Reuniting the community and fostering resilience with Julie Ahrens • RMRS E06
Julie Ahrens began her journey as a bonded student teacher, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities in rural Australia. Drawn by job prospects and adventure, Julie moved from to Berri where her passion for teaching and community blossomed. Julie fully immersed herself in the Riverland lifestyle, cherishing the natural beauty and forming deep connections […]
Healing relationships between humans and dingos with Dr Julie Funnell • Animals and Us E07
Julie grew up in the bushland of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, where her love for animals began with a rescued kitten at age two and a childhood spent exploring nature. That early connection with the environment led her to study Environmental Biology and complete a PhD on bird migration. After working for […]
Working with horses to turn adversity into purpose with Sue Spence • Animals and Us E08
Sue grew up in New Zealand loving horses, always asking for a white pony and feeling happiest when spending time riding and caring for her first ponies and her horse, Lady. As a child with autism and ADHD, Sue felt awkward around humans but found peace and confidence with horses, using time in nature to […]
From chasing promotions to a life built with purpose and authenticity with James Pearson
James grew up in the north of England, earning a degree in politics and economics, working various jobs to support himself after university. He visited Australia for the Olympics and decided to stay. He started working in recruitment, which led to opportunities and a new life here. He thrived in the corporate world, pursuing promotions […]
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 […]
Pushing the boundaries of modern medicine to create change with Ben Bravery
Ben was raised by a single mother in Southeast Queensland, who instilled ambition and curiosity, setting the foundation for his diverse and driven future journey. After studying zoology, Ben worked in environmental policy with the Australian Government, but he became disillusioned, realising that meaningful environmental impact required more than policy work. He moved to China […]
Managing emergency communications in a time of need with Ivan Smith • RMRS E04
Born and bred in Renmark, Ivan spent over four decades running his own motor mechanic business before retiring. Passionate about radio communications, Ivan pursued electronics and transitioned into the communications field to avoid heavy manual labour. His expertise landed him a role on the South Australian government radio network, working closely with emergency services like […]
From gambling addiction to finding purpose in helping others with Shay Hare
Shay grew up battling insecurities about his appearance and others’ opinions, with family conflicts deepening his feelings of instability and anger. At 13, Shay found gambling through poker, using it to mask inner pain, akin to a drug’s euphoric escape, initiating a lifelong struggle. Raised in a family where gambling was common, Shay’s early exposure […]
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 […]
Strength, creativity, and the magic of animal bonds with Juliette Wells •.Animals and Us E06
Juliette grew up near Kuringai Chase National Park surrounded by animals. She spent childhood days outside climbing trees, watching wallabies, collecting cicadas, and caring for strays she brought home. She is a creator, artist, author, and all-round joy spreader. Her wonderfully colourful career that includes being a professional clown, a fun manager at a children’s […]