Interview with Kiera Madison (EAST SIDE)

Kiera Madison (29)

Psychologist, NSW (AUS)

Kiera is a glamorous city girl who, she admits, has her beloved dad at her beck and call to rescue her whenever she needs anything. She’s the baby of her family and loves that people underestimate her intelligence because of her looks. She has no practical skills but was hoping there would be people who can help her get by – and she can be the group therapist to return the favour. Kiera is self-deprecating and self-aware and will charm everyone around her. Currently single, Kiera says she is hoping to find love at the end of the world.

What made you want to take part in the apocalypse?

Part of it was a joke, and the other part was genuinely wondering whether I could survive in a situation like that. I've always thought, if I was kidnapped or stranded somewhere, would I be able to cope? So, I wanted to test myself. But at the same time, part of me thought there was no way I could do it. 

Did you do anything to prepare in any way, in advance?

Absolutely nothing. My dad told me I should watch some survival shows and look things up, and I said it was too late, there was no amount of learning I could do at that point that would help me. I am who I am, and I was probably going to die out there. My dad was so concerned he was basically waiting by the phone the entire time I was there, convinced I was dead. But honestly, I thought it would be funnier to go in raw and just see what my brain could do in that scenario. I regret it now. I really wish I'd had some skills going in.

Was there anything you wish you'd done to prepare?

I wish I'd looked up how to stay warm with no electricity or heating, because that ended up being my biggest obstacle on the show, being freezing. I really wish I'd learned how to insulate myself properly. That was the worst part of the whole experience.

What skill were you most confident would help the group?

Nothing physical, that's for sure. I thought being a psychologist would be useful, that I'd be able to hold good conversations, build a sense of community, and keep people positive. I genuinely thought everyone else would struggle and I'd be the one playing therapist and helping people through it. In reality, I probably struggled the most out of anyone, and everyone else ended up getting me through it instead. 

Were there any skills you learned there that you can still do now?

I felt confident keeping a fire going. Even now, back home, I've been lighting the fire at my house myself, something that used to always be my dad's job, and I know I can do it from one match and a few small sticks. I'm quite proud of that. 

What was your initial reaction when you arrived in the town?

My very first reaction was that this was insane, this was huge, this was crazy, but also, let's go. I was in go mode, focused on finding food and shelter. It was only a few hours later, lying on the cold floor with car mats over me, that the full reality hit and it was the worst feeling.

What surprised you most about the other survivors in your group?

When I first met everyone, I thought, what a random group of people. Completely different jobs, backgrounds, people from all over the world. I honestly thought there was no way we'd all get along. So, I think what surprised me most was that we actually became a family, despite being so different, coming from totally different worlds. I'd never met anyone from Birmingham before, for example. It really shows how human connection works, especially in a survival situation, you band together despite the differences.

Did it shock you to discover there was another group?

We had our suspicions, but finding out was still a shock, especially once they stole our chickens. There was a moment when Stevie and I were singing Wrecking Ball and dancing in our house, and they came in and stole from us. 

Was there a moment where you thought, I can't do this, I want to go home?

Day two, honestly. I remember thinking, how am I supposed to do this for another twenty-six days? Then day five hit, when I genuinely thought my body was shutting down. My family still ask me how on earth I managed it, and honestly, I couldn't tell you.

What funny moments have stuck with you?

Looking back, most of them centre around the toilet bucket. Any time it was my turn to take it out with Stevie, something went wrong. I didn't find it funny at the time, and honestly, I still can't fully laugh about it, I can practically still picture it. There was also the time the wheelbarrow carrying the bucket flipped over and I ran back to camp in a panic. 

What was the food situation like? 

Even as hungry as I was, there were still limits to what I would put in my mouth. I never touched the pig trotters, I never ate the cat food, I never touched the Play-Doh. There was some kind of meat, that ended up in a stew, and I genuinely can't talk about it without remembering the texture. It's funny how even when you're that hungry and need the calories, there are still things you won't eat. The food situation overall was incredibly restrictive and I will never put myself through that kind of hunger again.

What did you learn about yourself in there?

Mainly, never do anything that crazy ever again. But honestly, even though it was really challenging, I'm proud of myself for getting through it. I still can't quite believe I did. Now, whenever I face a challenge, I remind myself that I survived an apocalypse, so I can handle pretty much anything. 

Is there anything from the experience that's carried over into your work or day to day life?

I try to appreciate the small luxuries now, having a warm bed, for example. I complained at the time about sleeping on a mattress stained with blood and worse, but there are people out there who don't even have a bed at all. I make a point of reflecting on that gratitude regularly, sometimes daily, sometimes a couple of times a week. So it's made me more grateful overall, though I don't think it's made me any less of a princess. If anything, I think I'm more of one now, because I never want to be without basic comforts again. Even talking about it now, I can feel my stomach tightening a little just thinking back to it. It really was one of the hardest times of my life.

Has it changed how you view contemporary life and the things you take for granted?

Yes, I feel very fortunate, and I try not to take that for granted. It's also made me more aware that other people genuinely don't have it as good, so I try to either give back or simply appreciate what I have. 

So you'd never do it again?

Absolutely not. People always ask if I'd go back and do it again, and honestly, I don't think any amount of money could convince me. I am glad I did it in the sense that I got the experience, but that's it, ticked off the list, never again.