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In this episode my friend Helen shares her story about her quest for success. This journey started out as an expectation of huge potential but became a prison that left her empty and confused. Helen worked through this and the insights she gained are invaluable for all of us to hear and learn from. 

Neil takes us through his life story with a particular focus on the organisation he and his wife Penny founded and operated for 25 years helping those with severe mental health difficulties find their place to belong in their communities. Neil and Penny are amazing people, with an amazing attitude, philosophy and passion, all culminating in a life that's ripples are felt far and wide. 

In this episode Andrew continues his incredible story taking us through his time in Uganda and India. His stories have the power to move you to laughter and tears, and to change the way we look at life and helping. 

Andrew takes us through the first half of his amazing journey as a teacher, a chef and then a trauma counsellor working in some of the most difficult places you can work. From living and working with the indigenous community in Far North Queensland, to working with child soldiers in Uganda and prostitutes in India. Along the way Andy has some crazy stories and shares some very real and inspiring stories of his own struggles and victories along the way.  

In this week's episode we look at the complicated relationship many of us have with God and organised religion through the eyes and story of Chanise. At one stage she completed a Bachelor of Theology and was on a pathway to a career in ministry when she started to question everything she had built her life around. How can you rebuild the ruins of your world after stepping out into the void?

Dave and I discuss why struggle is important for our growth and character development by looking at his own story and experience, Sue's story from last episode, and the wisdom of some great writers and thinkers. 

To finish off Sue's story I thought I'd post a song I wrote for mum's 50th Birthday. I think it encapsulates her strong values towards family. Enjoy!  

In this episode Sue talks about what raising 7 kids is like and how her community and faith carried her through. We also mine some of the gold from her story to learn what her philosophy is in parenting, life and overcoming adversity. 

In this episode we hear our first story from one of The Reals. A story of heartache and pain but also of the lighter side of life and the people who taught Sue Hicks how to see the best in every situation and everyone. 

This is the heart of The Reals podcast. To present every story with the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly, and to mine the gold hidden in everyone's story to teach us all how to get through life a little easier!