Wild Heart

Welcome to the very first episode of the Wild Heart Podcast - a new chapter born from the evolution of Rewild You.Hannah Rae is joined by her co-host, co-founder, and neighbour-turned-business-partner Peta Adie, as they share the origin story of Wild Heart and the big vision that’s been taking shape in a tiny town on the edge of Fiordland National Park:A shared belief in the power of wild places, meaningful challenge, and women coming together to reconnect - with nature, with each other, and with themselves.Together, Hannah and Peta explore:* The evolution from Rewild You to Wild Heart - what’s changing, what’s staying, and why this next chapter matters* How a chance move to Manapouri and conversations over the fence led to co-creating Wild Heart together* The magic of multi-day women’s adventures - clarity, confidence, sisterhood, and feeling “unstuck”* Burnout, courage, and choosing a different path - listening to your body and backing yourself* What “wild” really means in this chapter of life: freedom, agency, and living in alignment* What to expect from Wild Heart experiences - from backcountry hut missions to bougie-meets-wild day adventures* Why access, community, and education matter, not just adventure for adventure’s sakeThis episode is raw, conversational, and full of heart - complete with laughter, tangents, and honest reflections. It sets the tone for what this podcast will continue to be: real stories, emotional honesty, a touch of humour, and a deep respect for the wild places (inside and out) that shape us.Whether you’re a long-time Rewild You listener or brand new here, we’re so glad you’re here!Connect with Wild Heart🌿 Website: https://www.wildheartnewzealand.com/📩 Join the email list: https://wildheartnz.myflodesk.com/join-us Stay wild, stay informed - all our adventures, retreats, events, and podcasts.📸 Instagram: @wildheartnz🎙 Leave us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/wildheartWe’d love to hear from you - episode ideas, reflections, guest suggestions, or just to say hi.KeywordsWild Heart, women’s adventure, Fiordland, personal growth, clarity, burnout recovery, community, outdoor experiences, women in the outdoors, life transitions, courage, freedom This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildheartnz.substack.com

In this soul-stirring episode, memoirist and book coach Tanja Pajevic joins Hannah for a rich and tender conversation about grief, healing, intergenerational trauma, and the power of writing (and dancing!) through life’s hardest moments.Tanja shares the profound impact of losing both her parents—her father in her twenties and her mother decades later—and how each loss shaped her identity, values, and creative voice. From estrangement and depression to parenting young children while grieving, Tanja shares about her own healing path and how she’s now helping others tell their stories too.Whether you're navigating grief yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode is an invitation to let your experience be messy, non-linear, and deeply human—and to find your own creative language for moving through it.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* How grief in her twenties “blew up” Tanja’s life—and eventually became a gift* Why she approached her mother’s death with more intention and compassion* How writing and dance became essential tools in her grief journey* The role of intergenerational trauma in shaping our identities and emotions* Why safe, creative containers like writing groups, movement, and ritual matter so much in grief* How to begin writing your story (even if you don’t call yourself a writer)Key Quotes:“I wanted to learn how to grieve consciously. And I just don’t think we’re taught that.”“There are very few places in life where you can scream, cry, laugh—and be fully accepted.”“It’s okay to hold grief and joy at the same time. That’s part of being human.”About Tanja Pajevic:Tanja is the author of The Secret Life of Grief, a powerful memoir about navigating the loss of her mother. She’s also a memoir book coach who supports others—especially those working with vulnerable material—to find their voice and share their stories with courage and care. Her work draws on her Serbian heritage, lived experience, and a deep belief in the healing power of writing.Connect with Tanja: 🌐 Website and work with Tanja: https://www.tanjapajevic.com 📚 The Secret Life of Grief – available wherever books are sold. Audiobook released very soon! 📩 Download Tanja’s free Story Starter Kit at her website This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildheartnz.substack.com

In this deeply moving episode of Rewild You, I’m joined by the vibrant and courageous Cecile Dransart. Cecile shares her story of navigating the sudden loss of her husband while they were living as a family overseas — and how she found her way back to life, joy, and authenticity.We talk about her relationship with Dave, the shock of his passing, and the raw early days of grief. Cecile offers honest insights into parenting through loss, leaning into community support, and reshaping life after tragedy. Through her lived experience, she shows us that grief and hope can — and do — coexist, and that rebuilding a life after loss, while messy and imperfect, is powerful and possible.Listen here on Substack or tune in on your favourite podcast platform.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:* The early aftermath of sudden loss — and why not knowing was the hardest part* How community connection helped Cecile survive those first days* Why celebrating life — colourfully and loudly — was her act of defiance and love* Parenting through grief and helping her boys navigate their loss* How Cecile found her way back to love, joy, and purpose — without losing her connection to Dave* The role of authenticity, emotional vulnerability, and spiritual trust in healingAbout Cecile:Cecile is a solo mother of two, a lover of meaningful connection, and a passionate advocate for living life to the fullest — despite, or perhaps because of, life's hardest moments. Today, she supports others on their path to self-empowerment and authentic living through her coaching practice, Aligned Holistic Coaching.Resources and Links:Follow Cecile on Instagram: @alignedholisticcoaching Connect with Cecile on LinkedIn. Tune in now to hear Cecile’s incredible story — and be reminded that even in deep grief, life can still be vivid, courageous, and fiercely beautiful.BONUS:If you’ve found this in May 2025 and enjoyed my conversation with Cecile - perfect timing! We’re hosting an event together: Wintering with Grief.When: Sunday 25 May, 4:30pm - 7:00pmWhere: Mt Pleasant Community Centre, ChristchurchWhat: Grief doesn’t follow a timeline—it moves in cycles, like the seasons. But in a world that moves fast (so fast!), grief is often left unspoken, unprocessed, and unseen.As we enter winter, we’re offering a space to slow down and turn inward. Not to fix or rush your grief—but to tend to it gently.Join grief-informed coaches Cecile Dransart and Hannah Rae for Wintering With Grief, a 2.5-hour soul-centred workshop designed to honour your unique grief journey. Together we’ll weave ritual, journaling, creative expression, and nervous system tools to help you reconnect with your inner strength and create space for healing.Whether your loss is recent or long ago, you are welcome here. No “right words” needed—just a willingness to show up as you are.You’ll leave feeling more connected, more grounded, and with practical tools to support yourself when the days feel heavy.Special pricing: $55 single ticket or $100 for two – bring a friend. (+ booking fee) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildheartnz.substack.com

Jess Simson shares her remarkable journey from struggling with mental health to becoming an elite endurance athlete—and ultimately discovering joy and authenticity. Growing up in New Zealand and now residing in the Canadian Rockies, Jess reflects on how she turned personal challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation.Jess opens up about the pivotal moments that led her to endurance sports, how she overcame self-doubt and resistance, and the lessons learned from hitting burnout. Through her story, she offers profound insights into the power of movement, the importance of trusting your instincts, and how to reconnect with your authentic self.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Jess used movement as a tool to navigate mental health challenges.The transformative power of diving into the world of multisport and endurance racing.Lessons learned from burnout and how it reshaped her approach to life and sport.How yin yoga and mindfulness became integral to her healing journey.The shift from fear-driven performance to self-love and joyful movement.Key Takeaways:"I didn’t know what I was capable of, but I knew I had to try.""Burnout was my greatest teacher—it forced me to rethink everything.""Movement is now an act of self-love, not punishment."About Jess Simson:Jess Simson is a former elite endurance athlete and world multisport champion, a mindfulness advocate, and a devoted mother living in the Canadian Rockies. Drawing from her personal journey, she now inspires others to embrace their authentic selves and find balance through self-care.Resources and Links:Jess’s website: https://www.stokedlife.ca/NZ Spirit Fest: https://www.nzspirit.com/southislandfestivalFollow Jess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stokedlife_jess_simson/🎧 Tune in now to hear Jess’s inspiring story and learn how to transform life’s challenges into opportunities for growth.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESGet your FREE Resilient Mind-Body Toolkit - Discover Five Simple Steps to Reset, Recharge & Restore Your Inner Calm.Stay updated and say hello on Instagram @rewildyouhq Questions or comments? Email us at: hello@rewildyouhq.comBook your FREE 30-minute consult to create a clear action plan to begin your transformation - from feeling stuck in a rut to stepping into an empowered, purposeful life.Check out the tools, resources and support at: rewildyouhq.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildheartnz.substack.com

Note: This episode was first published in October 2022 on the Yarns for the Soul podcast episode #6.In this heartfelt episode of the Yarns for the Soul podcast, my sister Nicole (yes, my real life sister!) and I dive into the profound and often messy journey of grief. Together, we explore the raw realities of loss, the resilience it takes to navigate its depths, and the mental health tools that have helped us along the way. I share my personal story of navigating grief after losing my father, a dear friend, and my grandfather in quick succession. We discuss how these profound losses transformed not only my identity but also my approach to life, sparking a new path as a coach. This candid conversation sheds light on the ongoing nature of grief and the ways we can move forward, step by step, while carrying the weight of loss. This episode offers tools for grief and insights for building resilience, including ways to support yourself or others who are grieving. Whether you’re navigating grief firsthand or supporting someone through it, we hope you’ll find this conversation a source of comfort and empowerment. What we cover in this episode: The emotional and physical toll of grief and how it reshapes our lives.The tools that helped me process grief, including yin yoga, slowing down, and connecting with nature.The challenges of returning to work and daily life while navigating loss.How language, societal expectations, and traditional approaches to mental health can fail grievers—and what we can do differently.The importance of showing up for grieving loved ones with presence, compassion, and practical support.Tips for supporting someone in grief, including what to say (and what not to say).The role of coaching in helping people process loss and move toward healing. Through sharing personal stories and insights, Nicole and I highlight the power of vulnerability, resilience, and community in the face of grief. This episode is a reminder that, while grief is a deeply personal journey, none of us have to walk it alone. Tune in to this episode and join us in an honest, heartfelt conversation about navigating life after loss.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESGet your FREE Resilient Mind-Body Toolkit - Discover Five Simple Steps to Reset, Recharge & Restore Your Inner Calm.Stay updated and say hello on Instagram @rewildyouhq Questions or comments? Email us at: hello@rewildyouhq.comBook your FREE 30-minute consult to create a clear action plan to begin your transformation - from feeling stuck in a rut to stepping into an empowered, purposeful life.Check out the tools, resources and support at: rewildyouhq.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildheartnz.substack.com

In this episode of Rewild You, Hannah sits down with Dae-Maree, a holistic wellbeing coach, to explore the depths of grief, healing, and the transformative power of mindset. Dae-Maree shares her personal grief journey and the profound impact of losing her baby girl and her beloved Nana in the same year. This heart-wrenching experience became the catalyst for her own personal growth and paved the way for her to support others in navigating life’s challenges.Note: This episode was recorded during an Instagram Live session, so there are slight audio disruptions. Thanks for your patience, and I hope you find the conversation valuable despite these minor technical issues.Dae-Maree’s insights into grief, particularly how it manifests differently for everyone, serve as a powerful reminder that grief is not a one-size-fits-all journey. She talks about the varied forms of loss—whether it's the death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, a job, or even a sense of self. In a world that often pressures people to "move on" from grief, Dae-Maree highlights the importance of honoring one's unique grief journey and emphasizes that healing has no timeline.Throughout the conversation, Dae-Maree and Hannah delve into tools for grief, such as grief journaling, which helped Dae-Maree process her emotions by writing letters to her daughter. They discuss how writing can be a powerful therapeutic tool, offering both reflection and release. Whether someone is dealing with fresh grief or has been carrying it for years, this episode offers insights to explore how to move through grief and navigate other challenges.In this episode, we cover:Dae-Maree’s personal grief journey and her approach to helping others heal.The different ways grief shows up in our lives beyond death.Practical tools for dealing with grief, including journaling and grief coaching.Challenging societal expectations around how long grief should last.The importance of mental health awareness in the grief journey.Tune in to hear Dae-Maree's reflections on her evolving grief journey and how she has transformed her pain into a tool to help others. Whether you're in the early stages of grief or looking for ways to continue your healing, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tools to navigate grief with grace and compassion.For more on Dae-Maree's work, you can follow her on Instagram @thegrowthproject___ where she shares her journey, resources, and upcoming collaborations aimed at supporting those facing life's many challenges.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESGet your FREE Resilient Mind-Body Toolkit - Discover Five Simple Steps to Reset, Recharge & Restore Your Inner Calm.Stay updated and say hello on Instagram @rewildyouhq Questions or comments? Email us at: hello@rewildyouhq.comBook your FREE 30-minute consult to create a clear action plan to begin your transformation - from feeling stuck in a rut to stepping into an empowered, purposeful life.Check out the tools, resources and support at: rewildyouhq.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildheartnz.substack.com

In this powerful exploration of grief and men's mental health, former rugby player Aaron Callaghan shares his journey of loss after his wife Kate's death from aggressive breast cancer. His story offers a unique perspective on how to deal with grief, breaking stereotypes about masculinity and providing practical tools for coping with grief.Note: This episode was recorded during an Instagram Live session, so there are slight audio disruptions. Thanks for your patience, and I hope you find the conversation valuable despite these minor technical issues.Through the lens of his grief journey, Aaron discusses the mental health challenges of being a widowed father and the unexpected tools for grief he discovered along the way. Self-proclaimed as “rugby mad” he shares his insights from bridging the gap between traditional masculinity and emotional vulnerability, offering valuable guidance for men's mental health and grief support.This episode provides a raw, honest look at grief and the complex path of healing, offering listeners practical strategies for dealing with loss while maintaining their mental health. Aaron's approach to grief recovery through action-oriented steps makes this episode particularly valuable for those seeking tangible ways to move forward after loss.Key topics covered in this episode include:Navigating cancer grief as a spouse and parentEssential tools for grief survival and mental health maintenanceThe intersection of men's mental health and grief expressionHow to deal with grief through consistent, small actionsPhysical and emotional aspects of the grief journeyBreaking stereotypes about men's mental health and emotional expressionThroughout the episode, Aaron provides practical advice on how to deal with grief, emphasizing the importance of taking consistent, small steps. His approach focuses on action-oriented strategies that help combat the "victim mindset" often experienced during the grief journey.This powerful episode serves as both a guide to grief management and a candid exploration of men's mental health in the face of loss. Aaron's story demonstrates that with the right tools for grief and a willingness to embrace vulnerability, it's possible to navigate the grief journey in an empowered way. Thanks for tuning in!You can find Aaron here: https://www.aaroncallaghan.com/ADDITIONAL RESOURCESGet your FREE Resilient Mind-Body Toolkit - Discover Five Simple Steps to Reset, Recharge & Restore Your Inner Calm.Stay updated and say hello on Instagram @rewildyouhq Questions or comments? Email us at: hello@rewildyouhq.comBook your FREE 30-minute consult to create a clear action plan to begin your transformation - from feeling stuck in a rut to stepping into an empowered, purposeful life.Check out the tools, resources and support at: rewildyouhq.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildheartnz.substack.com

In this powerful episode, we explore the challenging journey of grief with Iona Winter, a suicide bereaved mother who lost her son Reuben in 2020. Iona shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating the complex emotions of loss, offering valuable perspectives on mental health and tools for grief.Iona emphasizes the importance of giving oneself permission to feel and grieve without judgment or societal expectations. She discusses how her grief journey has transformed her identity and approach to life, highlighting the need for authentic conversations about loss and suicide.Our conversation delves into practical advice for those experiencing grief and those supporting others through it. Iona shares her thoughts on effective support systems, the role of nature in healing, and the importance of allowing oneself to feel without trying to “fix” or analyze the emotions.We also chat about:The impact of suicide bereavement on personal identityChallenging societal norms and expectations around griefThe importance of non-judgmental support and presence for those grievingTools for grief, including therapy, support groups, and connecting with natureMisconceptions about grief and the limitations of traditional psychological approachesThe ongoing nature of grief and strategies for day-to-day copingAdvice for those feeling stuck or hopeless in their grief journeyIona shares her experience as both a bereaved mother and a former mental health professional, offering a unique perspective on the grieving process. She emphasizes the need to move away from overly medicalized approaches to grief and towards more heart-centered, feeling-based methods of healing.The interview also touches on the power of language in discussing suicide and grief, with Iona advocating for more sensitive and appropriate terminology. She discusses her upcoming book, “A Counter of Moons,” a creative non-fiction book addressing the complexities of suicide bereavement.We both are passionate to remind you that you are not alone in your grief experiences and we encourage you to acknowledge and sit with your emotions without judgment - with support if needed! Our conversation concludes with a message of hope and the importance of creating space for open discussions about grief and loss in society.To connect with Iona head to at ionawinter.com or Elixir and Star Press. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone navigating their own grief journey or supporting others through loss.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESGet your FREE Resilient Mind-Body Toolkit - Discover Five Simple Steps to Reset, Recharge & Restore Your Inner Calm.Stay updated and say hello on Instagram @rewildyouhq Questions or comments? Email us at: hello@rewildyouhq.comBook your FREE 30-minute consult to create a clear action plan to begin your transformation - from feeling stuck in a rut to stepping into an empowered, purposeful life.Check out the tools, resources and support at: rewildyouhq.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildheartnz.substack.com