How I Survived

Robbed Of Her Childhood: Bek Condello On Escaping A Cult

What if leaving your faith meant losing everyone you'd ever loved? CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains themes of childhood abuse, physical punishment, sexual trauma and coercive control. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call 000. For confidential 24/7 crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. Support is also available through Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or at beyondblue.org.au. A special bonus series for How I Survived listeners! We’re bringing you some of the best stories of survival from Marie Claire's podcast, You’re Gonna Want To Hear This. From extraordinary stories of survival and resilience to raw, intimate conversations about style, substance and the moments that change us, these are the stories you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished listening. If you love How I Survived, you’re gonna to want to hear this. And if you like what you hear, head over to You’re Gonna Want To Hear This wherever you listen to or watch your podcasts. Find, follow, subscribe or hit the + on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube, and you’ll get a brand-new episode in your feed every Thursday morning. What if leaving your faith meant losing everyone you'd ever loved? This week on You're Gonna Want To Hear This, Marie Claire Australia Editor Georgie McCourt speaks with author Bek Condello about her extraordinary journey out of one of Australia's most controlling Pentecostal churches. Raised inside the Geelong Revival Centre, Bek grew up believing the outside world was dangerous. Every aspect of life, from education and friendships to marriage and work was dictated by church leaders. Curiosity was discouraged, obedience was demanded, and fear shaped almost every decision. In this deeply personal conversation, Bek reflects on the childhood she now recognises as abusive, the lasting impact of religious trauma and the heartbreaking reality that leaving meant losing her family, community and identity. She also opens up about purity culture, consent, body shame, marrying to escape one form of control only to enter another, and the years it took to trust herself and build a life on her own terms. Today, Bek has transformed unimaginable loss into purpose. As the state of Victoria investigates high-control religious groups, she explains why sharing her story has become about much more than personal healing... it's about helping others recognise coercion, reclaim their autonomy and know they're not alone. This episode covers: Growing up inside the Geelong Revival Centre How high-control religions shape identity Religious trauma and childhood abuse The psychological impact of fear-based faith Purity culture, consent and bodily autonomy Escaping a controlling church Rebuilding life after leaving a cult Learning to trust yourself again Why leaving is a process, not a single moment Bek's advocacy for survivors of coercive religious groups Can You Handle a Girl Like Me? by Bek Condello is available from mid-July. Stay up to date with Marie Claire Australia on Instagram 🎧 Listen to You're Gonna Want to Hear This and follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 👀 Watch and subscribe to You're Gonna Want to Hear This on YouTube 📺 for full episodes and clips. Credits: Host Georgie McCourt Edited by Leah Porges Head of Vodcasting Rachel Fountain With thanks to our amazing team at Marie Claire Learn More: You're Gonna Want to Hear This is a production of Marie Claire and Are Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Stephanie Browitt: “I Survived the Volcano. Half My Family Didn’t.”

Could you survive a volcanic eruption? It's a question Stephanie Browitt never thought she'd have to answer. And yet in 2019, a volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s White Island changed Stephanie's life forever. At just 23, she suffered burns to 70 per cent of her body and lost her younger sister, Krystal, and her father, Paul, in the tragedy. Seven years later, she's written a book about it. Out Of The Ashes has just been published, co-written with her mother Marie. A special bonus series for How I Survived listeners! We’re bringing you some of the best stories of survival from Marie Claire's podcast, You’re Gonna Want To Hear This. From extraordinary stories of survival and resilience to raw, intimate conversations about style, substance and the moments that change us, these are the stories you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished listening. If you love How I Survived, you’re gonna to want to hear this. And if you like what you hear, head over to You’re Gonna Want To Hear This wherever you listen to or watch your podcasts. Find, follow, subscribe or hit the + on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube, and you’ll get a brand-new episode in your feed every Thursday morning. In this episode of marie claire's podcast You’re Gonna Want To Hear This, Stephanie shares, in extraordinary detail, what it felt like to be caught in the eruption - the moment she heard the bang, the fight to stay conscious, and the thought that kept her alive - getting back to her mum.What you'll hear is a deeply moving conversation about survival, grief, and recovery. Stephanie speaks openly about the physical and emotional toll of her injuries, the long road back, and the moment she had to relearn how to see love again. Today, she is an advocate for body positivity and resilience, using her story to challenge perceptions of beauty, strength, and what it means to rebuild a life after unimaginable loss. This episode is confronting, powerful, and ultimately, a story about love.In this episode, we discuss: The moment the White Island volcano erupted The fight to stay conscious and survive The loss of Stephanie’s father and sister The role of her mother in her survival and recovery The realities of burn recovery and rehabilitation Body image, identity, and learning to live with scars Grief, resilience, and rebuilding a life Listen now wherever you get your podcasts Follow You’re Gonna Want To Hear This for new episodes every week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Day I Learned My Stepdad Was A Child Killer - Sherele Moody

What does it mean to put a name and a story to every woman and child lost to violence? For more than a decade, journalist and activist Sherele Moody has been documenting the lives behind the statistics, creating a record of Australia’s femicides through Australian Femicide Watch and the Red Heart Movement. But this isn’t just advocacy for Sherele, it’s very personal. A special bonus series for How I Survived listeners! We’re bringing you some of the best stories of survival from Marie Claire's podcast, You’re Gonna Want To Hear This. From extraordinary stories of survival and resilience to raw, intimate conversations about style, substance and the moments that change us, these are the stories you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished listening. If you love How I Survived, you’re gonna to want to hear this. And if you like what you hear, head over to You’re Gonna Want To Hear This wherever you listen to or watch your podcasts. Find, follow, subscribe or hit the + on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube, and you’ll get a brand-new episode in your feed every Thursday morning. This week on You're Gonna Want To Hear This, Marie Claire Australia Editor Georgie McCourt is joined by Sherele Moody to share the story that changed her life - the moment she discovered her stepfather was responsible for the murder of two young girls. A revelation that would go on to shape her life’s work. From a childhood marked by abuse and instability, to building one of the most significant databases of violence against women in Australia, Sherele speaks with unflinching honesty about trauma, survival, and the cost of speaking out. She also unpacks the systemic failures that continue to put women at risk - and why the question isn’t why women stay, but why it remains so difficult to leave. This episode covers: The personal story behind Sherele’s activism The reality of femicide in Australia - and what the numbers miss Why domestic violence systems are failing women The emotional toll of documenting over 3,000 deaths How community, connection and action can drive change If this conversation raises issues for you, support is available. In Australia, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14). To find out more about Sherele's work, go to australianfemicidewatch.org 🎧 Listen now to You’re Gonna Want To Hear This 🎧 👀 Watch You’re Gonna Want to Hear This on YouTube 📺 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jess Denham: The Story She Was Never Allowed To Tell

What if the person who was meant to protect you was the one you needed protection from? This is a story of survival, resilience and reclaiming your voice after years of being silenced. Jess also speaks publicly for the first time about living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), sharing what it's really like to live with a condition that is so often misunderstood. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains themes of childhood abuse and coercive control. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call 000. For confidential 24/7 crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. Support is also available through Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or at beyondblue.org.au. A special bonus series for How I Survived listeners! We’re bringing you some of the best stories of survival from Marie Claire's podcast, You’re Gonna Want To Hear This. From extraordinary stories of survival and resilience to raw, intimate conversations about style, substance and the moments that change us, these are the stories you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished listening. If you love How I Survived, you’re gonna to want to hear this. And if you like what you hear, head over to You’re Gonna Want To Hear This wherever you listen to or watch your podcasts. Find, follow, subscribe or hit the + on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube, and you’ll get a brand-new episode in your feed every Thursday morning. This week on You're Gonna Want To Hear This, Marie Claire Australia Editor Georgie McCourt speaks with world champion runner Jess Denham, who is telling her story publicly after years of being unable to do so. Raised in isolation and controlled by her parents, Jess appeared to be a sporting prodigy. But behind closed doors, she was enduring unimaginable abuse. Today, both of her parents are in prison for those crimes. In this deeply personal conversation, Jess also shares why she's fighting for stronger protections for survivors and helping change the way Australia responds to sexual violence. This episode covers: Growing up as a homeschooled child prodigy under total parental control Living a hidden double life as a champion runner while surviving abuse Isolation as a tool of abuse and why escape felt impossible Finding the courage to report abuse to police Living with dissociative identity disorder (DID) and dismantling the stigma around it How trauma shapes the brain and body in survival mode Rebuilding trust, identity and community after a lifetime of betrayal Healing through art and creative expression The fight against victim-blaming and sensationalized media reporting Advocating for stronger protection of survivors' counseling records A message of hope for survivors: "you're not your worst chapter" Stay up to date with Marie Claire Australia on Instagram 🎧 Listen to You're Gonna Want to Hear This and follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 👀 Watch and subscribe to You're Gonna Want to Hear This on YouTube 📺 for full episodes and clips. Credits: Host Georgie McCourt Edited by Helen Smith Head of Vodcasting Rachel Fountain With thanks to our amazing team at Marie Claire You're Gonna Want to Hear This is a production of Marie Claire and Are Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Charlie Verco: He Paddled Towards The Shark To Save Her

When everyone else swam for shore, Charlie Verco paddled the other way: straight towards a great white shark. On a clear, busy Saturday morning at Coogee Beach in June 2026, the 25-year-old surf lifesaver and elite board paddler was training when a woman, Leah Stewart, was attacked just ahead of him. What he did next made headlines around the world. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains detailed descriptions of a shark attack and serious injury that some listeners may find distressing. A special bonus series for How I Survived listeners! We’re bringing you some of the best stories of survival from Marie Claire's podcast, You’re Gonna Want To Hear This. From extraordinary stories of survival and resilience to raw, intimate conversations about style, substance and the moments that change us, these are the stories you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished listening. If you love How I Survived, you’re gonna to want to hear this. And if you like what you hear, head over to You’re Gonna Want To Hear This wherever you listen to or watch your podcasts. Find, follow, subscribe or hit the + on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube, and you’ll get a brand-new episode in your feed every Thursday morning. More on Charlie Verco's incredible story of courage: Charlie grew up a North Bondi nipper and is now one of the country’s best ocean paddlers, the youngest ever winner of the Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard World Championships. In this conversation he walks Marie Claire Editor Georgie McCourt through the rescue minute by minute: reading the shark’s behaviour, the moment Leah was dragged under, towing her to shore one-armed when she lost consciousness, and the lifeguards and paramedics whose training saved her life on the sand. It is a story about courage, but Charlie is uneasy with the word hero. He talks honestly about fear, adrenaline and imposter syndrome, how surf lifesaving and sport trained him to think under extreme stress, what a shark expert later told him, and why he is now urging two things: better shark safety on Australian beaches, and for people to donate blood. In this conversation, Charlie Verco joins Marie Claire Editor Georgie McCourt to talk about the Coogee Beach shark attack, what it takes to act in a crisis, fear of the ocean, surf life saving, and why blood donation saves lives. This episode covers: The Coogee Beach great white shark attack: what Charlie Verco saw on Saturday 13 June 2026 Why he paddled towards the shark instead of swimming to safety What it is like to come face to face with a great white shark How surf lifesaving training and Ironman racing prepared him to act under extreme stress Towing an unconscious woman to shore one-armed on a paddleboard What a shark expert later told him about great white behaviour The beach response: tourniquets, lifeguards and the teamwork that saved a life Managing fear, adrenaline and the shakes after a traumatic rescue Going back into the ocean: how Charlie feels about the water now Shark safety in Australia: drones, detection and what he thinks needs to change On being called a hero, and the imposter syndrome that comes with it Why he is urging Australians to donate blood, especially O negative If this conversation raises issues for you, support is available. In Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support. To support the cause Charlie raises in this episode, you can donate blood through Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (O negative is especially needed in emergencies). Donate blood (Australian Red Cross Lifeblood): https://www.lifeblood.com.au Support Leah Stewart (family GoFundMe): https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-leah-stewart-victim-of-shark-attack-in-coogee Follow Charlie Verco on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/char1ieverco/ 🎧 Listen to You’re Gonna Want to Hear This and follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/youre-gonna-want-to-hear-this/id1849312864 Listen and follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vsxq2nZIMJLnywOXfuxqZ 👀 Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marieclaireau Credits: Host: Marie Claire Editor Georgie McCourt Supervising Producer: Leah Porges Head of Vodcasting: Rachel Fountain Learn More: You’re Gonna Want to Hear This is a production of Marie Claire and Are Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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BONUS: You’re Gonna Want To Hear This — Stories of Survival

A special bonus series for How I Survived listeners! We’re bringing you some of the best stories of survival from Marie Claire's podcast, You’re Gonna Want To Hear This. From extraordinary stories of survival and resilience to raw, intimate conversations about style, substance and the moments that change us, these are the stories you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished listening. If you love How I Survived, you’re gonna to want to hear this. And if you like what you hear, head over to You’re Gonna Want To Hear This wherever you listen to or watch your podcasts. Find, follow, subscribe or hit the + on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube, and you’ll get a brand-new episode in your feed every Thursday morning. Stay up to date with Marie Claire Australia on Instagram 🎧 Listen to You're Gonna Want to Hear This and follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 👀 Watch and subscribe to You're Gonna Want to Hear This on YouTube 📺 for full episodes and clips. You're Gonna Want to Hear This is a production of Marie Claire and Are Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Ordinary Day Turned Violent - This Is Chloe & Christine's Story Of Survival

You've been patiently waiting on new episodes of How I Survived, so please accept this little treat from us! On Marie Claire Australia's podcast, You're Gonna Want to Hear This, you'll hear extraordinary stories of style, substance and survival. If you like this incredible episode, just pop on over to wherever you like to listen to or watch your podcasts to binge the Marie Claire's incredible back catalogue. Find, follow, subscribe or hit the + on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube and you'll get a new episode in your feed every Thursday morning. And now to Chloe & Christine's incredible story: On an ordinary morning in a Sydney apartment building, Chloe and Christine - two neighbours who barely knew each other - were violently attacked by a stranger inside their own homes.Christine, a wellness therapist and yoga teacher, had just stepped into the shared laundry. Chloe, a photographer and mother of three, was working at her desk with her front door slightly open. Within minutes, both women were assaulted in separate random encounters by the same man - a dentist called Steven Lin from the Central Coast who has later shot dead by police. In this deeply confronting conversation, they share what happened, how they survived, and what recovery looks like just two weeks later. Their stories are raw, powerful, and ultimately grounded in resilience, instinct, and the unexpected strength that emerges in moments of crisis. In this episode Two parallel attacks unfold inside the same apartment building The moment instinct takes over: fight, survival, and split-second decisions What trauma feels like in the immediate aftermath The emotional and physical road to recovery Community support, kindness, and unexpected connection The reality of women’s safety - even inside the home Where the system is falling short, and what needs to change Support and resources If this episode raises anything for you, support is available: 1800RESPECT (Australia) Lifeline – 13 11 14 In an emergency, call 000 Support Chloe and Christine Links to support Chloe and Christine during their recovery are below: https://www.gofundme.com/f/violence-survivor-support-chloes-recovery https://www.gofundme.com/f/surviving-violence-please-support-christines-recovery See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trapped in the desert for THREE NIGHTS

Setting off to hike to the Lost Palms Oasis, hidden deep within the Joshua Tree National Park, 35-year-old Kiwi Claire Nelson couldn't wait to immerse herself in the Californian desert's otherworldly beauty. She had everything she needed for the four-hour hike, including plenty of water. She'd even left an extra bottle in the car for when she got back. But, in the blazing hot desert, she'd need every single drop... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I wrestled a CROCODILE for 25 minutes"

It was a steaming hot March afternoon in Weipa, a mining town on the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Australia. At a safety course, 28-year-old mine worker Todd Bairstow couldn't wait to knock off, treat himself to an ice-cold beer and go fishing. But, finishing up and trudging down to the creek with his little puppy running alongside him, they weren't completely alone. See, crocodiles lurked in the murky waters... *Thinking of you all, and hope you're staying safe and well in spite of everything Covid-19 is throwing at us. Lots of love from the HIS team. x Interview/script/host: Beth Young Producer: Jake Taylor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crushed in an erupting volcano

*Quick note: We're working from home due to Covid-19, so this podcast is coming to you from Beth's wardrobe. Enjoy, and we hope you're all staying safe and sound. Lots of love, the HIS team xxx Heaving his massive backpack on, 22-year-old Kiwi William Pike was itching to get up the mountain. He and his mate James Christie - who he'd met at uni while studying to be a primary school teacher - were about to conquer Mt Ruapehu, on New Zealand's north island. It was James' first taste of mountaineering and William couldn't wait to introduce his friend to the sport that he was so mad about. Over a week, the lads planned to climb the mountain's three major peaks - the highest soaring nearly 3000m above sea level. They had all the right gear, the weather forecast was good, but there was another factor that was completely beyond their control - Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano. But, checking in with the local authorities before setting off, they said there was no sign that it was about to erupt... Interview/script/host: Beth Young Producer: Jake Taylor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A stranger stabbed me, then stole my baby

With the TV murmuring softly in the background, Desiree Page, 39, relaxed back into the reclining sofa, cuddling her 13-month-old son Cory. It was late at night, and her husband Gary, a long-haul charter bus driver, was away for work. Usually, Desiree would religiously lock every door and window before she went to bed. But, with her sleeping son in her arms, she dozed off. A sound sleeper, she didn't hear a peep as a stranger stealthily broke into her home. Suddenly, someone was tugging on Desiree's leg, shaking her awake. Interview/scriptwriter/host: Beth Young/Producer: Jake Taylor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UPDATE: "My husband tried to gas me to death"

When Pepita Nicholls asked her husband of 18 years, Robert Ridgeway, for a divorce, he hatched a dark plan to get revenge. Now, there's been an update in Pepita's incredible story... Host: Beth Young/Interview: Riah Matthews/Producer: Denis Duggan *Police interview published with permission from Queensland Police. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hang-gliding horror: "I wasn't attached!"

It was a sunny, crisp winter's day in Interlaken, Switzerland, and Florida couple Chris and Gail Gursky, married for 26 years and parents to a grown-up son, had the perfect plan to get their hearts pumping - hang-gliding over the gorgeous terrain. They loved zip-lining. Now, it was time to up the ante. And they were keen to get started - it was their first day on holidays. The instructor strapped Chris in, then they ran off the edge of the cliff together. But as soon as Chris' feet left the ground, his body sank straight down and he knew something was terribly wrong. Horrifyingly, his harness hadn't been strapped on properly. He wasn't attached. And he was hurtling well above the trees. This is how Chris survived... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I was bashed with a baseball bat"

A devoted single mum-of-three, Simone O'Brien, then 37, was looking for love. She'd been divorced amicably from her ex, the kids' dad Trevor, for more than four years. But, working two jobs to make ends meet, and ferrying her kids between school, basketball and playdates didn't leave much time for romance. So, she decided to try online dating. Meeting a successful 42-year-old real estate agent named Glenn Cable, they hit it off and went out on a date. Their relationship quickly grew. A perfect gentleman, Glenn showered Simone with compliments and flowers, and he was great with her kids, especially Simone's youngest, Zac. But was he too good to be true? Soon, red flags began to appear, and Simone decided to call off the relationship. She thought she'd never see Glenn again. But she was wrong. He was about to reveal his true colours... Interviewer/scriptwriter/host: Beth Young Producer: Jake Taylor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe woke up without a penis

Knocking off after a hard day of work as a labourer, 32-year-old Joe Green, from Indiana, in the United States, was looking forward to an icy cold beer. Meeting his mum and brother for dinner and drinks, he planned to head home around 10pm. Instead, he dropped off at another bar and kept drinking. One led to another, and by 2am Joe had lost track of how much alcohol he'd consumed. Recklessly deciding to drive home, he fell asleep behind the wheel. Waking up in hospital a fortnight later, his legs had been amputated. And his penis. This is how Joe survived. Interviewer/scriptwriter/host: Beth Young Producer: Jake Taylor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back next week....

Season 4 of How I Survived is back on the 25th of February. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BEST OF: The 3-year-old lost in the bush for 17 hours

You're listening to the Best Of series of How I Survived...We'll be back soon with season 4. When Leisa Bennett couldn't be there for her three-year-old granddaughter Aurora, Max the dog stepped in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BEST OF: Bill sliced his face off with a chainsaw

You're listening to the Best Of series of How I Survived...We'll be back soon with season 4. Victorian grandpa Bill Singleton, 70, was working in the bush when horror struck. He'd accidentally sliced his face while cutting wood. He joins Beth to share his story... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BEST OF: The surgeon stabbed in his own hospital

You're listening to the Best Of series of How I Survived...We'll be back soon with season 4. Victorian neurosurgeon Dr Michael Wong was stabbed at the hospital where he worked 14 times by a former patient, Kareem Al-Salami. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiffany fell down a waterfall

At the age of 21, Tiffany Johnson was having the time of her life. Travelling Europe on a Contiki tour, she was waking up in a new place almost every day and making incredible friends along the way. It was July 1999 and her tour had stopped in the beautiful tourist town of Interlaken in Switzerland. Surrounded by the Alps, Interlaken was a world away from the family farm in Australia where Tiffany had grown up. To experience the mountains as closely as she could, Tiffany decided to take part in canyoning as an extra-curricular activity. She had no idea her once-in-a-lifetime trip would end in tragedy. This is how Tiffany survived the worst day of her life... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.