Welcome to Your Neighborhood Show! In this heartfelt episode, host Carolyn dives into a meaningful conversation with Deb, a Brisbane local whose life journey exemplifies resilience, courage, and the power of connection. Together, they explore stories of childhood, community, personal struggles, and triumphs, touching on themes like mental health, loneliness, and the importance of building support networks. Deb shares how transformative life events shaped her path, from working on a remote cattle station at 16 to navigating single motherhood while training as a nurse, and ultimately finding joy and connection in her community. This episode is a moving reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of seeking help when needed.

Episode Breakdown
Duration: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Introduction to the Podcast and Deb (0:00 - 5:00)

Carolyn shares her journey of creating the podcast to foster conversations about connection and disconnection.
Introduction to guest Deb, her roles as a nurse, mother, grandmother, and volunteer, and Carolyn’s reflections on their deepening friendship.
Deb’s Early Life and Resilience (5:01 - 20:00)

Deb recounts her childhood in Tully, a small, rain-drenched town in North Queensland.

At 16, her father sent her to work on a remote cattle station, where she developed independence and resilience despite homesickness.
The challenges of isolation and hard physical labor taught her life lessons she carries to this day.

Navigating Single Motherhood and Building a Village (20:01 - 35:00)

Deb reflects on her time as a single mother, raising two young children while completing her nursing training.

The power of community and friendships that supported her during this challenging period.

Mental Health Journey and Overcoming Stigma (35:01 - 50:00)

Deb shares her experience of facing anxiety and depression, the turning point when she sought professional help, and her transformative time in a psychiatric unit.

The benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy and life skills that changed her outlook on mental health.

Finding Joy Through Connection and Volunteering (50:01 - 1:00:00)

How Deb rebuilt her sense of belonging after moving to Brisbane, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her inspiring involvement in community volunteer work and her philosophy of “chasing the joy.”

Final Thoughts and Advice (1:00:01 - 1:05:00)

Deb encourages listeners to seek help when needed and to look beyond themselves by connecting with and supporting others.
Key Takeaways:

Connection often begins with intentional effort—seeking joy and reaching out to others.
Mental health struggles are normal and manageable with the right support and tools.
Building a community or “village” is essential for overcoming isolation and finding fulfillment.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to find strength through vulnerability and inspiration in the power of human connection.