Growing Tall Poppies Podcast Season 2, Episode 13

A Carer's Perspective: Coping With Challenges and Making Every Day Count

Podcast| Growing Tall Poppies| Season 2
April 29, 2025•2 min read

Growing Tall Poppies Podcast: Season 02, Episode 13 (#54)

Custom HTML/CSS/JAVASCRIPT

In this week’s episode of Growing Tall Poppies, Dr Nat Green sits down with Paul Watson for a heartfelt and deeply authentic conversation about trauma, healing, and growth through the eyes of a carer.

Paul is a devoted husband to Bron and father to five sons, aged 16 to 26. In this touching conversation, he shares his personal experience supporting a loved one through trauma and cancer - reflecting on the emotional toll, the daily challenges, and the conscious decisions his family has made to live fully and intentionally despite uncertainty.

This episode also introduces The Serenity Project - a new initiative founded by Paul and Bron, designed to support carers and families navigating cancer and the medical system. The project provides emotional and practical resources to help others find peace and hope on their own healing journey.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

  • What post-traumatic growth looks like from a carer’s point of view.

  • Why healing often happens in emotional layers.

  • The difference between true resilience and survival mode.

  • How unhealthy coping mechanisms, like alcohol, can mask emotional pain.

  • The power of conscious decision-making and intentional living.

  • The story behind The Serenity Project and how it’s creating change.

Episode Highlights & Takeaways

  • No one prepares you for the emotional rollercoaster of supporting someone you love through trauma.

  • Healing is not linear - it’s about sitting with tough emotions and showing up anyway.

  • Traits like self-awareness, reflection, and action are key to finding your way forward.

  • The overuse of the word resilience often overshadows the emotional labour behind it.

  • Living fully means making every day count, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

  • The Serenity Project is about creating space for support, healing, and connection.

Learn More & Connect with Dr Nat

Want to dive deeper into Dr Nat's work? Here’s how to connect:

Next Episode

👉 S02E14: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Karla’s Journey Through Trauma and Back to Herself

Back to Blog

If you know someone who would enjoy or benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Thank you for your support!

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be deemed or treated as psychological treatment or to replace the need for psychological treatment.

Growing Tall Poppies Podcast

Hosted by Dr Nat Green, this podcast empowers individuals to rise above trauma and create lasting transformation. Each episode features inspiring stories, expert advice, and practical strategies to help you break free from adversity, build confidence, and thrive. Tune in for real conversations that inspire personal growth and resilience.