A few episodes ago, Megan and Shannon found themselves stuck on a question that felt far bigger than either of them expected…

Why is it so easy to encourage other people to chase the things they love… but when it comes to ourselves, it feels layered with fear, guilt, responsibility, and the quiet belief that maybe we’re asking for too much?

So Shannon decided to sit down with someone who has spent her entire life doing exactly that.

In this deeply honest conversation, Kirsty Lee Akers opens up about what it really takes to build a life around passion—not just the highlight reel people see from the outside, but the sacrifices, uncertainty, resilience, and emotional weight that often sits underneath it all.

From growing up immersed in country music, busking to fund her first EP, and navigating the brutal highs and lows of the music industry… to appearing on The Block, renovating their dream home with her husband Jesse, and now creating music independently and as a part of Rhindstoned alongside Jesse and guitarist Dan Ebbels, Kirsty reflects on the tension between chasing your dreams and building a grounded life around them.

Together, Shannon and Kirsty explore identity, pressure, perseverance, grief, relationships, ambition, and the reality that following what you love often asks far more of you than people realise.

But beneath all of it sits a quieter question…

What does it actually mean to build a life that feels like your own?

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt pulled toward something… and wondered what it takes to actually go after it.

Find links to Kirsty and all we mentioned in the episode in the show notes at If These Trees Could Talk.com.au