Episode 4: Melody West - After Them at 50; When Both Parents Die

UPDATE - Just a little pause and Herb's 4th birthday

Life has gotten in the way of me being able to interview and edit episodes so the podcast will just take a very short break. Herb's 4th birthday next week too...so I'm finding life just a little harder right now. I promise I will be back very soon with other amazing stories of grief and insights in to what has worked and what hasn't for people in their journeys. Follow - @biancaleewelsh or @fromexperience_ Website: fromexperience.co Email: hello@fromexperience.co

Episode 7: Indira Naidoo - The Healing Power of Nature; Navigating Grief After Losing a Sister

In this poignant episode, host Bianca Welsh converses with Indira Naidoo, celebrated Australian broadcaster and author, about her journey through grief following the suicide of her sister. Bianca and Indira explore the intersection of grief, healing, and nature, discussing the therapeutic impact of gardening, the significance of journaling, and the importance of finding stillness. Indira's personal narrative provides profound insights into coping with loss and the enduring strength of familial connections. The episode also features Dr. Mai Frandsen, who delves into the psychological aspects of grief, the role of journaling, and the critical need for balance between processing emotions and daily obligations. About Indira: Indira Naidoo is one of Australia’s most respected broadcasters and authors, with a 30-year award-winning career across ABC and SBS, including Late Edition, World News, Weekend Nightlife, and currently Compass on ABC TV. She is a passionate advocate for environmental and food sustainability and is the bestselling author of The Edible Balcony and The Edible City, also designing award-winning gardens and supporting communities to grow their own food. Indira is a sought-after speaker and facilitator and an ambassador for Sydney’s Wayside Chapel. Her latest book, The Space Between the Stars: On Love, Loss and the Healing Power of Nature, shortlisted for the 2023 ABIA Nonfiction Book of the Year, had a profound impact on my own healing journey. Follow: Bianca Welsh - @fromexperience_ or @biancaleewelsh Indira Naidoo - @dearindira Dr. Mai Frandsen - @trigpsychology or @maifrandsen Website: fromexperience.co [fromexperience.co] Resources: Indira's Book - The Space Between the Stars [https://www.murdochbooks.com/browse/book/Indira-Naidoo-Space-Between-the-Stars-9781922351616] (Murdoch Books) A Tasmanian Lifeline [https://atasmanianlifeline.com.au/] Acces [https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/mentalhealth/mhs_tas/gvt_mhs/mental_health_service_helpline]s Mental Health Helpline [https://www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health/tasmanias-mental-health-system/access-mental-health-helpline] Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) Tas - PH 1800 811 994 National: Beyond Blue [https://beyondblue.org.au/] PH: 1300 224 636 StandBy Support After Suicide [https://www.standbysupport.com.au/] PH: 1300 727 247 Suicide Call Back Service [https://suicidecallbackservice.org.au/] PH: 1300 659 467 Music Credit: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday [https://www.edenwilday.com/]

Episode 6: Pippa Dickson - After the Last Walk: What the death of my dog taught me about life, love and compassion

In this podcast episode host Bianca Welsh interviews her friend Dr. Pippa Dickson about the loss of her beloved dog, Art. They discuss how pet grief is often minimized, the deep connections pets can have in our lives, and the challenging emotions they experienced. Pippa shares personal stories and insights on coping mechanisms, such as finding symbolism in Greek mythology and seeking community support online. The episode also touches upon broader themes of grief, identity, and cultural treatment of emotions, with reflections from Dr. Mai Frandsen, a psychologist specializing in health behavior change. This episode highlights the importance of validating all forms of grief and finding ways to navigate through the journey of loss. About Pippa: A coveted and collectable furniture designer in her own right, Pippa Dickson has become one of the country’s strongest advocates for Australian design, aiming to advance design and designers in her hometown Tasmania, and Australia. She was the Chair of Design Tasmania, and co-chair of the National Craft Initiative, Pippa is also the founding CEO of the award winning Glenorchy Art & Sculpture Park (GASP!) – a community focused space that combines innovative architecture and art. Follow: Bianca Welsh - @fromexperience_ or @biancaleewelsh Dr. Mai Frandsen - @trigpsychology or @maifrandsen Dr. Pippa Dickson - @pippadickson Website: fromexperience.co Resources: Beyond Blue [https://beyondblue.org.au/] or ph: 1300 224 636 Lifeline [https://lifeline.org.au/] or ph: 13 11 14 Griefline [https://griefline.org.au/] or ph: 1300 845 745 Relationships Australia Tasmanian branch - Grief Counsellors [https://tas.relationships.org.au/grief-loss-counselling/] or ph: 1300 364 277 The Emerald Podcast with Joshua Michael Schrei - Reissue: On Trauma and Vegetation Gods. [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7LD0xc6pfl8cCjMJuAktwp?si=dMbIyGY9TYOTOsbLbB6zZQ] Heart of a Dog Documentary by Laurie Anderson [https://youtu.be/W4aKO1rovhE?si=2pniaZnClMafGjdb] Dog Songs by Mary Oliver, a book of poems [https://www.thebookshop.com.au/new-forthcoming/new-releases/dog-songs-poems/] Music Credit: "Denali" by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstribe inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday [https://www.edenwilday.com/]

Episode 5: Emily Judd - When the World Stopped: Emily's Stillbirth Journey and What Helped Her Breathe Again

In this special episode (the first one Bianca recorded almost 18 months ago!) host Bianca Welsh introduces us to her dear friend Emily Judd. They delve into Emily's poignant journey through grief following the stillbirth of her son, Jack at full term, while she was on maternity leave from work. Emily shares the harrowing experience of losing Jack, the process of healing, and her ongoing quest to navigate life after loss. They also explore the coping mechanisms, both adaptive and maladaptive, that Emily has employed and offers insights into what has and hasn’t worked in her healing journey. Psychologist Dr. Mai Frandsen joins the discussion to provide professional perspectives on the topics of dissociation, avoidance, and the importance of acknowledging grief. This episode is a profound exploration of loss, resilience, and the power of storytelling in the grieving process. ABOUT Emily: Emily is from Launceston where she lives with her three children (two living, Lydia and Adeline) and her husband Nick (pictured). She is a senior criminal lawyer at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and in the small amount of spare time she has she enjoys spending time with her family at the beach and has devoted a huge amount of time to the creation of her baby loss resources - A Little Help From Jack, a booklet with all sorts of resources for a family experiencing a stillbirth from helplines, professional resources, to books for mum, dad and kids, podcasts, memory making ideas and so much more. The guide has expanded to A Little Help From Remy, specifically for TFMR and recently A Little Help From Lily, specifically for child loss and paediatric palliative care. Emily has become a well respected and valued voice in the Stillbirth community contributing to research, advocacy and awareness. Follow: @fromexperience_ or @biancaleewelsh @alittlehelpfromjack @maifrandsen Website: fromexperience.co [https://fromexperience.co] | alittlehelpfromjack.com.au [https://alittlehelpfromjack.com.au] Resources Bears Of Hope [https://www.bearsofhope.org.au/] Ph: 1300 11 4673 Red Nose [https://rednose.org.au/] Ph: 1300 308 307 Gidget Foundation [https://gidgetfoundation.org.au] Ph: 1300 851 758 Resource Companions: A Little Help From Jack, A Little Help From Remy, A Little Help From Lily [https://alittlehelpfromjack.com.au/] Music Credit: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday [https://www.edenwilday.com/]

Episode 4: Melody West - After Them at 50; When Both Parents Die

In this beautiful episode host Bianca Welsh speaks with Melody West about her profound experiences and reflections on the deaths of her parents. Having lost both of them to cancer, her Dad in her 20’s and her Mum in her 40’s, her experience of anticipatory grief, and how each loss altered her life and perspective over time will resonate with many who have to watch loved ones lose their battles with various cancers. Melody generously shares the ways in which she connects with both of her parents, even though they aren’t here, the supports that worked for her and also discusses the challenges which can come from caring for a loved one through their cancer battle. They discuss the concept of grief being a 'gift, and the dissonance this can sometimes bring, the perpetual nature of grief, and how one can grow around it rather than moving on from it. Dr. Mai Frandsen provides professional insights into coping mechanisms, the role of anticipatory grief, and the importance of radical acceptance. This episode offers both personal anecdotes and psychological perspectives, aiming to provide solace and understanding for those navigating their own grief journeys. ABOUT MELODY:  Melody is a Launcestonian, born and bred. Who spent a fair portion of life off the island, but was drawn back and studied here. She met her partner, Nick, and has two beautiful boys and two dogs. She recently left an academic career of 20 years and has moved into a role with the Department of Health in Tasmania. Follow on instagram @biancaleewelsh or @fromexperience_ Resources: Beyond Blue [https://beyondblue.org.au/] or ph: 1300 224 636 Lifeline [https://lifeline.org.au/] or ph: 13 11 14 Griefline [https://griefline.org.au/] or ph: 1300 845 745 Relationships Australia Tasmanian branch - Grief Counsellors [https://tas.relationships.org.au/grief-loss-counselling/] or ph: 1300 364 277 32 Journal Prompts for Grieving and Loss [https://www.griefrecoveryhouston.com/journal-prompts-for-grieving-loss/] Melody’s Book Suggestions: On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross M.D. and David Kessler [https://www.booktopia.com.au/on-grief-and-grieving-elisabeth-kubler-ross/book/9781476775555.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21844631717&gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hMKPkf3XP9jGPBs8QhuXddb9&gclid=CjwKCAiA8vXIBhAtEiwAf3B-g1Itx56P67w3Btpqw8lM-g3GPwY78VsQU7HwQxwHqmKO-3vBRF1BZxoC5ywQAvD_BwE] Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe - Laura Lynne Jackson [https://www.booktopia.com.au/signs-laura-lynne-jackson/book/9780349424217.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21844631717&gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hMKPkf3XP9jGPBs8QhuXddb9&gclid=CjwKCAiA8vXIBhAtEiwAf3B-g3qNGhFy5IxfFwxLwdmT0kA544_QRCLMKT0RgBwMhokjZ5U_8uOvvRoCFFYQAvD_BwE] David Kessler - Grief.com [https://grief.com] Internal Family Systems - what is it? [https://ifs-institute.com/] Internal Family Systems - Dr. Richard Schwarz (IFS founder) on the Huberman Lab [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuuoLT-fq4s] Music Credit: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday [https://www.edenwilday.com/]