How to keep living when life falls apart

When Robin Bailey’s husband and father of their three boys died by suicide, she had to figure out the best way to help her children work through their grief while also managing her own sadness and anger. (CW: this episode discusses suicide, please take care when listening)Robin is one of Brisbane’s best-known breakfast radio hosts, and she’s been in the business for decades.

When she was 11, Robin’s father died suddenly, and her mother was left to raise Robin and her sister while forging on with her own career.Decades later another tragedy forced Robin into single parenting, after her husband Tony died by suicide.

In the aftermath of Tony’s death Robin was determined to make space for all her son’s feelings and their questions as they worked through their grief.

With the help of incredible community of friends, she knitted a family back together which was strong enough to face what came next.

Further information

Robin Bailey's memoir Flamingos Aren't Born Pink is published by Harper Collins

Help and support is always available

If you need to talk, 24/7 crisis support is available from Lifeline by calling 13 11 14.

More options for mental health and suicide prevention helplines and websites are hereThis episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake, the executive producer is Nicola Harrison

It explores suicide, grief, death, family, marriage, children, depression, mental health, community, counsellors, pastoral care, losing a parent, travel, radio, commercial radio, maternity leave, financial pressure, cancer, terminal cancer, dying at home, single mothers, sons, daughters, weddings.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.