Welcome!

Welcome to “Raised by an Invisible Village,” where acceptance, growth, and success is achieved by leveraging the power and diversity of other people. Host Kathy Hoolahan takes you on a very personal transformative journey, recognizing that our lives are interconnected and influenced by who we consciously or unconsciously allow in.

Join Kathy on her lived experiences, journey of persistence and resilience, overcoming incredible obstacles and significant trauma, that she attributes her success to the numerous characters that came in and out of her invisible village. Coming on this journey with her, will be a seat in a space of storytelling, as she revisits her past, but most importantly, to say thank you to the diverse characters in her invisible village.

By sharing and hearing personal stories, you too will discover how to harness the power of your invisible village, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who support and encourage your personal and professional growth. Equally, you will also uncover the importance of your role in the invisible village, as a mentor, a guide or even a healer.

Tune in to “Raised by an Invisible Village” on your favourite podcast platform and embark on a journey of acceptance, growth, and success. Together, let’s harness the power of the invisible village to transform our lives and uplift those around us.

ALL EPISODES

10: That’s a Wrap

In this concluding episode, Kathy interviews her husband, Joe Hoolahan, about their 11,000-kilometre, 6-month long journey across Australia to reconnect with the most pivotal figures from her past.

09: Nothing To Lose

In this episode, Kathy's storytelling skillfully captures her mix of emotions — gratitude for her invisible village, the sadness of goodbyes, and finally experiencing the unconditional love she has been yearning for. Listen in to witness Kathy's willpower to find love, stability, and belonging shine through.

08: What Next?

This episode will give us a chance to think about our own experiences and traumas and how these have affected the way we live our lives today. Kathy reminds us that dysfunction doesn’t have to be permanent and recognition is the first step toward healing.

07: Fireside Loungeroom Chat with Sheila and Wayne – Part 2

In the second part of Kathy's fireside loungeroom chat with Sheila and Wayne, we hear a more relaxed and heartwarming conversation that transports us to a realm where time seems to stand still and where the raw emotions of a close-knit invisible village come to life.

07: Fireside Loungeroom Chat with Sheila and Wayne – Part 1

In this episode of Raised By An Invisible Village, Kathy introduces two critical characters not only in her story but also for so many other children who grew up in Matthews Cottage and are now adults.

06: Homecoming

Having been disassociated from her Jehovah's Witness family, Kathy spent six transformative months living with her aunt and uncle in Victoria. She describes the stark contrast between the two worlds she traversed, one filled with acceptance and warmth and the other with restriction and isolation. And now her "homecoming" begins as she returns to her birthplace, Alice Springs.

05: Fireside Dining Room Chat with Aunty Norma and Uncle Dan

In this fireside dining room chat with Aunty Norma and Uncle Dan, we witness how a troubled childhood can be transformed by the compassion, acceptance, and protection of individuals who genuinely care.

04: The Aftermath Consequences

Trauma does not exist in isolation; its ripple effects extend far beyond the individual survivor. Although the impact varies, it reaches the victim's community like a vicious storm swirling around and destroys everything that comes its way.

03: The Sound of a Kookaburra

The distinct sound of the Kookaburra provides a moving, but metaphoric theme to this episode, Raised by an Invisible Village. While recounting the horrific abuse endured as a young teen, the Kookaburra song emerges as a spiritual, symbolic sound of healing not only for Kathy the storyteller, but those listening. Kathy recalls her experience of being raped at the age of 13 and provides an insight into the long-term impact created by sexual violence. Her resilience and strength in reclaiming her narrative with positivity is remarkable.

Bonus Episode: The Power of Personal Stories: Kathy Hoolahan’s Path to Success

With the support and coaching from Jacqueline Nagle, Kathy was empowered with the courage and belief that she not only had a big story to tell, but a diverse story that not only could find connection with people, but a clear message that dysfunctionality does not have to be permanent.

02: Like A Tornado

Come on this journey of what it was like to go from being a golden girl, to acting out, rebellious and entering into a mental world of incredible darkness. A young girl wanting to experience a life completely different from the way she was raised as a child of a Jehovah’s Witness, and like a mental tornado about to unleash wrath on everything and everyone who stood in its path.

01: A Child of a Jehovah’s Witness Family

Each person's upbringing plays a significant role in shaping their beliefs, values, and overall identity. A unique perspective emerges from being a child of a Jehovah's Witness family, a religious denomination, known for its distinctive practices and beliefs, and instils a strong sense of faith and community in its adherents.

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