In this deeply honest and courageous conversation, Christopher Carazas shares his journey of living with autism, navigating identity, and surviving mental health struggles. With vulnerability and clarity, he reflects on what it means to feel different in a world that doesn’t always understand you — and how isolation, cultural shifts, and unspoken expectations can quietly erode one’s sense of self.

Chris opens up about the “dark passenger” — the internal battles so many carry but rarely name — and the impact relationships have on healing or harm. Together, we explore the power of community, the weight words can carry, and why suicide is never about selfishness, but about overwhelming pain.

Through his memoir, Now That I’m Still Here, Chris offers a roadmap toward understanding, acceptance, and resilience. He reminds us that healing is nonlinear, that small wins matter, and that connection — whether through people, pets, or shared stories — can be life-saving.

This episode is about staying.

About self-discovery.

About finding belonging.

And about choosing, again and again, to be here.

Now That I'm Still Here: A Memoir of Ruin and Resurrection

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Now-That-Still-Here-Resurrection/dp/B0FMXS2HJ1

In this heartfelt conversation, Birdie sits down with Lisa Cole where she celebrates her guest’s authenticity, compassion, and deep commitment to community work. Together, they explore themes of self-expression, family dynamics, and the life-altering journey of facing cancer—speaking honestly about fear, resilience, and the courage required to embrace change. The discussion weaves through the realities of parenting, the lasting impact of our upbringing, and the ways personal challenges shape who we become. A powerful focus emerges around the healing bond between humans and therapy dogs, as they share intimate stories of comfort, connection, and hope found through animal-assisted therapy. Through initiatives like Let It Shine, the conversation highlights the joy of giving back, the importance of human connection, and the profound emotional healing that comes from presence, compassion, and shared experience. This episode is a reminder that love, service, and connection—whether human or animal—leave lasting imprints on our hearts and our communities.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Bron Watson shares her profound journey through two cancer diagnoses and the life-changing lessons that followed. Together, Bron and Birdie explore how mindset shapes the healing process, the impact of ancestral trauma on the body, and the role energy healing played in Bron’s recovery.

The conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, the need for trauma-aware environments, and the grounding power of gratitude when navigating life’s most challenging moments. Bron also shares the inspiration behind the Serenity Project, an initiative created to empower individuals facing health challenges through awareness, support, and self-trust.

This episode is an honest reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and offers practical insights into mindfulness, energy management, community support, and making each day matter. Healing, as Bron reminds us, is not a destination—it’s an ongoing journey.

Website:

https://serenityproject.com.au/

Keywords

cancer journey, Serenity Project, emotional support, healthcare advocacy, resilience, trauma awareness, personal agency, healing process, mindfulness, self-advocacy, human spirit, chronic illness, self-advocacy, Serenity Project, emotional support, healthcare compassion, personal stories, well-being, energy management, community connection

Takeaways

"It's not about the helping others. It's about this. I am literally the beta testing of Serenity Project."

"Bad shit happens to good people, and then you've got to just figure it out."

"A equals A. A is just a moment. That's it. That's all you're doing."

"You can't prevent anything. We live the best we can as a human being where our feet are."

"Healing is not ideal, but it's a healing process because we never heal completely." The human spirit can defy medical expectations.

Self-advocacy is crucial in healthcare decisions.

Small actions can lead to significant changes in well-being.

Setting boundaries protects your energy and mental health.

Compassionate support is vital for those facing illness.