PODCAST · society
Real Lives Raw Stories
by Moira Murphy
Real Lives Raw Stories, where we engage in heartfelt conversations with remarkable people who have inspiring stories to tell. This is a space where listeners can find relatability and strength in the face of life's challenges. Hear amazing true stories and be empowered by the knowledge that you are not alone. At the end of each episode I ask the guests for their feel good songs. You can listen to their suggestions on the below Spotify playlist. Listen Here
Episodes
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Ep 41: Sarah Burrows – Reclaiming Life After Chronic Pain
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...
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Ep 40: Sara Carter – Leadership, Burnout & Knowing When to Walk Away
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...
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Ep 39: Belinda Van der Monde: A Mother’s Journey Through Haemophilia and Hepatitis C
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...
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Ep 38: Lisa Fong - Fitness: How this habit can improve your mental health
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…
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Ep 37: The Top Two Episodes
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.
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Ep: 36: Anna & Kent Gibbons - Turning Loss into Something Meaningful and Pain into Purpose
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…
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Ep 35: Krissy Christensen - Please Say Their Name – Stories of the Death of a Child
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....
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Ep 34: Karen Hattaway - “C.R.E.A.M” It Rises to the Top. From Cheese Rolls to Award Winning Restaurants
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,...
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Ep 33: Tali Taulago-Leauma - The Silent Struggles of a Young Widow
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.…
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Ep 32: Jared Rogers - HIIT for Hope & Your Chance to Break a Guinness World Record
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...
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Ep 31: Christina Thornton - Breaking the Cycle: Christina’s Journey of Resilience
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...
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Ep 30: Marina Shearer - Breaking the Silence on Her Family’s Untold History
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…
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Ep 29: Sharon Armstrong - Relationship Scams: It's Simple Really.
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...
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Ep 28: Brenda Bickerstaff - My Journey Through Alcoholism
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…
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EP 25: Shell Withers - A case of the ole bipolar
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.
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Ep: 27: Ryan Astle - What it means to be a BetterMan
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...
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Ep 26: From Diagnosis to Purpose - Primrose & Kathryn’s Journey with Breast Cancer & Altered Freedom
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...
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Ep 24: Jessie Johnson - Building a Village: How Dew Drops Supports New Parents
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...
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Ep 23: Kathy Guidi – My journey from Finance in San Francisco to somatic practice in New Zealand
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...
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Ep 22: Christa Jellyman – My journey with Cushing’s Disease
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...
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Ep 21: Philly McMeekan - My journey with Alopecia
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...
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Ep 20: Ellen Petersen - My journey with Gastric Sleeve Surgery in 2020
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.
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Ep 19: Anna McVeigh - Healing Trauma Through Self and Somatic Care
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,...
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Ep 18: Moira Murphy: The Story Behind Real Women Raw Stories
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...
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Ep 17: Healing and growth with Sonja Courtis
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.
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Ep 16: Lisa Tregenza: Trauma Survivor to Trauma Coach
Today on Real Women Raw Stories, we’re joined by Lisa, an inspiring woman who has turned her personal experience with family harm into a powerful mission to support trauma survivors. Through resilience and determination, she rebuilt her life and became a successful businesswoman. Lisa is here to...
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Ep 15: Kellee Berry - Mastering Your Mind: Unlocking Potential
Today, we have a special guest, Kellee Berry, a renowned mind coach who has helped countless individuals transform their thinking, break through mental barriers, and unlock their true potential. In this episode, we’ll dive into Kellee’s approach to coaching, the key mindset shifts that lead to...
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Ep 14: Kitty Rush - Losing my Mum and Sister just 14 months apart
Today, we are honored to have Kitty Rush join us, someone who has experienced profound personal loss. At just 20 years old, Kitty tragically lost her mother, and 14 months later, she endured the heartbreak of losing her sister. We’ll explore Kitty’s story of resilience, how she coped with the...
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Ep 13: Jodie Shaw - My journey to Solo Motherhood
Today we're joined by Jodie Shaw, an inspiring woman who made the brave decision to have a baby on her own. She'll share her experience of navigating the emotional and practical aspects of this life-changing decision, the challenges she faced, and the joy she found in becoming a mother. Join us…
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Ep 12: Victoria Hudson-Craig - Cancer in my heart
Today, we’re joined by Victoria, who was diagnosed with melanoma at 33. After surgery, she was advised against pregnancy but defied the odds and had her daughter Ruby at 37. Soon after, she discovered untreatable heart tumors. Despite relying on unfunded medication, Victoria remains active and...
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Ep 11: Sarah Mizzi - Motherhood - The chapters that aren't in the manual
In today’s episode as we meet Sarah, a woman whose story embodies love, loss, and the power of resilience. After finding love with Nick in her late thirties, they welcomed their son Stanley and were eagerly expecting their daughter Sophia. But life took an unexpected turn, and Sarah faced...
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Ep 10: Sarah Platt - Being dyslexic, and late diagnosed autistic and ADHD
Today we have Sarah Platt, a full-time New Zealand artist with a background in primary school teaching. In 2021, Sarah published her book "On Being Dyslexic," detailing her personal journey through the New Zealand schooling system and her perseverance in becoming a teacher. Recently diagnosed…
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Ep 9: Debbs Murray - Entrapped to Enlightened - A Journey of Family Violence Survival
Today, we’re joined by Debbs Murray, a māmā of four and a survivor of family violence. With over 20 years in the field, Debbs has transformed her painful experiences into a powerful story of strength and hope. She advocates for the role of lived experience in driving personal and social change…
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Ep 8: Julie Zarifeh - Resilience in the Face of Loss.
Join us as we chat with Julie Zarifeh, a clinical psychologist who combines extensive academic knowledge with personal experience of resilience. After losing her husband and son within weeks of each other in 2017, Julie shares invaluable insights into the power of resilience and how she applied…
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Ep 7: Di Foster - Journey from Terminal Cancer to Thriving
In this episode, we welcome Di Foster, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 31 and faced terminal secondary cancer at 38. Defying the odds, Di followed her ""three whispers of the heart"" to live life fully. Now, 14 years later, her miraculous remission without medical intervention is a...
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Ep 6: Michelle Emery - Resilience and Recovery
In this episode, we feature Michelle Emery, a mother of four and founder of Funkdafied Dance Club. Michelle's life changed dramatically after a severe accident, but her resilience and determination helped her overcome significant challenges. Join us to hear her inspiring story of recovery and the...
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Ep 5: Ruth Kenny - Suicide: When the helper needs help
Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Ruth Kenny, a devoted mother, loving wife, and former speaker at Real Women Raw Stories. Ruth’s life took a dark turn in June 2020 when she faced a severe mental health crisis and attempted suicide. Despite these challenges, Ruth's story is one of...
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Ep 4: Soosie Lucas - My experience with Domestic Violence
In this episode, Soosie opens up about her experiences with domestic violence, helping us understand how she found herself in this situation and emphasizing that it can happen to anyone. Her story sheds light on the reality of living through domestic violence and addresses the age-old question,...
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Ep 3: Annie Anderson - Baby Loss
Annie will discuss her non-fiction book, "Your Soul is Wintering," which is a raw and heartfelt account of her own journey through grief. Through the loss of their daughter Lilly, Annie's story of resilience shines even brighter, offering solace and strength to those navigating similar paths....
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Ep 2: Fariya Naseem - Journey to a New Life
Today we hear Fariya Naseem's inspiring journey to self-discovery. Born in India, Fariya boldly ventured alone to New Zealand in pursuit of a professional degree, leaving behind her family. Against all odds, she not only survived but thrived, fuelled by a desire to break free from stereotypes.…
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Ep 1: Jess Mizzi - Body Dysmorphia
We're joined by Jess, a devoted Personal Trainer, who shares her journey beyond being a mother and wife. Jess bravely opens up about her past struggles, shedding light on body dysmorphia and ways to offer support. Join us as we explore this critical topic and foster a healthier relationship with...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Real Lives Raw Stories, where we engage in heartfelt conversations with remarkable people who have inspiring stories to tell. This is a space where listeners can find relatability and strength in the face of life's challenges. Hear amazing true stories and be empowered by the knowledge that you are not alone. At the end of each episode I ask the guests for their feel good songs. You can listen to their suggestions on the below Spotify playlist. Listen Here
HOSTED BY
Moira Murphy
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Real Lives Raw Stories have?
Real Lives Raw Stories currently has 41 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Real Lives Raw Stories about?
Real Lives Raw Stories, where we engage in heartfelt conversations with remarkable people who have inspiring stories to tell. This is a space where listeners can find relatability and strength in the face of life's challenges. Hear amazing true stories and be empowered by the knowledge that you are...
How often does Real Lives Raw Stories release new episodes?
Real Lives Raw Stories has 41 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Real Lives Raw Stories?
You can listen to Real Lives Raw Stories on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Real Lives Raw Stories?
Real Lives Raw Stories is created and hosted by Moira Murphy.
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