Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with Karen Gross, an educator, and passionate advocate for special education and disability inclusion. Originally from Paddington, Sydney, Karen’s journey took her from studying art teaching to raising twin daughters and pursuing a career in special education. She opens up about growing up in a creative family and how it influenced her approach to teaching and learning.

Karen shares what drew her to special education, highlighting how teachers are uniquely positioned to gain a deep understanding of communities. She also talks about the evolution of The Paddock Project, a thriving market garden in Mullumbimby that provides seasonal produce to locals and visitors, while also creating meaningful work for people with disabilities. Through The Paddock, Karen has fostered an inclusive space where young people can learn valuable skills, engage socially, and contribute to a sustainable, chemical-free farming initiative.

Join us as Karen discusses community, and inclusion, and how she’s using The Paddock as a platform for social change.

If you’d like to share your story or provide feedback, please contact us via email at [email protected]  

Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Renaud Joannes-Boyau, Director of Higher Degree Research Training at Southern Cross Geoscience, Southern Cross University. Renaud's journey spans continents and disciplines, from his childhood in Paris to moving to the US at 15 to learn English, and ultimately finding his path in the world of research and academia.

With a deep passion for understanding human evolution and the environment, Renaud shares how his curiosity has driven his career, from developing cutting-edge techniques in archaeological science to exploring the mysteries of human diet and early life history. He opens up about his personal journey with dyslexia and how it shaped his approach to learning—revealing that while traditional schooling wasn't the right fit for him, University offered the freedom to pursue his passions and satisfy his curiosity in a way that made sense.

Renaud also reflects on the importance of creativity in science and how embracing differences in learning styles can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

If you’d like to share your story or provide feedback, please contact us via email at [email protected]  

Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Rosborg, co-founder of Rafiki Mwema, a non-profit dedicated to helping abused and at-risk children in Kenya. Born in Sydney and raised in the Northern Rivers, Sarah’s journey to creating Rafiki Mwema is nothing short of extraordinary. What started as a volunteer trip to Kenya in 2005 quickly became a life-changing mission to provide a safe haven for girls escaping the horrors of abuse.

Sarah shares the story of how she fell in love with Africa, and the moment she realised her calling was to help these children, despite the personal challenges she faced, including a near-fatal car accident that changed the course of her life. After recovering, Sarah used her skills in graphic and web design to raise funds and awareness, eventually establishing Rafiki Mwema Australia in 2013.

In this conversation, Sarah reflects on the power of community, the lessons she’s learned from the children she’s helped, and the profound impact Rafiki Mwema continues to have in Kenya today. She also discusses the challenges of running a non-profit, the importance of therapeutic care, and her unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse.

If you’d like to share your thoughts or feedback, feel free to reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Send us a text

In this episode, we talk with Julianne Schultz, a journalist and board member of the Sydney Writers' Festival. Julianne is also the author of Idea of Australia. We discuss the challenges facing Australian politics, including why politicians seem afraid to take on public opinion and why real change feels so difficult to achieve.

We explore why Australian politicians seem so timid and hesitant to challenge public opinion, and why the country has yet to fully embrace stories of migration and diversity. Julianne shares her insights into the cultural and political barriers preventing change, as well as the role misinformation plays in deepening divides within communities.

Additionally, we discuss the importance of fostering connection, cooperation, and meaningful dialogue in a polarised world. Julianne also reflects on the need for healthier organisational cultures and the challenges of building trust in today's media landscape.

 If you’d like to share your story or provide feedback, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with Tony Cross, a passionate educator, and Principal at the Byron Bay Community School. Tony's journey to teaching began far from the beaches of Byron—he grew up in the rural town of Goondiwindi, Queensland, where childhood freedom shaped his values and perspective on life. 

After studying at UNE University in Armidale and then moving to Sydney for work, Tony made a life-changing decision in 2017 to call Bangalow home. Tony opens up about the moment he realised he wanted to be a teacher, sharing insights into why the profession is so rewarding. 

In a world dominated by technology, Tony reflects on the challenges young people face in developing real-world communication skills and why he believes meaningful conversations are more important than ever. He also shares his thoughts on leadership, connecting with nature—especially the beach and ocean—and the history of the Byron Bay Community School.

If you’d like to share your story or provide feedback, please contact us via email at [email protected] 

Send us a text

Join us for an insightful episode with Jeremy Burn, the owner of Bay Grocer in Byron Bay. Growing up in Taranaki, New Zealand, Jeremy’s path led him from hospitality to the dynamic world of retail.

After earning a Business degree in Communications, he found his footing in accounts receivable at a radiology clinic before diving into marketing. Jeremy opens up about the challenges of stepping into roles where he had little experience and shares tips on how to stand out in a competitive job market.

In this episode, we explore the complexities of running food businesses, the lessons learned along the way, and the crucial role of building an organisational culture that fosters growth and connection. 

If you’d like to share your story or provide feedback, please contact us via email at [email protected] 

Send us a text

Join us as we sit down with Paul Davis, an audiologist with over 30 years of experience dedicated to helping those with hearing disorders, particularly tinnitus. Growing up in Possum Creek in the late '70s, Paul embraced a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle. After studying at Mullumbimby High School, he pursued a degree in hearing, paving the way for his impactful career.

In this episode, Paul shares his passion for exploring the complexities of tinnitus and sound. He reveals what inspired him to study this condition, the role of algorithms in improving hearing health, and how music plays a vital part in therapeutic practices. We also discuss the significant advancements in hearing technology and Paul’s groundbreaking work as the inventor of the Brainwave Trx Tinnitus treatment and the Neuromonics Tinnitus treatment.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that uncovers the nuances of hearing health and the transformative power of sound.

The full video is accessible on YouTube via this link: https://youtu.be/xt5lfAjPq_s

For feedback or to share your own story, reach out to us at [email protected].

Send us a text

Join us in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as we sit down with the legendary Kate Ceberano to discuss her latest work, Unsung: A Compendium of Creativity. 

In this heartfelt exploration, Kate reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped her artistic journey, revealing the joys and challenges that inspire her music. As a powerful and vulnerable voice in the industry, she offers a profound insight into what it means to navigate life through song.

If you’d like to share your story with us or provide feedback, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Send us a text

Join us in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as we welcome journalist, author, and polymath Gideon Haigh for an intimate discussion about his latest works. 

From the poignant memoir My Brother Jaz to the gripping true crime investigation The Girl in Cabin 350 and the revealing biography The One Indiscretion of His Life, Haigh offers insights that transcend the cricket field. Explore the mind of one of Australia’s most prolific and insightful writers as he reflects on life, literature, and the stories that shape us.

If you’d like to share your story with us or provide feedback, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Send us a text

Join us in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as we welcome authors Tim Baker, James Bradley, and Rebecca Huntley. 

Together, they delve into the groundbreaking 2023 legalisation of psilocybin and MDMA in Australia for treating depression and PTSD. This thought-provoking discussion explores the transformative potential of psychedelics in mental health therapy and addresses the controversies surrounding their use.

If you’d like to share your story with us or provide feedback, please contact us via email at [email protected].