An insane romance on an Italian cruise ship ultimately led Liz Lawrence to the greatest tragedy of her life. Then, a young girl called Nadia – who she didn’t know from a bar of soap – made her a promise…

One minute 10-year-old Michael Batista was riding in the cab of the removal truck. The next, he was lying in a ditch, watching his grandfather drive off into the night… Twenty-five years later, the consequences of that night threatened to claim his life again, until a remarkable act of generosity and kindness came his way.

She always knew it would end in carnage. She was right. She thought he’d shoot her with a gun. She was wrong. He chose a Samurai sword. The Simonne Butler story – as you’ve never heard it before.

Leigh Hopkinson was leading the perfect double life – until a neighbour discovered her secret and dobbed her in. The story of how a well-heeled country girl went from classroom achiever to a stripper in a class of her own.

A cruel letter sent to her as a 13-year-old set Janet Balcombe on the path to self-destruction and drug addiction. Years later, locked up in Mt Eden prison on charges relating to meth, guns and kidnappping, she had to admit: her life hadn’t gone quite as she expected…

Suffering from debilitating anxiety and depression, as a young man Jock Hume could have fallen through the cracks. Instead, he bought himself a studded shirt and tan boots and carved out a place for himself in the world. For more unforgettable true stories from The Lip go to www.thelippodcast.kiwi

Tracy Pepper found a new lease of life with the help of a monarch butterfly called Fluffy. She saved Fluffy, who was born with perfect wings but couldn’t fly. And in return, Fluffy saved Tracy. This is their story. For more unforgettable true stories from The Lip go to www.thelippodcast.kiwi

It began as an ordinary Friday night. It ended in murder. Barbara Bishop of Taranaki recalls the most horrifying night of her life.

The Lip is a podcast in which people tell true unforgettable stories about events that have shaped their lives. For more information go to www.thelippodcast.kiwi