I'm opening up conversations around life, death, and the spiritual side of both of these things…
None of us are getting out of here alive, and I hope that as I host challenging conversations I help people to ‘live and die well’.
As a Near Death Experiencer, a certified Funeral Celebrant, and End of Life Doula, I’m available for personalised end of life planning, support and conversation.
All in Let's Talk Life Design
On June 27th, 1990, Eric Christiansen’s life was changed in an instant when he lost everything he owned in the Santa Barbara Painted Cave fire. Flames engulfed his house, taking all his possessions, and starting him on a new path entirely. From this disaster, he understands trauma, the resilience of the human spirit, and how important HOPE is to heal.
It was early on in life that Bryan Falchuk’s world spiralled out of control. Food became the one thing that relieved his anxiety, soothed his pain and gave him a sense of control. Except there was no control, and very quickly he became unhappy and obese.
He remained obese and living the standard American life for many many years, and then his wife got sick. Really sick. And he could see how his lifestyle wasn’t helping. It was then that he decided to give up mediocracy, and unhappiness, as he began to pursue a life he could design.
Abby Hannerman tried to commit suicide 4 times. Each time it didn’t go to plan. And after the fourth attempt, she made a deal with her life. A deal that was to last 6 months, and yet here she is sharing her journey many many years later! Today, Abby is a Transformational Coach, and is helping others who are going through tough times, and helping them to navigate suicidal thoughts.
Tessa Shahid (Williams at the time of recording) has experienced trauma after trauma. From her Father having a major stroke when she was only 11 years old, through to her Mother having a different major illness when she was 18, Tessa learned what it was like to simply survive. Nursing both of her parents, becoming the main income earner and trying to get an education all at once proved to be too much. The three of them ended up living in a car, and struggling to get by. Tessa experienced sexual abuse, a miscarriage and
In 2010, Ben Clench and his girlfriend, Jazz were hit by a car whilst on holiday in the Dominican Republic. Jazz was killed instantly and Ben was left to start a completely different life. One which would include a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and one which would lead to Ben remembering nothing about his former life.
For many years Dan Zerin fought to contain the ticks and triggers of having Tourette syndrome. After countless episodes of depression, suicidal thoughts, and feeling like a ‘freak’ Dan was finally diagnosed in his 20’s. From there, he began to embrace his situation and started on a journey of extreme self worth.
When Kathy De La Torre was 20 years old, she married her High School sweetheart. She loved him dearly and held a lot of respect for him. However shortly after the honeymoon period was over, things started to change. Very quickly, Kathy realised that she was being controlled and that her new husband was not the man she had thought him to be.
Sandahl Taylor knows what it's like to hit rock bottom. And more than just once or twice. She's experienced heartbreak, abuse, family illness and homelessness, and yet today she is living a life she truly loves. As life knocked her down, she learned how to stand, and how to use her crisis moments as points of strength in her life. Today, she aims to inspire and empower people to follow their heart, and to find their own inner voice.
Adele Hauwai’s life was one of abuse and trauma right from the beginning. She experienced things that no one should have to go through. This abuse led on to further difficulties, and then to an extreme case of epilepsy. Adele saw the seizures as a punishment for her actions and blamed herself for everything that was taking place. Later in life, it all came to a head, where she confronted her past head on and learned how forgiveness was the key to moving forward.
ndres Valdes has been punched in the mouth by life more than once. He grew up living on a factory floor, lost both his parents, and soon turned to a life of crime. It was at his lowest point, after toying with the law, that Andres realised he could turn his experiences into opportunities.
When Jayden Irving went surfing in 2013, a string on freakish events unfolded, ending up with him being locked in an African jail for 30 days unsure if he would ever survive or escape the situation. As he shared a hot dirty prison cell with rebel leaders, murderers and rapists…
Sean Douglas has survived abuse, loss and suicide, and knows what it's like to hit 'rock bottom'. In 2008 he put a gun in his mouth, and was prepared to end it all. However today, he believes he's here for a purpose, and has unlocked his true potential.
Anxiety is no stranger to Chris Moss. At the age of 10, Chris convinced himself that his innocent actions had killed his baby brother; an event which opened to the door to guilt and anxiety. Years later, he was held up in a traumatic shop robbery; an event he wondered if he would ever get over.
Sharon Muscet has had 4 brushes with death, and spent close to 2 and a half years of her life in hospitals. Each experience has resulted in major challenges in her life, and alongside feelings of heartbreak, rejection and loneliness, her experiences have taught her resilience, strength and independence. Today, Sharon believes that anyone can have anything in their lives, and that there is a lighter side to death.
When Cam Calkoen was born with cerebral palsy, his parents were told that he may never walk again, let alone talk, or live a normal life, But Cam has never let that hold him back. In fact, when someone says something is a ‘possibility’ Cam sees it as an ‘opportunity’ and the only reason for one to miss out is by not being competitive enough. Competition comes in many forms but Cam believes that our biggest competitor is the one looking back at us in the mirror.
Early in her marriage, Linda Guirey's life took a dramatic turn following just 6 words spoken by her husband. "I want to become a Woman." These words opened the door to a journey that Linda never expected. She loved him. So would she stay with him? Would she support his change? Today, Linda chats about her fears, her loss, her hope and her confusion, and how she has enabled others to have the courage to face their problems and pain, no matter how big they seem.
Amy McAuley has experienced rock bottom. A rock bottom where she has personally faced many challenges – from bulimia to post-natal depression to reliance on alcohol and cigarettes, and then leaving family and friends behind when migrating to the other side of the world. However...Amy has also experienced how positivity, drive and self-love can lead to profound personal improvement.
At the age of 20 years old, Daniel survived a car accident which would change him forever. It left him with a shattered spine, broken bones and paralysis from his chest down. He was told he might never walk again, but proved medical staff wrong by walking out of hospital just 6 weeks later
At 7 years old, Donna Campisi survived a sudden stroke (and other serious complications) which left her grasping for life. Doctors said she would never walk or talk again, yet today she sets amazing challenges to helps others to overcome their situations and to achieve. In 2012, Donna set herself the challenge to go from 30 wobbly steps to running an entire marathon!
