Kelsey Waghorn: Surviving White Island - and the PTSD that came later

Take It From Us with Kent Johns · 2026-04-09

Kelsey Waghorn survived the Whakaari White Island volcanic eruption on December 9, 2019. In two minutes, the volcano changed the trajectory of her life.

Kelsey made split-second decisions that saved lives - staying still when she wanted to run, getting everyone on the boat when help never came. She spent five days in a coma, weeks in hospital. The burns were catastrophic.

But the darkest moment came two years later when the PTSD caught up with her. Kelsey fell into a victim mindset - isolating from family, watching everything burn down around her. Her relationship imploded. That rock bottom jolted her back to life.

A trauma specialist helped her understand: her brain had rewired itself. Understanding that changed everything.

Kelsey pulled herself out. She's just published her book and is embracing freedom - no longer living in fear. This is a story you won't forget.

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If you need support, here are helpful links, phone numbers and resources: https://ember.org.nz/resources/in-a-crisis/

Take It From Us with Kent Johns

Take It From Us is the voice of lived experience. In this podcast, you'll hear real people share honest stories about mental health, addiction, trauma and recovery - straight from their own journeys.

They'll tell you what actually worked, what didn't, and what they wish they'd known sooner.

Host Kent Johns is a former broadcaster-turned-health-coach who believes everyone has a story to tell if people take the time to really listen.

So settle in, you're going to hear some stories. Take it from us - and from them.

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If you need support, click here for helpful links, phone numbers and resources:

https://ember.org.nz/resources/in-a-crisis/

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