Building awareness and advocating for wildlife with Sandy Steers • Animals & Us E14
Sandy Steers is a biologist, energy healer, writer, and entrepreneur. With a degree in biology, she has led 14 trips to the Galapagos Islands; run the environmental educational nonprofit, Friends of Big Bear Valley, for 24 years; and written hundreds of high-engagement educational social media posts describing the lives of the local bald eagles. During […]
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, […]
Mish Kumar-Jonson on Migrant Healing
In this episode of From There to Here, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd sits down with Mish Kumar-Jonson – a queer, non-binary, neurodivergent South Indian migrant who has called India, Oman, France, the US, New Zealand, and Australia home. Mish shares a deeply personal and insightful journey through multiple migrations, exploring how cultural identity is shaped, challenged, […]
Breaking generational cycles, healing anxiety, and reshaping masculinity with Gunter Swaboda
Gunter grew up in a home filled with conflict and the strong influence of a mother who survived complex trauma and a gentle but wounded father, both from Vienna during the Russian invasion. As a teenager, he became fascinated by philosophy and Buddhism, which helped him realize that being a man involves intention and not […]
Raising standards in swim education and therapy with Ruth Smith
Growing up as a farmer’s daughter in rural Australia, Ruth spent her childhood exploring creeks, drinking fresh milk, and roaming the paddocks with my siblings. Life was simple, honest, and deeply connected to the land and community. She developed a passion for water early, competing in state-level swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming and lifesaving, and […]
Thriving through disaster thanks to community support with Mark Leigh • RMRS E16
Mark grew up visiting the river and eventually moved with his family to the banks of the Murray for a relaxed country lifestyle. He became part of a small, friendly community where people help each other, and boating is part of everyday life for locals and visitors alike. Mark’s kids thrived in a tiny school, […]
The Power of Bilingualism: A Conversation with Antonella Sorace
In this episode, Antonella Sorace, Director of Bilingualism Matters, joins the host to share her personal journey and dispel common myths about bilingualism. Together, they explore how bilingualism shapes identity and fosters adaptability, with Antonella explaining that while bilinguals often feel “in between” cultures, this very adaptability is a key advantage. She discusses cognitive benefits, […]