Episode 43 - Rhiannon Hetherington: If She Spoke

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What if the hardest years of your life became the foundation for your boldest work? We sit down with Rhiannon, a single mum, artist and survivor who turned bipolar type 2 and C-PTSD into a creative engine, building a 1700 m² exhibition that celebrates women’s stories of struggle and strength. This is a fearless conversation about poverty, stigma, trauma and the radical power of art to connect people who feel alone.

We start at the beginning: moving homes, living in a shed and learning that time, love and presence outrank possessions. From there, the path zigs from Uni and fundraising for Kenya to then stripping to survive as mental health faltered. A sexual assault and a mother’s blunt wisdom become a pivot toward Rhiannon seeking help. Diagnosis brings context to a decade of chaos, where medication reframes fear into function viewing it as “glasses for the brain.” The highs and lows don’t vanish, but they get easier to manage. And in a rare twist, our guest learns to love how her mind works, using risk and intensity as strengths.

Art enters quietly and grows loud. First as therapy with calm hands, and steady breath, it becomes a private refuge. Then as purpose, portraits that act like mirrors for strangers. "If She Spoke, Stories from Struggle to Strength" fills a pavillion at the Brisbane Showgrounds with 30 monumental portraits and more than 180 unedited stories covering DV, grief, mental illness and survival. The scale is the point, as ordinary women rendered to museum size, their lives impossible to overlook. Built mostly solo, with a handful of sponsors, Rhiannon's show is community in action, witnessing pain, honouring resilience and reminding each visitor they’re not alone.

If you’re searching for language to name your own journey, or a place to feel seen, this one’s for you. Press play, share it with someone who needs a lift, and leave a review so more people can find these stories. Subscribe for future conversations and updates on the exhibition’s next steps, your support helps this movement grow.

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Music Credit: Cody Martin - Sunrise (first 26 episodes) then custom made for me.

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and stories shared on this podcast are personal to the host and guests and are not intended to serve as professional advice or guidance. They reflect individual experiences and perspectives. While we strive to provide valuable insights and support, listeners are encouraged to seek professional advice for their specific situations. The host and production team are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast.