In this conversation, veteran journalist and broadcaster Nadia Mitsopoulos shares her journey from tragedy to advocacy, from decades of silence to the courage to finally tell the truth. At 61, her father took his own life. For thirteen years afterwards, she told people he'd had a heart attack, easier than facing the grief and the fear of judgement.

Nadia reveals how that unspoken fear sat with her like a weight, carried quietly through work and family life. Through a Rotary breakfast where she spoke her father's story publicly for the first time, and years of advocacy on the board of Lifeline WA, she slowly found her way from silence to speaking.

This is a story about breaking the silence around suicide, and showing others that reaching out, even in the hardest moments, is never a sign of weakness.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about suicide. 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 Guest

Nadia Mitsopoulos is an experienced and highly regarded journalist and broadcaster who has worked in the media for 30 years. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree, Nadia worked as a journalist at GWN and Network Ten, before moving overseas to travel and work at Associated Press in London. On her return she joined Nine News in Perth where she was the state political reporter for 13 years before moving to ABC radio. She currently presents the Mornings program covering a wide range of topical issues to a statewide audience. Nadia has held numerous board roles including Lifeline WA and is currently a director of Netball WA.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s3e1

00:00 A Life-Changing Moment

06:17 Navigating Grief and Family Dynamics

11:05 Understanding Mental Health and Suicide

16:16 Finding Purpose in Pain

21:12 Normalizing Conversations Around Mental Health

23:44 Understanding Grief and Its Impact

24:28 The Weight of Silence: Personal Reflections

25:47 Navigating Life's Challenges and Finding Strength

28:31 Judgment and Empathy: A Shift in Perspective

31:52 Acceptance and Healing: A Personal Journey

33:41 The Importance of Open Conversations

35:57 Finding Gifts in Difficult Experiences

37:11 Words of Wisdom for the Younger Self

38:25 It's A Wrap

In this special season finale, Anne and Jo pause together to reflect on Season 2's remarkable journey through fear, challenge, and transformation. They share personal insights from eleven powerful conversations, exploring how fear touches everyone's lives beneath our polished exteriors. From connecting the dots within our challenges to the transformative power of accepting help, they explore how each guest's challenge became an unexpected gift. They openly discuss how these deep conversations have changed their own approaches to fear and vulnerability, and why honouring who we really are matters. As they look ahead to Season 3's diverse stories, Anne and Jo remind us that there's immense value in creating space for honest conversations about fear.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s2e12

00:00 Season Two Reflection and Key Themes

02:01 Connecting the Dots: Personal Growth Through Challenges

03:35 The Importance of Community and Accepting Help

06:06 Forgiveness and Personal Values

08:05 Finding Joy and Small Steps in Healing

10:15 The Power of Speaking Out Against Shame

12:13 Navigating Guilt and Love in Caregiving

14:02 Looking Forward to Season Three

In this conversation, 21-year-old Lauren Jones shares her journey from shame and isolation to self-compassion and strength. At 17, a devastating betrayal by her best friend triggered years of self-loathing, anxiety, and depression. But her story isn't just about surviving those years. It's about discovering what lies on the other side.

Lauren reveals how shame lived in her body as a physical weight, intensified by the instruction to keep silent. Through solitude by the ocean, vulnerability at a leadership camp where she finally spoke her truth, and the transformative practice of writing compassionate notes to herself, Lauren slowly rebuilt her sense of self-worth.

She explores how finding the right support, cultivating an inner voice of kindness, and giving herself permission to feel joy ultimately released years of carried shame. This is a story about breaking the silence, discovering you're not alone, and learning to show up for yourself with grace.

About Our Guest

Lauren Jones is a 21-year-old university student based in Melbourne majoring in Geography. Having been through her own struggles, she is greatly passionate about helping others, building communities, and learning more about the wonders of the Earth. Lauren spends her spare time trying to live as fantastically as possible.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s2e11

00:00 The Life-Altering Conversation

02:44 Journey Through Self-Doubt and Anxiety

04:38 Finding Self-Worth and Acceptance

06:49 The Spiritual Awakening at Inverloch

09:08 Breaking Through Guilt and Shame

11:13 The Power of Community and Connection

17:07 Realizations at the Leadership Conference

19:20 Sharing My Story: The Importance of Vulnerability

21:24 Releasing Shame and Embracing Joy

26:00 The Transformative Power of Dance

29:30 Permission to Feel Joy

30:42 Embracing Grace and Self-Compassion

34:35 Finding Inner Strength

35:58 Key Moments of Growth

38:58 Looking Forward: Embracing the Future

43:12 Sharing Wisdom and Compassion

45:46 It's A Wrap