Tarang lost his sister Nikita when she was murdered at the age of 23. Tarang Chawla unpacks how he goes about healing from this life-changing event and the way it’s changed who he is today and who he hopes to become. A respected voice in the campaign to end violence against women, Tarang tells stories from his childhood and shares the pain of loss that underpins his advocacy work, including what he’s learnt along the way.   SUPPORTS: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Men’s Referral Service:...

At the age of 24, Natarsha suddenly lost her husband Steve to unknown circumstances. Natarsha is Jason’s friend from primary school, and in this very raw episode, she bravely shares her story from the 22nd March 2016.  SUPPORTS: Lifeline - 13 11 14 Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 Griefline - 1300 845 745

After nearly losing his life to ice & cocaine addiction, Ben now supports others struggling with drug & alcohol dependency.  In this very moving episode, Ben walks us through his 17 years of active addiction.   Connect with Ben: Ben is the founder of Drug-Ed, an organisation which aims to empower, motivate and educate individuals, families and communities, to gain a stronger awareness of the effects of drug and alcohol use. Ben also produces the Road to Recovery, a radio show on...

As one of Australia's most respected forensic psychologists, Dr Russ Pratt has over 25 years experience working with sexual offenders, murderers, and in trauma, attachment and child protection issues.  From 2010 until 2017 he was one of two Statewide Principal Practitioners with the Department of Health and Human Services Child Protection program. Prior to that he was manager and senior clinician of the AWARE program for sexually abusive youth at SECASA. On this episode, discussions include...

After years of mental anguish and suicidal intent, Sam Fewings gradually came to realise he wanted to live. In this very moving episode, Sam tells us his story. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode describes heavy content. SUPPORTS: Lifeline - 13 11 14 Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 Griefline - 1300 845 745 Mensline - 1300 78 99 78 SAM’S WORK: Sam is the NSW State Manager for Roses in the Ocean - Australia's leading lived experience of suicide organisation.

As soon as she attempted to take her own life in 2005, Peta Dampney knew she wanted to live. In this very raw episode, Peta tells us her story.  TRIGGER WARNING: This episode describes heavy content.  Supports Lifeline - 13 11 14 Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636   Connect with Peta:  From Me To You Consulting Peta’s Instructor Profile - Mental First Aid Australia

After experiencing childhood abuse and domestic violence, Anita became a psychotherapist specialising in domestic violence. Combining her personal and professional experience, Anita tells us her story. TRIGGER WARNING: this episode describes graphic scenes of domestic violence. Supports: Safe Steps - 1800 015 188 Victoria's 24/7 family violence support service.  1800 Respect - 1800 737 732 The national 24/7 support service to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family...

Jemma, a 24-year-old uni student received a shock cancer diagnosis in November last year. Jemma writes: “Before I could finish my psychology undergrad last year I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Since then, my emotions and cognitive boundaries have been challenged, and being invited onto this podcast was such an incredible way to explore that.” Instagram: @jemmakatz Resources: Cancerchicks - @cancerchicksau A support group for young women aged...

In this episode we sit down with Ike Curtis, who’s a writer and artist. Topics discussed include what goes on in the mind of a serial killer, whether religion eases fear of death and what it means to look at death after a “fulfilling life”.

34-year-old psychologist Ceara Rickard speaks about her recent experience receiving a terminal diagnosis.     Ceara is a psychologist with strong interests in adult and youth mental health, recovery and social justice. Her most recent role involved working with young people experiencing mental distress with high and complex needs.  “I’ve decided that my approach to living with a terminal illness is going to be radical openness. We all die eventually, and I don't think I'm someone who wants...

After 20 years working as a senior executive in the corporate sector, a series of significant life events led Asher to shift gears. Whilst grieving the deaths of his sister and then mum, Asher was diagnosed with a progressive rare blood cancer.  In this episode Asher shares with us his some of his innermost emotions and experiences on death, suffering and love.   SUPPORTS Lifeline - 13 11 14 Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 Griefline - 1300 845 745 Mensline - 1300 78 99 78 ASHER’S WORK The...

Kim speaks about the day 18 years ago that changed her life forever, when she accidentally killed a teenage boy whilst driving. Kim is joined by hosts Maddie and Jason, as well as her daughter, Renee (Jason’s partner).  Supports: Lifeline - 13 11 14 Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 Griefline - 1300 845 745 Road Trauma Support Services Victoria - 1300 367 797 Personal Stories: Accidental Impacts Information and support for people trying to cope with causing a serious accident. Maryan...

In this episode we speak to Rikki Stern, founder of Cancer Chicks Australia - a support group for young women aged 20-30 with cancer. With rawness, honesty and humour, 22-year-old Rikki shares her story living with Hodgkins Lymphoma.   Instagram: @cancerchicksau

Stephy, a currently serving Australian police officer, goes into depth about her experiences on the job, and her perceptions around death, life and suffering. 

Gideon Cohen, screenwriter and actor, describes his perceptions of death and suffering after the loss of his dad at age 18. 

Join Jason Weel and Maddie Brygel as they discuss death and dying, and the underlying motives for starting this podcast.  Jason and Maddie met whilst studying psychology, and currently work as counsellors in the mental health, addiction and family violence sectors.  

"Making Sense of Chaos" is a podcast about anything and everything but 'dinner table talk'. It's a conversation about death and dying, love, grief and hope, and the beauty and terror of realising that everyone you know will die.