White Island Eruption Survivor Kelsey Waghorn || Runners Only! Podcast with Dom Harvey
Episode Description
EP73 Runners Only! with Dom Harvey & Kelsey Waghorn Kelsey Waghorn was a Whakaari White Island tour guide in December 2019 when it erupted.
This is a powerful and raw conversation with Kelsey. And it is a tough listen in parts, made slightly easier thanks to Kelsey's ability to find the humor and light in the darkest situations.
We talk about Kelsey and her life before, during, and after the eruption, the resilience and courage it takes to navigate life after such a harrowing experience.
Through her journey of healing, both physically and mentally, Kelsey opens up about her struggles with PTSD and how she learned to be kinder to herself.
Her story serves as a stark reminder that even in the darkest of times, laughter and hope can help us heal and move forward.
I loved Kelsey's company so much. She left me feeling inspired, moved, and motivated. She doesn’t do much stuff like this so I can’t thank her enough.
Thanks to Radix Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. They are (currently) a little Kiwi company doing big things.
Check them out for yourself right here: https://radixnutrition.co.nz/
Also, big thanks to the spectacular QT hotel in Auckland for looking after Kelsey while she was in Auckland. https://www.qthotels.com/auckland/
But PLEASE check them out, do your research and if you like what you see, support the people who support the podcast.
Listen via Apple Music: https://rebrand.ly/RunnersOnly_Apple Listen via Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/RunnersOnly_Spotify
Who should be on the podcast next? Message Dom Instagram: @domharveynz Email: [email protected]
Video produced by: Dougie Mackie / @DougieMackie https://www.instagram.com/dougiemackie/?hl=en https://www.dougiemackie.com
If you enjoyed the podcast and would like for your business to sponsor an episode, please email [email protected]
Brief Summary
Kelsey Wargon shares her survival story from the White Island eruption and discusses coping with trauma and PTSD.
Key points
- Facing Trauma with Humor. Discussing how humor helps cope with trauma, despite the darkness.
- The Weight of Survival. Exploring the emotional toll of being labeled a hero.
- The Reality of Recovery. Describing the painful process of recovery after severe burns.
- The Slow Passage of Time. The narrator recalls the feeling of time stretching during the eruption, emphasizing the intensity of the experience.
- Surviving the Eruption. Reflects on the moments after the eruption and the struggle for survival.
- The Importance of Skin Donation. Discusses the need for skin donation and the misconceptions surrounding it.
Ask about Dom Harvey
Episode highlights
- Facing Trauma with HumorDiscussing how humor helps cope with trauma, despite the darkness.“I do have to kind of sense my humor out in public.”4:10May 27, 2023
- The Weight of SurvivalExploring the emotional toll of being labeled a hero.“I'm just trying to survive, man.”7:04May 27, 2023
- The Reality of RecoveryDescribing the painful process of recovery after severe burns.“I felt like Frankenstein's monster.”18:33May 27, 2023
- The Slow Passage of TimeThe narrator recalls the feeling of time stretching during the eruption, emphasizing the intensity of the experience.“It was the slowest two minutes of my life.”25:55May 27, 2023
- Surviving the EruptionReflects on the moments after the eruption and the struggle for survival.“I’m alive, let’s go!”41:41May 27, 2023
- The Importance of Skin DonationDiscusses the need for skin donation and the misconceptions surrounding it.“Don’t be selfish, don’t take it with you, leave it behind.”44:43May 27, 2023
- The Pain of RecoveryDescribes the intense pain and confusion during recovery from severe burns.“I was in so much pain I don’t actually remember anyone telling me.”46:47May 27, 2023
- Hospital LockdownThe hospital was in lockdown due to media intrusion, causing immense stress for the speaker.“Every single hospital with someone in it from my island is in lockdown.”1:00:26May 27, 2023
