Jon Coghill & Tim Reid
How to be yourself when people stare and judge? That’s exactly what this goth teen artist does every day. She rescued a dying butterfly from a bus floor, drew it, and turned judgment into art. This chat on how to be yourself is raw, funny, and full of courage – hit play and feel the freedom.
Personal stories of love, resilience & daring unfold in this loveable podcast, as story-collectors Tim Reid & Jon Coghill wander the streets of Australia chatting to strangers.
It’s conversations… with everyday people.
Episode Summary
Meeting Ashton the Goth Teen Artist
Tim stops Ashton while she’s drawing in the park. She’s just rescued a dead butterfly from a bus floor – trampled, but still beautiful to her. Being yourself when people stare & judge? That’s her daily reality.
How to Be Yourself When People Stare & Judge
Ashton picked up the dying butterfly, took it home, and drew it. Being yourself when people stare & judge means seeing beauty where others see nothing. She turns small, strange moments into something meaningful.
Fashion, Judgment & Staying True
She loves bold goth fashion. Friends judged at first – now they love it. Being yourself when people stare & judge? Keep showing up. Her style desensitised them. The world won’t change if you hide.
Being Yourself When People Stare – The Real Talk
People stare on the street. Ashton doesn’t care. Being yourself when people stare & judge is simple: own it. She’d rather be out there than pretend. Kindness and confidence beat judgment every time.
Family Chips, Milkshakes & Jet Skis
Plans for the day? Chips, milkshakes, and jet skis with mum and sister. Being yourself when people stare & judge doesn’t stop the fun – it makes it better.
Ashton’s Vibe & Wrapping Up
Ashton’s energy? Creative, kind, fearless. Being yourself when people stare & judge is her superpower. This chat leaves you ready to wear whatever the hell you want.
Chapters
00:00 – Intro and rejections before Ashton
00:56 – Meeting the goth teen artist
01:19 – Dead butterfly rescued from bus floor
02:55 – Fashion judgment from friends – now they love it
05:32 – Being yourself when people stare & judge
08:14 – World won’t change if you hide
09:46 – Chips, milkshakes, jet skis with family – farewell
00:56 – Meeting the goth teen artist
01:19 – Dead butterfly rescued from bus floor
02:55 – Fashion judgment from friends – now they love it
05:32 – Being yourself when people stare & judge
08:14 – World won’t change if you hide
09:46 – Chips, milkshakes, jet skis with family – farewell
Key Moments
- Rescued dying butterfly from bus – turned it into art
- Bold goth fashion – friends judged, now love it
- Being yourself when people stare & judge – own it
- “The world isn’t going to change if you’re just hiding”
- Desensitised friends to her style – change starts with you
- People stare on the street – she doesn’t care
- Chips, milkshakes & jet skis with mum and sister
Listen to the Full Conversation
Being yourself when people stare & judge – goth teen’s dead butterfly art. Pure courage.Listen now on your favourite platform
🎙️ Want more, Stranger?
Like the idea of story-collectors Tim Reid & Jon Coghill chatting to attendees at your next conference or event? Or maybe you’d like them to chat to strangers in your part of the world. Hit them up here.
📸 Join us behind-the-scenes
Follow the What a StrangerTold Me podcast madness on Instagram.
☎️ Got a story you’d love to share?
Call us +61 489 272 286. You’ve got a whopping 10-minutes, so sit back, take a big breath and go for gold.
👽 Don’t be a stranger
Got some feedback? Bring it on. Just be gentle. One of us has thin skin 😉
🤩 Who’s behind all this strangeness?
Made & Hosted by Tim Reid & Jon Coghill
Music Supervision by Dennis Feletto
Photography by Will Reid & Andy McColl