Life Changing

On the evening of Friday 29 November 2013, Michael Byrne was having a drink with a friend in a bar in Glasgow. They'd gone to see a band and had only been there for about an hour when suddenly it felt like everything had been shaken up – as if they were in snowglobe. Amid the chaos of falling debris Michael’s actions helping others were heroic, and afterwards to his wife and colleagues he seemed to be just fine. In the aftermath of this disaster he and his friend had agreed not to speak about what they’d been through in a misguided effort to ‘protect’ themselves. But Michael was struggling to cope and the more time that passed without talking about it, the worse things got for him. Confronting the experience would bring back traumatic memories from his early life and push him to a place where he contemplated suicide. He was stopped by a chance event – and then began seriously to address his mental health. Now Michael has founded an organisation called Lived Experience Trauma Support to provide mental health training and support services to businesses.The tragedy in 2013 was caused by a police helicopter that crashed into the roof of the Clutha Vaults in Glasgow. It claimed the lives of the pilot, his two crew members and seven customers in the pub that night. If you are looking for details of organisations offering information and support with mental health you can find them at bbc.co.uk/actionline. To get in touch with the programme, or to share your personal story, you can email us at: lifechanging@bbc.co.uk

Pip Peacock, a resident of Bakewell in the Peak District and devoted dog owner, shares her inspiring story of resilience after a near-fatal cow attack during a walk with her dog, Buster. She recounts the heartwarming bond with Buster, a rescue dog who became a cherished family member. Pip discusses her challenge of walking 1,000 miles for charity, alongside the emotional recovery from her traumatic experience. Highlighting her daily battles with pain, she emphasizes the importance of community support and the power of storytelling in overcoming adversity.

Jemma Bere, a determined young woman, shares her transformative journey of adopting her younger siblings after her mother's tragic death. Raised in a nomadic lifestyle filled with adventures, she reflects on the stark contrast of her chaotic family life due to her stepfather's alcoholism. Jemma’s spontaneous decision to assume parental responsibility at 23 led to numerous challenges, including navigating single parenthood and language barriers. Her heartfelt story resonates with themes of love, loss, and resilience, showcasing the profound impact of family bonds.

Jon Godsall, a former British Embassy employee in Kuwait, shares his harrowing experience during the Iraqi invasion, marking his first public recounting of the events. He vividly describes the chaos and trauma of being taken hostage, painting a picture of fear and uncertainty. Jon reflects on the transformative power of storytelling, which has helped him heal after decades of silence. He also discusses the emotional struggles following his return home and how the pandemic pushed him to confront and articulate his past.

The podcast kicks off with captivating tales of transformative moments from remarkable individuals. Sibling dynamics take the spotlight, revealing the complexities of rivalry and the lessons learned along the way. Personal stories promise to engage listeners, inviting reflection on their own experiences. This return is filled with humor and relatable discussions, making it a reflective journey through life-changing events.

Tony Kofi, a renowned jazz saxophonist from a musically-inclined Ghanaian family, shares his journey from aspiring carpenter to musician after a near-fatal fall. He vividly recounts a life-changing vision during his accident that sparked his passion for music. Tony discusses his struggles with self-teaching saxophone and ultimately earning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. He also reflects on the joy of musical improvisation, comparing it to the thrill of free falling, highlighting the liberating connection creativity brings.

Sheetal Surti, who has lived with vitiligo since childhood, shares her transformative journey of self-acceptance. She recalls the emotional turmoil of being diagnosed at seven, the societal stigma she faced, and her struggles with identity amidst changing appearances. Treatment options often proved painful and ineffective, leading her to hide her feelings instead. A turning point at 35 prompted her to confront her past, embrace her identity, and find strength through community support, ultimately fostering newfound confidence and empowerment.

Keith Williams, known as Keith ‘y Glo’, is the son of a Welsh coal merchant who discovered in his forties that he was the son of a Malaysian prince. His riveting journey delves into the complexities of identity after searching for his birth mother and uncovering royal ties to the Sultan of Perak. With emotional reunions and nostalgic reflections, Keith discusses the contrasts between his coal merchant upbringing and potential royal life. His story emphasizes love, belonging, and the beauty of family connections.

Charlie Wilson, a finance professional from Aberdeen, shares his incredible journey after suffering a massive stroke at 44, which left him with no memories of his previous life. He candidly discusses the emotional weight of memory loss and the slow, often frustrating road to recovery. Charlie talks about relearning everyday tasks and how he rebuilt his identity, highlighting the importance of resilience and communication. Now back in finance, he cherishes creating new memories with his family, finding joy in his second chance at life.

Harriet Ware-Austin, a human rights consultant, shares her traumatic experience of losing her two sisters in a plane crash at just ten years old. She vividly recounts the moment of farewell and the heartbreak that followed, shaping her family's journey through grief. Harriet discusses her decision to track down survivors and relatives of the victims, probing into how that tragedy altered their paths. She reflects on the challenges of discussing death, grief, and how those experiences galvanized her passion for advocating against violence and promoting open conversations about loss.