OKIRU: Rise Together

Tyson Tuala is the Founder of Melbourne Cultural Consultants and Chairman of Nga Matai Parua. In this episode he enlightens us with how culture can be a spiritual experience and can be your guiding light.

Culture is powerful. It is visible in the customs and traditions we practice and honour. Yet, invisible and deeply seated in our way of being and explains why we do the things we do.

This episode was incredibly eye-opening for the team at OKIRU. We encourage you to listen in full due to all the nuggets of wisdom shared by Tyson.

00:00-Introduction and Guided Meditation

09:18-Acknowledgment of Country

10:19-Language Acknowledgment

16:57-Teaching Culture

23:42-Effects of Colonization on Maori Culture

29:42-Embracing Culture and Learning from Immersion

33:36-Significance of Culture

35:12-Understanding First Nations Community

35:49-Engaging with First Nations Communities

40:16-Working Towards Land Rights

41:43-Learning from Each Other

45:16-Vietnamese Heritage

48:37-Importance of Cultural Knowledge

54:41-The Importance of Cultural Safety

01:00:42-Importance of Relationships

01:02:05-Resilience and Migration

01:05:02-Passing Down Knowledge

01:06:43-Filipino Businesses and Community Strength

01:08:11-Sacrifices Made by Families for Opportunities

01:10:22-Shared Superpower of Culture

01:13:55-Understanding One's Own History

01:16:06-Mindfulness and Presence

01:20:00-Sound Healing, Breath Work, and Haka Chant

01:26:19-Culture First Approach to Healing

01:29:56-Benefits of Meditation

01:31:34-Community Side of Sports

01:32:18-The Importance of Breath and the Haka in Maori Culture

01:35:52-Conclusion

01:38:37-The Addictive Nature of Community Sport

01:44:45-Appreciating the Value of Sports

01:46:55-Learning Martial Arts

01:49:43-Performing Arts

01:50:45-Creating an Intercultural Sports Tournament

01:56:31-Community Engagement

02:00:08-Self-awareness and Responsibility

------------------------------------------------------

📱Socials:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/okiru.com.au/

Spotify:

https://spoti.fi/3rOi6HO

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/okiru.com.au/

Tiktok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@okiru.com.au

------------------------------------------------------

Help us share more stories and join the Okiru Collective by grabbing yourself or a loved one unique Okiru gear that will keep you comfy while you watch the podcast:

Shop Now 👇

http://www.okiru.com.au

OKIRU Collective, a brand that's more

Than just clothes and designs we adore

Their missions to share the untold stories

Of those who've lived through hardships and glories

Inspired by migration waves that overlap

Their founders strive to empower and map

A journey towards mastering one's universe

A path they're on, they want you to traverse

Through sharing tales from diverse backgrounds

They delve deep into personal identities found

Believing that everyone has a unique story

To tell, to share, to feel its full glory

They know life's struggles, the pain and strife

Mental and physical health battles rife

So they motivate you to push through the fight

To "Get Up" when knocked down, to ignite

A courage to begin, strength to perform

Perseverance to keep going, no matter the storm

OKIRU represents belief in oneself

And kindness to others, a valuable wealth.

In this short practice, we take you through the different dimensions of the breath.

1. How your body automatically receives a breath and nourishes your body with life-giving energy.

2. Recognising the feeling of weightlessness as you notice the top and bottom of the breath cycle.

3. The cycle of the breath inflating your chest, belly and lungs and feeling this through your hands.

Breathing is a sacred dance between our bodies and the world around us - our bodies are wiser than we realise. By mindfully honouring our breath, we connect with the present moment and the interconnectedness of all things.

Take a moment to honour your breath and let it guide you throughout your day.

In this episode, we begin with a 5-minute guided meditation to find ground and space. Listen in as we dive into the story of Jahin Tanvir - an overnight success story and CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship. We dive into his family history and his connections as a Bengali man figuring his way out through life and business. We talk about habits, racism, youth advocacy and hustle mentality to get meetings with the likes of Netflix Co-Founder, Marc Randolph. You don’t want to miss this episode!

------------------------------------------------------

Timestamps

0:00:00

Meditation: Exploring the Journey of a Young Leader

0:04:02

Reflection on a Guided Meditation Practice

0:08:02

Conversation on Stillness and Meditation

0:10:14

Conversation on Habits and Identity

0:12:00

Habits for Success

0:16:51

Discussion on the Benefits of Early Risers and Developing Discipline

0:18:30

Building Discipline Through Physical Health: Tips and Advice from Personal Experiences

0:19:56

Exploring High-Performance: A Conversation on Mental and Physical Well-Being

0:21:40

Exploring High-Performance Habits and the Power of Resilience

0:30:21

Migration and Refugee Experiences and experiences with racism

0:38:18

Exploring the Impact of Migration on Cultural Identity

0:39:23

Exploring the Impact of Ramadan Fasting on High Performance and Identity

0:41:21

The Importance of Representation: A Conversation on Growing Up Muslim in a Post-9/11 World

0:44:27

Representation and Community Advocacy Work

0:46:38

Exploring Representation and Cultural Connections

0:49:17

Exploring What it Means to be Australian

0:50:49

Impact and Mentorship in Australia

0:55:20

Advice from a 22-Year-Old CEO on How to Hustle and Amplify Your Strengths

0:57:52

Fail Forward and Never Give Up

0:59:34

Failing Forward: Perseverance and Taking Risks

1:02:10

Exploring Representation and Diversity in the AFL and Business Contexts with ASE Group

1:03:30

Equipping Youth with Life Skills to Promote Resilience and Representation

1:05:15

Impact of Financial Support on Young People's Entrepreneurial Ambitions

1:09:03

Impact of ASE: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs to Succeed

1:13:03

The Meteoric Rise of ASE: A Conversation with Founder and CEO

1:15:06

Exploring Impostor Syndrome

1:16:30

Exploring Impostor Syndrome and Leadership Style

1:27:31

Connecting with New People and Supporting Each Other

------------------------------------------------------

📱Socials:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/okiru.com.au/

Spotify:

https://spoti.fi/3rOi6HO

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/okiru.com.au/

Tiktok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@okiru.com.au

Help us share more stories and join the Okiru Collective by grabbing yourself or a loved one unique Okiru gear that will keep you comfy while you watch the podcast:

Shop Now 👇

http://www.okiru.com.au

OKIRU Collective, a brand that's more

Than just clothes and designs we adore

Their missions to share the untold stories

Of those who've lived through hardships and glories

Inspired by migration waves that overlap

Their founders strive to empower and map

A journey towards mastering one's universe

A path they're on, they want you to traverse

Through sharing tales from diverse backgrounds

They delve deep into personal identities found

Believing that everyone has a unique story

To tell, to share, to feel its full glory

They know life's struggles, the pain and strife

Mental and physical health battles rife

So they motivate you to push through the fight

To "Get Up" when knocked down, to ignite

A courage to begin, strength to perform

Perseverance to keep going, no matter the storm

OKIRU represents belief in oneself

And kindness to others, a valuable wealth.

Mason Moon and Oliver Gates are two young Melbourne creatives. Mason is an up-and-coming rapper and Oliver is a talented videographer. In this episode, we discuss Mason's latest release and the creative process behind the music video. They talk about how they're inspired as creatives and their learnings from their creative endeavours. Mason has been making music for two years and Oliver has been making videos since the age of twelve. Their collaboration has created music videos with an artistic vision.

Mason has an incredible vision for his music videos and creates elaborate scripts for Oliver to work off. He’s inspired by many artists and rappers who have paved the way for young artists like himself to tell a story and let their words run free.

Oliver has a vision with his camera and is always recording events, which leads to amazing videos. No matter where he is, no matter the journey he does his best to be open to inspiration from the world around him.

We also discussed their first music video together and broke down the creative process; from grinding it out the night before to scoping out the location, and then shooting it in a mansion in one day. The process of creating the video took two and a half months. The second video discussed was created as an introduction to the music industry and was inspired by the protagonist's anger, which he was expressing in his music. They went to great lengths to create their vision to life by designing and creating a whole spaceship for their music video. The vision behind the video was to put himself in a space where he could be alone, so they listened to the song multiple times and thought of how they could put the audio into a video. The shooting for this particular project took two days and was done from dawn to midnight. This goes to show how passionate and driven they are when it comes to their creative endeavours. The pair were amazed at how their creative idea came to life and was relieved when their parents approved of it.

Mason and Oliver met at school and collaborated on a song, but decided to focus on their own music for now. They were inspired by Australian music, as well as Kendrick Lamar, Cole, Tyler, and the Creator. The protagonist is continuing to evolve and branch out, and is inspired by everything around him.

Timestamps

0:00:00

Interview with Mason Moon and Oliver Gates: Exploring Creative Processes and Inspiration

0:02:42

Behind the Vision of His Music Video

0:05:06

Creating a Spaceship Vibe with Sheet Metal Factory Materials

0:06:28

Oliver's direction with his videos

0:14:15

Conversation on Inspiration and Favourite Film Directors

0:16:33

Digging deeper with Oliver

0:18:59

Exploring Creative Direction in Music Videos

0:20:34

Pursuing Creative Projects and Investing in Oneself

0:22:24

Reflections on Taking Risks and Investing in Yourself

0:27:34

Reflections on Pursuing a Career in Music

Highlights

I've realised my influence, I think, on the people around me, and for the better, you know what I mean? I'm just influencing people in music. The more I do, the more I make. And if you don't listen, then don't listen, it's fine, you know what I mean? You can go and do your own thing, but if you can take something from me that's positive, then go ahead. As I put more music out and dress the way I want to and talk the way I want to and whatever I'm like, people are, like, not biting my shit.

I can relate to that feeling. I feel that, too. My missus feels that a lot with her job as well. I think she did because she works in a startup, she's in marketing, so there's a lot of pressure when you're a startup as well, you get thrown a lot of curveballs. And sometimes I come from a more chill background character, so I'm all right if I relax and rest. When she's relaxing and resting, she's like, I feel guilty. Why am I not doing something right now? I have to be doing something.

Like the smoothness of the shots, the way the camera moves and everything subtle, but it adds so much to the story. And obviously, like, that is the focus. You know what I mean? And then it changed focus. It looks cinematic, but when you break down what it is, he's really doing a lot behind the camera to make it look that way and then put him on a set and all these things, like, we've got a keypad and we've got guards and they've got to be killed and stuff. And then it's like really pushing the boundaries of the cinematographer and the way he managed it and coped with what was seriously what was put on your plate. It's really impressive.

Yeah, that's something I'm really trying to get better at. Using framing to evoke an emotion of maybe isolation or even stuff like if you're shooting, like, two people talking, whether it's like a shot from over the shoulder, which makes it kind of feel like the two characters are including they're on the same page, versus then it gets to a close up of just one character. It's stuff like that, like the little stuff that you really have to look for.

Well, like I said yeah, I used to listen to a lot of Australian. I guess you wouldn't really know if you weren't from Australia. But like, you're chilling at Husky. That was kind of where it was at for high school to maybe early, like JMC, mid-JMC. And then I started branching off. And then last year I went to Box Hill and a big diverse group of people that we were in and opened my eyes to Kendrick Cole Tyler, the creator. Just all of those little sims even. And all of these rappers and artists and singers and things that I'm just like, take a bit of everything and you don't have to be confined to this box. And like, look, guys, like, I'm not wearing TN’s.

---------------------------------------------

📱Socials:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/okiru.com.au/

Spotify:

https://spoti.fi/3rOi6HO

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/okiru.com.au/

Tiktok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@okiru.com.au

---------------------------------------------

Help us share more stories and join the Okiru Collective by grabbing yourself or a loved one unique Okiru gear that will keep you comfy while you watch the podcast:

Shop Now 👇

http://www.okiru.com.au

---------------------------------------------

OKIRU Collective, a brand that's more

Than just clothes and designs we adore

Their missions to share the untold stories

Of those who've lived through hardships and glories

Inspired by migration waves that overlap

Their founders strive to empower and map

A journey towards mastering one's universe

A path they're on, they want you to traverse

Through sharing tales from diverse backgrounds

They delve deep into personal identities found

Believing that everyone has a unique story

To tell, to share, to feel its full glory

They know life's struggles, the pain and strife

Mental and physical health battles rife

So they motivate you to push through the fight

To "Get Up" when knocked down, to ignite

A courage to begin, strength to perform

Perseverance to keep going, no matter the storm

OKIRU represents belief in oneself

And kindness to others, a valuable wealth.

Step into the incredible world of our next guest, Hashmat - a Hazara-Australian person with a powerful story of hope and identity. In this episode, he takes us on a journey from war-torn Afghanistan to the safety of Pakistan, and ultimately to his new home in Australia. Through his deeply personal and heartfelt story, we gain a greater understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the Hazara community and the challenges of a new life in a foreign land.

We also explore what it truly means to be Australian in today's diverse and rapidly changing society, and how we can all work towards a brighter future of unity, compassion, and respect. Don't miss this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation. #Hazarapride #Australianidentity #CulturalUnity #Podcastlove #ListenNow

00:00-Introduction

05:57-Introduction to Hazara Community in Melbourne

07:30-Reasons for Persecution Against Hazaras

09:24-Impact of Persecution on Future Generations

11:18-Hazaras and the History of Afghanistan

13:40-Meaning Behind Names

17:36-Central Asian Ethnicities

20:22-Life as a Refugee in Pakistan

23:09-Hazara Community in Afghanistan and Pakistan

28:33-Escaping Afghanistan

34:20-Moving to Melbourne

37:14-Afghanistan's Lost Enlightenment

39:56-The Impact of Recent Events in Afghanistan

42:06-Shaping Identity Through Experiences

44:37-Creating Meaningful Change Through Youth-led Unit

45:38-Creating Awareness and Building Bridges

49:06-Providing a Platform for Multicultural Voices

56:57-The Connection to Afghanistan

01:00:42-Hazara Community in Australia

01:02:25-Hazara Culture and Music

01:02:25-Third Culture Experience

01:07:31-What Does it Mean to be an Australian?

01:12:58-The Beauty of Australia's Multiculturalism

01:18:52-Starting the Conversation

01:20:50-Bringing Curiosity to Different Stories

01:23:53-Three Questions

---------------------------------------------

📱Socials:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/okiru.com.au/

Spotify:

https://spoti.fi/3rOi6HO

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/okiru.com.au/

Tiktok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@okiru.com.au

---------------------------------------------

Help us share more stories and join the Okiru Collective by grabbing yourself or a loved one unique Okiru gear that will keep you comfy while you watch the podcast:

Shop Now 👇

http://www.okiru.com.au

---------------------------------------------

OKIRU Collective, a brand that's more

Than just clothes and designs we adore

Their missions to share the untold stories

Of those who've lived through hardships and glories

Inspired by migration waves that overlap

Their founders strive to empower and map

A journey towards mastering one's universe

A path they're on, they want you to traverse

Through sharing tales from diverse backgrounds

They delve deep into personal identities found

Believing that everyone has a unique story

To tell, to share, to feel its full glory

They know life's struggles, the pain and strife

Mental and physical health battles rife

So they motivate you to push through the fight

To "Get Up" when knocked down, to ignite

A courage to begin, strength to perform

Perseverance to keep going, no matter the storm

OKIRU represents belief in oneself

And kindness to others, a valuable wealth.

Have you felt the overwhelming feeling when life does not go your way? That you are on the wrong path but too scared to make a decision? Kevin speaks about his journey from his rock bottom and how he has risen into community leadership roles with the Victoria African Community and landed board member roles with YMCA and The Huddle. Kevin is another member of the Centre for Multicultural Youth's Youth Led Unit. He is a gifted storyteller and has a unique way of looking at the world.

---------------------------------

Socials:

Official website

http://www.okiru.com.au

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/okiru.com.au

Spotify

https://spoti.fi/3rOi6HO

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/okiru.apparel

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@okiru.apparel

---------------------------------

Okiru (起きる/ Get Up) is a Melbourne-based active streetwear brand that is influenced heavily by Japanese style and culture. Okiru was established by co-founders Gerald Prado and Lawrence Menor with the goal to create a message and movement focusing on physical and mental wellness. Okiru was first established in June 2019 through the joint love of design and creativity. During the build-up of Okiru, life's unforeseen circumstances had almost stopped us from establishing our brand. Okiru had evolved from being a creative outlet to now embodying the name; “Get Up”. We understand that people battle through mental and physical challenges every day, so our aim is to motivate people to push through difficult times and “Get Up” when they get knocked down. Through our own experiences, we believe in having the courage to begin, the strength to perform and the perseverance to keep going. Okiru represents believing in oneself and showing kindness to one another.

As we've grown through turbulence so has our hair and now it is time for a fresh start as the year comes to an end. You may have attached your identity or brand to your physical appearance, whether it be your body, facial features or even your hair as we did. However, as our bodies are ever-changing, so does our identity. The idea of being married to our values is an afterthought and there is an even greater value when you become open to the values and ideas of others. The journey of pursuing a passion is not easy but it is necessary to discover your human potential. So if that fascinates you, listen to two young obsessed entrepreneurs share their learnings from starting their own businesses and reflecting on their past selves.

Imagine going through the first 20 years of your life wondering who your biological mum really is. Imagine searching for her and finding her after 20 years. Rosie tells us the story of finding her biological mother, unfolding her cultural identity and her work with multicultural young people as the Chairwoman of the Centre for Multicultural Youth's Youth Led Unit.

---------------------------------

Socials:

Official website

http://www.okiru.com.au

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/okiru.com.au

Spotify

https://spoti.fi/3rOi6HO

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/okiru.apparel

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@okiru.apparel

---------------------------------

Okiru (起きる/ Get Up) is a Melbourne-based active streetwear brand that is influenced heavily by Japanese style and culture. Okiru was established by co-founders Gerald Prado and Lawrence Menor with the goal to create a message and movement focusing on physical and mental wellness. Okiru was first established in June 2019 through the joint love of design and creativity. During the build-up of Okiru, life's unforeseen circumstances had almost stopped us from establishing our brand. Okiru had evolved from being a creative outlet to now embodying the name; “Get Up”. We understand that people battle through mental and physical challenges every day, so our aim is to motivate people to push through difficult times and “Get Up” when they get knocked down. Through our own experiences, we believe in having the courage to begin, the strength to perform and the perseverance to keep going. Okiru represents believing in oneself and showing kindness to one another.

What is it like growing up as a multicultural person in Australia? Liem and Jasper explore this topic with our guest, 22 year old Multicultural Advocate Kano Ravalji. Kano, is a multitalented speaker and sharp shooter from Melbourne's West. We are still unfolding our senese of identity and hope you can find value here by asking yourself the questions that Kano asked us back.

---------------------------------

Socials:

Official website

http://www.okiru.com.au

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/okiru.com.au

Spotify

https://spoti.fi/3rOi6HO

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/okiru.apparel

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@okiru.apparel

---------------------------------

Okiru (起きる/ Get Up) is a Melbourne-based active streetwear brand that is influenced heavily by Japanese style and culture. Okiru was established by co-founders Gerald Prado and Lawrence Menor with the goal to create a message and movement focusing on physical and mental wellness. Okiru was first established in June 2019 through the joint love of design and creativity. During the build-up of Okiru, life's unforeseen circumstances had almost stopped us from establishing our brand. Okiru had evolved from being a creative outlet to now embodying the name; “Get Up”. We understand that people battle through mental and physical challenges every day, so our aim is to motivate people to push through difficult times and “Get Up” when they get knocked down. Through our own experiences, we believe in having the courage to begin, the strength to perform and the perseverance to keep going. Okiru represents believing in oneself and showing kindness to one another.

#culturaldiversity #culture #diversity #diversitymatters

In this Okiru Huddle Podcast, we are honoured to have the wonderful Chef Fhred. In a first-ever for the Okiru podcast, we eat and talk! Chef Fhred prepared an amazing candle-lit dinner at his wonderful home. Call it a mukbang, ASMR, or whatever you would like to call it, we had an amazing time, and we got to hear the many stories of Chef Fhred! Be sure to check him and show your support by giving him a follow and sharing this podcast.

IG: @cheffhred

IG: @barangayau

-------------------------------

Follow us on our different social.

Official website

http://www.okiru.com.au

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/okiru.com.au

Spotify

https://spoti.fi/3rOi6HO

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/okiru.apparel

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@okiru.apparel

--------------------------------

#mukbangpodcast #okirupodcast #podcasts