Karen Sander
Sharing Stories Changing Lives
Welcome to ”Sharing Stories Changing Lives,” the podcast where real stories meet the power of transformation. In a world where narratives have the ability to heal, inspire, and connect us, we invite you to join us on a heartfelt journey. Each week, we sit down with extraordinary guests who generously share their authentic, unfiltered stories, guided by a specific theme. Through their experiences, listeners gain unique perspectives on how to navigate the complexities of life, overcome challenges, and discover the beauty in every chapter. Our guests come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and w...
Author
Karen Sander
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Apr 11, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Episode 33- Ian Westmoreland- Beyond Stage 4 11.04.2026 44:34
There are moments in life when everything looks solid… and then, without warning, it shifts. In this deeply moving conversation, Ian Westmoreland shares his journey from a life of strength and purpose… to facing stage four melanoma and the possibility of losing it all. But this isn’t just a story about cancer. It’s about what happens within you when life strips things back. About losing physical s...
Episode 32- Michael Brosowski-The Man Who Refused to Look Away 24.03.2026 48:45
There are moments in life when you can walk past… or you can stop. In this extraordinary conversation, Michael Brosowski shares what happened when he chose to stop — and how that single decision led to the rescue of thousands of trafficked and vulnerable children through the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation. From a childhood in rural Australia to the streets of Vietnam, Michael’s journey is not d...
Episode 31- Sarah Rowan- Painting The Truth 09.02.2026 47:58
Sarah Rowan, in the artworld known as Rowan, grew up in the Bible Belt where obedience meant safety—and silence. In this raw, luminous conversation, she shares what it cost to hide her truth, the moment the “rug” could hold no more, and how art became both lifeline and liberation. From secret love and survival to reclaiming her voice, Rowan reminds us there’s nothing to prove—only rooms inside us...
Episode 30 - Rob Manning- The Moment Everything Changed 07.02.2026 49:21
What if the biggest turning point of your life arrived disguised as an ordinary day? Rob Manning thought he was fine. Busy, healthy enough, carrying on. But his wife, Claire, wouldn’t let it go — she insisted he see a GP. Rob planned to make the appointment… and quietly “forget” to return. Instead, within minutes, a doctor took one look and said the words that split his life into before and after....
Episode 29 - Rugare Gomo: Stateless to Belonging 13.01.2026 39:02
What does it mean to belong — truly and deeply? In this intimate conversation, Karen Sander speaks with Rugare Gomo, a leadership coach and former lawyer whose life began stateless and unfolded across Zimbabwe and Australia. Rugare shares his journey from displacement and identity struggle to corporate success — and the inner crisis that followed when success failed to bring peace. He speaks openl...
Episode 28 The Girl On The Start Line 29.12.2025 35:31
She looked strong. She was winning. And she was slowly disappearing. In this intimate conversation, Dr Jennifer Hamer reflects on growing up as ‘the talented one,’ the illness no one questioned, and the long road back to herself. A story of survival, second chances, and learning that our bodies are the least interesting thing about us. #EatingDisorderAwareness #EatingDisorderRecovery #AnorexiaReco...
Episode 27- The Train Ride That Changed Everything 16.12.2025 41:16
Ian Westmoreland’s life changed forever one ordinary morning on a train to work. He was 59 and a half — an age when most people are winding down, but Ian was just about to begin. What happened next set him on a path he seemed destined for…
Episode 26 - Tracing the Threads of Me 01.12.2025 44:24
Lisa Preston always knew she was adopted, but with that knowing came decades of unanswered questions. Her long search for her biological parents in the UK became an emotional rollercoaster — filled with dead ends, stress, hope, and the quiet ache of not knowing where you come from. In this episode, Lisa shares the deeply personal journey of tracing her roots, uncovering the truth, and finally recl...
Episode 25-MIck Miller-Overcoming Adversity 04.09.2024 35:22
In this powerful episode, Mick Miller shares his inspiring journey of resilience and transformation as he faced and overcame cancer. His story of determination and personal growth offers valuable lessons for all of us, reminding us of the strength within to face life’s challenges and emerge stronger. #Resilience #Transformation #CancerSurvivor #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration #OvercomingAdversity #Li...
Episode 24- Jeanette Allom-Hill - "Unlocking Passion and Purpose for a Better Life" 14.08.2024 41:35
Jeanette Allom-Hill is the founder and CEO of Lionhearted Foundation. Jeanette shares her inspiring journey and discusses why unlocking your passion and purpose is key to a living a more meaning and purpose driven life. Tune in to uncover the secrets to living your best life! #Jeanette Allom-Hill #Lionhearted Foundation #Passion and Purpose #Living a Better Life #Discovering Passion #Finding Purp...
Episode 23- Emotional Resilience-Tim Hewson- on "Breaking The Silence" 30.07.2024 33:21
Tim Hewson is a passionate mental health advocate and founder of Mongrels Men, a charity dedicated to improving men's mental health. After 27 years in finance, #Tim Hewson #Mongrels Men #Men's Mental Health #Mental Health Advocate #Emotional Resilience #Mental Health Programs #Community Mental Health #Mental Health Support #Preventing Mental Illness #Australian Men's Wellbeing #Mental Health First...
Episode 22- Nick Howard- Harmonising Passion and Purpose 11.07.2024 32:53
With a remarkable career in music and entertainment that spans decades, Nick has not only made his mark as a singer and songwriter, but has flourished as a producer, touching hearts globally. From signing with major labels like BMG Records and Artista Records, to being the creative force behind television series and venturing into film and comedy productions, Nick embodies the spirit of creative e...
Episode 21- Andra Putnis- "Unspoken Legacies: Tales from a Hidden Past" 04.07.2024 31:10
An unforgettable journey as Andra Putnis, author of "Stories My Grandmothers Didn't Tell Me," shares the remarkable life stories of her grandmothers. Learn how these incredible women survived the Second World War, immigrated to Australia, and built new lives from the ground up. Andra's tale is a compelling narrative of resilience, heritage, and the enduring power of family stories. This episode is...
Episode 20-Arnold Dix-Embracing the Full Spectrum of Life." 16.05.2024 50:41
What drives a man to dive into a collapsing mine, save 41 lives, and then go to life on the farm the next day? Meet Arnold Dix, a hero whose life is as layered as his careers. In this riveting episode of "Sharing Stories Changing Lives," we peel back the layers of Arnold’s life—from his heroic rescue in an Indian mine disaster to his vibrant careers as a barrister, scientist, hairdresser, and tru...
Episode 19 - Ben Thatcher- Resilience Rising: Overcoming Adversity with Hope 03.05.2024 36:32
In this compelling episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Ben Thatcher, an Aria nominated Children’s Artist. Ben is a resilient individual facing the daunting challenge of a life-threatening, rare auto-immune disease called PSC, which causes liver failure. Despite the diagnosis, Ben refuses to let it define him, choosing instead to embrace life with unwavering optimism and determination....
Episode 18- Liza Newell - The Joy of Telling Stories 18.04.2024 27:00
"Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Liza Newell, a storyteller whose passion was sparked by childhood adventures in nature and a world without cable TV. Discover how a transformative visit to the National Storytelling Festival crystallized her dream of becoming a storyteller, igniting a lifelong commitment to crafting narratives that transport audiences to worlds beyond imaginatio...
Episode 17-Tarryn Reeves "Against The Odds Tarryn's Journey to Success " 04.04.2024 39:40
Join us on "Against the Odds" as we delve into the extraordinary life story of Tarryn Reeves, a woman whose journey from a farm in Zimbabwe to building a successful life in Australia is nothing short of inspiring. Tarryn's story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Growing up amidst the political upheaval of Zimbabwe, her family was forced to flee their homeland in search o...
Episode 16 - Vicki Haines' Motor Cycle Challenge - Singapore to UK via The Silk Road 29.03.2024 35:44
Join Vicki Haines on an extraordinary adventure as she embarks on a daring motorcycle journey across three continents to reach London. But this isn't just about covering miles; it's a deeply personal quest fuelled by a cause close to her heart. After experiencing profound loss with the passing of both her parents, Vicki found solace and support at the Yacaaba Centre. Now, she's giving back by rais...
Episode 15 Jason Breen -"Dragged Under: Wingfoiler's Encounter with a Breaching Humpback 21.03.2024 34:50
Join us in this heart-pounding episode as we dive into the gripping tale of Jason Breen, a fearless wingfoiler who was foiling off Mona Vale was abruptly shattered by a sudden encounter with a breaching humpback whale. Feel the adrenaline surge as we unravel the harrowing moments when Jason's wingfoil became entangled in the powerful grip of the ocean's gentle giant, leading to a struggle for surv...
Episode 14 - Kelly Van Nelson - Balancing Act 06.03.2024 47:56
The podcast episode features an interview with Kelly Van Nelson, who adeptly manages multiple roles in her life, including author, poet, executive leader, wife, and mother. Kelly discusses her upbringing in Newcastle upon Tyne, where she faced challenges but found solace in reading and writing to escape the noise and turmoil of her household. She shares her journey of pursuing her passion for writ...
Episode 13 - Sharon Xabregas - Silence to Strength 28.02.2024 42:22
Sharon Zabregas, a deaf entrepreneur, shares her journey from silence to strength, overcoming workplace adversity. She grew up bilingual with Auslan sign language and faced challenges communicating with others. Sharon experienced bullying in the workplace but persevered, advocating for inclusivity. She founded Sign Here, offering Auslan teaching, employment support, and advocacy. Collaborations wi...
Episode 12- Dippy-: "Riding Waves, Crafting Verses"-Poetry Changed Dip's Life 16.02.2024 41:10
Ever wondered how riding waves and crafting poetry become synergistic? Welcome to Dippy's World as we dive into the serene and adventurous world of surfing intertwined with the mesmerizing art of poetry on "Riding Waves, Crafting Verses." Join Dippy, affectionately known for most of his life, as he shares his remarkable journey from the sun-kissed shores of Cronulla to the depths of poetic express...
Episode 11 Crafting Tales with Colin Urwin from Northern Ireland 07.02.2024 34:29
Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of storytelling with Colin Urwin, a true virtuoso of the craft. Colin's passion for storytelling knows no bounds; from the quaint Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland, he draws inspiration from local legends and folklore, weaving them into mesmerizing tales that captivate audiences worldwide. Colin's journey as a storyteller is nothing short of remarkab...
Episode 10 Danny Shannon Part 2 The Road to Redemption 31.01.2024 33:17
"In the gripping continuation of our interview with Danny Shannon, witness the extraordinary journey from ruin to redemption as he defies the odds, emerging from the shadows of addiction and self-destruction. Part 2 unveils Danny's remarkable transformation, breaking free from the vicious cycle of rehab and unveiling the inspiring narrative of resilience. Explore how Danny, against all odds, craft...
Episode 9 Danny Shannon - The Road To Redemption 25.01.2024 33:17
Join us in this powerful two-part interview as we delve into the remarkable journey of Danny Shannon, a reformed addict turned advocate. In the first part, we explore Danny's turbulent past, marked by the gripping challenges of addiction, a stint behind bars, and a daring escape. Against all odds, Danny's resilience shines through as he shares the raw and unfiltered details of his life's darkest c...
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