When the Thing You Resist Becomes Exactly What You Need

There are moments we almost walk away from.

The quiet no. The hesitation. The resistance we trust without questioning. And yet… sometimes those are the very moments that hold something we didn’t realise we needed.

In this episode, we step into one of those almost-no’s and what unfolded is not just a reflection on that time, but an exploration of the subtle shifts that occur when we step outside of routine, into nature, and back into ourselves. For more information on today's adventure or to book your place in our upcoming retreat visit www.ifthesetreescouldtalk.com.au.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Shannon speaks with writer, poet and advocate Kat Mackay about surviving grooming, sexual assault, and the long journey of healing after trauma.

Kat lives with Dissociative Identity Disorder and throughout the episode refers to themselves using “we” and “us.” This reflects the way their internal system experiences and expresses identity, and we invite listeners to approach this with curiosity, respect and understanding.

Kat shares how childhood isolation and a lack of safety at home led them to seek belonging through childhood interest based spaces. While some mentors offered genuine support and guidance, one ultimately misused that position of trust — introducing Kat to a prominent public figure who groomed and sexually assaulted them.

Together, Shannon and Kat explore the hidden dynamics of grooming, the impact trauma can have on identity and relationships, and what it means to reclaim agency, voice, and safety after abuse.

The Dismantling of an International Sex Trafficking Network

This episode begins in Cairns, Queensland, and follows the international child exploitation case involving Peter Truong and Mark Newton. From encrypted hard drives to coordinated cross-border law enforcement, this is the story of how a global trafficking network was exposed and dismantled.

At a time when the handling of high-profile sex trafficking cases continues to raise public questions, this case offers a powerful contrast: what becomes possible when Victim Protection is the priority.

Trigger Warning: Contains discussion of child sexual abuse, grooming and trafficking. Support services and full episode references are available at ifthesetreescouldtalk.com.au