Rugare Gomo on Owning Identity, Creating Safe Spaces, Asking for Help, and Pursuing Freedom

In this episode, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd speaks with Rugare Gomo, author, leadership coach, and Zimbabwean-born migrant, about his journey toward embracing his authentic self in Australia. Rugare discusses growing up under strict societal and cultural expectations, navigating identity as a gay Black African man, and overcoming years of statelessness and exclusion. He highlights the unique […]

From saddle making to global tech leadership with John Dwyer

John Dwyer left school at age fourteen and started as an apprentice saddle maker. While working in leather, John became interested in computers. He taught himself basic programming on early computers and helped computerize the factory. This growing interest led to a new direction in technology. John joined the tech industry in the early 1980s. […]

Learning to live a life free of limits with Michael Hingson • Animals & Us E15

Michael was born blind and grew up in Chicago and California. His early years lacked access to braille, but he learned math in his head and stayed curious about science. Michael got proper braille education in fourth grade. With his mother’s support and a new resource teacher, he caught up in school, joined the Boy […]

Navigating Mental Health in Refugee Populations: A Conversation with Nooria Mehraby

In this conversation, Nooria Mehraby shares her profound journey from being a refugee to becoming a clinician and advocate for mental health among refugees. She discusses the traumatic experiences of fleeing Afghanistan, her life in refugee camps in Pakistan, and the challenges of resettling in Australia. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, Nooria sheds […]

From grief to purpose and creating change with Craig Goozee OAM

Craig Goozee OAM grew up loving sport, always seeing himself as a sprinter and never dreaming he would one day run ultra marathons across some of Australia’s toughest terrains. Craig spent nearly 24 years in the New South Wales police force, choosing proactive roles that kept him out in the field and, later, in covert […]

Embracing vulnerability and supporting men’s mental health with John Broadbent

John Broadbent grew up in Yorkshire, born into a low working-class family, before moving to Australia at age ten, which marked a big turning point for his life and perspective. He trained as an engineer and fully immersed himself in the world of science and logic, John spent his early career excelling in a technical […]

Finding hope through adopting a pet with Michael de Haan • Animals & Us E13

In this episode of Animals and Us, we’re joined by Michael de Haan – a Certified Money Behaviour Coach, author, and former financial planner – who shares a deeply personal story about finding purpose and healing through the bond with his rescue dog, Missy. Michael has spent over 25 years in the financial services sector, […]