Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling

Can you imagine becoming paralysed at sixteen and getting to a place one day where you would be able to say you are  grateful for your accident and wouldn't undo it if you could? 

I loved my conversation with Tasha as her positivity is infectious!  She has gone on to be an inspirational speaker and I can understand why
 
After a tragic theatre accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down, Tasha  has discovered invaluable lessons that resonate with audiences of all demographics.

 Since 2007, she has been travelling across her home country of the USA and challenging listeners to overcome and persevere, no matter what life throws at them

 The importance of this message became painfully clear in 2014, when a close friend lost her son to suicide.  Logan was only 14 years old.  Her PATH curriculum is a pledge to Logan and gives youth a voice to reach out, ask for help and know that there is hope.

Tasha has two degrees, drives, was crowned Ms Wheelchair USA in 2012 and has received so many awards recognising the work she does with young people, people with disabilities. And inspiring others  She is the author of two books and lives in Wisconsin with her Husband Doug, who is also her manager

Some key points from our interview:
* How she focuses on what she can do rather than what she can't
* How she doesn't want anyone to pity her as she loves her life
* How she learnt to take it one at a time during her recovery
* How the power of positive and encouraging music really helped her on her darkest days
* How she feels that her accident woke her up
* How her practice of keeping a gratitude list helps to remind her everyday of all the good she has in her life

"That word Unbroken really defines my life" - Tasha Schuh
 

Find out more about Tasha here
 https://www.tashaschuh.com

Order her book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Step-Backward-Tasha-Schuh-ebook/dp/B077S3DHYY

*                                         *                                            *                                                   *

"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features  individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.

Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.

She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.

You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken,  from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb 

Short of time but want to tune in?

Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE

I "met" Hannah in a Facebook group and was so intrigued by her story of her childhood that I knew I wanted to interview her.  She is an amazing example of not being defined by your past and that your start in life doesn't determine where you finish!

Hannah was born in Gloucester and attended the High School,before studying at Loughborough University and then serving in the RAF for 9 years, as a Personnel Officer. 

 On leaving the Armed Forces Hannah started Toddle- a vegan skin care company for adventurous kids. It began as Hannah's son had sensitive skin and used to get chapped lips and wind burnt cheeks when out on their adventures. Hannah has always been adventurous and keen on the outdoors and started making her own protection balm in her kitchen. 

 Toddle received £200,000 of investment in 2019, the first £50k from winning the ‘Pitch it Wales’ competition. Toddle sells direct to consumer, to retail and exports to 5 countries. They have also just launched into National Trust shops and Friends of Joules, as well as seeing 400% growth on Amazon in the last quarter.

Some key points from our interview:
* How her childhood taught her to become very independent
* How she grew up being told that she was never wanted  and the impact that had on her growing up
* How she has gone out of her way to be a totally different parent now that she is a mum
* How she can accept that her mother has undiagnosed mental health conditions
* How she has managed to thrive in life and business despite growing up in a neglectful childhood

"It doesn't matter what you've been through, you can become whatever you want to" - Hannah Saunders

You get more information from Hannah here:
https://toddlebornwild.com/

*                                 *                                      *                                    *

"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features  individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.

Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.

She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.

You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken,  from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb 

Short of time but want to tune in?

Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE

I "met" Hannah in a Facebook group and was so intrigued by her story of her childhood that I knew I wanted to interview her.  She is an amazing example of not being defined by your past and that your start in life doesn't determine where you finish!

Hannah was born in Gloucester and attended the High School,before studying at Loughborough University and then serving in the RAF for 9 years, as a Personnel Officer. 

 On leaving the Armed Forces Hannah started Toddle- a vegan skin care company for adventurous kids. It began as Hannah's son had sensitive skin and used to get chapped lips and wind burnt cheeks when out on their adventures. Hannah has always been adventurous and keen on the outdoors and started making her own protection balm in her kitchen. 

 Toddle received £200,000 of investment in 2019, the first £50k from winning the ‘Pitch it Wales’ competition. Toddle sells direct to consumer, to retail and exports to 5 countries. They have also just launched into National Trust shops and Friends of Joules, as well as seeing 400% growth on Amazon in the last quarter.

Some key points from our interview:
* How her childhood taught her to become very independent
* How she grew up being told that she was never wanted  and the impact that had on her growing up
* How she has gone out of her way to be a totally different parent now that she is a mum
* How she can accept that her mother has undiagnosed mental health conditions
* How she has managed to thrive in life and business despite growing up in a neglectful childhood

"It doesn't matter what you've been through, you can become whatever you want to" - Hannah Saunders

You get more information from Hannah here:
https://toddlebornwild.com/

*                                 *                                      *                                    *

"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features  individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.

Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.

She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.

You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken,  from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb 

Short of time but want to tune in?

Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE

My guest this week is  true example of what grit, determination and reliance look like

Steve Dowd committed to get fit and agreed to compete in a charity cycling event.

He bought a bike, started training and rode to work like thousands of others.

Early one Summer morning he was headed to a friend’s flat to do the daily commute together, but never arrived...  

A freak accident completely changed the path of his life.

He share's with us his unlikely journey of recovery and how he approached his situation to achieve his greatest successes to date.

Knowing all that it's not surprising to hear that he speaks about challenge, forced change and resilience as a professional speaker.

Some key points from our interview:
* How he was told by his consultant that his injuries were so devastating that he wasn't sure what he would get back - he was 37
* How fortunate he feels to be one of fifty people that was enrolled in an experimental surgery for his particular type of injury to save some of his nervous tissue
* How he believes resilience is something we all have and we have different keys to open it up in different ways at different times in our life
* How he had to learn to ignore his inner critic that often sat on his shoulder
* How he's now addicted to challenge and taking himself to the edge which is where he feels he learns a lot about himself

"If you know you can get out of the hole, you don't step in the hole" - Steve Dowd
 
You can get more info about Steve here:

https://www.stevendowd.com/

*                                 *                                      *                                    *

"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features  individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.

Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.

She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.

You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken,  from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb 

Short of time but want to tune in?

Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE

My guest this week is  true example of what grit, determination and reliance look like

Steve Dowd committed to get fit and agreed to compete in a charity cycling event.

He bought a bike, started training and rode to work like thousands of others.

Early one Summer morning he was headed to a friend’s flat to do the daily commute together, but never arrived...  

A freak accident completely changed the path of his life.

He share's with us his unlikely journey of recovery and how he approached his situation to achieve his greatest successes to date.

Knowing all that it's not surprising to hear that he speaks about challenge, forced change and resilience as a professional speaker.

Some key points from our interview:
* How he was told by his consultant that his injuries were so devastating that he wasn't sure what he would get back - he was 37
* How fortunate he feels to be one of fifty people that was enrolled in an experimental surgery for his particular type of injury to save some of his nervous tissue
* How he believes resilience is something we all have and we have different keys to open it up in different ways at different times in our life
* How he had to learn to ignore his inner critic that often sat on his shoulder
* How he's now addicted to challenge and taking himself to the edge which is where he feels he learns a lot about himself

"If you know you can get out of the hole, you don't step in the hole" - Steve Dowd
 
You can get more info about Steve here:

https://www.stevendowd.com/

*                                 *                                      *                                    *

"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features  individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.

Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.

She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.

You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken,  from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb 

Short of time but want to tune in?

Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE

I discovered that my guest today not only lives in Glasgow but just around the corner from me too!  I really enjoyed our interview, we  had a great connection and felt like I had known her forever.

Her story is remarkable and one of many losses but also of synchronicities and hope

Michaela Foster Marsh is an acclaimed musician with three albums to her credit. Her work has appeared in television and film. She has been invited to sing at the Monaco International Film Festival, the Cannes International Film Festival, and for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. 

Michaela is the founder and Executive Director of Starchild Charity, which works primarily with vulnerable children and women. Starchild Charity recently built a School for Creative Arts in Vvumba, Uganda. In 2017, she was a finalist for Scotswoman of the Year by the Evening Times and has received a Prime Minister’s award for her work in Uganda. 

Michaela has published her memoir “Starchild”, about her life with her adopted brother Frankie and her journey to learn more about Frankie after his tragic death by finding his birth family in Uganda.

Some key points from our interview:
* Hoe she's a great believer of using positive affirmations to remind herself how good she is especially when things are tough
* How she recognises that both the life and death of her adopted brother Frankie have shaped her life
* How she has used creative writing and song writing as therapy as it helps to tease out her own sorrows
* How she understands through her many losses that love never dies and the thread of that love continues beyond the grave
* How she has created a living legacy in her brother's name with the schools she has set up in Uganda
* How she believes there is a star in every child

"I've had to heal, transform and transcend a number of times in my life" - Michaela Foster Marsh

You can find out more about Michaela here:
http://www.michaelaonline.com/

                                                          *                                  *                                    *                               *   

"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features  individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.

Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.

She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.

You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken,  from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb 

Short of time but want to tune in?

Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE

I discovered that my guest today not only lives in Glasgow but just around the corner from me too!  I really enjoyed our interview, we  had a great connection and felt like I had known her forever.

Her story is remarkable and one of many losses but also of synchronicities and hope

Michaela Foster Marsh is an acclaimed musician with three albums to her credit. Her work has appeared in television and film. She has been invited to sing at the Monaco International Film Festival, the Cannes International Film Festival, and for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. 

Michaela is the founder and Executive Director of Starchild Charity, which works primarily with vulnerable children and women. Starchild Charity recently built a School for Creative Arts in Vvumba, Uganda. In 2017, she was a finalist for Scotswoman of the Year by the Evening Times and has received a Prime Minister’s award for her work in Uganda. 

Michaela has published her memoir “Starchild”, about her life with her adopted brother Frankie and her journey to learn more about Frankie after his tragic death by finding his birth family in Uganda.

Some key points from our interview:
* Hoe she's a great believer of using positive affirmations to remind herself how good she is especially when things are tough
* How she recognises that both the life and death of her adopted brother Frankie have shaped her life
* How she has used creative writing and song writing as therapy as it helps to tease out her own sorrows
* How she understands through her many losses that love never dies and the thread of that love continues beyond the grave
* How she has created a living legacy in her brother's name with the schools she has set up in Uganda
* How she believes there is a star in every child

"I've had to heal, transform and transcend a number of times in my life" - Michaela Foster Marsh

You can find out more about Michaela here:
http://www.michaelaonline.com/

                                                          *                                  *                                    *                               *   

"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features  individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.

Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.

She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.

You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken,  from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb 

Short of time but want to tune in?

Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE

Sara Claudia Tillman is a writer and public speaker who is passionate about encouraging women to “Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”. 

After losing her sight and partial hearing in 2015, she has embarked on a journey that both tested and strengthened her faith. Through my challenges, she has found an immense amount of joy sharing how God continually turns her trials into even greater triumphs through her blog, podcast, radio show, and public speaking. 

 
Her ultimate goal is that, through her testimony, women will be encouraged to face the trials of this world through their trust in the Lord

Some key points from our interview:

• How she had to retrain her mind and learn to do everything again - cook, use her phone, computer etc
• How she learned she could be completely vulnerable with God
• How she felt strength and courage through prayers
• How her faith helped her to change her mindset
• How she's found a purpose that is so much bigger than her pain
• How she feels her life is so much brighter now being blind than it was when she was sighted

"When bad things happen we can always choose joy" - Sara Claudia Tillman 

You can get more information about Sara Claudia here: https://saraclaudia.com


                 *                                       *                                          *                                            *

"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features  individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.

Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.

She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.

You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken,  from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb 

Short of time but want to tune in?

Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE

Sara Claudia Tillman is a writer and public speaker who is passionate about encouraging women to “Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”. 

After losing her sight and partial hearing in 2015, she has embarked on a journey that both tested and strengthened her faith. Through my challenges, she has found an immense amount of joy sharing how God continually turns her trials into even greater triumphs through her blog, podcast, radio show, and public speaking. 

 
Her ultimate goal is that, through her testimony, women will be encouraged to face the trials of this world through their trust in the Lord

Some key points from our interview:

• How she had to retrain her mind and learn to do everything again - cook, use her phone, computer etc
• How she learned she could be completely vulnerable with God
• How she felt strength and courage through prayers
• How her faith helped her to change her mindset
• How she's found a purpose that is so much bigger than her pain
• How she feels her life is so much brighter now being blind than it was when she was sighted

"When bad things happen we can always choose joy" - Sara Claudia Tillman 

You can get more information about Sara Claudia here: https://saraclaudia.com


                 *                                       *                                          *                                            *

"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features  individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.

Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.

She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.

You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken,  from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb 

Short of time but want to tune in?

Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE

I found my conversation with Donna so moving as we discuss her darkest of days when she wanted to end her life to her recovery and the thriver that she is today

In 2012 Donna jumped 30 metres from an Australian bridge in an attempt to end her life. At the time she was experiencing career challenges fuelled by feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness. 

Her actions shocked those who knew her and who regarded her as a competent human resource professional and a friendly, enthusiastic person.  

 Donna journeyed from breakdown to receiving an ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ in 2016 and found her purpose in career coaching and speaking. 

Donna shares her story to help others understand that failure does not need to define us and that there are strategies that can be successfully used to create a fulfilling and happy life. 

Some key points from our interview:

• How when she heard that if she had completed suicide that the odds that her son would try it too changed everything for her
• How she felt alive when she first shared her story
• How she feels that finding her voice saved her and hopes it helps others too
• How she uses six daily practices that have totally shifted her life

"HOPE = help one person every day" - Donna Thistelthwaite

You can get more information about Donna here:
https://donnathistlethwaite.com.au/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DonnaThistlethwaite.speaker/
 
*                                      *                                               *                                             *
"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features  individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.

Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.

She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.

You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken,  from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb 

Short of time but want to tune in?

Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE