Episodes

  • #18 Travelling Through the Storm: Ashley Biddick on Loss and Taking Small Steps Forward

    #18 Travelling Through the Storm: Ashley Biddick on Loss and Taking Small Steps Forward
    Nov 19 2024

    In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Stewart continues his previous conversation with his daughter, Ashley Biddick, a psychologist navigating her own firsthand experience of trauma and grief. Ashley reflects on the ongoing journey through immense loss following the death of her husband, Jake.

    Drawing from her personal experience and professional insights, Ashley delves into the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual challenges that grief can bring. She shares, with raw honesty, the pain of rebuilding a life she never expected and the steps she’s taking to find glimmers of hope along the way.

    Whether you’re navigating your own journey through grief or seeking to support a loved one, Ashley’s story offers an authentic picture of resilience in the storm. She highlights the difficulty of finding meaningful support and the beauty of discovering light in the darkness.

    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    How grief and trauma can manifest physically in the body

    The overwhelming emotions that come with rebuilding life after loss

    The impact of loss on identity and well-being and the challenges of redefining ‘home’

    The power of connections—both old and new—in the healing process.

    That there will be ‘glimmers’ of hope—small moments of joy and peace amidst pain.

    …and much more

    Links to:

    The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Get hold of Stewart's ⁠⁠⁠⁠book⁠⁠⁠⁠

    The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

    The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Links to Resilient Souls Socials:

    ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

    Book Stewart to speak (Click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠)

    Stay connected with the Resilient Souls Community: Sign up to keep informed ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠

    Support the work of Resilient Souls: (Click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠)

    Contact Us: (Click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠)

    Links to getting help (locally and overseas): ⁠⁠⁠Help section⁠⁠⁠ on the Resilient Souls website
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • #17 Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Jon Owen on Helping Others Through Hardship.

    #17 Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Jon Owen on Helping Others Through Hardship.
    Nov 5 2024
    In this powerful episode, Jon Owen, a compassionate leader dedicated to building community with those in vulnerable situations, shares from his experience and the insights and wisdom he has gained from years of serving others. Jon opens up about his own journey and offers practical guidance for anyone going through tough times or supporting others facing adversity. Through his work with the Wayside Chapel community, Jon has learned invaluable lessons about the importance of not defining people by their struggles, the transformative power of presence, and the role of empathy in supporting people in difficult times. Together, Stewart and Jon discuss how to face struggles with courage, seek God in the midst of pain, and hold onto hope even in life’s darkest moments. In this episode, you'll discover: Practical ways to offer genuine support to others without minimizing their pain.How embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.Insights on building resilience and sustaining hope in challenging times.The importance of being fully present with others in their struggles.How faith and community can be anchors in times of despair. Simple actions you can take to create a compassionate, inclusive environment.Why defining people by their strengths—not their struggles—can be transformative. ... and much more. Links from the Episode ⁠Wayside Chapel ⁠ ⁠UNOH⁠ Links to: The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get hold of Stewart's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links to Resilient Souls Socials: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book Stewart to speak (Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠) Stay connected with the Resilient Souls Community: Sign up to keep informed ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Support the work of Resilient Souls: (Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠) Contact Us: (Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠) Links to getting help (locally and overseas): ⁠⁠⁠⁠Help section⁠⁠⁠⁠ on the Resilient Souls website.
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • #16 A Resilient Life: First Nations Leader, Shirli Congoo, on Grief, Culture, and Community.

    #16 A Resilient Life: First Nations Leader, Shirli Congoo, on Grief, Culture, and Community.
    Oct 22 2024
    In this conversation, Stewart interviews Shirli Congoo about death, grief, and a cultural context of her experiences in her community. Shirli shares her personal experiences of losing loved ones, including four brothers and a nephew, and how these losses have impacted her at various ages and stages in her life. She discusses the cultural obligations and responsibilities that come with death in First nations communities, including supporting the grieving family and doing very practical things to share the load. Shirli also talks about the importance of the kinship system and the ongoing support provided by the community. She emphasises the joy and fulfilment that comes from helping others and the role of faith in her journey. In this conversation, Shirli shares her experiences as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian and how she navigates the intersection of her culture and faith. Shirli also discusses the challenges of grief and the need to include and support young children and teenagers in the grieving process. She highlights the significance of creating ceremonies and involving kids in the healing journey. Shirli's story and her wisdom offers valuable insights into supporting others through difficult times. In this episode, you will discover: That death and grief are sadly all too common experiences in First Nations communities, and there are complex historical issues that contribute to the prevalence of these traumas.How cultural obligations and responsibilities play a significant role in supporting the grieving family and community members.The kinship system is an important aspect of First Nations communities and provides clarity of roles, support and care during times of loss and grief.Supporting others and contributing to the community can bring a sense of joy and fulfilment.Faith can provide strength and an anchor during difficult times. Creating ceremonies and involving kids in the healing journey can be transformative.Setting healthy boundaries is important for self-care and maintaining emotional well-being. ... and much more. Links to: The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get hold of Stewart's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links to Resilient Souls Socials: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book Stewart to speak (Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠) Stay connected with the Resilient Souls Community: Sign up to keep informed ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Support the work of Resilient Souls: (Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠) Contact Us: (Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠) Links to getting help (locally and overseas): ⁠⁠⁠⁠Help section⁠⁠⁠⁠ on the Resilient Souls website NB For special contacts here in Australia related to suicide and First Nations support services ⁠Lifeline⁠ - call 13 11 14 Mental Health Triage Service - call 13 14 65 ⁠Beyond Blue⁠ ⁠Suicide Call Back Service⁠ - call 1300 659 467 ⁠13YARN⁠ - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Support line
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • #15 When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong: An Ironman's Faith Through the Fire

    #15 When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong: An Ironman's Faith Through the Fire
    Oct 8 2024
    Jay Hewitt, a pastor, speaker, author, and Ironman competitor, shares his remarkable journey of resilience and faith after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Rather than succumbing to despair, Jay set himself a seemingly impossible goal—to complete an Ironman triathlon while undergoing cancer treatment. He dedicated this feat to his young daughter, hoping to show her that if he could face tough challenges, she could too. Jay chose to compete in an Ironman as a personal testament to a lesson the Lord had taught him: that true strength is found in weakness. Through his story, Jay reflects on the power of vulnerability, gratitude, and the strength found in community support. He also challenges the common belief that "everything happens for a reason," instead focusing on how God works good in all circumstances. Jay’s story encourages listeners to face adversity head-on and reminds us that, even in suffering, we can live a life that truly matters. By embracing vulnerability with God and others, Jay demonstrates how hope can carry us through life’s greatest challenges. In this episode, you will discover: How admitting our weakness can open the door to God’s strength.The significance of gratitude in finding joy, even in the face of suffering. Why being vulnerable with God and others is crucial for emotional healing and peace.How seeking support from your community can provide strength during difficult times.Jay’s insights on resilience and how faith can sustain us, even in the midst of a terminal illness.The power of holding onto hope and what it means for navigating adversity. Why living a life that matters and positively impacting others is a meaningful goal. … and much more. Links related to Jay Jay's book: I Am Weak I Am Strong Film: Dear Hero Website: jayhewitt.org YouTube: Youtube.com/JayHewitt Instagram: @jayhewitt Links related to Resilient Souls and Stewart: The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠Get hold of Stewart's ⁠⁠⁠book⁠⁠⁠The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠ Links to Resilient Souls Socials: ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Book Stewart to speak (Click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠) SIGN UP to the Resilient Souls Community (Click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠) Support the work of Resilient Souls: (Click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠) Contact Us: (Click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠) Links to getting help (locally and overseas): ⁠⁠Help section⁠⁠ on the Resilient Souls website
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • #14 Navigating Loss and Rebuilding Family: Tim and Nikki’s Journey of Love, Faith and Hope

    #14 Navigating Loss and Rebuilding Family: Tim and Nikki’s Journey of Love, Faith and Hope
    Sep 24 2024
    Tim and Nikki Farren share their story of loss, love, and building a new family unit after heartbreak. Tim's first wife, Claire, fell seriously ill just as they were about to get married, and after the birth of their two young boys, Sam and Joe, she tragically passed away. Left to care for the children while balancing work and his own grief, Tim relied on the support of his community to create stability and help nurture his sons through their journey of loss.About a year later, holding on to Claire's encouragement to remarry, Tim met Nikki, who had a unique sense that she was going to meet and marry a widower. Nikki embraced this new chapter, forming a deep bond with Sam and Joe, becoming a loving mother, and honouring Claire's memory while helping to build a new family unit. Together, Tim and Nikki faced the emotional complexities of starting this new chapter, balancing grief, and finding hope.In this heartfelt conversation, they offer valuable insights for anyone navigating grief, trauma, and the challenges of parenting in complex family dynamics. Tim and Nikki emphasise the importance of open communication, the role of faith in healing, and how love and patience can guide children through loss. Note:Hearing Tim and Nikki's reflections on their family's journey was deeply moving. Their story beautifully complements Sam and Joe's perspective from the previous episode (link), offering a full-circle view of how love, community, and faith helped shape their family after tragedy. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the healing that comes from shared grief. I encourage you to listen to Sam and Joe’s episode first for a deeper understanding of their family's experience. In this episode, you will discover: How Tim navigated being a caregiver and father to his two young boys while walking through his own experiences of loneliness and grief.The challenges and rewards of creating a new family unit after great loss.Practical tips for parents navigating grief and working in new family dynamics.The role of communication and validation in helping children through difficult transitions.Insights into how faith and community support can aid in the healing process.How creating new family routines and traditions can foster connection and stability. ... and much more. Links to: The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ Get hold of Stewart's ⁠⁠⁠book⁠⁠⁠ The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠ The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠ Links to Resilient Souls Socials: ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Book Stewart to speak (Click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠) Stay connected with the Resilient Souls Community: Sign up to keep informed ⁠⁠⁠here Support the work of Resilient Souls: (Click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠) Contact Us: (Click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠) Links to getting help (locally and overseas): ⁠⁠Help section⁠⁠ on the Resilient Souls website
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • #13 The Long Shadow of Grief: How Early Trauma Can Impact a Child's Life

    #13 The Long Shadow of Grief: How Early Trauma Can Impact a Child's Life
    Sep 10 2024

    Sam and Joe Farren grew up in the UK with a father who was trying to balance caring for their mother (who had a chronic and very serious illness), working in London, and raising two young boys. After their mother passed when Sam was six and Joe was three, their father did his best to provide love, fun, and stability, supported by a “village” of friends and babysitters. A year later, the family moved to Australia when their father remarried.

    As adults, Sam developed a strong sense of protection for others, often neglecting his own emotional needs, while Joe struggled with feelings of guilt and the challenge of processing his emotions. Both reflect on how their childhood shaped their faith and emotional well-being growing up. In this episode, they offer practical advice for parents from a child’s perspective and discuss the value of counselling, a supportive community, and faith in navigating grief and trauma.

    Note: Hearing Sam and Joe's perspective was incredibly insightful, especially as we continue to explore the impact of grief and loss on children, which has been the focus of Season 2. This conversation led me to reach out to their father and the woman who became part of their family, to hear what they observed in Sam and Joe’s journey through grief, and how they supported them during those challenging times. Stay in touch to find out when this episode gets posted.

    In this episode, you will discover:

    1. The impact of grief, loss, and trauma on children and how it shapes emotional well-being into adulthood.
    2. The importance of having a supportive community to provide care and stability during tough times.
    3. That even limited memories of traumatic events can profoundly affect emotional development.
    4. How processing emotions through counselling or therapy can aid healing and growth.
    5. The role of faith and spirituality in finding meaning and resilience during challenging circumstances.
    6. How creating joyful memories and offering love and patience can help children navigate grief.

    … and much more

    Links to:

    • The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Get hold of Stewart's ⁠⁠⁠⁠book⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • The Resilient Souls ⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Links to Resilient Souls Socials:

    ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

    Book Stewart to speak (Click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠)

    SIGN UP to the Resilient Souls Community (Click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠)

    Support the work of Resilient Souls: (Click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠)

    Contact Us: (Click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠)

    Links to getting help (locally and overseas): ⁠⁠⁠Help section⁠⁠⁠ on the Resilient Souls website
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • #12 Understanding Grief—When Love Has No Place to Land: Christi's Story

    #12 Understanding Grief—When Love Has No Place to Land: Christi's Story
    Aug 27 2024
    In this episode, Stewart speaks with Christi Brown, who shares the heart-wrenching story of losing her youngest child in a drowning accident. They discuss the importance of openly expressing pain and loss, the ongoing nature of grief, and the reality that grief is often "the love that has no place to land." Christi opens up about the initial emotions she faced, the vital support from her community, and how she continues to navigate this journey with her family. She also explains how she honours Judah’s memory and helps others through the Judah Brown Project. Christi emphasises that while she is still navigating her grief, she has found purpose in helping others. She offers practical suggestions for supporting those experiencing loss and reflects on her own journey of faith, wrestling with anger and deep questions after her son's death. Finally, she highlights the need for water safety education and legislation to prevent drownings, particularly among young children. Don’t miss this incredibly powerful and moving story. In this episode, you will discover: How sharing our pain and grief can encourage others to share their own experiences. That grief is a complex, ongoing process.The crucial role of support from friends, family, and community in navigating grief.The importance of respecting and supporting individual grieving processes.How honouring the memory of a loved one and creating traditions can provide comfort and healing.Practical gestures and presence can make a difference for those grieving, even if friends and acquaintances aren't sure what to do.The importance of stepping in to offer help, even if it's not perfect, as people in pain may not know what they need.Grief is a lifelong journey, with the second year after a loss often being particularly challenging. The need to be sensitive to children's experiences and emotions during times of grief and loss. The importance of water safety education and legislation in preventing drownings, especially among young children. ...and more! Links to guest: Judah Brown Project Judah Brown Project Bereavement ResourcesJudah Brown Project Facebook page Support Groups in the US: Compassionate Friends Support Group for Kids in Houston, TX USA: Bo's Place Links to: The Resilient Souls WEBSITE (Click ⁠here⁠) How to get hold of Stewart’s BOOK (Click ⁠here⁠) Other Resilient Souls PODCAST episodes (Click ⁠here⁠) The Resilient Souls BLOG (Click ⁠here⁠) Links to Resilient Souls Socials: ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Book Stewart to speak (Click ⁠here⁠) SIGN UP to the Resilient Souls Community (Click ⁠here⁠) Support the work of Resilient Souls: (Click ⁠here⁠) Contact Us: (Click ⁠here⁠) Stay connected with the Resilient Souls Community: Sign up to keep informed ⁠here⁠ Contact Us: Click ⁠here⁠ Links to getting help (locally and overseas): ⁠Help section⁠ on the Resilient Souls website
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • #11 Supporting Families and Communities in Times of Trauma

    #11 Supporting Families and Communities in Times of Trauma
    Aug 14 2024

    In this episode, Stewart speaks with Daniel Pampuch (CEO of Christians Schools Australia) about how communities can effectively support families during times of tragedy and trauma. Drawing from his extensive experience in schools and school associations, Daniel emphasises the importance of practical help, clear communication, and specific training for those in support roles.

    They explore how a well thought out, community-focused approach can make a significant difference, especially when guided by the family's wishes and needs. While Daniel's insights stem from a school context, the principles shared are valuable for anyone involved in community support. This conversation offers essential guidance for those wanting to be intentional and caring in their response to trauma, ensuring that families receive the understanding and help they truly need.


    In this episode, you will discover:

    1. The impact trauma has on the wider community and the important role that community can play in offering thoughtful and careful support to those affected.
    2. How practical help like picking up kids or providing meals, can significantly support families during tough times.
    3. The vital role of clear and sensitive communication in providing clarity, setting boundaries, and creating calm during traumatic events.
    4. That knowing and understanding the wishes of the family is crucial during times of crisis and trauma, and how thoughtfulness is key to avoiding mistakes, even with well intentioned efforts.
    5. The importance of being prepared for traumatic events, including developing policies around trauma, practicing procedures, providing training, and designating roles to respond effectively to crises.
    6. How being community-minded and intentional in offering ongoing support strengthens families and individuals facing the long-term impacts of trauma.
    7. That building relationships and being part of a community are essential for well-being and provide a strong support network during difficult times.

    .....and more!

    Links to Daniel:

    • Christian Schools Association Australia website
    • Daniel’s LinkedIn profile

    Links to:

    • The Resilient Souls WEBSITE (Click ⁠here⁠)
    • How to get hold of Stewart’s BOOK (Click ⁠here⁠)
    • Other Resilient Souls PODCAST episodes (Click ⁠here⁠)
    • The Resilient Souls BLOG (Click ⁠here⁠)

    Links to Socials:

    ⁠Facebook⁠

    ⁠Instagram⁠

    ⁠LinkedIn⁠

    Book Stewart to speak (Click ⁠here⁠)

    SIGN UP to the Resilient Souls Community (Click ⁠here⁠)

    Support the work of Resilient Souls: (Click ⁠here⁠)

    Contact Us: (Click ⁠here⁠)
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins