Stories that Stir delivers raw and personal stories relating to specific themes, as told by incredible humans from all walks of life. The stories are recorded live in front of an audience at the monthly Sydney based ‘Stories that Stir’ event, which was created to break down barriers, stir conversation and inspire positive change.
Host application form: https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 (https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6)
Speaker application form: https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 (https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29)
Social media handles: @storiesthatstir
Event links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/events (https://www.storiesthatstir.com/events)
Website: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/ (https://www.storiesthatstir.com/)
Karen’s life took a completely unexpected turn when she fell in love with her female colleague, leading to the heart-wrenching decision to end her ten-year marriage to a man she still deeply cared for.
After bravely choosing to follow her truth, she and her soulmate, Aarathi, built a vibrant life together—launching a dream business and bringing two beautiful children into the world.
But their fairytale was tragically shattered when Aarathi was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer at just thirty-six years old.
Forced to navigate devastating grief and the harsh reality of single motherhood, Karen slowly learned how to rebuild her world. By staying stubbornly curious and leaning into new experiences, she discovered profound inner resilience—and realized that actively seeking joy is the most powerful way to honor the love they shared.
1 Oct 2026
The Brother I Didn't Know - Jennifer Chate
Host application form: https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 (https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6)
Speaker application form: https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 (https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29)
Social media handles: @storiesthatstir
Event links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/events (https://www.storiesthatstir.com/events)
Website: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/ (https://www.storiesthatstir.com/)
Raised in constant unpredictability by a mother battling severe schizophrenia, a five-year-old Jenny was told her little brother Paulie simply no longer existed.
Years later, she discovered he was alive and living in a facility with severe cerebral palsy, prompting her to immediately step up as his fiercest advocate and guardian.
Despite extreme physical limitations, Paulie taught Jenny profound, life-altering lessons about resilience, humor, and the immeasurable value of being loved deeply just for who you are.
20 Aug 2026
Facing the Past - Gina Thomas
Host application form: https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6 (https://forms.gle/eGNUbdpR72EnrtkX6)
Speaker application form: https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29 (https://forms.gle/9fpJTcsf1Fz9cFC29)
Social media handles: @storiesthatstir
Event links: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/events (https://www.storiesthatstir.com/events)
Website: https://www.storiesthatstir.com/ (https://www.storiesthatstir.com/)
Gina spent her childhood protecting her younger siblings while navigating the terrifying, unpredictable reality of her mother's severe mental illness.
After escaping to a stable life, she spent decades avoiding the woman who caused her so much pain—until a devastating breakup forced her to finally confront her deepest childhood wounds.
Meeting her mother face-to-face at a pub to speak her truth, Gina embarked on an ongoing, complex journey of forgiveness, discovering that letting go of resentment is the ultimate key to freedom.
Who has been a guest on Stories that Stir
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Petra Williams
Campbell Willson
Amanda Anderson
Roger Vertannes
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
4,818,331
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
4.6 / 5
25 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 72 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
74
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
85
Contact Stories that Stir
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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