Shared Seasons

In this profound episode of Shared Seasons, host Louise Hall explores the complex experiences of change, loss and adaptation faced by people rebuilding their lives in a new country. We are joined by Melek, a Direct Services Counsellor and Project Officer at STARTTS, who shares her extensive experience supporting refugees and asylum seekers in New South Wales. Melek discusses the deep, often 'bleeding' grief within these communities and how the Seasons for Growth program utilises nature’s cycles to foster awareness and healing. Additionally, we hear from Simangaliso, MacKillop’s Multicultural Practice Lead, who provides a moving personal account of her 21-year journey as a Zimbabwean immigrant in Australia. Together, they delve into the necessity of cultural humility, the power of active listening, and the vital importance of creating a genuine sense of belonging for those navigating new lives in unfamiliar lands. (00:00:58) Global displacement statistics and refugee experiences (00:02:35) Types of cultural and societal grieving (00:04:44) Moving beyond passive listening to active acknowledgement (00:07:27) Using the natural environment as a teacher for healing (00:13:04) Scaffolding support through culturally-led facilitator training (00:25:22) Personal lived experience of navigating cross-cultural change (00:45:37) Defining meaningful inclusivity as a starting point For more information on Mackillop Seasons, visit www.mackillopseasons.org.au For more information n STARTTS, visit www.startts.org.au Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

In this episode of Shared Seasons , host Louise Hall explores the often-unspoken world of men’s grief and emotional transitions. Joining her is Father Joseph, a certified counsellor, Mission Australia chaplain, and pastoral care coordinator with extensive experience supporting men in homelessness, drug, and alcohol centres. Father Joseph shares powerful insights from facilitating Seasons for Growth groups, explaining why men often struggle to express feelings due to social stigmas like the pressure to 'toughen up'. The conversation also features trainers Benita and Juliane, who discuss the importance of grief literacy and peer support in navigating cumulative loss. Together, they discuss how creating non-judgmental, safe spaces can foster 'positive masculinity', allowing men to shed emotional loads and build authentic connections through shared vulnerability. (00:00:00) The stigma of 'toughening up' for men (00:01:53) Father Joseph’s diverse roles in pastoral care (00:05:19) Witnessing the "healthy tension" of men opening up (00:07:40) Why rapport and trust are crucial for connection (00:14:38) Balancing masculinity with emotional intimacy (00:23:43) Understanding the impact of cumulative and collective grief (00:35:18) Increasing awareness of the 'depths of grief' in everyday life For more information on Mackillop Seasons, visit www.mackillopseasons.org.au Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

In this episode of Shared Seasons, host Louise is joined by Kim Landouw, the CEO of Big Yellow Umbrella, a community organisation in Western Sydney dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families. They dive deep into the often-unspoken transitions of parenthood, exploring how new parents frequently grieve their former identities, spontaneity, and freedom. Kim discusses the power of structured peer support through the Seasons for Growth program, which helps parents - especially those in rapidly developing areas who lack established networks - normalise their experiences, build confidence, and strengthen their sense of connection. The conversation highlights the importance of moving past the 'glorified' image of parenting to find authentic connection and resilience through every stage of life, from the first baby to the empty nest. (00:00:57) Exploring the hidden grief of identity loss in new parents (00:01:43) Overview of Big Yellow Umbrella’s community support services (00:03:11) Benefits of structured vs. unstructured support programs (00:05:46) The power of small groups for rapid peer bonding (00:07:32) Challenges for parents in new and emerging developments (00:10:10) Maintaining parental confidence through support networks (00:12:34) De-glorifying the journey of parenthood and early childhood transitions For more information on Mackillop Seasons, visit www.mackillopseasons.org.au For more information on Big Yellow Umbrella, visit www.yellowumbrella.org.au Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

In this premiere episode of Shared Seasons , host Louise Hall, Partnership Lead at MacKillop Seasons, explores the profound impact of grief literacy and suicide prevention in the diverse South Western Sydney region. Joining the conversation is Luisa Dematos, the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Coordinator at South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (PHN), and Jeanie McDonnell, a veteran Seasons trainer. The discussion delves into how loss extends far beyond bereavement to include identity, employment, and displacement. Luisa shares her expertise on "normalising" suicidality as a human response rather than a pathology, while Jeanie highlights how the Seasons for Growth program supports healing through a trauma-aware education process. Key insights include the "winter" metaphor for sitting with difficult feelings and the importance of compassionate inquiry in supporting loved ones through life's most challenging shifts. (00:00:44) Introduction to the Seasons for Growth program (00:02:02) Funding suicide prevention through a whole-of-system approach (00:05:47) Understanding non-bereavement losses like identity and employment (00:08:42) Reframing suicidality as a universal human experience (00:14:15) The "Winter" metaphor: The power of sitting in darkness (00:25:07) Unique cultural and individual responses to situational stressors (00:34:24) Generosity: Inviting individuals to talk about great loss For more information on Mackillop Seasons, visit www.mackillopseasons.org.au For more information on South Western Sydney PHN, visit www.swsphn.com.au Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

Welcome to Shared Seasons, an insightful podcast series by MacKillop Seasons that explores the universal human experiences of change, loss, and grief. Hosted by Louise Hall, National & International Partners Lead, the series aims to build grief literacy and provide practical support for navigating life's many transitions. Life is a series of seasons, some expected and some sudden. Shared Seasons invites listeners into deep, honest conversations with community leaders, counsellors, and trainers who walk alongside those navigating profound shifts. Through a gentle, trauma-aware lens, the podcast normalises the diverse emotional responses to loss, whether it be bereavement, identity shifts, or displacement, and emphasises the power of community connection and 'anchors' in fostering resilience. Across the 4 episodes, the podcast explores grief literacy as a vital tool for mental health and suicide prevention, why men often find it difficult to express feelings, the complex layers of loss faced by refugees, and the often-overlooked grief and identity shifts that accompany the journey of becoming a parent. Join us to explore the stories within every season and discover how we can better support ourselves and each other.