation.

Julian works at the intersection of imagination and social change, helping communities unlock their creative potential so they’re better equipped to face challenges, navigate transitions, and imagine new possibilities together. From festivals and trainings to grassroots projects, Euphorium’s work is rooted in one belief: creativity can liberate culture.

Together, we explore how grief emerges not only in our personal lives but also within the changing identities of the places we call home—whether through economic disruption, cultural shifts, or the fading of shared stories and traditions. Julian offers a thoughtful lens on how naming communal grief can help communities honour what’s been lost, create space for renewal, strengthen resilience, and imagine what comes next. 

In our conversation, Julian shares a powerful insight he’s learned through his work: "the ability to collectively grieve is a skill we will need for the future" .

To find out more about Julian and his teams amazing work with communities you can visit:

https://www.euphorium.com.au/

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast reflect each person’s personal recollections and perspectives and may not represent the views or experiences of others involved. This podcast is intended to share lived experiences and is not a substitute for professional counselling or advice.

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In this episode, we exploring a different kind of transition; one that touches the lives of so many women yet is still so often left unspoken.

After Kellie courageously shared her experience of “perimenopause - the unexpected storm of isolation" we’re joined by Julie Marchetti - a passionate advocate, educator, and perimenopause specialist. Julie brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and practical tools to help women navigate this often turbulent stage with greater understanding, self-compassion, and empowerment.

Julie’s passion, insight, and empathy shine through and you’ll find yourself chuckling at different points as she makes this heavy topic feel light, hopeful, and even fun. 

To find out more about Julie you can visit

 https://www.geraldtonreflexology.com.au/ 

or follow her on socials https://www.facebook.com/JulieMarchettiNaturalTherapies/about

Julie book recommendations were

- Rushing Women's Syndrome. Dr Libby Waver

- Hormone Repair Manual, Lara Briden

Julie refers to Madi and wonderful work she does as a dietician specialising in women's health. For more information about Madi

 visit https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP0ktk9k3Zh/?igsh=MXBuMGZxY24za2ZteA==

 The stories and experiences shared in this podcast reflect each person’s personal recollections and perspectives and may not represent the views or experiences of others involved. This podcast is intended to share lived experiences and is not a substitute for professional counselling or advice.
 

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In this powerful episode, our very own podcast producer Kellie courageously opens up about her raw and often silent journey through perimenopause — an experience many women endure in isolation.

It was such a special and meaningful experience to have Kellie, who works so closely behind the scenes of this show, step forward to share her personal story with such honesty and grace.

Kellie speaks to the deep grief and sense of loss that accompanied this transition — when your mind and body begin to change  and the profound feelings of isolation, loss of identity, energy, and emotional balance. She describes the confusion that at times made her feel like she was “going crazy.”

Through her vulnerability, Kellie shines a light on the unspoken struggles of perimenopause — that unsettling sense of something’s changed in my body, but I don’t know what — and reminds listeners that they’re not alone.

Join us as we explore the intersections of grief, womanhood, and transformation  and how, even in the most chaotic transitions, there can be healing, meaning, and connection.

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast reflect each person’s personal recollections and perspectives and may not represent the views or experiences of others involved. This podcast is intended to share lived experiences and is not a substitute for professional counselling or advice.

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In this special episode, Kellie, the producer of The Grief Ocean, steps into the host’s seat and puts Christie in the hot seat for a change. Together, they reflect on how The Grief Ocean came to life - from its first ripple of an idea to the powerful community it’s become. 

Christie opens up about her passion for grief work, what inspired her to create a space for these conversations, and how the podcast continues to evolve with heart, honesty, and hope.

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast reflect each person’s personal recollections and perspectives and may not represent the views or experiences of others involved. This podcast is intended to share lived experiences and is not a substitute for professional counselling or advice.
 
 

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In this inspiring and candid episode of The Grief Ocean Podcast, we explore a form of grief that often goes unspoken — the grief that comes with losing your sense of health, certainty, and control.

Christie sits down with Lorraine, a breast cancer survivor with a wonderful sense of humor and a deeply resilient spirit. Lorraine doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff — instead, she affectionately refers to her breast cancer journey as her “adventure.” With warmth and wit, she shares the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons that came with her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Together, we talk about the quiet forms of grief that accompany illness - the changes to identity, body, and belonging  and how laughter, honesty, and connection became part of Lorraine’s healing.

Full of heart and humour, Lorraine’s story reminds us that strength doesn’t always mean stoicism, and that even in the face of loss, there can be lightness, courage, and joy. Join us as we dive into an adventure of resilience, healing, and rediscovering life after loss.

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast reflect each person’s personal recollections and perspectives and may not represent the views or experiences of others involved. This podcast is intended to share lived experiences and is not a substitute for professional counselling or advice.

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This week, I’m joined by two incredible colleagues and friends - Amy from In 3 Minds Psychology Services and Kate from Foster Your Mind. Together, we’ve created Think • Feel • Heal, a community initiative raising awareness about mental health in youth sport across Geraldton and the Midwest.

In this episode, we dive into why sport is such an important space for mental health conversations, the story behind our green shoelaces campaign, and the ways local clubs and families can get involved. You’ll hear about the unique challenges athletes face in regional areas and how we can start changing the culture around mental health in sport. 

If you’re passionate about mental health, sport, or simply supporting young people and families to thrive, this conversation is for you.

Listen now on The Grief Ocean Podcast—and join us as we Think, Feel, and Heal together.

To purchases some green laces and get involved in the campaign visit https://www.in3minds.com.au/thinkfeelheal

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast reflect each person’s personal recollections and perspectives and may not represent the views or experiences of others involved. This podcast is intended to share lived experiences and is not a substitute for professional counselling or advice.

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In this moving episode, I sit down with Michelle, founder of Living with Purpose and Intention, to explore the tender yet powerful ways women can reconnect with themselves after seasons of loss, silence, or self-abandonment.

Michelle shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind her work, offering wisdom on what it means to rediscover the woman within when roles like mother, partner, or provider have taken center stage. Together, we explore the grief that surfaces in relationship breakdowns, quiet compromises, or the simple realisation of all that has been lost along the way.

From the courage of breaking inherited cycles to the practice of spiritually parenting, Michelle invites us into a conversation that is both deeply honest and profoundly hopeful. We talk about intuition as a guide through grief, honouring the unseen stories of women who felt silenced or unsafe, and the small yet powerful steps that can help us return home to ourselves.

This is a tender episode for anyone who has ever grieved the woman they once were—or the woman they never got to become. Michelle reminds us that healing and purpose can grow even from the hardest places, and that hope is always within reach.

Michelle is generously sharing some of her tools with listeners including the questionnaire and guidance workbook.

https://www.michellewollaston.com/grief-reconnection

To find out more about Michelle:

Michelle Wollaston
Mentor for women rediscovering their voice, strength, and sense of self
Author of Embrace Spirituality and Enhance Your Human Experience
Creator of the Strength Matrix

Helping women reclaim clarity, self-trust, and quiet power after years of silence or self-abandonment. www.michellewollaston.com

The stories and perspectives shared in this podcast reflect the personal experiences and views of our guests and may not represent the views or experiences of others. This podcast is intended to share lived experiences, encourage connection and raise awareness. It is not a substitute for professional counselling, mental health support or advice.