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 […]
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 […]
Safeguarding the community and leading a team through natural disaster with Tony Siviour • RMRS E03
Tony Sivour is the general manager of the Renmark Paringa Council in South Australia. Born in Barmera, he’s a long-term Riverlander who returned after gaining valuable local government experience elsewhere. Tony worked tirelessly to protect Renmark during the major 2022 floods. His efforts focused on managing the levees, coordinating with authorities, and keeping the community […]
From paramedic to pilot; a journey of adventure, resilience & creativity with Christian Mortensen
Christian Mortensen grew up in Melbourne with a Jewish mother and an artist dad, weaving his childhood with diverse cultural experiences and unique perspectives. He studied ancient history and anthropology at Melbourne University, then taught first aid courses, laying a foundation for his future in emergency services. Trained as a wilderness EMT in Colorado, Christian […]
A lifelong commitment to working alongside police dogs with David Raymond • Animals & Us E05
From a young age, Dave dreamed of being a policeman, inspired by early experiences and playing with boxes that he labelled “police.” He joined the Queensland Police in 1989, driven by a desire to make a difference, and soon became a respected officer. A chance conversation led Dave to the competitive dog squad, where he […]
Turning disaster into natural beauty through photography with Paul Smith • RMRS E02
Paul Smith, known locally as Jubba, took up photography after a motorbike accident in 2008 left him on disability. After moving to Mannum, South Australia, he began photographing the river, discovering its serene beauty During the 2022, floods Jubba documented the water slowly rising in Mannum and the surrounding areas. As the floodwaters rose, locals […]
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 the Blue Mountains to piloting helicopters and public speaking, with Kevin Humphreys
Growing up in the Blue Mountains, Kevin dreamed of adventure, inspired by army training on TV and rescue helicopters above his neighbourhood. He joined the army, overcoming challenges to become a helicopter pilot, mastering intense tasks like low flying, NVG flights, and two-way operational missions. Kevin served in East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, tackling extreme […]