In this episode of From There to Here, Emma Bellamy-Dodd speaks with Yaser Naseri, who fled Iran after political activism made staying impossible. Yaser describes life in Tehran, the dangers of protesting, and tough decisions that led him to Indonesia – where multiple failed escape attempts and a deadly boat disaster profoundly shaped him. He recalls surviving at sea, time in detention, and the everyday struggles of life as an asylum seeker with no language or financial resources. Through stark challenges, Yaser finds new reserves of resilience and discovers community and belonging in unexpected places. He shares how traumatic events, adjustment to difficulties, and perspective have changed his life, and why “just taking the next best step” matters. Yaser reflects on redefining home, balancing gratitude and grief, and the ongoing mental game of overcoming adversity.
Resources mentioned:
Talent is never enough, by John C. Maxwell
Connect with Yaser:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasernaseri/
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction: Meeting Yaser Naseri
(02:23) Growing Up in Tehran: Family and Community
(06:03) Political Awakening and Green Movement Protests
(13:09) The Turning Point: Fear, Danger, and Escape
(18:03) Arrival in Indonesia: First Steps into the Unknown
(23:07) Failed Escape Attempts and Facing Detention
(35:55) The Boat Disaster: Surviving at Sea
(52:54) Detention Trauma and Unexpected Resilience
(57:36) Waiting in Limbo: Jakarta and Building Community
(1:03:27) Lessons Learned: Resilience, Perspective, and Growth
(1:11:18) Life in Australia: Adaptation and Mental Strength
(1:17:13) Advice for Newcomers: Taking the Next Step
(1:21:17) Sources of Inspiration: Books and Mentors
(1:23:09) Definitions: Refugee, Home, and Identity
(1:27:29) The Power of Sharing Stories
(1:27:55) Connect with Yaser & Closing Reflections
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
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