
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 53- Yarns on being a cycle breaker, finding your peace and the importance of crafts with Kim
On this episode I am joined by Kim Davis, an avid crafter and true crime enthusiast, mother, and co-host of the Slaycation podcast. Our yarn begins with the healing power of crafts- how sitting and knitting or stitching can be meditative, as well as how it can be used to disconnect from unwanted social conversations! We talk about how crafting can give you moments to yourself, and the importance of doing something just because.
Kim speaks openly about her life growing up in a household with domestic abuse, and the ongoing impacts that has had on her and her relationships. We talk about intergenerational trauma, and how being a cycle breaker requires looking back with a compassionate lens. Kim also shares some of her experiences from her career as a social worker in the US, and how she saw cycles of violence and trauma perpetuated among the people she was desperately trying to support. We yarn about compassion fatigue, and that as much as you want to help there is often a moment where you decide you need to walk away.
We also yarn about our mutual love of true crime, and what it is that fascinates us so much about the most grisly cases. Kim explains the origin story behind her podcast, Slaycation, and what motivates her to continue sharing these stories.
Check out the Slaycation podcast on your favourite podcast platform, and follow their updates on Instagram @slaycationwtf. To check out all of Kim's epic crafts, you can also find her @thatgirlknits.
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If you're enjoying the podcast, you're welcome to come and join me over on Instagram @yarnsforthesoulnicole- see you there!