#36 with Bardie Somerville: ‘The Seasons of Life and Death: Go Toward Life but Recognise Death’

It's been a bit of a hiatus for The Ebbs and The Flows but the show is back with a guest, and this is a thought-provoking, challenging and bloody fascinating chat with tradie, businesswoman and advocate Bardie Somerville. There are some heavy themes relating to suicide in this episode, but we do tread lightly.

The reason I titled this: ‘The Seasons of Life and Death: Go Toward Life but Recognise Death’ is because Bardie referenced this line during her 'Note To Self', which is a gorgeous look at the seasons of our lives, and we had a robust discussion about death. We delve into how trauma affects the self, but just as much how it has spurred on Bardie to live every day like it is her last. There are confronting elements to the chat, but there is so much raw beauty, delightful honesty and her trademark sense of humour and overpowering lust for life.

A chat I thoroughly enjoyed, and reckon you will too. Check it out on most podcast platforms. Give us a follow, get in touch. All of the stuff.

Weird Fishes: (from 45 mins on)
Song/Album: Burn Your Name - Powderfinger
Film: Sound of Music
Book: Atlas of The Heart - Brene Brown
Local Recommendation: Oliver’s Hill Runclub

Check out Bardie's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bards.builds/

At the end of the day, we're all just a work in progress.

The Ebbs and the Flows is an emotional health movement focused on openness and transparency about the light and the shade of the lives we led and journeys we encounter. The Ebbs and the Flows is not a licensed mental health service and therefore if you are seeking mental health advice, assessment or treatment, you should seek expert advice with a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

For those struggling, or who know somebody who is, help is available:

@lifelineaustralia 13 11 14

@beyondblueofficial 1300 22 4636

1800-RESPECT (1800 737 732)

@headspace_aus 1800 650 890

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For advice specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people @13yarn 13 92 76

For LGBTQIA+ specific advice @qlife_aus

1800 184 527

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At the end of the day, we are all just a work in progress.