Episode 58 | The Chapter That Changed Everything
Episode 58 | The Chapter That Changed Everything
Embedded Files
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains conversations around suicide.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains conversations around suicide.
In this episode of What Would They Say, Shannon sits down with Doug and McKenna, the father and sister of Riley, a young man whose life ended in suicide. Together, they share not only the story of Riley's death, but more importantly, the story of his life - the person he was, the love he inspired, and the profound impact his absence continues to have on those who knew him best.
In the year following Riley's death, Doug and McKenna found themselves navigating the complex and often isolating realities of grief. Alongside the heartbreak, unanswered questions, and life-altering loss, they were faced with another challenge: how to continue carrying Riley's story forward in a way that honoured his life while helping others. By creating This Is My Chapter, they have transformed personal tragedy into a mission of connection, conversation, and suicide prevention.
This episode invites listeners to consider how we make meaning from life's most devastating chapters. It asks what becomes possible when we choose connection over silence, and whether sharing our stories might help others feel a little less alone.
This is Riley.
Not a statistic.
Not a headline.
Not a cautionary tale.
A son. A brother. A friend. A young man deeply loved and deeply missed.
When I sat down to record with Doug and McKenna, the final question on my list was simple:
What does the next chapter look like?
I never asked it...
The answer was sitting right in front of me.
A family determined to honour their son and brother.
A commitment to helping others through their darkest moments.
A belief that even after unimaginable loss, purpose can still be found.
The next chapter was already being written.
And Riley is part of every page.
This is My Chapter
This is My Chapter
Find every episode of This Is My Chapter in one place. Explore the full podcast archive, connect with hosts Doug and McKenna on social media, and discover the stories that have shaped the lives of people from all walks of life. If you have a story of your own to share, you'll also find information on how to get in touch and become part of the conversation.
If you or someone you know is suicidal and there is an immediate risk of harm call 000
If you or someone you know is suicidal and there is an immediate risk of harm call 000
Free Support Services - available 24/7
Free Support Services - available 24/7
13 11 14
13 11 14
Lifeline is national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. They exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.
1300 659 467
1300 659 467
Suicide Call Back Service is a free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people at risk as well as those affected by suicide.
1300 224 636
1300 224 636
Beyond Blue is available to help all people in Australia achieve their best possible mental health.
Earlier, easier, together.
Whether you're seeking mental health information or 24/7 qualified support for you or someone else, they here to help.
1300 789 978
1300 789 978
MensLine Australia offers free professional phone and online counselling to men across Australia 24 hours a day. Their experienced counsellors are available to listen, understand, and provide support for a range of issues, including:
Men’s mental health, including anxiety and depression
Relationship problems
Anger management
Coping strategies
Grief and loss
Loneliness and isolation
Parenting
Stress
Suicide prevention
13 92 76
13 92 76
13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. They offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 13YARN empowers their community with the opportunity to yarn without judgement and provide a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.
1800 551 800
1800 551 800
Kids Help Line provide free support and counselling (talking through problems) to people aged 5-25.
You can chat to them about ANYTHING big or small, serious, or silly, easy, or complicated, long or short, bad or good, in the past, future or now...
The most common things people talk about include mental health, emotions, and family & friend relationships.
The stuff you say is private & confidential - and you can remain anonymous.
Information for International Listeners
Information for International Listeners
If you’re outside Australia and this conversation has brought up difficult feelings or you feel like you would like support, we encourage you to reach out to services in your country.
You can find international suicide prevention hotlines at findahelpline.com — a global directory of mental health and crisis support services.
Or click the button to be redirected to the International Association of Suicide Prevention's support search.
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