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Taboo Talk with Sarah

Episode 09 Breaking the Cycle: Homelessness, Foster Care & The Power of Community with Misty Kerrigan

Homelessness is often seen as an issue that happens to "other people," but the reality is, it can happen to anyone. Rising costs, mental health struggles, job loss, and broken systems all contribute to a crisis that is growing worldwide. In this episode of Taboo Talk with Sarah, I sit down with Misty Kerrigan, an industrial-organizational psychologist, leadership coach, and advocate for vulnerable communities. With over 24 years in mental health, Misty has dedicated her career to empowering foster youth, at-risk families, and those experiencing homelessness—helping them break cycles of trauma, build self-sufficiency, and find long-term solutions instead of quick fixes. This conversation dives deep into why men, women, and even children end up on the streets, the role trauma plays, and the real solutions that go beyond just providing a bed for the night. 💜 If you’ve ever wondered how you can be part of the solution, this episode is for you.
Broadcast on:
17 Mar 2025

📌 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Homelessness is a universal crisis – How it happens, why it's increasing, and the hidden side of the problem.

 

✔️ Foster care & aging out of the system – Why foster youth are among the highest at risk for homelessness.

 

✔️ Mental health & homelessness – How trauma, survival mode, and lack of support keep people stuck.

 

✔️ The truth about community & connection – Why people often stay homeless despite available resources.

 

✔️ Real solutions – What we can do as individuals and communities to make a difference.

 

 

💬 Standout Quotes:

🗣️ "Homelessness isn’t just about lacking a home—it’s about lacking a support system."

 

🗣️ "When we stop seeing homelessness as ‘their’ problem and start seeing it as our collective responsibility, change happens."

 

🗣️ "One adult who believes in a child can break the cycle. Just one."

 

 

⏳ Key Moments in the Episode:

⏱ 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Misty Kerrigan

 

⏱ 05:30 – Understanding the real causes of homelessness

 

⏱ 12:45 – Why foster youth face such high homelessness rates

 

⏱ 18:10 – Mental health, trauma & survival mode in homelessness

 

⏱ 22:35 – The power of connection & how small acts of kindness change lives

 

⏱ 28:50 – How communities can create real, lasting solutions

 

⏱ 33:20 – Final thoughts: What YOU can do to help

 

 

🌟 Notable Mentions & Resources:

✔️ Misty Kerrigan – Advocate & leadership coach for vulnerable communities

 

✔️ Foster Care Support Programs – Addressing the gaps in the system

 

✔️ Mental Health & Homelessness Studies – Understanding the psychology of survival

 

✔️ Community-Based Solutions – Why long-term strategies matter

🏡 If this episode brought up heavy emotions, please reach out to support services:
 

📞 Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 | Lifeline Online Chat
 

📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | Beyond Blue Online Chat
 

📞 Homelessness Australia – homelessnessaustralia.org.au

 

 

📢 Call to Action:

✨ Listen, share, and take action. If this episode resonated with you, don’t just listen—get involved. Find local organizations helping the homeless, donate, volunteer, or simply start a conversation.

💬 Join the discussion! Let’s break the silence and work together for change. Drop a comment, send a message, or connect on social media.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube!

#TabooTalkWithSarah #HomelessnessCrisis #FosterCare #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakingTheCycle #CommunityMatters #SocialChange

Homelessness is often seen as an issue that happens to "other people," but the reality is, it can happen to anyone. Rising costs, mental health struggles, job loss, and broken systems all contribute to a crisis that is growing worldwide. In this episode of Taboo Talk with Sarah, I sit down with Misty Kerrigan, an industrial-organizational psychologist, leadership coach, and advocate for vulnerable communities. With over 24 years in mental health, Misty has dedicated her career to empowering foster youth, at-risk families, and those experiencing homelessness—helping them break cycles of trauma, build self-sufficiency, and find long-term solutions instead of quick fixes. This conversation dives deep into why men, women, and even children end up on the streets, the role trauma plays, and the real solutions that go beyond just providing a bed for the night. 💜 If you’ve ever wondered how you can be part of the solution, this episode is for you.