Conflict Stories Podcast

Antarctic explorer, content creator, author, podcaster and penguin lover Matty Jordan has spent more than 500 days in Antarctica across 11 expeditions, building a global following of 2.5 million along the way. From breathtaking adventures on the ice to surviving an Antarctic winter, Matty takes us behind the scenes of life at Scott Base, where teamwork, trust and relationships are tested in extraordinary ways. From a leadership decision gone wrong to misplaced gym weights, frozen Coca-Cola and some extraordinary tales of Antarctic conflict, Matty shares fascinating stories of life on the ice with humour, honesty and vulnerability. Along the way, he reveals powerful lessons about navigating conflict, owning mistakes, rebuilding trust and maintaining perspective when there's nowhere to hide.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV personality, author + passionate advocate for emotional intelligence and authentic human connection, Lucinda Light became a global favourite on Married at First Sight Australia, bringing warmth, honesty + compassion to the “wild west” of reality TV. A recovering people pleaser + self-described straight shooter, Lucinda traces her relationship with conflict from her parents’ shock divorce when she was 12 through sibling strain, share-house tensions + relationship breakdowns. Lucinda shares the tools behind her ongoing “journey of refinement” – from active listening + not taking things personally to responding rather than reacting, holding boundaries with compassion + navigating online trolls without losing herself. For Lucinda, conflict has become a teacher – an invitation to reflect, repair, forgive + grow. And, of course, we ask the big question: Has Lucinda found love?Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global mediator, people-centred leader and conflict innovator Laura May PhD shares her international journey through mediation, leadership and organisational change. From growing up in Tasmania to living and working across Australia, the UK, Russia, Belgium and now Spain, Laura brings a truly global perspective to resolving conflict and helping organisations put people first. Laura reflects on how her conflict resolution journey transformed her from a self-described conflict “shark” into a collaborative “owl” - and what blame, curiosity and even tango dancing can teach us about building healthier relationships. Blending deep expertise with warmth, humourKeep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Reuters Bureau Chief, Author and Workplace Mental Health Advocate Dean Yates spent 26 years reporting from the front lines of history - including the Bali bombings, Boxing Day tsunami and Iraq War. After experiencing PTSD and moral injury following the deaths of Reuters staff in Iraq, Dean transformed his personal struggles into advocacy, leadership and systemic workplace mental health reform. His powerful story has been featured on ABC’s Australian Story. Dean shares his journey through trauma, recovery and organisational betrayal - exploring the difference between PTSD and moral injury, the unexpected care and connection he found during his admissions to Ward 17 and the importance of psychologically safe workplaces. He also reflects on spirituality, forgiveness and rebuilding life after trauma.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US-based mediator, author and mental health advocate Dan Berstein brings a powerful perspective shaped by his lived experience with bipolar disorder and his work in dispute resolution. Founder of MH Mediate and co-founder of the Dispute Resolution in Mental Health Initiative at the CUNY Dispute Resolution Center, Dan has spent more than a decade helping courts, legal practitioners and organisations better navigate mental health and conflict. Through personal stories - including family estrangement and professional challenges - Dan shines a light on stigma, resilience and the courage it takes to find voice + help others do the same. Special Note: We recorded this episode in June 2025. Dan asked to delay the release because he was struggling with next steps related to the mental illness stigma conflicts discussed in the episode. Now, he has launched DisabilityRadar.com to help anyone who might be targeted by the exclusionary mental illness "radars" we discussed in this episode. He also suggested we air the podcast now, nine months after it was recorded.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.