Episodes of Life

About Episodes of Life

What do you do when life doesn’t go the way it was supposed to? Episodes of Life is a space for anyone navigating grief, mental health, dark thoughts, inner battles, and the messy reality of being human — but it’s also about what comes next, when you’ve been at your lowest, learnt from it, and built something meaningful from the wreckage. After losing his girlfriend Lydia in a car accident at just 20 years old, host Daniel Buckner was left with guilt, “what ifs,” unanswered questions, and the weight of figuring out how to keep going when everything changes overnight. This podcast isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about being honest about what it feels like, what it takes to rebuild, and how people find their way forward after life breaks them open. Through raw conversations, personal reflections, and stories from people of all walks of life, Episodes of Life explores not just pain, but resilience, growth, identity, and the possibility of turning a life‑changing negative into something meaningful. Because life isn’t just about what breaks you — it’s about what you build after. In this podcast, we talk about: • Learning to live with grief instead of trying to “get over it” • The quiet weight of guilt, regret, and unanswered questions • Mental health struggles and real ways to manage them • Building resilience when life feels unbearable • Rebuilding identity after loss, trauma, or rock bottom • Stories that begin in darkness but don’t end there This isn’t doom and gloom. It’s honest — but it’s also about hope, perspective, and finding strength you didn’t know you had. You’re not alone in this. Follow the podcast, join the community, and if you’re ready, share your story. Someone out there needs to hear it.

Publisher

Daniel Buckner

Category

society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Apr 2026

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   EP15: The Man Behind the Chair – Jase Alpen

   At 18, Jase Alpen’s life changed overnight when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. His tennis career ended, and he had to rebuild from the ground up. That journey led him into barbering, where he created Zeppelin Barbers — a Gold Coast community hub built on connection and conversation. Alongside cutting hair, he also co-founded Hope World with his mate Kevin Painter, supplying AFL teams, the Australian Open, the Alpine F1 Team, Manchester City, and more. This episode explores resilience, identity, barbering culture, Hope World, and how facing cancer shaped Jase’s belief in making the most of the one life we get.

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   EP14: Good Intentions Co. - Aaron Andre

   Sometimes you don’t know if something is going to work. You just have to keep showing up long enough to find out. In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel sits down with Aaron from Good Intentions to talk about building a clothing brand from 20 T-shirts into a full-time business, and everything he and his brother had to learn along the way. The idea for Good Intentions started with something as simple as seeing a woman in a yellow dress. Aaron went home, told his brother about the name, and together they decided to give the business a go. There was no huge investment. No guarantee people would buy what they were making. They sold their first shirts, put the money back into the business, worked other jobs and spent their weekends at markets. For around three years, they didn't even take a wage. They just kept showing up. Today, Good Intentions has grown into their full-time work, built a loyal community around the brand and donated more than $100,000 to causes supporting mental health, domestic violence services and food security. But Aaron is honest about the other side of building something from nothing, the self-doubt, disagreements, mistakes, sacrifices and moments where you wonder whether it's actually worth continuing. Together, Aaron and Daniel also talk about getting out of your own way, giving up habits that no longer serve you, becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, and why you don't need to have everything figured out before you start. In this episode: How Good Intentions started with just 20 T-shirts Building a business with your brother Working for years before taking a wage The self-doubt that comes with starting something from nothing Donating more than $100,000 to charity along the way Why Aaron stepped away from drinking and partying Learning to get comfortable in front of the camera Why consistency often matters more than having everything figured out The importance of remembering your “why” when things get difficult There isn't always one big moment where everything suddenly works. Sometimes you sell one shirt. Then another. You make mistakes. You learn. You doubt yourself. You come back the next day and try again. And eventually, you look back and realise just how far all those ordinary days have taken you. Follow Episodes of Life, join the community, and if there's something you've been thinking about starting, maybe you don't need to know exactly where it's going. Maybe you just need to keep showing up.

3. 

   24 Sept 2026

   EP13: I Have to Grieve to Move Forward

   Grief doesn’t disappear when you decide to keep living. Sometimes, moving forward means allowing yourself to feel everything you’ve been trying to escape. In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel sits down with Adam McKay to talk about losing his older brother and best friend, Brett, to cancer and trying to figure out what life looks like without him. Brett was only 26 when he died. During his battle with cancer, Adam watched his brother go from someone who rarely showed emotion to openly sharing what he was going through. Brett began documenting his journey online, reaching millions of people and encouraging others to look after their health, speak up and never give up. But while Brett was fighting for his life, Adam was fighting battles of his own. After being cheated on, struggling with his mental health and eventually losing his brother, Adam found himself in places he never thought he’d reach. He turned to alcohol, weed and other ways of escaping what he was feeling. At his lowest, he came close to ending his own life. What stopped him was thinking about the people who would have to find him and later, a promise he made to Brett just days before he died: “I promise that your baby brother’s gonna be okay.” Now Adam is trying to keep that promise. He talks openly about the guilt he feels when he enjoys life without Brett, the reminders that still catch him off guard, the importance of the friends who stayed beside him, and why moving forward doesn't mean leaving his brother behind. In this episode: Losing a brother, best friend and role model at a young age Watching Brett battle cancer and share his story publicly Adam’s own struggle with suicidal thoughts and his decision to stay Using alcohol and drugs to escape grief The guilt that can come with enjoying life after losing someone Why having people who genuinely show up can change everything Carrying Brett’s “never give up” message forward Learning that grieving and moving forward can exist at the same time Adam is still early in his grief. He doesn't pretend to have accepted everything or figured out how to live without Brett. He’s simply trying to keep going, carry his brother with him, and become someone Brett would be proud of. Because sometimes moving forward isn't about letting go. It’s about learning how to carry the person you lost with you. Follow Episodes of Life, join the community, and if you're ready, share your story.

4. 

   18 Sept 2026

   EP12: I Thought I Had Nothing Left

   There was a point where I looked at my life and genuinely thought, what’s left? In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel sits down with Nicholas “Dov” Dob for an incredibly honest conversation about grief, divorce, losing everything, and the long road back to himself. Dov lost his mum to cancer when he was just 17. She was the person he went to when life got difficult, his backstop, his safe place, the person who understood him. When she was gone, he didn't really know what to do with everything he was feeling. So for years, he tried not to feel it. Alcohol became a way to numb the grief. Life moved forward, but the things he hadn't dealt with followed him into relationships, two marriages, fatherhood, business and eventually depression. Then things started falling apart. Two divorces. Businesses lost. Bankruptcy. His father's money gone. Friendships lost. And eventually, becoming estranged from his daughters. Dov reached a point where he didn't want to take his own life, but he remembers hearing about a man dying in an accident and thinking, I wish that was me. That thought scared him. Because he realised just how dark things had become. What followed wasn't some overnight transformation. It was years of uncomfortable, painful work. Joining a men's group despite feeling like he wasn't “manly enough” to belong there. Facing his guilt and shame. Taking responsibility for the mistakes he'd made. Rebuilding his relationship with himself and eventually finding a way to use what he'd lived through to help other people. In this episode: Losing his mum at 17 and struggling to accept she was gone Using alcohol to numb grief and avoid what he was feeling Two divorces, failed businesses and bankruptcy Becoming estranged from his daughters and reaching his darkest point Walking into a men's group terrified he wouldn't belong Facing guilt, shame and the mistakes he'd made Slowly rebuilding his relationship with himself, his family and his life This isn't a story about getting everything right. Dov got things wrong. He hurt people. He lost things he cared about. And there were moments when he couldn't see a way forward. But eventually, he stopped looking outside himself for the answer and started looking inward. Sometimes rebuilding your life starts with admitting just how broken things have become. Follow Episodes of Life, join the community, and if you've ever reached a point where you thought you had nothing left, we hope this conversation reminds you that your story doesn't have to end there.

5. 

   11 Sept 2026

   EP11: I Was Fighting Myself - Ole Hill

   What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your circumstances but the story you've been telling yourself? In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel sits down with hypnotist and mindset coach Ole Hill for an honest conversation about fear, self-doubt, and why so many of us end up fighting ourselves instead of moving forward. Ollie shares the life-changing moment that pushed him to completely rethink his life after watching his dad suffer a heart attack at just 16 years old. From crippling social anxiety to helping people overcome limiting beliefs, he explains why he believes lasting change starts in the subconscious, not just with positive thinking. Along the way, Daniel reflects on his own journey of grief, regret, and learning that no one else could do the work for him. In this episode: Why fear often disguises itself as protection How self-doubt can quietly shape your decisions The difference between struggling and suffering Why your comfort zone can become your biggest limitation Learning to stop fighting yourself and start moving forward Sometimes the hardest battle isn't with the world around you, it's with the voice in your own head. And when you stop believing every negative thought, you create space for a different life. Follow Episodes of Life, join the community, and if this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who might be fighting a battle of their own.

6. 

   4 Sept 2026

   EP10: No More "What Ifs" - Will Peck

   How many dreams stay dreams because we're too afraid to start? In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel sits down with Will Peck, who set himself an extraordinary challenge: to run the entire length of South Korea while raising money for Alzheimer's research. But this conversation isn't really about running. It's about the moment you stop asking "What if?" and decide to find out for yourself. Will opens up about the self-doubt before taking the first step, the brutal months of training, running through snow-covered mountains with injuries, and the strangers who showed him kindness when he needed it most. He also shares why this challenge became deeply personal after watching his grandmother's battle with Alzheimer's and the impact it had on his whole family. As the conversation unfolds, Daniel and Will realise they're both chasing the same thing: a life with fewer regrets. Not because they're fearless. But because they know how quickly life can change. In this episode: Why "what if?" can be the hardest question to live with Running 724 kilometres across South Korea for Alzheimer's research Watching a loved one live with Alzheimer's and the impact on a family How keeping small promises to yourself builds real confidence Finding purpose after reaching a big goal Why the biggest risk is often never trying at all Life doesn't wait until you feel ready. Sometimes all you can do is take the first step, trust yourself, and see where it leads. Follow Episodes of Life, join the community, and if there's something you've been putting off because you're waiting for the perfect moment… maybe this is your reminder that there are no guarantees, only the choice between "what if?" and "I'm glad I tried."

7. 

   28 Aug 2026

   EP09: It Started With One Run - Jahn

   I never set out to run a marathon. I just knew I couldn't keep living the way I was. In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel sits down with Jahn to talk about how one small decision completely changed the direction of his life. What started as a short run to lose a bit of weight slowly became something much bigger. Running gave Jan a reason to get out of bed early, a new routine to commit to, and eventually a healthier relationship with himself. This isn't a conversation about becoming an elite athlete. It's about what happens when you stop waiting for your life to change and start making small choices that move you in a better direction. Jan also opens up about his relationship with alcohol, losing friends to suicide, the connection between physical movement and mental health, and why so many men still struggle to ask for help. There's no magic formula here. Just an honest reminder that change doesn't usually happen all at once. Sometimes it starts with one run. In this episode: How one run became a completely different lifestyle Finding a healthier relationship with alcohol Why movement became a lifeline for Jan's mental health Losing friends to suicide and the importance of checking in The power of routines, consistency, and small daily changes Why you don't have to change everything to change your life You don't have to run a marathon. You don't have to quit everything overnight. Sometimes the biggest changes begin with the smallest decision. Follow Episodes of Life, join the community, and if you've been waiting for the right time to make a change, maybe today is enough to take that first step.

8. 

   21 Aug 2026

   EP08: I Didn't Want to Be Powerless Again - Dylan Andrews

   I spent a lot of my life reacting to the world around me. In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel sits down with former UFC fighter and coach Dylan Andrews for one of the most honest conversations yet. Dylan opens up about growing up in an environment that left him feeling isolated, bullied, and constantly on edge. Looking back, he doesn't see anger as the thing that drove him, he sees fear. Fear of being powerless. Fear of losing control. Fear of going back to the life he came from. That fear became the fuel behind everything. From working full-time while training twice a day, to flying across the world four separate times just for a chance to earn a place on The Ultimate Fighter, Dylan shares what it really took to chase a dream that most people would have walked away from long before it became reality. But this conversation goes far beyond fighting. It's about the version of ourselves we create just to survive. The walls we build. The stories we carry. And what happens when we realise those survival instincts don't have to control the rest of our lives. In this episode: Growing up with fear, isolation, and bullying Why discipline became Dylan's way of taking back control The setbacks, rejection, and persistence behind reaching the UFC Learning to let go of the version of yourself that was built to survive Why trauma can shape you without defining you Building stronger people, not just better fighters "The villain kept me safe... but eventually I realised I didn't need him to run my life anymore." That moment captures the heart of this conversation. It's about recognizing the parts of yourself that helped you survive and having the courage to grow beyond them. If you've ever felt like your past has been calling the shots... If you've ever built walls just to protect yourself... If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to become more than what happened to you... This conversation is for you. Follow Episodes of Life, join the community, and if you're ready, share your story. Because sometimes the strongest thing we can do isn't proving we're tough, it's being honest about why we had to be.

9. 

   14 Aug 2026

   EP07: I Thought My Dream Was Over - Jonathan Olejnik

   I thought I'd finally got my chance. Then everything changed in twelve minutes. In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel sits down with Jonathan Olejnik to talk about the moments that completely changed the direction of his life. At just 17 years old, Jonathan was on the verge of breaking through. A football scout was in the crowd. He scored the goal. Then, moments later, he broke his leg. After months of recovery, he returned too soon, only for history to repeat itself. What followed wasn't just the loss of a football career. It was the loss of the future he'd imagined. Jonathan opens up about the years that came after, turning to partying, searching for purpose, and slowly rebuilding a new identity. He also shares the heartbreaking story of losing his brother unexpectedly to cancer while living on the other side of the world, and why bottling up his grief only pushed the pain onto the people closest to him. Together, Daniel and Jonathan talk honestly about setbacks, grief, identity, and the pressure so many men feel to keep everything inside. This isn't a conversation about having all the answers. It's about what happens when life forces you to become someone you never planned to be. In this episode: The injury that changed Jonathan's future overnight Losing the identity he'd built through football The hidden cost of bottling up grief Losing his brother while living overseas Finding a new purpose through coaching and helping others Why setbacks can become the beginning of something new Some dreams end before we're ready. But that doesn't mean our story ends with them. Follow Episodes of Life, join the community, and if you've ever felt like life took away the future you were working towards, we hope this conversation reminds you that it's never too late to find a new path.

10. 

    7 Aug 2026

    EP06: The Only Thing I'm Afraid Of Is Regret - Ian Dowling

    What would you do if the only thing you were truly afraid of was looking back and wishing you'd tried? In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel sits down with comedian Ian Dowling, who's about to set off on an extraordinary journey — cycling 16,000 kilometres around Australia, performing stand-up comedy in towns across the country, and raising money for Orange Sky along the way. But this conversation isn't really about bikes. It's about taking chances before life gives you another reason not to. Ian opens up about the fear of stepping onto a stage for the first time, bombing in front of strangers, questioning himself after tough gigs, and why he'd rather fail chasing something he loves than spend the rest of his life wondering, "What if?" Together, Daniel and Ian talk about resilience, trusting your instincts, learning through failure, and why some of the hardest moments often become the stories that shape us. They also explore the value of doing things that scare you, embracing uncertainty, and finding purpose in helping others. Sometimes the biggest risk isn't trying. It's never finding out what could've happened if you did. In this episode: Why regret can be a bigger fear than failure Taking the leap before you feel ready What stand-up comedy taught Ian about resilience Trusting your instincts instead of your fears Why challenge and discomfort often lead to growth The story behind Ian's 16,000km comedy tour for Orange Sky Life doesn't come with guarantees. You won't always know if people will show up. You won't always know if you'll succeed. You won't always know where the road leads. But sometimes, the only way to find out is to take the first step. Follow Episodes of Life, join the community, and if this conversation reminds you of something you've been putting off, maybe this is the reminder you needed to stop waiting and start living.

11. 

    7 Aug 2026

    EP05: It's Time to Put the Rocks Down - Jack Corbett

    For a long time, I thought carrying the weight was part of the punishment. In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel sits down with entrepreneur, husband, father, and mentor Jack Corbett for a conversation that goes far beyond business. What starts as a discussion about mental health quickly turns into something much deeper, addiction, masculinity, accountability, purpose, and the stories we tell ourselves about why we can't move forward. Jack shares his own experiences with drugs, alcohol, growing up around chaos, and the mindset shifts that helped him build a different life. Along the way, he challenges Daniel on some of the beliefs he's been carrying for years. The guilt. The excuses. The backpack full of rocks. This isn't an interview where everything gets neatly wrapped up. It's an honest conversation between two men trying to make sense of their experiences and figure out what comes next. In this episode: Why vulnerability is harder than most people think The hidden weight of guilt and self-blame Addiction, escapism, and learning to be intentional Why asking for help isn't weakness The difference between surviving and actually moving forward Letting go of the things that no longer serve you One of the most powerful moments in this conversation is the idea that we all carry things that once made sense to hold onto—but eventually become the very things slowing us down. Maybe healing isn't about forgetting. Maybe it's about deciding what you're ready to stop carrying. Follow the podcast, join the community, and if you're ready, share your story. Someone out there might need to hear it.

12. 

    18 Apr 2026

    EP04: I Moved Countries But Grief Didn't Stay Behind

    I thought moving would fix it… but it doesn’t really work like that. In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel talks about what came after everything, leaving home, moving to Australia, and trying to start again. But the truth is, no matter how far you go, you take it with you. He opens up about the reality of that fresh start. The part no one really talks about. Still thinking about Lydia every day. Still carrying the guilt. Still questioning everything even when life starts to look “better” on the outside. This is also where things begin to shift. Daniel shares what it was like letting someone in again, and how hard that actually was. The fear that it could all happen again. The feeling that he didn’t deserve to be happy. And the ways he would push people away without even realizing it. It’s not a clean turning point. It’s messy, uncertain, and honest. But for the first time, it’s not just about escaping anymore; it’s about trying to live with it. In this episode: Moving across the world for a fresh start Realizing you can’t run from what’s in your head The fear of loving someone again Feeling like you don’t deserve to be happy Learning to slowly let your guard down I still think about her every day. That hasn’t changed. But maybe the way I live with it is starting to. Follow the podcast, join the community, and if you’re ready, share your story.

13. 

    18 Apr 2026

    EP03: I Just Kept Going Until I Felt Nothing

    I didn’t know how to deal with it… so I tried not to feel it at all. In this episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel opens up about the period where everything started to spiral. The nights out that went too far. The drinking, the drugs, the moments he doesn’t fully remember and the ones he wishes he could forget. This is the part of grief that doesn’t always get talked about. Not the sadness, but the escape. The self-destruction. The point where you stop caring what happens to you. Daniel shares what it was really like during that time, becoming someone his friends had to look after, pushing things too far again and again, and trying to shut his mind off any way he could. Until something forced it to stop. This episode also explores the unexpected turning point when everything slowed down, and for the first time, he had to actually sit with what he’d been avoiding. In this episode: Using alcohol and drugs to numb the pain Losing control and not knowing when to stop The impact it had on friendships and family Moments of regret that still stick The turning point that forced everything to slow down If you’ve ever tried to outrun what you’re feeling… If you’ve ever gone too far just to switch your mind off… If you’ve ever looked back and not recognized yourself… You’ll understand this one. Follow the podcast, join the community and when you’re ready, share your story.

14. 

    18 Apr 2026

    EP02: What's Even Real Anymore

    Life didn’t stop. It just stopped feeling real. In the 2nd episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel picks up where everything left off, the days and weeks after Lydia’s death, when the world slowly returned to normal for everyone else… but not for him. He talks about what that actually felt like. Going back to work too soon, breaking down when reality finally hit, being surrounded by people but feeling completely alone... and the quiet weight of guilt that didn’t go away. This isn’t the part people see. It’s the part people live through. Daniel opens up about the numbness, the pressure to be “okay,” and the moments where his mind went to some dark places, not because he wanted to die, but because he didn’t know how to live with what had happened. If you’ve ever felt left behind while the world kept moving… If you’ve ever smiled around people but felt empty inside… If you’ve ever just been getting through the day… This one will hit close.

15. 

    18 Apr 2026

    EP01: The Night that Changed Everything

    The Night that Changed Everything. In this first episode of Episodes of Life, Daniel Buckner shares the story he’s been holding onto for years, starting with who Lydia was, the life they were building together and the kind of love that felt simple and real. What begins as a normal Friday night slowly turns into the moment that changed his life forever. Daniel walks through that night as it happened; the small details, the conversations, the drive and the moment he realised something wasn’t right. There’s no filter here. Just honesty. This episode isn’t about trying to explain grief. It’s about sitting in it, in the shock, the confusion and the thoughts that don’t leave you. If you’ve ever gone over a moment again and again in your head… If you’ve ever wished you could go back and change something… If you’ve ever lost someone and didn’t know how to carry it… This episode will stay with you.

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.