Episode 7: Indira Naidoo - The Healing Power of Nature; Navigating Grief After Losing a Sister
In this poignant episode, host Bianca Welsh converses with Indira Naidoo, celebrated Australian broadcaster and author, about her journey through grief following the suicide of her sister. Bianca and Indira explore the intersection of grief, healing, and nature, discussing the therapeutic impact of gardening, the significance of journaling, and the importance of finding stillness. Indira's personal narrative provides profound insights into coping with loss and the enduring strength of familial connections.
The episode also features Dr. Mai Frandsen, who delves into the psychological aspects of grief, the role of journaling, and the critical need for balance between processing emotions and daily obligations.
About Indira:
Indira Naidoo is one of Australia’s most respected
broadcasters
and authors, with a 30-year award winning career across ABC and SBS, including Late Edition, World News, Weekend Nightlife,
and currently Compass on ABC TV. She is a passionate advocate for environmental and food sustainability and is the bestselling author of The Edible
Balcony and The Edible City, also designing award winning
gardens
and
supporting communities to grow their own food.
Indira is a sought after speaker and facilitator and an ambassador for
Sydney’s Wayside Chapel. Her latest book,
The Space Between the Stars:
On
Love, Loss and the Healing Power of Nature, shortlisted for the 2023 ABIA
Nonfiction Book of the Year.
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In each episode Dr. Mai Frandsen joins Bianca to discuss the key takeaways from each person’s experience and help all of us understand from a therapists perspective how and why things work.
She's a psychologist, health behavior change, consultant and researcher based in Tasmania. She earned her PhD in psychology in 2012 and is internationally recognized for her work in promoting health behavior change using incentives. Dr. Fransden is the owner of Trig Psychology, a private practice located in Tasmania, where she focuses on health behavior change, working with first responders, adolescents, and adults, navigating significant life transitions.Her approach is characterized by authenticity and pragmaticism drawing from her varied life experiences.
She uses a range of psychological treatment paradigms to get the best outcome for her clients. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Fransden serves as a psychologist in schools and is an associate researcher at the University of Tasmania. Her research primarily focuses on smoking cessation, particularly among pregnant women, and has led Tasmania wide clinical trials exploring the efficacy of novel incentive based interventions.
Having stepped away from active research, Mai's passion project is science communication and can often be heard on ABC radio sharing mental health hacks. Originally from Denmark. She has called Tasmania Home since 1994. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys engaging in outdoor adventures, endurance sports, and traveling both locally and abroad with her sons.
RESOURCES
Indira's Book - The Space Between the Stars (Murdoch Books)
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) Tas - PH 1800 811 994
National:
Beyond Blue PH: 1300 224 636
StandBy Support After Suicide PH: 1300 727 247
Suicide Call Back Service PH: 1300 659 467
Music Credit: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc.
Cover Image: Eden Wilday
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Host Background
01:06 Purpose of the Podcast
01:37 Acknowledging Grief and Loss
03:04 Guest Introduction: Indira Naidoo
04:16 Indira's Personal Grief Journey
06:18 Writing as a Healing Process
11:21 Navigating Grief and Resilience
34:21 The Role of Nature in Healing
51:55 Navigating Grief: Personal Reflections
52:43 The Blame Game: Avoiding Self-Blame in Grief
53:48 Writing Through Grief: The Healing Power of Words
57:04 Spiritual Signs: Finding Comfort in the Unexplainable
59:44 The Science of Grief: Understanding the Process
01:08:39 The Role of Journaling in Healing
01:19:33 Creating Space for Stillness
01:33:10 The Importance of Routine and Obligations
01:39:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections