A group of strangers who once served the people of Australia on the frontline as first responders or military, gathered to begin a life changing program with ex-racehorses.

Anxiety. Fear. Concern ruled their hearts prior to the program. What if I don’t belong? What if it doesn’t change anything?

As the first day fears subsided, they each uncovered something new about themselves, something shifts, the load gets a little lighter. They connect with the horse, or with another participant.

Upon completing the program, the participants return home with a renewed sense of self, better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.

What changed for S., Paul Coates and Mel? Listen to this special episode as part of Podcasthon 2025 raising awareness for Horse Aid. Horse Aid thrives on the community’s generosity to support serving and former first responders and military personnel with PTSD. Discover the program’s impact and how you can help by also tuning in to LivingWell Talks, where Dr Mel Baker talks with director and horseman Scott Brodie.

In the spirit of International Women’s Day (8 March 2024), we celebrate the indomitable strength and courage woven through your narratives. Immerse yourself in this, where my poetry—born from personal tribulations and shared experiences—resonates with the enduring power of resilience and healing. It’s a tribute to women worldwide, a testament to our collective journey towards empowerment and recovery. Join us in commemorating this day, a milestone marked by the voice and story behind ‘Say My Name,’ Mel Baker. Let your narrative be the beacon that guides others towards healing. Share your story, find solace, and foster connection at LivingExpressions.com.au.

To view the video of this episode with scenes from my award-winning short film, Say My Name, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRo-QmFFVKs

Music composed by Quinn from Say My Name.

Grieving, a natural part of life, a living expression of an incredibly heavy moment. The last few weeks I’ve been sitting in the most heaviest grief I’ve experienced as my adopted dad passed away. In sharing my life with him and he with me, I allowed myself to be vulnerable. I got an opportunity to be loved, to have shared positive family experiences that I would never have had. I’m so grateful for those 21 years.

In this monologue, I try to speak generically for any loss you may have experienced, whether your child, parent, sibling, grandparent, friend, or most loved animal. The price of love means grief then is so much more. Life has been heavy and empty, until you get to a place of transforming.