In this episode, we host the fabulous, Mariam Veiszadeh, who is the inaugural CEO of Media Diversity Australia. Mariam walks us through her parents journey from Afghanistan, how it feels to begin again in a new country, giving up past lives and accomplishments. This interview is special, as Mariam gives us a rare inside view of the mental, emotional and physical toll of advocacy that comes with being a visible and vocal, migrant, Muslim woman of colour. Mariam talks about not only having a fan base but a troll base, and she chillingly recounts the kinds of threats she has endured. Mariam also shares her story of reclaiming and restoring her mental health through pragmatic decisions, she talks about, “what can I take off my plate’. Changing gear, we talk about her role as CEO of Media Diversity Australia and she reminds us of why we need this so badly, with her phrase, “Media is a megaphone for culture”. Listen to her call to action at the end for allies and advocates not to wait to have skin in the game and the concept of "critical yeast" - you will have to listen in to understand more. Please enjoy the courageous, visionary leadership of, Mariam Veiszadeh.

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