Stories that Stir

Host application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠Speaker application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/events⁠Website: ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/⁠From the age of five, Jasper carried the heavy burden of a severe stutter, relying on alcohol and overachievement to hide his intense fear of speaking.Despite landing a high-pressure role at Google, his imposter syndrome peaked—until a trip to the Nevada desert and Australia's Burning Seed fundamentally altered his trajectory.By building a massive sober dance community, he stepped into true leadership, discovering that the speech impediment he viewed as his greatest weakness was actually his ultimate superpower.

Speaker application form: https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/In the 1980s, Marilyn fell deeply in love with Alex, a charismatic Ghanaian man, embarking on a whirlwind African adventure that challenged her conservative country-town upbringing.However, their marriage eventually descended into 15 years of coercive control, forcing Marilyn to confront the devastating and complex realities of domestic violence, mental health, and survival.Through immense grief and the ultimate choice to forgive, she rebuilt her life, raising a son who eventually fulfilled the very dreams seeded during their earliest travels together.

Host application form: https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6Speaker application form: https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Richard planned to live a safe, predictable life in Sydney, but a random brochure sent him on a brutal 12,000-kilometer cycling journey from London to Cape Town.Pedaling straight through the Middle East immediately after September 11, he expected extreme hostility but was met with profound, unexpected human kindness instead.Ultimately, his grueling overland adventure wasn't just about discovering the world—it was a high-stakes, blind-faith mission to win the heart of the woman he loved.

Host application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Saurabh moved to Sydney in 2019 feeling excited, anonymous, and quietly overwhelmed.He spent years in sales roles, having conversations all day yet often feeling disconnected once work ended.He was deeply introverted and struggled to feel like he belonged in a new country.Small steps with starting a podcast, a rapidly growing walking group, and coffees became his way of finding confidence, connection, and community before he even realised what he was building.

Host application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/As the saying goes, “Life happens when you have other plans.”After building a life that Caroline thought was creative, and nothing at all what her family expected of her, it still wasn’t exactly what she was meant to do with it.That message became unmistakably clear when she turned thirty.New beginnings were something she was accustomed to, in fact she chased them.Yet, this one was something different.Becoming invincible and being taught a superpower no one in the Western world talked about, was what life had planned for.But being invincible comes with its challenges.

Host application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Born legally blind, Bashir discovered that true vision comes from within.It began with the courage to be curious enough to explore what he could achieve despite his limitations.This was the beginning of his portal to purpose, guiding him to awaken the transformative power of inner vision.

Host application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Thursday ended perfectly for Victor and his family.Friday started like any other, with Victor heading to work, his wife Liz taking the girls to school and meeting friends for coffee.A quick morning call with Liz; and a few hours later, Victor received a call from a friend that changed everything...that day was the beginning of his life as a single parent, shifting priorities and the reinvention of myself.

Host application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Rowena had a tough start to life growing up in Housing Projects and later moving to the ghetto streets of South Central LA.She was determined to get out of there as she was certain she’d die if she didn’t, but had no idea how she would accomplish this.Sport and gymnastics in particular gave her a chance at a new beginning, not without a huge dose of tenacity and miracles thrown in for good measure.

Host application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Heidi was the subject of her grandfather’s sexual abuse for as long as she can remember.He died when she was aged 14, and she decided not to tell anyone. By 18, she had buried her trauma and was living life on the edge.Her worried dad sent her to a personal development course where she shared what had happened to her to a room full of strangers. This changed the course of her life, and she is now on a journey to use her voice to help others and share that there’s always hope.

Host application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/When and where is that point and how does determination influence the outcome?There weretwo specific events in Kate’s life that intersected. It took over ten years to come through what she calls the tunnel of night and emerge into the daylight. In retrospect, she finds it hard to fathom how she came through these experiences. Yes, determination was a key factor. Determination to say enough. My journey began...

Host application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠Speaker application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Fiona’s story is one of fierce determination-some call it stubborn, others would say persistent. Refusing to accept the low expectations placed upon her as a person with a disability, Fiona chose resilience and strength. The journey was never easy, by confronting challenges head-on she learned to thrive. Fiona continues to shape her future, manifesting her inner vision into reality one step at a time..

Host application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠Speaker application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/After moving to Australia, Shiv took his first job in door-to-door sales. He knocked on more than 8,000 doors and was rejected at nearly all of them. He has heard every kind of ‘no’ imaginable – polite, awkward, aggressive, even the kind where people close the door while you’re still mid-sentence. That experience taught him resilience and self-belief. He realised that some doors open because of timing, some open because you asked, but most open because you had the determination to keep showing up, long after others gave up.

Host application form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/It’s 8.15am on an ordinary Saturday morning in August 2017.Andrew had just arrived at his retail business, put his lunch in the fridge and said hello to one of his staff.His mobile rang, it was his partner Jules.Crying and out of breath she said, “Andy I think Max is dead.”

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Megan married her first husband at 18 and by age 36 they realised they were better off as friends than life partners.Within two years Megan's parents passed away and as part of her grieving process.A few years on she saw her energy healer who told her that her parents were present and said they’d found the perfect man for her.

Host application form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/events⁠Website: ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/At age 20, Toby met her husband, who qualified her five dealbreakers which included a very large family. Her dream was shattered she was told by the doctor that due to medical complications she can’t have more than two children. Her Rabbi blessed and prayed for them and encouraged her to have natural birth after three cesareans.  Not giving up her dream, through tears and hope, miraculously child #3 was born with the Rabbis blessings, and 11 more after!

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/A steamy August morning, Beijing 2008, a simple phone call-and in a heartbeat, two years planning and hundreds of thousands of dollars vanished as an Olympic broadcast venture collapsed taking with it what remained of Michael’s self-esteem.This led to along downward spiral of collapsing business, soaring debt and ruined relationships.Failure taught Michael to trust himself and the result is nothing short of inspiring

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/After 17 years married, Naomi’s husband announced, "I think we should separate." What followed was emotional turmoil and then the legal letters flooded in. Everyone advised her to "get yourself a lawyer."  The process was financially, emotionally and physically costly.  In the months that followed, Naomi dug deep to trust herself, took control of her family law matter and is now supporting other divorcing women to trust themselves.

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Teenage homelessness taught Suzanne that trust isn’t about who you know - it’s about who you’re willing to trust. Strangers surprised her with kindness, proving that sometimes, the world’s most reliable connections can come from the unexpected. And maybe we need to stop waiting for others to prove themselves and go first. Show up, be trustworthy, and watch how quickly others follow.

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/From chasing a childhood dream of football to building an award-winning storytelling business, Sugira’s journey is a powerful reflection on identity, risk, and trust. Raised by parents who never clipped his wings, Sugira shares how their quiet belief shaped everything he’s become. Legacy is a moving reminder that when someone believes in your dream even before it makes sense it can change the entire trajectory of your life.

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/When adventure driven Tom finally woke up after weeks in the ICU after driving his sister’s hatch back car into a land cruiser at high speed, his first words were, “I’m really discombobulated.” His medical prognosis was bleak, but with the support of his parents and a challenge from a friend he was able to become the cartographer of his own map and the author of his own story.

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Preparing for Christmas, as she would any other year, Kate was busy ‘herding cats’ as they say.  Just imagine trying to get clarity on when your 6 kids would be arriving home, how long they would be staying and who was cooking what for Chrissy Dinner. What was to transpire in the coming days was to give absolute jaw-dropping meaning to the phrase ‘Life can change in an instant’. It seems surprises can be good, bad or horrible. What happened next, gives true meaning of determination and the importance of family and community.

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Nina was the gold-medal good girl , the perfect woman on paper: psychologist, mother, wife, PhD. But beneath the surface, something was starving. In her story she cracks open the conditioning that kept her small and the shame that sustained it. What followed was her sacred rebellion -  rewriting of the story of pleasure and power. This isn’t a fall-from-grace, but a rise-from-silence. She was born for more and so are you.

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/In attempt to make sense of a rapidly transforming world, Adam dives into some remedies that may be our only salvation.

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Veena was told eleven years ago her 14-month old daughter would never walk, talk, or live beyond a vegetative state. Today, that same girl is a joyful chatterbox and performer. Fueled by love and resilience, Veena defied the odds and now leads a network of over 300 South Asian mothers raising children with additional needs. As an autism advocate, she shares her story to break stigma and spark hope—empowering people to embrace difference and believe in what once seemed impossible.

Host application form:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/For many people, truly expressing emotion is a mountain too hard to climb – and not overcoming this challenge can lead to a life of deep and painful regret as Paul nearly found out.  Paul’s story starts with one phone call that empowered him and changed everything and ends with a funeral that empowered another to find their voice.  It’s a happy-sad rollercoaster you won’t want to get off.

Host application form:⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Christine arrived in Australia as a two-year-old refugee from Vietnam and grew into a quietly powerful force for change. A bestselling author and founder of multiple ventures, she now empowers women—especially those from overlooked backgrounds—to speak with confidence, lead with purpose, and build lives they’re proud of. Her story is one of strength through gentleness, success with heart, and the belief that true empowerment begins with owning your story.

Host application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/Madeleine Jaine Lobsey tells a story of being called too loud, too intense, too everything, until she stopped being herself. After decades of success AND self-suppression, an autism and ADHD diagnosis at 48 helped her return to who she was at eight, a child who dreamed up a place called Wondiverse. Now, she builds spaces where everyone belongs, proving that when you stop trying to fix people, the real magic begins.

Host application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠Speaker application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/John Breda dedicated 25 years to the New South Wales Police Force. One Australia Day, he was attacked with a knife while apprehending a child sex offender. John lay on the ground severely injured and struggling for survival. The immediate intervention by the team at St Vincent’s Hospital proved critical in saving his life. However, the physical wounds were only part of the ordeal. John’s experience is a profound demonstration of resilience and the determination to overcome adversity.

Host application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠Speaker application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/For ten years, Andy Leonard held onto hope. A sudden cardiac arrest changed everything, leading him to a path he never expected. Surrogacy brought moments of promise—thenheartbreak. A clinic closed by a coup, a few devastating losses, and trials across continents tested his strength. But through it all, he never stopped believing. Some journeys take longer, but the destination makes every step worth it.

Host application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/After finishing her first circumnavigation around the world on a sail boat, Lisa went on to set 8 world records in solo ocean sailing. She shares her experiences facing down 15 meter waves, sailing through cyclonic size storms and a catastrophic event that she almost didn’t live to tell.  As a passionate climate activist and now the fastest person to sail solo around Antarctica Lisa is still driven by curiosity as she turns her attention to her next challenge set in the Arctic Circle.

Host application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠Speaker application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/On a 3-month solo adventure through India, Petra found herself at a Hindu Temple among worshippers who stared silently at two small gold-plated doors. Clutching their prayer notes, the anticipation grew as the drumming exploded into a deafening roar. The crowd slowly edged closer to the doors. Petra's curiosity grew and after what seemed like a lifetime, the doors flew open and something hit Petra in the eye. While everyone rushed to get closer, Petra did her best to pull away. What was the mysterious substance that had hit Petra in the eye?

In the fast-paced world of creating television and video content, Campbell found balance through yoga and meditation.But it was Tantra—and the art of slowing down—that trulybrought him face-to-face with himself. Driven by curiosity and wonder from a young age, Campbell is now embracing an intimate, open relationship, and his journey is only just beginning to reveal life’s true treasures.Host application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠Speaker application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/

When Amanda’s world shattered with one call - her father’s terminal diagnosis - she faced an identity crisis. How do you move forward when the person who shaped you is gone?What if suffering isn’t just pain but a doorway to something more? What if loss doesn’t just take, but also gives? Through her story, Amanda explores how small perspective shifts create massive change, and why curiosity is an underrated superpower.Host application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠Speaker application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/

Tilly’s story is one of wild expansion—growing up with a conservative Dad and a strict Seventh Day Adventist upbringing, where sex before marriage was a one-way ticket to hell. Fast forward to now, she’s leading The Open Circle, a vibrant community of over 500 people exploring alternative relationships, and co-running FAR, the Festival of Alternative Relationships. Along the way, Tilly has reclaimed the parts of her sexuality once suppressed by the church, stepping into a life of expansion, authenticity, and deep connections.Host application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠Speaker application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/

Minie is a special needs mum who shares her daughter’s journey with a rare genetic condition, Kabuki Syndrome.With honesty, compassion and a witty sense of humour, she shares how the roller coaster of special needs parenting has expanded her world into a multiverse that looks almost like a story from a comic book.It’s an incredible story of fights against many fears, driven by a mama’s love for her baby.Host application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠⁠Speaker application form:⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite:⁠ ⁠https://www.storiesthatstir.com/

Tracie Allan’s life was profoundly changed at the age of 30 when her beloved mum passed away from cancer.  Being at her mother’s bedside, she felt her spirit leave her body - a moment that sparked a yearning to understand where her mum had gone. This led to Tracie's journey into mediumship and learning how to connect with the spirit world which has brought her great comfort in knowing that love never dies.Host application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6⁠Speaker application form: ⁠https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29⁠Social media handles: @storiesthatstirEvent links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/eventsWebsite: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/

After a brain injury during a New Zealand backpacking trip, Matt’s life was shattered—24 hours in a coma, a week in ICU, and a month in rehab. At 27, Matt's journey of resilience is a powerful testament to the human spirit. His story reminds us that even when life breaks us, we have the strength to rebuild and emerge stronger than before.  Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

This journey unfolds as Tara navigates the shadow of loss after her mother’s death on her birthday. For nearly 20 years, she wrestles with grief, until a transformative milestone at the age of 50 opens her heart to love. Tara comes to realise that life didn’t end that heart-breaking day; instead, it began anew. As she surrenders to the grief, she learns to embrace joy and love amidst the chaos of sorrow. "  Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

Rugare Gomo is the first gay, Black, African-Australian to write and publish his memoir. He came to Australia by himself at 16 years old with one suitcase, a backpack and $300. In his story he shares his journey of thriving and loving himself and others despite facing discrimination and racism in every facet of society. Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

Growing-up in London as the youngest of 10 children, Roger had to rid himself of being the anxious people pleaser and take responsibility for what he wanted in life. After running and growing his family-owned businesses, then Roger faced the daunting risks of moving his own family to Australia at the age of forty with no plan, no visa, no job and no network. Roger shares his inner battles with his loss of identity, self-confidence and shattering rejections, through to now, in living his best life.  Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

Maedeh, a devout Muslim woman, has lived her life strictly adhering to religious rules and societal expectations. However, everything changes when she makes the unexpected decision to remove her headscarf. This choice sets off a chain reaction, with her family turning against her and pushing her to the verge of a breakdown. Her world collapses under a cascade of life. Despite the turmoil, one thing remains clear: her three-year-old son needs her.   Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

From his earliest days, Brent was raised amidst turmoil and strife. He found solace in the seductive allure of addiction and descended into a spiral of crime and violence, weaving a tangled web of lies and deceit. Guided by the gentle hand of spirit, Brent forged bonds of connection—with the natural world, with kindred souls, and with the depths of his own being. Through the transformative power of love, he began to unravel the tangled threads of his past, weaving them into a tapestry of resilience and rediscovery. Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

How one bad Korean Drama lead to a full blown Kdrama addiction that saw Marie, a mother and marketer rip through 70 shows in two years and counting. Addict or expert? You be the judge, but either way, this is one random story of Kultural discovery. Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

Anick Patry had a crazy, wild, adventurous idea that took her on the most unknown and tumultuous journey. She decided to travel to Australia from Quebec by sailboat. While her sea journey forced her to face her greatest fears, it also led her into accessing her inner resources and her inner GPS (intuitive guidance). During that incredible expedition, Anick discovered how powerful mother nature is, especially when she found herself captured in the most challenging storm at sea where she thought her life was ending… Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

Imagine discovering that everything you’ve been taught to believe is a lie – having been drummed into you by a high-control cult since birth. When Dave came to this realisation in his early 30’s, he recognised that the only way to be true to himself was to leave his past and start afresh. This path of discovery has led him to freedom and joy but at great personal cost. Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

What was true and authentic to our 11 year old self is not necessarily the same when we turn 30, nor even when we turn 40, or in Rob’s case, 60.  But as the years pass, and perhaps through wisdom from aging, he is getting closer to the truth, and as a result becoming his authentic self.  Most who suffer trauma understand this very well, let alone have lived it.    Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

“Nina’s story goes from strength to strength. From the survival of her parents from where they met in Auschwitz concentration camp, and the loss of all her Polish Ashkenazi maternal, and Greek Sephardic paternal families. Nina, who was their first new life, also survived with her strength, faith and commitment from stirring up a stage 4 Lymphoma.   Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

When Jessie was 30 years old, she lost her first child at birth. The grief she experienced after was painful, enlightening, and ultimately re-formative. This led to a decade of social entrepreneurship, attempting to crack the cultural collusion of avoidance when it comes to talking about death.   Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

How do you shut up a talkative person? You send them to a country where they don’t speak the language and don’t know anyone. Oksana shares how she turned a short 6-month visit to Australia into building a new life, business and a massive network of friends. All thanks to her strength, curiosity and talent for talking to strangers. After all, strangers are just friends that we haven't met.  Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir

It's taken Felicity 10 years to get bloody good at walking the bipolar tightrope without mania or depression throwing her off the path she is destined for. She was lecturing marketing at Uni when a 10-month-long manic episode derailed her entire career. She's back, baby-in a big way too! Host application form:https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 Speaker application form:https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 Social media handles:@storiesthatstir Event links:https://events.humanitix.com/stories-that-stir-freedom Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/StoriesthatStir