Yarns for the Soul
"Yarns" is a common way for New Zealanders to describe having a chat, a conversation. We might say 'I had a great yarn with Nicole the other day!'. For me, a yarn can go in many different directions, often including multiple tangents and side stories. It also involves having deeper discussions and diving into some vulnerability, before coming back up to a lighter level with some sarcasm or dark humour.
Yarns for the Soul was born out of a desire to champion more honest and vulnerable conversation (but also feel like you're sitting on a friend's couch with a cup of tea having a yarn with them- and that friend is me!).
I believe in the magic and power of story-telling, and everyone has stories that deserve to be shared with the world. We are all experts of our own lived experiences, and I hope by sharing these we can foster more curiosity and compassion for others and the world around us.
I yarn with my guests on a range of topics, often delving into subjects that are still considered socially taboo or not spoken about enough. In my mini-yarns, I also share parts of my own stories, and reflect on things that I'm learning while I continue to muddle my way forward and follow my nose!
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If you'd like to get in touch, or follow my journey, you can find me over in Instagram @yarnsforthesoulnicole. See you there!
Yarns for the Soul
Episode 45- Feminist mini-yarn on the 'spectrum of culpability' in cases of violence and abuse
Welcome to my first episode of 2025! I'm diving straight into the deep end with this one and yarning about some of the reasons why I have been in perpetual angry feminism mode recently. I discuss the French Mazan rape case, the incredible strength of victim Gisèle Pelicot, and how this case demonstrated a 'spectrum of culpability' behind violence towards women. I draw a parallel between this case and my work as a lawyer on historic abuse in state care claims, and how labelling people as good or bad means we are ignoring the grey areas.
Just a heads up that this episode discusses traumatic subject matter, and it's important to be conscious of where your headspace is at before listening. I also note in this episode that the ability to "check out" is a luxury and privilege that not everyone has, and I believe leaning into challenging conversations and developing awareness is an important first step towards creating change (because something has to change, right!).
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If you enjoyed this episode, have any feedback, or want to continue this conversation you can find me over on Instagram @yarnsforthesoulnicole- see you there!
