In this episode of From Experience: The Grief Collection, Bianca sits down with Brock Kerslake — primary school teacher, dad, husband, and former owner of the beloved Launceston walking tour business Taste Walk Talk — to talk about a loss that shaped his entire childhood. Brock's older half-sister, Britt, died in 1985 at just 12 years old, after being hit by a car near her mum's home in Launceston. Brock was six. In this deeply moving conversation, he shares what it was like to grow up as the sibling of a child who died — the confusion of being a kid processing something enormous, the different ways his parents grieved, and how his family has kept Britt's memory alive for 40 years through cemetery visits, a school award in her name, and even a tattoo. Brock also reflects on becoming a teacher at the very school Britt attended, what it's like talking to a new class of grade sixers about her every year, and the advice he'd give his six-year-old self. Bianca is then joined by Caroline Thain, occupational therapist and clinical leader in youth mental health, to unpack the episode — covering how we learn to grieve from our families, the gendered stereotypes around men and crying, supporting adolescents through grief, and why anniversaries can catch us off guard no matter how much time has passed. Content note: This episode discusses the death of a child. Please take care while listening, and come back to it another time if needed. Visit: fromexperience.co About Brock: Brock a primary school teacher, a dad, a husband, and someone whose story is deeply woven into the fabric of Northern Tasmania. Born and raised in Burnie Brock made the move to Launceston for high school and apart from some extended adventures both around Australia and overseas, including living and working in the UK and the U.S., Launceston has remained home. It's where he studied, worked, raised a family with his wife fee and built a life alongside their two kids. Gus and Bonnie. Before stepping fully into teaching, Brock also owned and ran a tourism business that many locals will fondly remember, taste, walk, talk, walking people through Launceston in a way that blended history, food, conversation, and connection. About Caroline: Caroline is an occupational therapist, witness intermediary, and clinical leader working within a national youth mental health service. She has expertise in trauma-informed practice, grief and loss, clinical governance, content development, and service improvement. Caroline has a special interest in media, communication, and participation, and is passionate about supporting young people and families through complex challenges while helping to create systems that are safe, accessible, and responsive to their needs. Caroline also brings personal lived experience of grief and loss to her work. Following the death of her stepfather during adolescence, she developed an early understanding of the profound impact that loss can have on young people and families. This experience has shaped her commitment to ensuring that conversations about grief are compassionate, honest, and grounded in hope. It has also fostered a deep appreciation for the importance of connection, support, and meaningful communication during times of adversity. Resources: Tasmania: A Tasmanian Lifeline Access Mental Health Helpline National: Beyond Blue PH: 1300 224 636 Lifeline PH: 13 11 14 Griefline PH: 1300 845 745 The Dougy Centre for Grieving Children and Families Music Credit: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday
