Dr. Sarah Aratchi brings a powerful and heartfelt account of migrating to Australia as a child, reflecting on the everyday realities being “othered” due to her surname and skin colour. She unpacks the lasting impact of being “the brown kid” in school and the constant questioning about where she’s “really from” that followed her into adulthood.

The conversation also highlights the subtle ways in which sexism pervades the medical field - from being misidentified as a nurse to continually having to assert her expertise as a doctor. Rather than viewing her dual heritage as a burden, Sarah embraces what she calls being a “cross-cultural kid” - someone who can authentically inhabit multiple cultural spaces. She encourages others to resist the pressure to choose between identities, instead celebrating the richness that comes from blending Australian and heritage cultures through food, traditions, and community. Her journey from exclusion to empowerment illustrates how authentic self-expression can emerge from embracing multiplicity rather than conformity to a single narrative.

00:00 Journey of Migration and Childhood Memories

06:05 Navigating School Life as a Minority

12:00 The Impact of Cultural Questions

17:56 Experiences of Sexism in Medicine

25:54 Balancing Motherhood and Career

33:54 The Strength of Women in Dual Roles

38:13 The Journey of a Woman in Medicine

39:54 Writing a Memoir: A Personal Reflection

42:11 The Emotional Toll of Medicine

47:55 Cultural Identity and Migration

52:29 Finding Belonging in a Multicultural Society

56:06 The Power of Authenticity and Advocacy

Resources mentioned:

Brown. Female. Doctor. By Sarah Arachchi  (available on Amazon)

Looking for Alibrandi, by Melina Marchetta

Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox

Connect with Sarah:

Instagram: @kidsdoctorsarah

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If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this episode, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd sits down with cultural psychologist Deborah Ko for an eye-opening conversation on identity, belonging, and adaptation across cultures. Deborah shares her personal experiences growing up at the intersection of American and Hong Kong backgrounds, and reveals how cultural psychology became a lens for understanding her multiple selves. The discussion explores the discomfort of duality and dialecticism, Western versus Eastern notions of selfhood, and the fluid meaning of authenticity for those living between cultures. They unpack leadership and workplace dynamics, examining how the “ideal leader” looks like across cultures and how multicultural teams navigate these hidden norms. Deborah offers insights on communication, self-presentation, and adapting to professional norms abroad. The conversation also tackles how AI risks ironing out our individual quirks and cultural nuances, highlighting the critical importance of intentional engagement with technology. Memorable reflections on home, third-culture kids, and embracing complexity round out this compelling exploration of life in the in-between.

Chapters

00:00 Cultural Psychology: An Introduction

02:30 Growing Up Between Cultures

06:17 Understanding Identity Across Cultures

11:31 The Interdependent vs. Independent Self

16:32 Self-Presentation and Cultural Expectations

22:52 Leadership and Cultural Biases

28:16 Cultural Morality: What’s Right or Wrong Across Contexts

33:33 Communication Styles and Cultural Norms

40:14 Emotional Expression Across Cultures

45:59 Honesty vs. Kindness in Communication

51:17 The Impact of AI on Authenticity

57:05 Cultural Nuances in AI Communication

01:05:40 The Role of Critical Thinking in the Age of AI

01:13:28 Cultural Identity and the Migrant Experience

01:19:50 Closing Reflections

Resources mentioned:

“Geography of Thought” by Richard Nisbett

“The Culture Map” by Erin Meyer

“On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong

“Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner

Connect with Deborah:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahko/

Medium: https://psykobabble.medium.com/

---

Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

 In this conversation, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd speaks with Fabiola Campbell, founder and CEO of Professional Migrant Women and author of the upcoming book “Own it”. Fabiola shares her deeply personal migration story - born in Australia but raised in Venezuela, Fabiola returned as an adult expecting to feel at home, only to confront the reality of being a migrant in her birth country. Fabiola opens up about what she calls “the death of the superwoman” - the confident, capable person she was in Venezuela who disappeared when language barriers stripped away her ability to express herself. She explores the profound loss of identity and social capital that comes with migration, where achievements and connections that defined you back home suddenly carry no meaning. The conversation delves into the shame many migrants carry, the internal hierarchies of migrant “worth,” and the journey from focusing on what you lack to recognizing your strengths. Fabiola introduces her DARE method for reclaiming identity with courage and discusses the importance of daring to take up space and be seen.

Resources mentioned:

“Own it”, by Fabiola Campbell

To buy her book, click on the following link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Own-call-women-D-R/dp/B0FPBLW5TV 

Connect with Fabiola or Professional Migrant Women (PMW):

Fabiola’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiola-campbell/ 

Website: professionalmigrantwomen.com.au

PMW Level Up Platform: https://professionalmigrantwomen.com.au/level-up-platform-launch/ 

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Meeting Fabiola Campbell and Her Journey

02:39 The Death of the Superwoman: Identity Crisis as a Migrant

09:04 Grieving the Past: Loss of Self and Social Capital

14:04 Shame and Internalized Identity: The Struggle of Being a Migrant

26:12 Empowerment Through Understanding: Shifting Perspectives

45:29 Daring to Take Up Space: Embracing Identity and Growth

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this episode, Ochan shares his multifaceted journey as someone of South Sudanese and Ugandan heritage, born in Ethiopia to migrant parents, whose family later moved to Kenya before eventually resettling in Australia. He opens up about the challenges he faced after arriving, including experiences of loneliness, racism, and racial profiling. Ochan discusses how these moments influenced his approach to content creation, helping him embrace and express his authentic self. He highlights the importance of community, mental health awareness, and the need for deeper connections in a society that often feels isolating. Ochan also offers thoughtful advice for new migrants and shares insights on what it means to belong in a multicultural landscape.

Resources mentioned:

Ochan Aba recommends “The African Diary” social media profile and its book, which features the creator telling stories while riding a bike through Nairobi.

Connect with Ochan:

Instagram and TikTok: @letstalkwithaboutit

Chapters: 

(00:00 Introduction 

(01:35 Meeting Ochan and Authenticity in Content Creation

05:18 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Confidence 

06:51 Expectations vs. Reality: Migrating to Australia

08:27 Experiencing Racism and Discrimination

14:11 Navigating Social Isolation and Loneliness

17:32 Building Relationships in a New Culture

20:00 Cultural Differences in Communication

22:40 Creating Community and Connection

23:50 The Impact of Technology on Relationships 

25:22 The Loneliness in Crowds

26:43 Experiencing Racial Profiling

30:11 The Impact of Racial Profiling on Identity

33:55 Advice for New Migrants

37:34 The Metaphor of Migration

40:48 Belonging Between Cultures

45:08 The Importance of Connection and Mental Health

---

Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this episode of From There to Here, Emma Bellamy-Dodd speaks with Yaser Naseri, who fled Iran after political activism made staying impossible. Yaser describes life in Tehran, the dangers of protesting, and tough decisions that led him to Indonesia - where multiple failed escape attempts and a deadly boat disaster profoundly shaped him. He recalls surviving at sea, time in detention, and the everyday struggles of life as an asylum seeker with no language or financial resources. Through stark challenges, Yaser finds new reserves of resilience and discovers community and belonging in unexpected places. He shares how traumatic events, adjustment to difficulties, and perspective have changed his life, and why “just taking the next best step” matters. Yaser reflects on redefining home, balancing gratitude and grief, and the ongoing mental game of overcoming adversity.

Resources mentioned:

Talent is never enough, by John C. Maxwell

Connect with Yaser:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasernaseri/ 

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction: Meeting Yaser Naseri

(02:23) Growing Up in Tehran: Family and Community

(06:03) Political Awakening and Green Movement Protests

(13:09) The Turning Point: Fear, Danger, and Escape

(18:03) Arrival in Indonesia: First Steps into the Unknown

(23:07) Failed Escape Attempts and Facing Detention

(35:55) The Boat Disaster: Surviving at Sea

(52:54) Detention Trauma and Unexpected Resilience

(57:36) Waiting in Limbo: Jakarta and Building Community

(1:03:27) Lessons Learned: Resilience, Perspective, and Growth

(1:11:18) Life in Australia: Adaptation and Mental Strength

(1:17:13) Advice for Newcomers: Taking the Next Step

(1:21:17) Sources of Inspiration: Books and Mentors

(1:23:09) Definitions: Refugee, Home, and Identity

(1:27:29) The Power of Sharing Stories

(1:27:55) Connect with Yaser & Closing Reflections

---

Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this podcast episode, Roman Abasy shares his inspiring journey from Afghanistan to Australia as a refugee and human rights advocate. He discusses his background as a Taekwondo champion, his transition to advocating for women's rights in sports, and the challenges he faced adapting to a new culture. Roman emphasizes the importance of sports in helping refugees integrate into their new communities and highlights the unique challenges faced by young refugees today. He also shares his hopes for the future of women's rights in Afghanistan and offers advice to fellow refugees and migrants on navigating their new lives.

Resource mentioned: 

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini 

Connect with Roman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-abasy-702ab2227/

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Roman Abasy

 (01:36) Journey from Afghanistan to Australia

 (10:06) The Power of Sports in Integration 

 (17:05) Challenges Faced by Young Refugees 

 (21:06) Hopes for Women's Rights in Afghanistan 

 (22:00) Advice for Refugees and Migrants 

 (24:54) Reflections on Identity and Home 

 (31:12) Conclusion

---

Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

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 tensions migrants face between safety and authenticity, and the resulting challenges to mental health and belonging. Rugare describes his path to self-acceptance as gradual, shaped by forming genuine communities and learning to ask for help. He rejects the myth of the “self-made” individual, emphasizing instead the collective power of community. The conversation stresses the value of creating safe spaces for others, the importance of curiosity and courage, and how adversity can be transformed into agency. Rugare encourages listeners to celebrate their resilience and seek connection as foundational to personal and societal change.

Resources mentioned:

Forging my own path, by Rugare Gomo

The words that remain, by Sténio Gardel

Ego is the enemy, by Ryan holiday

Connect with Rugare:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rugaregomo/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rugaregomo/ 

Instagram: @rugaregomo 

Website: https://www.rugaregomo.com/ 

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction to Rugare's Journey

(00:00:43) The Impact of Statelessness

(00:01:10) The Quest for Freedom

(00:01:26) Navigating Identity and Safety

(00:04:29) The Infinite Possibility of Migrants

(00:05:18) The Importance of Community

(00:17:59) Messages of Change and Growth

(00:36:24) The Power of Asking for Help

(01:02:19) Creating Safety for Others

(01:05:00) Reclaiming Identity

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

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 light on the unique mental health challenges faced by refugees - emphasizing the need for holistic, culturally sensitive approaches to care. She explores the resilience and strength within refugee communities, the vital importance of community support in healing, and the role clinicians play in fostering safe, inclusive spaces for their clients. The discussion also covers the challenges refugees face in maintaining their identity and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. Nooria offers practical insights on how to support refugees in preserving their cultural heritage while integrating into a new society.

Resources mentioned:

• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (also a film adaptation)
• Tales from a Suitcase: The Afghan Experience (SBS documentary series and book, featuring Nooria’s story)
• No Other Land (documentary)
• Rewire Your Brain by Dr. John Arden
• Trauma and Recovery by Dr. Judith Herman

Article by Nooria: Adapting CBT with non-Western clients 

https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/INFORMIT.492751480937975

Connect with Nooria, or STARTTS:

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/STARTTSNSW/  
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/starttsnsw/  
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/STARTTS/  

Chapters:

(00:00) Nouria's Journey: From Refugee to Advocate

(05:08) Life in Pakistan: Rebuilding from Scratch

(09:56) Transition to Australia: New Beginnings and Losses

(14:47) Mental Health Challenges for Refugees

(20:03) Holistic Approaches to Refugee Trauma

(25:13) Culturally Sensitive Counseling Techniques

(30:02) Case Study: Healing Through Cultural Context

(46:59) Cultural Relevance in Clinical Practice

(55:20) Understanding Refugee Identity and Trauma

(01:00:46) The Importance of Seeking Help

(01:02:30) Literature and Resources for Refugees

(01:05:32) Reflections on Resilience and Strength

(01:08:10) Navigating Identity as a Refugee

(01:17:57) Building Inclusive Communities for Refugees

---

Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

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, and redefined across borders and contexts. They discuss the complexities of adapting to new cultures, the challenges of code switching, and the pressure migrants often feel to maintain a positive façade of gratitude at the expense of their genuine feelings and struggles. Mishma also explores the double empathy problem, the limitations of empathy, and the need to prioritise compassion over empathy in therapeutic practice. They discuss the significance of investing in joy rather than solely focusing on trauma, drawing on the wisdom of First Nations and Black communities and the importance of art, dance, and celebration for healing.

Chapters:

(00:00) Cultural Identity and Migration Journey

(08:55) The Challenge of Code Switching

(21:05) Navigating Gratefulness and Criticism as a Migrant

(27:23) Defining Australian‑ness and Cultural Perceptions

(35:12) Empathy and the Double Empathy Problem

(42:40) Intersectionality and Community Dynamics

(50:18) Understanding Accents and Communication

(55:09) Compassion Over Empathy

(58:44) The Limits of Empathy

(01:02:33) Expanding Horizons and Responsibility

(01:07:12) Investing in Joy Over Trauma

(01:12:40) Finding Belonging and Community

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this episode, Serena Lowe shares her journey as an introverted migrant from Singapore to Australia. She discusses the challenges and strengths of being an introvert in a new culture, the importance of community, and how to embrace one's introverted nature.

Serena emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and the value of quiet strengths in a world that often rewards extroverted behaviour. With the host, they explore the interplay between culture, personality, and belonging, offering practical advice for introverted migrants and anyone navigating new environments.

If you’re a migrant, introvert, or both, Serena’s story is a reminder that your quiet strengths are powerful assets. Find your community, celebrate your unique perspective, and remember: you are not alone on this journey.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Serena Lowe

(00:15) Navigating Life as an Introverted Migrant

(06:02) The Advantages of Introversion

(08:36) Finding Alternative Networking Strategies

(13:03) Introverts vs. Extroverts in Migration

(14:55) Embracing Introversion in an Extroverted World

(21:25) The Quiet Warrior Concept

(22:40) Shifting Perspectives on Leadership

(26:00) Advice for Introverted Migrants

(28:45) The Importance of Community

(30:55) Reflections on Migration and Identity

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.