In this episode, Laura Gutierrez shares her experience as an immigrant having migrated multiple times from Colombia to the US, from the US to New Zealand, and from New Zealand to Australia. She discusses her motivations for leaving her country of origin, including a desire to explore other cultures and escape certain aspects of her own culture.
Laura reflects on the challenges and rewards of starting over in different countries, the importance of perseverance, embracing vulnerability, and cultivating authentic connections. She also shares deep insights into what it means to truly find a place to call home.
Ultimately, Laura encourages fellow immigrants to embrace their own journeys and be proud of what it takes to migrate and start anew.
Follow Laura’s work:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragutierrezpinillos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluenteo
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast & Guest
01:33 – Laura’s First Migration Dream at 15
04:27 – Moving to the U.S. for an Internship
06:17 – Cultural Tensions & Family Influence
07:50 – Life in the U.S.: Freedom & Growth
11:11 – Transition to New Zealand & Australia
17:21 – Struggles Settling in Australia
20:46 – Longing for Home & Family
26:59 – Redefining Home & Belonging
38:08 – Advice & Final Reflections on Migration
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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!
If our guest’s story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.
I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!
This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — the philosophy that what’s been broken can become more beautiful for the mending — every episode honours the cracks, the rebuild, and the human underneath.
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🏷️ Topics we cover: resilience, disability, trauma recovery, mental health, transformation, lived experience, chronic illness, neurodiversity, grief, identity, community, caregiving, refugee stories, animal therapy, ageing, older Australians, wellbeing, invisible illness, inclusion, personal growth, hope, rebuilding, human connection, Australian stories
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– From There to Here | hosted by Emma Bellamy-Dodd
– Golden Threads — stories of disability & resilience | hosted by Dan Dougherty
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