In this episode, Katie Rose shares her journey through anxiety, serious health conditions, and the life-changing moment when she finally said "I'm not okay." Living as ‘an actor in a play,’ she pursued others' dreams while hiding both physical and emotional pain to avoid disappointing people. When thoughts of ending her suffering became overwhelming, Katie courageously told her family, a confession that saved her life. She discovered our assumptions about others' reactions are often untrue. Katie's story powerfully redefines strength: sometimes the bravest act is stopping, honoring your inner voice, and telling others you're not OK.

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

Katie has been a teacher for 16 years, with 6 years in leadership focused on mental health, wellbeing, and engagement. Passionate about helping young people understand emotions and brain science, Katie works closely with students experiencing anxiety. She has also launched a business offering small group sessions to teach coping strategies for anxiety and meditation to children.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e5

00:00 Katie Rose Intro

00:29 Trigger Warning

01:12 Being just OK in the world

03:26 Unpacking the Breakdown

05:39 Physical and Emotional Signs

08:08 The Role of Permission

10:31 The Journey to Self-Discovery

13:08 The Breaking Point

15:42 Crisis and Realisation

18:13 Seeking Help

20:46 The Path to Recovery

28:37 Facing the Unknown: A Journey into Mental Health

30:30 The Power of Connection: Reaching Out for Help

33:23 Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Vulnerability

35:53 Permission to Change: Embracing Personal Growth

38:38 Messages to My Younger Self: Understanding Emotions

41:32 Listening to Intuition: Distinguishing Fear from True Desire

46:52 Gratitude and Spirituality: Finding Meaning in Adversity

56:37 It's A Wrap

In this episode, David Gregory, OAM, reveals how accepting fear as a daily companion shaped his extraordinary journey of service. From leaving home at fourteen to becoming a CEO and receiving an Order of Australia Medal, his philosophy of "if you can't beat fear, do it scared" has guided him through near bankruptcy to speaking at the United Nations. Ultimately, his journey reminds us that courage isn't about being fearless, it's about letting our purpose become bigger than our fears.

About Our Guest

David Gregory, OAM, is the Executive Producer of "Just a Farmer" and Director of Live Rural. A member of Beyond Blue's NASBO Steering Committee, he has been recognized with the SME Global Leader award at the UN (United Nations). David serves as an Expert Judge for Awards Australia: Community Awards and is a member of Screen Producers Australia. He is the former CEO of Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS).

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e4

00:00 David Gregory, OAM Intro

02:47 Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Struggle

05:28 Coping Mechanisms: Running Towards Fear

07:50 Achievements and Imposter Syndrome: A Complex Relationship

10:07 The Weight of Recognition: Living Up to Expectations

12:55 The Role of Responsibility: OAM and Community Engagement

14:56 Navigating New Challenges: The Film Journey

17:27 Reflections on Early Life: The Impact of Leaving Home

22:30 Formative Experiences and Life Choices

24:56 The Role of Leadership in Making a Difference

27:21 Navigating Fear and Control in Leadership

32:37 The Burden of Control and Emotional Challenges

38:10 Facing Loneliness and Mental Health Awareness

42:44 Lessons from Life: Messages to My Younger Self

44:45 It's a Wrap

In this episode, Hollie Andrew shares her courageous journey from accomplished actor to entrepreneur, revealing what happens when achieving all career goals leaves you searching for deeper purpose. After meeting every milestone she'd set as a young person, Hollie made the bold decision to walk away from acting success and create a not-for-profit charity supporting actors with disabilities. She speaks openly about the financial anxiety and shame she feels about experiencing fear, and how she's redefined success from external validation to authentic alignment with purpose.

About Our Guest

After 20 successful years across all professional platforms of the arts Industry, Hollie discovered that her unique skill set placed her in the perfect position to be able to affect real change on a path that she would never have predicted. Now, as the Operational Director of Abundabiliteez Productions, she couldn’t be happier in the challenges, wins, hardships, obstacles, successes, and service that she is living and is ahead for her and her artists.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e3

00:00 Hollie Andrew Intro

02:45 Navigating Fear and Financial Pressure

05:01 Defining Success Beyond Financial Gain

07:30 The Importance of Patience and Faith

10:04 Lessons from Vulnerability and Struggle

12:15 The Intersection of Fear and Success

25:50 Defining Success: A Personal Journey

29:15 The Evolution of Purpose

32:04 Finding Joy in Authenticity

37:43 Navigating Fear and Anxiety

42:42 The Power of Vulnerability

48:20 Messages to My Younger Self

51:54 It's a wrap