Episode 19 - Diana Richardson - Principal Advisor, Former Mormon, Mother and Friend of 16 years

In today’s deeply honest and emotional episode, I’m joined by Di Richardson, who shares her raw and real journey through grief, healing and leaving the Mormon Church.

Di and I have known each other for 16 years so in this episode we sit down and have a deep and emotional conversation. Di opens up about experiences that are rarely spoken about openly, but so deeply felt by many.

⚠️ Content Note:
This episode includes discussions around the loss of a baby, leaving the Mormon Church and grief. Please take care while listening, pause when needed, or skip this episode if it feels too heavy right now.

✨ What we talk about:

• Di’s background and the experiences that shaped who she is today
• Marrying very young, moving to the USA and growing up as a Mormon in Perth.
• Navigating the loss of a baby through SIDS and going straight into studying her first Post Grad in Teaching.
• Moving to a remote community up north, living there for a number of years to then complete a Masters degree and becoming a Deputy Principal.
• Seconded to a very challenging Level 4 Associate Principal position to a nearby, small town and working and living there for another 5 years.
• Going into an even more leadership role in the Kimberley working in curriculum.
• Moving back to Perth, getting divorced and navigating life as a single Mum.
• Accepting a position as a Principal Advisor, guiding primary school principals across WA through everyday school life, pressures and school improvement.
• Leads the state Phonics Initiative to improve reading across WA.

💛 This episode is for you if:

• You’ve experienced the loss of a child
• You’ve grown up religious and left the church
• You want to hear an honest, compassionate conversation that makes you feel less alone and will inspire you as a woman who is a high achiever.

If this episode resonates with you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need to hear it. These stories matter — and so do you.

Find me at @officiallyemmayoung

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant