Real Life with Bel

Bel
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Real People, Real Stories. Pop your earbuds in and listen as we delve into real stories and events, topics and expertise according to the everyday people that have done extraordinary things in this life.

  1. The TikTok Sleuth

    2D AGO

    The TikTok Sleuth

    In this episode of Real Life with Bel, I speak with the woman behind Clarity in Chaos - a TikTok online sleuth who has built a powerful community of followers dedicated to uncovering the truth. 🔎 Through crowdsourced research, deep investigation, and relentless curiosity, she and her online community dig into cases that many people thought had long been buried. One case in particular captured her attention: the chilling South Australian case known as The Family Murders. What began as online research turned into a full investigation that ultimately led her to write the book Depraved: The Family Murders Exposed. In this conversation, we talk about how online communities can work together to piece together clues, the responsibility that comes with investigating real cases, and the dark realities surrounding child exploitation and abuse that still demand attention today. Driven by a determination to expose truth and give a voice to victims, Clarity in Chaos is part of a growing movement of digital investigators using social media to shine light where others may prefer darkness. This episode is confronting, fascinating, and a reminder that sometimes clarity really does emerge from chaos.

    55 min
  2. Hashtag Me Too - Laurie Marsden

    FEB 28

    Hashtag Me Too - Laurie Marsden

    Laurie Marsden lived a life most could only imagine - and endured pain few ever saw. A former international top model, Laurie graced the pages of Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue, moving effortlessly through the elite world of high fashion. Behind the glamour, however, was a devastating experience that would quietly alter the course of her life. While working in Paris, Laurie was sexually assaulted by her management boss. The very next day, all of her upcoming work was cancelled. Like so many women of her generation, she did not disclose what happened - instead burying the trauma deep inside and continuing on in silence. Her life intersected with global icons: she dated Dodi Fayed, was mentored by Warren Beatty, and worked alongside Whitney Houston. Yet none of the fame or proximity to power could shield her from the realities faced by women behind the scenes. Today, Laurie is the author of Men and Me Too and a fierce advocate for the #MeToo movement. She has transformed her lived experience into purpose, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. This episode is a raw, intelligent, and deeply moving conversation about silence, survival, power, and reclaiming your voice - told by a woman who has lived on both sides of the spotlight and chose to rise.

    1h 13m
  3. Parental Alienation

    FEB 20

    Parental Alienation

    ⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, coercive control, and parental alienation. In this heartbreaking and important episode of Once Upon a Real Life with Bel, Bel sits down with Kerry Christie, a Perth mum, kinesiologist, and mother of three grown children, to talk about a form of abuse that doesn’t always end when the relationship does. Throughout her life, Kerry found herself in relationships that were controlling, domineering, and at times violent. The father of her children exercised coercive control long before the relationship ended and despite being urged to leave him multiple times, it was only after she finally did that the real devastation began. Once separated, he became the “favourite parent” organising fun activities, controlling the narrative, and taking Kerry to court for the children. He won. Even when he later went to jail, the abuse didn’t stop. From behind bars, he continued to manipulate, alienate, and control, systematically severing the bond between Kerry and her children. This episode shines a confronting light on post-separation abuse, parental alienation, and the long-lasting impact of coercive control — especially when systems fail to see it for what it is. Kerry’s story is raw, honest, and devastating, but also essential listening for anyone who wants to better understand how abuse can persist long after a relationship ends.

    1h 11m
  4. Will The Real Men Please Stand Up

    FEB 13

    Will The Real Men Please Stand Up

    In this powerful episode, Peter and Belinda share the story behind The Lighthouse - an online safe haven created to support women who need help. Giving clarity that helps spot the danger signs early, stay safe and rebuild their lives. Peter opens up about a childhood marked by abuse, homelessness from the age of 13, addiction, and the choices that led to a crime with devastating consequences. He served 14 years in prison, where he taught himself to read, got clean, and became a mentor to younger men trying to change their lives. Belinda met Peter while working as a drug rehabilitation officer in the prison. What began as professional support grew into trust, partnership, and love. Today, Belinda is Peter’s lighthouse - and together they are one for women seeking safety, support, and hope.

    1h 18m
  5. George the Vietnam War Vet

    FEB 8

    George the Vietnam War Vet

    In this powerful re-released episode, George shares unforgettable stories from his tours of duty, his battle with PTSD, and his fight to have his late mate’s Distinguished Conduct Medal upgraded to a Victoria Cross - honouring a man who showed extraordinary bravery serving his country. At 82, Vietnam War Veteran, George Hulse is still going strong - an Ironman competitor, War veteran, President of the Toowong RSL, and a tireless advocate for his fellow soldiers.

    1h 38m
  6. When Blood Isn't Belonging

    FEB 7

    When Blood Isn't Belonging

    Jennifer Becksvoort was removed from her biological parents at age three due to neglect, fostered with her brothers, and adopted. As an adult, she met her biological parents - an experience that had a significant and lasting impact on her wellbeing, particularly in relation to her biological mother. In this episode, Jennifer shares her lived experience of foster care and adoption, and we compare the systems in the United States and Australia. We also explore an unexpected genetic discovery that reshaped her understanding of herself. Jennifer is a warm, honest, and deeply insightful woman. This is a thoughtful conversation about identity, nature versus nurture, and the lifelong impact of early childhood experiences.

    1h 12m
  7. The Coffin Confessor

    JAN 31

    The Coffin Confessor

    Bill Edgar has lived his life on the edge. Known as The Coffin Confessor, Bill does what few would dare: he crashes funerals, readings, and wakes at the request of the deceased, delivering final confessions from beyond the grave. Secrets, apologies, love letters, betrayals - nothing is off limits when it’s the dead who asked for the truth to be told. In this extraordinary episode, Bill shares how his unusual calling began and the moral code he lives by. He speaks candidly about the rituals of his work, including pin-pricking bodies to confirm death, and the quiet, sacred tasks he performs for the dying - removing sensitive items, personal effects, or valuables from their homes before family ever arrives. This is a conversation about death, dignity, secrets, and the strange comfort found in honesty at the very end. Darkly fascinating and deeply human, Bill Edgar’s story forces us to ask: what would you want said when you’re finally gone?

    1h 16m
  8. Tori's Sweet Monster

    JAN 25

    Tori's Sweet Monster

    In this episode, Tori Baxter speaks openly about her new book My Sweet Monster and a life shaped by trauma. She shares her experience of childhood abuse by her stepfather, the patterns of abusive relationships that followed, and the moment at 30 when she finally told her mother the truth. As a single mum fighting to survive, Tori made the confronting decision to turn to full-service sex work and Only Fans to pay the bills. This is a raw, honest conversation about survival, resilience, and reclaiming power - and a reminder that strength doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.

    1h 7m
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About

Real People, Real Stories. Pop your earbuds in and listen as we delve into real stories and events, topics and expertise according to the everyday people that have done extraordinary things in this life.

Information

  • Creator
    Bel
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Real Life with Bel
  • Provider
    Belinda Messer

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