UThink

Why are so many boys disengaging from reading and writing — and what can we do to change that story?

In this powerful episode of UThink, we sit down with literacy advocate and educator Tanya Grambower to unpack the persistent literacy gap between boys and girls in Australian schools. From her early teaching days in boys’ education settings to presenting at the World Literacy Summit in Oxford, Tanya brings decades of insight, research, and practical strategies to the conversation.

Together, Rose and Tanya explore:

• Why boys often see reading as “uncool” and how to break that stereotype
• The role of role models, families, and communities in shaping literacy habits
• How sport, curiosity, and even bathroom book nooks can become literacy game-changers
• The legacy impact of dads and significant male figures modeling reading
• Why confidence and empowerment are at the heart of literacy success

This episode is a call to action for parents, educators, and communities: supporting boys’ literacy is not just an educational issue — it’s a social and generational one.

Tune in for inspiring stories, practical advice, and a renewed vision for boys and reading.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links: 

• Tanya Grambower – About Our Founder - Literacy for Boys 
• Literacy for Kids - Literacy For Kids - Home 
• Artice - A unique literacy program helping younger generations learn at their best | The Educator K/12 
• AERO -AERO Technical report – Longitudinal literacy and numeracy in Australia (LLANIA) dataset 
• Impactify - https://impactify.au 

This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and socials by Blake Stafford. This episode is proudly sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/ 

Support the show

Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garofano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved. 

In this moving episode of UThink, we sit down with storyteller and retired educator Ross Cleary — a man whose passion for history and humanity has found a home within the walls of the Australian War Memorial. What begins as a conversation about war history quickly becomes a deeper reflection on storytelling, family legacy, and the personal cost of conflict.

Ross shares how his own lifelong fascination with history evolved from a lightbulb moment as a school student to years of teaching, and eventually, guiding visitors through the War Memorial’s galleries. With powerful anecdotes — from the heartbreaking story of the Seabrook brothers and their mother Fanny, to the courage of nurse Vivian Bullwinkle and the forgotten histories of Aboriginal soldiers like William Punch — Ross reminds us that behind every name is a story worth telling.

More than a history lesson, this episode is a conversation about memory, empathy, and the importance of preserving the human side of history for future generations.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links: 

• War Memorial - Home | Australian War Memorial 
• War Memorial FB - (1) Facebook  
• Veterans Support  - Veteran Support Office | Department of Veterans' Affairs 
• Veterans Support - Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling 
• Cleary Family Stories - Stories of my Family 
• Impactify - https://impactify.au 

This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and socials by Blake Stafford. This episode is proudly sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/ 

Support the show

Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garofano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved. 

In this enlightening episode, host Rose Garofano sits down with Jane Langof, one of Australia’s most respected Feng Shui masters, to explore how the spaces we live and work in profoundly shape our wellbeing, mindset, and success.

From her surprising career pivot as a corporate accountant to becoming a sought-after Feng Shui expert, Jane shares her personal journey, practical wisdom, and actionable advice for anyone looking to create calm, clarity, and positive energy in their home or office.

Discover the often-overlooked connection between wellbeing and your environment, the power of decluttering (yes — both your home and your inbox), and why your front entrance might just be the secret to attracting wealth and opportunity.

Whether you’re a complete novice or Feng Shui curious, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink your space and reclaim your energy — no expensive renovations required.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links: 

• Website: www.fengshuiconcepts.com.au
• Book: Feng Shui – A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance
• Instagram: @fengshuiconcepts
• LinkedIn: Jane Langof - Feng Shui Concepts
• Impactify - https://impactify.au 

This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and socials by Blake Stafford. This episode is proudly sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/ 

Support the show

Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garofano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved. 

In this powerful episode of UThink, Rose sits down with Abhishek Malik—engineer, cancer survivor, and ultra-endurance athlete—who went from feeling like an "average" teenager to becoming one of the few Australians to swim the English Channel. Diagnosed with tongue cancer at just 22, Abhishek shares how a life-altering diagnosis reshaped his purpose, sparked his drive, and inspired his mission to give back through extreme adventures.

We discuss his childhood, the turning point of his diagnosis, and how he channelled adversity into strength—raising tens of thousands of dollars for Canteen Australia, completing the Marathon des Sables across the Sahara Desert, and contributing to the Mental Fitness Collective.

Whether you're looking for inspiration, resilience, or just a reminder of what humans are capable of, this episode is a must-listen.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links: 

• Abhishek Malik – Abhishek Malik 
• Abhishek Malik - Abhishek Malik | LinkedIn 
• Swims for Cahrity - Tongue cancer: Survivor Abhishek Malik to swim English Channel for charity | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines 
• Canteen - Canteen Australia | Charity Support For Young People Facing Cancer 
• Impactify - https://impactify.au 

This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and socials. by Blake Stafford. This epidote is proudly sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/ 

Support the show

Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garofano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved. 

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO of Women's Community Shelters, to unpack the human stories behind domestic and family violence in Australia. From the emotional weight of deciding who gets the last available bed in a crisis shelter, to the grassroots impact of education programs like Walk the Talk, Annabelle shares raw, real, and inspiring insights into the work of protecting women and children at their most vulnerable.

You’ll hear about:

• The harsh reality behind waitlists for safe shelter beds
• What coercive control really means, and why it's now criminalised
• How small acts — like a toiletry bag from a schoolboy — can have massive impact
• The hidden crisis of homelessness among women over 50
• Why hope, community, and connection are just as essential as housing

This episode is a call to action — for empathy, education, and engagement. Whether you’re an educator, parent, business owner, or student, you’ll leave knowing how to contribute: with your time, your talent, or your treasure.

🟣 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses domestic and family violence, including stories of abuse. Please listen with care.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links: 

• Annabelle Daniel OAM -  https://www.womenscommunityshelters.org.au/what-we-do/wcs-team/
• Women's Community Shelters  - WCS Team | Women's Community Shelters 
• Article - The hidden abuse we’re not talking about yet: Annabelle Daniel 
• Article - Annabelle Daniel On The Real Cost Of Domestic Violence | marie claire 
• DV Statistics - Domestic violence & coercive control | BOCSAR 
• DV Information NSW - DVNSW Website 2025 
• RESPECT - Home | 1800RESPECT 
• Impactify - https://impactify.au 
• Donate NOW 

This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and socials by Blake Stafford. This episode is proudly sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/ 

Support the show

Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garofano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved. 

In this episode of UThink, Rose sits down with Russell Garnett in part two of her chat — urban planner, mentor, and former Olympic handballer — for an unfiltered, inspiring conversation about chasing big dreams and learning from failure.

Russell takes us back to his earliest Olympic memories, from a school library TV screen to standing on the world stage at the Sydney 2000 Games. He shares the raw highs and lows of his athletic career: from unexpected team selections and training setbacks, to powerful lessons in resilience, mental strength, and the importance of being specific with your goals.

Discover how a kid from northwest Sydney, passionate about sport but unfamiliar with European handball, climbed through state and national ranks, played professionally in Germany, and faced the world’s best on home soil. This episode is packed with life lessons for athletes, leaders, and anyone chasing a goal worth fighting for.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links:  

• Russell Garnett – Russell Garnett | Australian Olympic Committee 
• Founder - About - Urban Revolutions 
• European Handball - European Handball Federation - Home of Handball | EHF 
• Impactify - https://impactify.au   

This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/  Social Media produced by Blake Stafford.  

Support the show

Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garofano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved. 

In this episode of UThink, we dive into the art of productivity with industry powerhouse Chris Cusack. With over 25 years of experience in construction, Chris has mastered the principles of execution, risk management, and efficiency—skills that apply far beyond the job site. Inspired by David Allen’s Getting Things Done, he shares practical strategies to overcome procrastination, break tasks into manageable actions, and build momentum in both work and life. Whether you're a student, professional, or leader, this conversation will equip you with the mindset and tools to get things done.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links: 

·       Chris Cusack - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-cusack-8405a721/?originalSubdomain=au 

·       Getting things Done - https://gettingthingsdone.com 

·       Impactify - https://impactify.au  

This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/ 

Support the show

Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garofano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved. 

In this episode of UThink, host Rose sits down with Emily Milton Smith, New South Wales and ACT Engagement Manager for OzHarvest — Australia’s leading food rescue organisation. Emily shares her powerful journey from community volunteer to United Nations youth advocate to a champion for sustainability and food security.

Together, they unpack the shocking realities of food waste and food insecurity in Australia, and how simple, everyday changes at home can create massive impact. Emily introduces OzHarvest’s life-changing programs like FEAST, Nest, and Nourish, and shares how initiatives like the Waterloo Market and Reffetorio restaurant are restoring dignity, nourishment, and hope to thousands.

It’s a heartfelt conversation about community, resilience, and how we can all lean in, use it up, and make a difference — one meal at a time.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links: 

OzHarvest Official Website
Learn about their mission, food rescue operations, and how to get involved.
👉 ozharvest.org

FEAST (Food Education and Sustainability Training)
A free, curriculum-aligned program for primary and high school students that teaches about food waste, sustainability, and healthy eating.
👉 education.ozharvest.org 

NEST (Nutrition Education Skills Training)
A six-week program teaching adults healthy eating habits and how to cook simple, low-cost meals.
👉 ozharvest.org/education/nest

Nourish Program
An 18-week hospitality training program for young people aged 16–25 who face barriers to education and employment.
👉 ozharvest.org/education/nourish

Waterloo Market
A "take what you need, give if you can" market providing rescued fresh produce and pantry staples to people in need.
📍 95 Wellington St, Waterloo, NSW
👉 ozharvest.org/ozharvest-market-waterloo

Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney
A social impact collaboration offering nourishing meals in a community hub setting.
📍 Surry Hills, NSW
👉 ozharvest.org/refettorio-ozharvest-sydney

This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/ 

Support the show

Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garofano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved. 

In this powerful episode of UThink, we sit down with Joe Grima, a renowned rugby league coach and passionate mentor, to discuss his transformative work in Papua New Guinea. Joe takes us on an inspiring journey, sharing how he’s helping to build not just elite rugby players, but future leaders through the PNG NRL bid. Discover how sport is reshaping lives, fostering education, and creating hope in a country where rugby league is more than just a game—it’s a way of life. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about resilience, opportunity, and the power of believing in young people.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links: 

• Joe Grima - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joey_Grima 
• Joe Grima Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joeygrima73/ 
• PNG NRL Official - https://www.facebook.com/pngrflofficial 
• PNG NRL Bid - https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/12/12/papua-new-guinea-to-join-the-nrl-in-2028/ 
• More than just sport - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8Hl9er6YME 
• Impactify - https://impactify.au  

 This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/ 

Support the show

Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garofano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved. 

In this episode of UThink, we sit down with award-winning Australian author Felicity Castagna to explore the power of storytelling and the voices often left unheard. From the streets of Western Sydney to the pages of her acclaimed novels, Felicity unpacks how place, culture, and identity shape her work. We dive into the role of literature in challenging perspectives, representing diverse experiences, and capturing the complexities of modern Australia. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or just curious about the impact of stories, this conversation will leave you seeing the world a little differently.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links: 

• Felicity Castagna - https://www.felicitycastagna.com/ 
• Felicity’s work - https://www.felicitycastagna.com/work/books 
• Parramatta Women of the Year 2025  - https://www.weeklytimes.com.au/outstanding-local-women-of-year-award-recipients/#:~:text=An%20award%2Dwinning%20author%20and,Woman%20of%20the%20Year%202025. 
• Impactify - https://impactify.au  

This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/ Artwork image by Jacquie Manning (photographer). 

Support the show

Music in this episode is licensed by Rose Garofano and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved.