Navigating Identity and Mental Health: A conversation with Niharika Hiremath
In this insightful episode, Niharika Hiremath OAM, a first-generation immigrant and mental health professional, joins the podcast to share her unique perspective on growing up in Australia after leaving India at a young age. Niharika discusses her lived experiences as a third culture kid, the challenges and conflicts of navigating multiple identities, and her openness […]
The Power of Perspective and Gratitude: Dinesh’s Path to Making a Difference
In this episode, the host interviews Dinesh Palipana, an extraordinary individual who has achieved remarkable success as a doctor, lawyer, researcher, and disability advocate. Dinesh shares his life story, starting from his childhood in war-torn Sri Lanka, the challenges he faced after moving to Australia, and how those experiences shaped his outlook on life. He […]
From Boat Escape to Refugee Advocate: Mahshid Babzartabi’s Journey to Reclaiming her Next Chapter
In this episode, we explore the harrowing and inspirational journey of Mahshid Babzartabi, a refugee who fled Iran at age 52, as she was unable to endure the constraints of a society that silenced her voice. Confronted with limited legal options for safe emigration, she ultimately embarked on a perilous boat journey to Australia. Despite […]
From Sri Lanka to Australia: Jetha Devapura’s Journey of Resilience, Philanthropy, and Advocacy
In this episode, Emma has a heartfelt conversation with Jetha Devapura, an inspiring CEO and philanthropist who immigrated from Sri Lanka to Australia at the age of 12. Together, they discuss Jetha’s memories of his childhood in Colombo and his transition to life in Australia as a teenager. Jetha shares his academic struggles and eventual […]
Multiple Migrations: Laura Gutierrez’s Search for a Place to Call Home
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 […]
From McDonald’s to Leadership – Yohana Jury’s Immigrant Journey
Yohana Jury, an Australia-based immigrant from Indonesia, shares her story and insights. She grew up in a small town in Indonesia and moved to Australia on a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in her desired field of study. While there, she met the man who would later become her husband, which led her to […]
From Conflict to Embracing Change and Freedom: The Immigrant Journey of Steve Khouw
This podcast episode dives into the life story of an Indonesian-born immigrant living in Australia. Steve shares his vivid childhood memories of political conflict and racial discrimination in 1960s Indonesia, the hasty and perilous departure of his family, and their subsequent immigration to Australia. Steve reflects on the cultural shock of adapting to a new […]
Reframing Migration: Katrina James’s Strategies to Support Migrants Through Cultural Transitions
In this first episode of “From There To Here (FTTH)”, Emma interviews Katrina James, a registered counsellor who helps migrant professionals thrive in Australia. Katrina shares her professional insights into the complexities of cultural adaptation in the workplace, including during significant life transitions such as career shifts or retirement. She highlights the importance of acknowledging […]