No Ordinary People

For many Australians, literacy is understood as reading and writing. But literacy is also about language, identity, belonging, culture, connection and self-determination.

Ben's journey to leading one of Australia's most impactful literacy organisations has been anything but conventional. From professional sport to Aboriginal mentoring, health work, community enterprise, and ultimately the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, his path has been shaped by a deep belief in the strengths, knowledge, and leadership that already exist within Communities.

At the heart of the conversation is a challenge to how we think about literacy itself. Ben explains why books are more than educational tools. In First Nations Communities, they can be vehicles for cultural preservation, language revitalisation, identity, connection, and self-determination. When children see their own language, Country, and Community reflected in stories, they're not simply learning to read. They're learning that their stories matter.

What sits beneath that is a powerful community-led approach. Rather than deciding what Communities need, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation works alongside them, responding to local priorities and supporting Communities to create, publish, and share their own stories. The result is a model built on listening, trust, and ownership rather than assumptions or deficit thinking.

Today, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation supports Communities across Australia through culturally relevant books, First Languages publishing, digital storytelling initiatives, and programs that help young people develop skills in writing, illustration, editing, design, and publishing. Through initiatives such as Talent Pathways, young people are building creative careers while staying connected to Country, culture, and Community.

At the same time, the conversation explores bigger questions about systems, partnership, and power. Ben shares what meaningful allyship looks like, why community leadership matters, and how organisations can support change without taking ownership away from the people closest to the work.

In this episode:

• Why literacy is about far more than reading and writing
• How language, culture and identity are deeply connected
• Why books in First Languages matter
• What genuine Community-led practice looks like
• How storytelling creates confidence, opportunity and connection

This is a conversation about stories, language, identity, and what becomes possible when Communities are empowered to lead their own futures.

If this resonated, subscribe, share the episode with someone who would love it, and leave a review so more people can discover these stories.

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Indigenous Literacy Foundation Contact Details

Website – https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au

Facebook – @IndigenousLiteracyFoundation

Instagram – @indigenousliteracyfoundation

LinkedIn – Indigenous Literacy Foundation

YouTube - IndigenousLiteracy

Support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and learn more about their work at indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au

Topics discussed: First Nations literacy, Indigenous literacy, First Languages, language revitalisation, storytelling, cultural identity, Community-led change, education, leadership and social impact.

Authors and creators mentioned or connected to books discussed:
Jay Kristoff, Nardi Simpson, Anita Heiss, Lystra Rose, Rebecca Yarros, Karen Manbulloo, the Gay’wu Group of Women, Khodi Dill, David A. Robertson, Julie Flett and Alison Lester. 

Best single place to visit for the Community-published books: the Indigenous Literacy Foundation shop. The ILF sells books written and created in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.

Every story is a reminder that positive change doesn't start with governments or headlines. It starts with people who choose to act.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague
• Subscribe so you never miss a story of impact

Start here: New to the podcast? Popular episodes include Megan Gilmour on school isolation, Emily Mayo on youth justice, and Kath Koschel on resilience and kindness.

📧 Get in touch
[email protected]

📷 Instagram
@NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast

💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing?
We'd love to hear from you.

Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.

Topics explored on ...

One in four young Australians report being bullied, yet many anti-bullying programs struggle to create lasting behaviour change.

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Rosie Thomas OAM, co-founder and executive director of Project Rockit, explores bullying, cyberbullying, youth wellbeing, digital citizenship, youth engagement, school culture, and what it takes to create safer environments for young people.

Rather than treating bullying as an isolated incident, Rosie explains why it is often a culture shaped by power, repetition, exclusion, and the behaviour of those who witness it. From everyday "banter" and gaslighting to online hate and prejudice, this conversation challenges traditional approaches and explores why young people themselves are often the key to creating change.

Built on the belief that young people are not the problem to fix but part of the solution, Project Rockit has spent years working alongside students to challenge bullying, hate and prejudice through youth-driven programs, storytelling, social experiments, and practical tools that help young people move from bystanders to upstanders.

Rosie also shares the realities of scaling impact, the importance of authentic youth voice, and how schools, organisations and communities can create meaningful change without falling into tokenistic engagement.

In this episode:

• Why traditional anti-bullying programs often fail
• The difference between bullying and conflict
• How power, repetition and audience behaviour shape bullying cultures
• The impact of cyberbullying, gaslighting and everyday "banter"
• Why youth-led solutions create stronger behaviour change
• How to help young people become upstanders
• What authentic youth engagement looks like in practice
• The challenges of scaling impact while staying true to your mission

This is a conversation about bullying prevention, youth leadership, belonging, respect, digital wellbeing, and creating cultures where young people feel seen, heard and safe.

If this resonated, subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can be part of the shift.

Project Rockit Contact Details

Project Rockit Website – projectrockit.com.au

Project Rockit Foundation Website – projectrockitfoundation.org.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook – @projectrockit

Instagram – @projectrockit

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/project-rockit

TikTok - @projectrockit

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Topics discussed: bullying, cyberbullying, youth wellbeing, youth leadership, school culture, student engagement, online safety, digital citizenship, behaviour change, youth voice, belonging, inclusion and social impact.

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.

Every story is a reminder that positive change doesn't start with governments or headlines. It starts with people who choose to act.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague
• Subscribe so you never miss a story of impact

Start here: New to the podcast? Popular episodes include Megan Gilmour on school isolation, Emily Mayo on youth justice, and Kath Koschel on resilience and kindness.

📧 Get in touch
[email protected]

📷 Instagram
@NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast

💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing?
We'd love to hear from you.

Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.

Topics explored on ...

What happens to a child when a parent's substance use, addiction or overdose turns their world upside down?

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jane Rowe, founder and CEO of the Mirabel Foundation, explores childhood trauma, parental substance use, kinship care, grief, child wellbeing, mental health, and the hidden impact of addiction on children and families.

When a child loses a parent due to illicit drug use, the silence can be as heavy as the loss itself. Stigma often leaves children carrying grief, confusion, and shame without the support they need to make sense of what has happened.

Drawing on decades of experience in addiction counselling and child-focused support, Jane shares the moment she recognised a critical gap in Australia's response to addiction: while services focused on adults, children were often left unseen.

What followed was the creation of the Mirabel Foundation, an organisation providing long-term, trauma-informed support for children who have been orphaned or abandoned due to parental substance use. Through counselling, mentoring, peer connection, and family support, Mirabel helps children and young people rebuild safety, belonging and hope.

The conversation also shines a light on kinship care, where grandparents, relatives and extended family members step in to raise children, often with little financial, emotional or practical support. Jane explains why these carers play such a vital role and why they deserve greater recognition and investment.

You'll also hear how programs like Big Days Out help children experience connection, joy and belonging, free from secrecy, stigma and judgement.

In this episode:

• The impact of parental substance use on children
• Childhood grief, trauma and loss
• Why children affected by addiction often go unseen
• The critical role of kinship carers and grandparents
• How trauma-informed support changes outcomes
• The importance of belonging, connection and stability
• How stigma affects children and families
• Practical ways communities can support children impacted by addiction

This is a conversation about addiction, child wellbeing, trauma, family, resilience, kinship care, and the extraordinary people helping children find hope after loss.

Topics discussed: parental substance use, addiction, childhood trauma, childhood grief, kinship care, grandparents raising grandchildren, child wellbeing, child mental health, family support, trauma-informed care, resilience, belonging and social impact.

If this conversation resonated, follow the show, share it with someone working in child wellbeing, mental health, education or family services, and leave a review to help more people discover these stories.

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Mirabel Foundation Contact Details

Mirabel Website – mirabel.org.au

Facebook – @MirabelFoundation

Instagram – @mirabelfoundation

LinkedIn – Mirabel Foundation

YouTube - @TheMirabelFoundation

Read Jane Rowe's book - The Damage Undone

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.

Every story is a reminder that positive change doesn't start with governments or headlines. It starts with people who choose to act.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague
• Subscribe so you never miss a story of impact

Start here: New to the podcast? Popular episodes include Megan Gilmour on school isolation, Emily Mayo on youth justice, and Kath Koschel on resilience and kindness.

📧 Get in touch
[email protected]

📷 Instagram
@NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast

💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing?
We'd love to hear from you.

Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.

Topics explored on ...

Australia is one of the few developed countries where children can be arrested, charged, and imprisoned from the age of 10. What happens when we stop asking, "What did this child do?" and start asking, "What happened to this child?"

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade Harley sits down with Emily Mayo from the Justice and Equity Centre and the Raise the Age NSW campaign to explore one of Australia's most contested social issues: youth justice.

Emily explains what it means to raise the age of criminal responsibility, why Australia remains out of step with international standards, and what the evidence tells us about crime prevention, community safety, and child development.

Together, they unpack the realities facing many children who come into contact with the justice system, including trauma, disability, homelessness, poverty, and unmet health needs. The conversation explores why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are dramatically overrepresented in detention, the impact of early criminalisation, and why many children in detention have not been found guilty of a crime.

They also examine the economic and social cost of youth detention, which can exceed $1 million per child each year, and the evidence showing that early intervention, diversion programs, family support, and community-led solutions deliver better outcomes for young people and safer communities.

In this episode:

• What raising the age of criminal responsibility actually means
 • Why children as young as 10 can be imprisoned in Australia
 • The connection between trauma, disadvantage, and youth offending
 • Why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are disproportionately affected
 • The reality of children held on remand
 • The long-term impact of early contact with the justice system
 • Why youth detention is costly and often ineffective
 • Evidence-based alternatives that improve outcomes and community safety
 • How politics, media narratives, and public perceptions shape youth justice reform

This is a powerful conversation about child development, criminal justice, prevention, and what it takes to create safer communities for everyone.

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in youth justice, social impact, criminal justice reform, child wellbeing, or community safety.

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Raise the Age NSW Contact Details

RTA NSW Website – raisetheagensw.org.au

Watch the 'Ten Is Too Young' campaign video 

Watch the 'Better Way for Kids and Communities' video

Justice and Equity Centre website – jec.org.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook – @RaiseTheAgeNSW

Instagram – @raisetheagensw

Join the movement

Topics discussed: Youth justice, Raise the Age, age of criminal responsibility, youth detention, child criminalisation, community safety, trauma, early intervention, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, criminal justice reform, prevention and evidence-based policy.

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.

Every story is a reminder that positive change doesn't start with governments or headlines. It starts with people who choose to act.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague
• Subscribe so you never miss a story of impact

Start here: New to the podcast? Popular episodes include Megan Gilmour on school isolation, Emily Mayo on youth justice, and Kath Koschel on resilience and kindness.

📧 Get in touch
[email protected]

📷 Instagram
@NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast

💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing?
We'd love to hear from you.

Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.

Topics explored on ...

What can one dependable adult change in the life of a child in foster care?

When a child asked a volunteer, “How much do you get paid to do this?”, it revealed something children in out-of-home care often recognise all too well: many of the adults in their lives are there in a professional capacity. The volunteer’s answer was simple. Nothing. They kept coming back because they genuinely wanted to be there.

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade Harley speaks with Bronwyn Sheehan OAM, founder and CEO of The Pyjama Foundation, about foster care, early literacy and the power of one trusted adult who consistently shows up.

Bronwyn Sheehan OAM shares how her early awareness of inequality, followed by her work as a nurse and midwife, shaped her commitment to children. She also recounts meeting a frightened and disoriented 18-month-old boy who had recently entered foster care. That moment led her to ask a practical question: what was one meaningful thing she could do right now?

Her answer was to read.

That simple idea grew into The Pyjama Foundation and its Love of Learning Program. Screened and trained volunteer mentors, known as Pyjama Angels, are matched with children in out-of-home care. Through weekly reading, educational activities and time spent together, they help children build confidence, develop life skills and discover a love of learning. 

But the program is about more than books. It is also about trust, choice and consistency. Children guide the sessions, choosing what they want to read, play or create. Week after week, the presence of a dependable adult sends a powerful message: you matter, you are valued, and someone has chosen to be in your corner. 

In this episode:

• The encounter with an 18-month-old boy that inspired The Pyjama Foundation
• Why early literacy matters for children in foster and kinship care
• How trauma can affect learning, engagement and development
• What children really mean when they ask a volunteer, “How much do you get paid?”
• Why choice and consistency help children build trust
• What makes a great Pyjama Angel mentor
• The relationship between reading, connection and confidence
• What National Pyjama Day makes possible
• How individuals and communities can better support children and families in the care system

This is a conversation about foster care, mentoring, belonging and the quiet power of showing up. It is a reminder that meaningful change does not always begin with a grand solution. Sometimes it starts with one person, one hour and a decision to return next week.

If this conversation moves you, follow No Ordinary People, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review. You can also learn more about becoming a Pyjama Angel or supporting National Pyjama Day.

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Pyjama Foundation Contact Details

Website - www.thepyjamafoundation.com

National Pyjama Day - https://fundraise.thepyjamafoundation.com/event/npd

Email - [email protected] 

Facebook - @facebook.com/pyjamafoundation

Instagram - @https://www.instagram.com/thepyjamafoundation/

Topics discussed: Foster care, out-of-home care, children in care, early literacy, youth mentoring, volunteer mentoring, child development, educational disadvantage, trauma-informed support, belonging, trusted adults, positive relationships and child wellbeing.

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.

Every story is a reminder that positive change doesn't start with governments or headlines. It starts with people who choose to act.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague
• Subscribe so you never miss a story of impact

Start here: New to the podcast? Popular episodes include Megan Gilmour on school isolation, Emily Mayo on youth justice, and Kath Koschel on resilience and kindness.

📧 Get in touch
[email protected]

📷 Instagram
@NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast

💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing?
We'd love to hear from you.

Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.

Topics explored on ...

What difference can one caring adult make in the life of a young person facing adversity?

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Dominic Brook, co-founder of MMAD (Musicians Making A Difference), to explore how belonging, mentorship, music, and one person's belief can change the trajectory of a life. MMAD is an Australian charity that uses music and mentoring to help young people make positive choices and find their place in the world. 

Dom grew up with a single mum doing her best through complex circumstances. While love was always present, stability wasn't always guaranteed. Like many young people navigating adversity, he was searching for connection, purpose, and someone who believed in him.

That person arrived in the form of a neighbour.

What seemed like a small act at the time became a turning point. Years later, it would inspire the creation of MMAD, built on a simple but powerful idea: one additional trusted adult can help change a young person's future.

Today, MMAD works alongside young people experiencing significant disadvantage, including those involved in child protection and youth justice systems. Through music, mentoring and genuine relationships, the organisation creates opportunities for young people to build confidence, strengthen identity, develop purpose and imagine a future beyond their circumstances. 

From the early days of community hip-hop camps to Futures, a youth-led radio initiative operating inside youth justice centres, Dom's work demonstrates what becomes possible when we prioritise connection, creativity and belonging. Futures uses music, storytelling, mentorship and youth voice to support rehabilitation and hope for young people in detention. 

Together, Jade and Dom unpack:

• Dom's childhood, instability and search for belonging
• The neighbour who changed his life with a guitar and genuine belief
• The founding story of MMAD
• Why music creates connection when other approaches often can't
• Supporting young people navigating child protection and youth justice systems
• Building trust, identity and self-belief through mentoring
• How young people can rewrite the stories they've been told about themselves
• Futures and amplifying youth voices inside justice settings
• Why prevention and early intervention create stronger outcomes
• What communities can do to support young people before they reach crisis

This is a conversation about youth mentoring, belonging, resilience, and the extraordinary impact of ordinary people who decide to show up. It asks us to move beyond "What's wrong with you?" and instead ask "What happened, and what support do you need to thrive?"

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in youth justice, youth development, mentoring, social impact, or community-led change.

Learn More About MMAD

🌐 Website: https://mmad.org.au 

📱 Instagram: @mmadaustralia

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmadaustralia/ 

🎵 Futures Radio:
 https://www.mmad.org.au/futures

🔗 Linktree (Programs, mentoring, donations and resources):
 https://linktr.ee/mmadaustralia 

📩 Contact MMAD through their website or Instagram DMs.

This episode was recorded at ARN Studios.

Topics discussed: Youth mentoring, music mentoring, youth development, child protection, youth justice, belonging, resilience, trauma-informed practice, purpose, identity, early intervention, crime prevention, Futures Radio and positive youth development.

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.

Every story is a reminder that positive change doesn't start with governments or headlines. It starts with people who choose to act.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague
• Subscribe so you never miss a story of impact

Start here: New to the podcast? Popular episodes include Megan Gilmour on school isolation, Emily Mayo on youth justice, and Kath Koschel on resilience and kindness.

📧 Get in touch
[email protected]

📷 Instagram
@NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast

💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing?
We'd love to hear from you.

Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.

Topics explored on ...

What happens when a child disappears from school, not because they don't want to learn, but because the system can no longer accommodate their reality?

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Megan Gilmour, 2025 ACT Australian of the Year, co-founder and CEO of MissingSchool, to explore one of Australia's most overlooked challenges: school isolation.

When Megan's son Darcy survived a life-threatening illness, she discovered a second crisis unfolding alongside the medical one. As treatment forced him away from school, he lost access to much more than education. He lost daily connection, friendship, routine, identity and belonging.

What began as a personal family experience became a national mission.

Today, MissingSchool is leading efforts to ensure children facing serious illness, disability, neurodiversity, mental health challenges and other barriers to attendance can remain connected to learning, teachers and classmates. Megan's work has helped elevate school isolation as a national issue, influenced policy conversations and pioneered innovative solutions that keep children connected to their school communities.

Together, Jade and Megan explore why school isolation is affecting more children than many people realise, why traditional attendance measures often fail to tell the full story, and what a truly inclusive education system could look like.

They discuss the growing number of students missing school, the impact of exclusion on wellbeing and educational outcomes, and why belonging is not a "nice to have" but a critical foundation for learning, development and long-term success.

In this episode:

• What school isolation is and why it matters
• Why children with illness, disability, neurodiversity and mental health challenges are being left behind
• The hidden costs of disconnection from school and community
• How Darcy's experience inspired the creation of MissingSchool
• What schools learned during COVID and why many systems have since regressed
• The disproportionate impact on parents and caregivers, particularly mothers
• Why outdated attendance models no longer fit a changing world
• The future of flexible and inclusive education
• Technology, innovation and new approaches to connection
• Why belonging drives learning, wellbeing and opportunity
• What policymakers, educators, employers and communities can do differently

This is a powerful conversation about educational equity, school attendance, disability inclusion, chronic illness, mental health, belonging and the future of education in Australia.

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review and share it with a parent, teacher, school leader, policymaker or anyone who believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn, belong and thrive.

Learn More About MissingSchool

🌐 Website - missingschool.org.au/

📧 Email - [email protected]

📘 Facebook - MissingSchoolInc/

📱 Instagram - @missingschool_org/

💼 LinkedIn – company/missing-school-incorporated

🎥 YouTube – @missingschool

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Topics discussed: School isolation, school attendance, inclusive education, educational equity, disability inclusion, neurodiversity, student wellbeing, chronic illness, mental health, school belonging, flexible learning, education reform and the future of education.

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.

Every story is a reminder that positive change doesn't start with governments or headlines. It starts with people who choose to act.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague
• Subscribe so you never miss a story of impact

Start here: New to the podcast? Popular episodes include Megan Gilmour on school isolation, Emily Mayo on youth justice, and Kath Koschel on resilience and kindness.

📧 Get in touch
[email protected]

📷 Instagram
@NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast

💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing?
We'd love to hear from you.

Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.

Topics explored on ...

What if the most powerful force for change isn't talent, status or success, but kindness?

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Kath Koschel, founder of The Kindness Factory, to explore how adversity can become purpose, and how small acts of kindness can create extraordinary change.

Kath's story is one of remarkable resilience.

After breaking her back twice, navigating significant personal loss and facing challenges that could have easily defined her life, she made a decision that would change not only her future, but the lives of millions of others. Instead of allowing hardship to close her world, she chose to expand it through kindness.

That decision led to the creation of The Kindness Factory, a global movement built on a simple belief: kindness has the power to transform individuals, communities and cultures. Since its inception, millions of acts of kindness have been recorded through the movement, demonstrating that meaningful change often begins with the smallest actions.

Together, Jade and Kath unpack the experiences that shaped her perspective on life, resilience and human connection. They explore how kindness influences mental health and wellbeing, why empathy and compassion matter more than ever, and how intentional acts of kindness can strengthen relationships, workplaces, schools and communities.

The conversation also explores the development of the Kindness Curriculum, which is helping young people build empathy, emotional intelligence and a deeper sense of connection to others. Through education, Kath hopes to create a future where kindness is not seen as an extra, but as an essential life skill.

In this episode:

• Kath's journey through adversity, loss and recovery
 • What resilience really looks like in practice
 • Breaking her back twice and rebuilding her life
 • The origins of The Kindness Factory
 • Why kindness is more powerful than many people realise
 • The connection between kindness, wellbeing and mental health
 • How small actions create ripple effects in communities
 • Building empathy and compassion through education
 • The impact of the Kindness Curriculum in schools
 • Why connection and belonging matter for all of us
 • What we can do today to create positive change

This is a conversation about resilience, kindness, gratitude, purpose and the extraordinary impact ordinary people can have when they choose compassion over indifference.

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who could use a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life.

Learn More About The Kindness Factory

🌐 Kindness Factory Website – https://kindnessfactory.com/

🌐 Kath Koschel Website – https://kathkoschel.com/

📧 Contact – https://kindnessfactory.com/contact-us/

💼 LinkedIn (Kath Koschel) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathkoschel/

💼 LinkedIn (The Kindness Factory) – the-kindness-factory/

📘 Facebook – Kindnessfactory/

📷 Instagram – kindnessfactory/

🎥 YouTube – @kindnessfactory

🎵 TikTok – @kindnessfactory

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Topics discussed: Kindness, resilience, mental health, wellbeing, personal growth, gratitude, empathy, compassion, positive psychology, leadership, community wellbeing, kindness in schools, purpose, hope and social impact.

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.

Every story is a reminder that positive change doesn't start with governments or headlines. It starts with people who choose to act.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague
• Subscribe so you never miss a story of impact

Start here: New to the podcast? Popular episodes include Megan Gilmour on school isolation, Emily Mayo on youth justice, and Kath Koschel on resilience and kindness.

📧 Get in touch
[email protected]

📷 Instagram
@NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast

💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing?
We'd love to hear from you.

Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.

Topics explored on ...

What happens when a child's pain is too big for words?

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Margo Ward, founder and CEO of KidsXpress, to explore how trauma-informed expressive therapy is helping children recover, reconnect, and thrive when traditional approaches aren't enough. KidsXpress delivers creative therapies including art, music, drama, play, and movement to support children affected by trauma, adversity and mental health challenges.

Margo's journey began with a child whose final wish challenged her understanding of what children truly need to heal. That experience helped shape what would become one of Australia's leading trauma-informed children's mental health organisations. Over the past two decades, KidsXpress has developed an evidence-based model that helps children express emotions, build resilience and recover through creative therapies when words alone aren't enough.

Together, Jade and Margo explore the reality facing children impacted by trauma and adversity, the growing evidence behind Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and why early intervention is one of the most important investments we can make in children's mental health. They discuss how expressive therapies help children regulate emotions, develop healthy relationships and reconnect with learning, family and community.

The conversation also examines what schools, parents and communities can do differently. From partnering educators with mental health professionals to creating trauma-informed learning environments, Margo shares practical insights for anyone who wants to better support children experiencing distress.

In this episode:

• The story that inspired the creation of KidsXpress
 • What trauma looks like in children and how it often goes unnoticed
 • Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-term impact
 • Why half of all mental health challenges begin before age 14
 • How art, music, drama, play and movement support emotional healing
 • The science behind expressive therapy and emotional regulation
 • Supporting children in schools, families and communities
 • The powerful Snowy Valleys case study and community-wide impact
 • Practical guidance for parents and carers navigating behavioural changes
 • Why prevention and early intervention matter more than crisis response
 • Creating trauma-informed schools and systems that help children thrive

This is a conversation about children's mental health, trauma-informed care, expressive therapy and the life-changing impact of trusted adults who keep showing up.

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review and share it with a parent, teacher, school leader, health professional or community member who cares about children's wellbeing.

Learn More About KidsXpress

🌐 Website – https://kidsxpress.org.au/

📧 Email – [email protected]

💼 LinkedIn (KidsXpress) – company/kidsxpress 

📘 Facebook – @KidsXpressAustralia

📷 Instagram – @kidsxpressmentalhealth

🎥 YouTube – @KidsXpress 

💛 Donate & Support – https://kidsxpress.org.au/

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Topics discussed: Children's mental health, trauma-informed care, expressive therapy, play therapy, art therapy, music therapy, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), childhood trauma, emotional regulation, early intervention, prevention, school wellbeing, parenting and children's wellbeing.

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.

Every story is a reminder that positive change doesn't start with governments or headlines. It starts with people who choose to act.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague
• Subscribe so you never miss a story of impact

Start here: New to the podcast? Popular episodes include Megan Gilmour on school isolation, Emily Mayo on youth justice, and Kath Koschel on resilience and kindness.

📧 Get in touch
[email protected]

📷 Instagram
@NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast

💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing?
We'd love to hear from you.

Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.

Topics explored on ...

What happens when a community decides its young people are worth investing in before they reach crisis?

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Larn Masterton, founder and CEO of Down the Track, a grassroots organisation supporting young people across regional and remote New South Wales. Together, they explore what it takes to create genuine pathways for young people facing disadvantage and why belonging is often the foundation for everything that follows.

Based in Lake Cargelligo, Down the Track works alongside young people experiencing challenges including trauma, poverty, racism, family and domestic violence, school disengagement and limited employment opportunities. Rather than expecting young people to fit into existing systems, the organisation meets them where they are, adapting support as needs change and providing practical pathways toward education, training, employment and personal growth.

Larn shares the personal experiences that shaped her commitment to young people and the lessons she's learned building a community-led organisation in regional Australia. Drawing inspiration from community-based youth work models, including BackTrack Youth Works, she explains why meaningful change rarely comes from quick fixes and why trusted relationships remain one of the most powerful interventions available.

The conversation explores youth development, emotional regulation, crime prevention, employment pathways and the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can discover their strengths, build confidence and imagine futures that may once have felt impossible.

In this episode:

• The story behind the founding of Down the Track
 • Challenges facing young people in regional and remote communities
 • How trauma, poverty, racism and family violence impact opportunity
 • Meeting young people where they are rather than where systems expect them to be
 • Why belonging is often the first step toward change
 • Building confidence, resilience and emotional regulation
 • Pathways to education, training and sustainable employment
 • The influence of community-led youth work models
 • Why prevention and early intervention outperform crisis responses
 • Success stories that demonstrate the power of long-term support
 • Creating futures shaped by hope, possibility and connection

This is a conversation about rural communities, youth development, resilience and the extraordinary outcomes that become possible when young people are surrounded by people who believe in them.

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in youth work, regional Australia, community development, early intervention, or creating better opportunities for young people.

🌐 Website – downthetrack.org.au

📘 Facebook – @LCMBDownthetrack

📷 Instagram – @downthetrack_/

💼 LinkedIn – down-the-track

📧 Contact – [email protected]

This episode was recorded at the Musicians Making A Difference studio - a charity transforming young lives through the power of music.

Topics discussed: Youth development, youth mentoring, rural youth, regional Australia, early intervention, resilience, belonging, community development, employment pathways, education pathways, youth empowerment, trauma-informed practice and social impact.

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.

Every story is a reminder that positive change doesn't start with governments or headlines. It starts with people who choose to act.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague
• Subscribe so you never miss a story of impact

Start here: New to the podcast? Popular episodes include Megan Gilmour on school isolation, Emily Mayo on youth justice, and Kath Koschel on resilience and kindness.

📧 Get in touch
[email protected]

📷 Instagram
@NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast

💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing?
We'd love to hear from you.

Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.

Topics explored on ...