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 an...

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,...

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...

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,...

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 invit...

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 lesson...

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!

In this episode, Christina shares her powerful journey from a childhood shaped by addiction and trauma to building a successful career and creating a new life in New Zealand.  Becoming a mum marked the start of her healing, and a life-changing event led her to her true calling as a life coach. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and proving that it’s possible to rise above adversity and rewri...

Today we hear from  Marina Shearer. Marina has been on an extraordinary journey of discovery, delving into her family’s remarkable — and at times harrowing — history.  Her search uncovered her father’s childhood in a Japanese concentration camp in Indonesia during World War II and opened the door to long-buried truths. This episode is a moving reminder that our past can be a powerful catalyst for...

In this episode, we meet Sharon Armstrong—justice advocate, author, and speaker. In 2011, Sharon’s life changed overnight when she was arrested in Argentina, caught in an international drug scam that started as an online romance.  What sounds like a movie plot is, sadly, a reality for many.  Sharon shares how she was manipulated, her time in prison, and how she’s turned her experience into a power...

Today, we’re joined by Brenda — a brave and inspiring woman who opens up about her journey through alcoholism. From losing control and hitting rock bottom to finding the strength to rebuild her life, Brenda shares her story with raw honesty and deep insight. This is a conversation about addiction, resilience, and hope — and a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how far gone thin...

Today, we’re joined by Shell Withers, who was unexpectedly diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 35. She shares her journey and the realities of living with bipolar disorder—the stigma, the challenges of treatment, and what she wishes more people understood. Let’s dive in.

Today, we’re joined by Ryan Astle, the founder of Better Man, an initiative dedicated to redefining masculinity and encouraging men to embrace personal growth and emotional well-being.  We’ll discuss what it truly means to be a "better man," the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability, and how shifting these conversations can lead to real change. Let’s dive in!

Today, we’re joined by Primrose and Kathryn, two incredible women who have faced breast cancer and turned their journey into something meaningful: Altered Freedom, an initiative that provides specially designed backpacks for breast cancer patients. We’ll discuss their personal experiences, the challenges of treatment, and how they’re making a difference with these innovative backpacks. Let’s dive...

In this episode, we learn about Dew Drops, a service dedicated to supporting new parents in New Zealand. Founder Jessie Johnson shares how her personal experiences shaped her passion for helping families navigate the challenges of early parenthood. We’ll explore the essential services Dew Drops provides, the struggles many parents face today, and Jessie’s vision for the future of parent support. T...

Welcome to Real Women Raw Stories. Today, we’re joined by Kathy, who traded a high-powered finance career in San Francisco for a new life in New Zealand as a somatic practitioner. We’ll explore what sparked this dramatic shift, how it shaped her journey, and what somatic practice really is. If you’ve ever considered a big life change, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in! https://birdsongretreat...

In this episode, Christa shares her journey from being an active young woman to navigating the challenges of Cushing's disease. After years of unexplained symptoms, she finally got the diagnosis she'd been searching for. Christa opens up about her diagnosis, the treatments she underwent, and how she pursued her dream of motherhood. Through resilience, she has rebuilt her life, offering an...

In this episode of Real Women Raw Stories, we sit down with Philly to discuss her journey with alopecia. She shares what alopecia is, how it presents, and the emotional challenges that come with hair loss. Philly opens up about misconceptions, the treatments available, and how she has navigated confidence in a world that often misunderstands the condition. This is an inspiring conversation about r...

Today, we’re joined by Ellen Pettersen, who shares her inspiring journey of transformation after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in 2020. Ellen’s story is one of courage, self-discovery, and reclaiming her health. Let’s dive into her powerful experience and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Today, we welcome Anna, a counsellor, therapist, and group facilitator based in South Brighton, Christchurch. With a holistic approach, Anna integrates mind, body, and spirit in her work, drawing on a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including Narrative Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, and Havening. Join us as Anna shares her journey, her therapeutic approach, and insights int...

Today, we introduce you to Moira Murphy, a woman passionate about sharing authentic stories and creating a safe space for exploring life’s toughest moments. Moira is the visionary behind Real Women Raw Stories, a platform that celebrates resilience, vulnerability, and transformation. In this episode, Moira shares her journey, the inspiration behind the event, and how it all came to be. Let’s dive...

Today, we’re joined by Sonja Courtis, a woman who turned personal trauma into a mission to empower others. After facing profound challenges, Sonja rebuilt her life with purpose and she now helps women reclaim their power and create lives they love.