Episode 41 - Sonya Leeding

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support. In this powerful episode, Sonya Leeding—Queensland Police Detective, author, and widow of Senior Constable Damian Leeding—shares her deeply personal journey of love, loss, and resilience. Before tragedy struck, Sonya had already faced significant challenges, including postnatal depression after the birth of their first child. Then, in 2011, her world changed forever when Damian was tragically shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery. Sonya opens up about navigating grief, raising their two young children, and how she found healing through writing her memoir, Blue Widow . Her story is one of strength, vulnerability, and hope—a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is a path forward. This episode covers themes of trauma, recovery, and resilience, making it a must-listen for anyone facing adversity. Please note that sensitive topics such as grief, postnatal depression, and trauma are discussed. Listen now and be inspired by Sonya's incredible story. Find Rosie Skene: Tactical Yoga Australia Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820 Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16 Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12 Find Sonya Leeding Website Mental Health Resources: 000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia) RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/ Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/ Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/ Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/ Support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/ MensLine (24/7) 1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/ QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/