In this powerful follow-up episode, Alicia returns to share her personal story — a story marked by dark chapters, deep resilience, and a fierce commitment to choosing joy. Building on the themes introduced in the previous conversation, Alicia opens up about navigating neurodivergence, assault, life-threatening illness, unsafe relationships, and the complexities of becoming a mum.
Through it all, she has shaped a life grounded in purpose, cultural connection, and the desire to uplift others.
Alicia speaks beautifully about finding strength through her Māori culture, the Kaupapa Māori approach to walking alongside someone in their healing, and her relationship with matakite — intuition, insight, and seeing beyond what is immediately visible. Her story is a reminder that even the heaviest chapters can become sources of wisdom, and that joy is not something we wait for; it’s something we harness.
This episode holds space for:
- The realities of surviving trauma and reclaiming your narrative
- How cultural knowledge, connection, and community can anchor healing
- The power of standing in your story rather than shrinking from it
- What it means to transform lived experience into a source of guidance and support for others
- Choosing joy as an act of resistance, grounding, and self-determination
Alicia’s resilience is deeply felt, and her insights carry both heart and hope. If her story resonates with you — or you know someone who might draw strength from it — please share this episode.
Connect with Alicia
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-durbin-a4873a300?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Tiktok: @wahinemaoriandherkuri
Previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271523/episodes/18162525
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