In this conversation Toni Powell shares how multiple crises converged at once including her father's death, relocation, menopause, and walking away from her Christian faith, leading to profound despair. In her darkest moment, she made a bold decision to enter a twenty-four hour film festival with no filmmaking experience.

That seven-minute film won international recognition and inspired her to create Heart of Gold, a film festival in rural Queensland, celebrating uplifting stories. Yet when the festival board removed her, despair returned. Through vulnerability, Toni shares how she discovered the power to move from deep despair to renewed purpose, not by changing her circumstances, but by changing her thoughts and response to them.

This is a story about agency, resilience, and the quiet knowing that guides us forward.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about suicidal thoughts and mental distress. Please prioritise your wellbeing as you listen, and reach out to a mental health professional or a local helpline for any additional support. (Australia: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyondblue: 1300 224 636.)About Our GuestToni Powell is a speaker, author and filmmaker who also hosts the S**t Happy podcast.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s3e4

00:00 Navigating Life's Challenges

03:04 The Leap into Filmmaking

05:20 The Unexpected Success

07:05 Creating a Film Festival

09:11 Finding Purpose in Film

10:59 The Role of Intuition

12:45 The Journey of Self-Discovery

14:34 The Impact of Community and Connection

16:40 Reevaluating Faith and Belief

21:36 The Impact of Early Messages

23:36 Navigating Community and Purpose

26:33 Challenges with Governance

28:27 Coping with Loss and Rejection

32:17 The Power of Gratitude

36:25 Embracing Change and Learning

40:59 Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts

42:36 It's A Wrap