WHAT I'VE LEARNT

Send us Fan Mail

In a distant future, the last human on Earth able to read and write has decided to restore the written word to civilisation. This young girl’s name is Ink, named after the stains of the dark blue liquid that covers her fingers. She lives in a reclusive community in the mountains with no access to technology.

After the great revolution, humans abandoned reading and writing, choosing instead to communicate solely through thought. This was enabled thanks to neurotransmitters lodged inside their brains. Humans thrived on this technology as everything went faster. But the price to pay for this techno-utopia was heavy.

The growing illiteracy rate robbed them of the ability to communicate complex ideas and deep emotions, erasing their capacity for critical thinking. The leaders of this new world took advantage and started spreading fake news and false truths across the globe to rule as dictators. Unable to discern reality from fiction, society slipped into chaos, mayhem, and was on the brink of collapse.

Ink, furious and determined, has decided to lead a small group in revolution to overthrow the overlords, but time is not on their side. A militia put together by the powers in place sets out to burn every last remaining book on Earth…  The rest of the story depends on you....

Innovation us the key to change finding new ways to educate expand and engage and this new global literacy campaign is a powerful clever example of creative thinking 

A collaborative art project for a good cause. Buy your sentence, co-write a book with 5000 people. From strangers to renowned artists. 100% of profit is donated to world literacy foundation!

Five thousand sentences will be released to be written by you and four thousand nine hundred ninety-nine other souls. By writing a story all together,

My Name Is Ink wants to give you a chance to create an incredible story that could inspire creators across the globe. A book made without any consideration for borders, skin color, education, religious belief or age.

EXQUISIT CORPSE / 180 CHARACTERS

The only guidance you need is found in the previous fifteen sentences. You will be part of a communal writing technique. Limiting your contribution to 180 characters ensures it will be impactful, as critical to the story as the previous sentence and the following one

DIGITAL ART

The project will visually represent your contribution and thank you for bringing awareness to literacy by creating an image of your sentence, a piece of art for you to own, that certifies your participation in the experience and links you to the community of My Name Is Ink. Choose your words wisely as they will influence the whole story and represent the part you played in this amazing experience.

WITH A PURPOSE

My Name Is Ink is a philanthropic initiative that will redistribute 100% of the profits to the World Literacy Foundation fighting illiteracy around the world.

 As a collective of creatives, we strongly believe that reading and writing are essential tools for human beings to better themselves and realize their true potential. Our ambition is to create a world where the access to reading and writing is not a privilege but a fundamental right. Do you want to know more?

THE BOOK RELEASE

Once the story is told, the book will be printed and published. The first print will be sold at auction and only ten original copies will be distributed to a selected few. The 5,000 writers of My Name Is Ink will get notified and be able to buy a paperback copy of the book. Don’t forget, every sentence of this piece of literature will be a piece of art in itself, one for you to create and to own. . Finally, you will get the opportunity to have your name engraved on the cover, just follow the steps while purchasing your sentence to do so.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Documentary Left Write Hook follows eight female survivors of childhood sexual abuse who participate in a 2-year experimental recovery program that combines the physicality of boxing with the emotional power of expressive writing. 

The program provides survivors of sexual assault a space to release their memories, reclaim their bodies and imagine new lives for themselves. 

Through powerful participatory filmmaking, unprecedented access, and full engagement with all of those involved, this feature-length documentary captures an amazing journey of recovery, transformation, and friendship.

What unfolds across their ensuing time together is a profound discovery of self, resilience, and community as the survivors begin to regain agency and take back their power.

The program aims to Change the narrative about survivors

• Position incest as a central part of the conversation about child sexual abuse.

• Create an open culture of community support for survivors in the Mental Health Sector.

• Build the Left Write Hook recovery program as a sector leader 

• Attract funding to expand the program for survivors nationally

• Produce a survivor-authored resource toolkit to aid health experts and practitioners to respond effectively to reports of sexual abuse in someone’s history.

• Provide evidence-based research outcomes to inform mental health practitioners about the efficacy of creative and body-based therapies for survivors.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

David McAllister AC former principal dancer and former artistic director of the Australian Ballet has launched 

his second book “Ballet Confidential: A Personal Behind-The-Scenes Guide, in a powerful overview of one of the performing arts' most alluring and mysterious, physically demanding and mentally rigorous art forms. 

He says "Today's dancer is a strong, powerful and elite athlete. Both the men and women possess incredible strength, mental toughness and the ability to create feats of skill while having an emotive connection to the audience by creating a mood or telling a story through movement."

With characteristic honesty and insight, David explores a raft of issues surrounding the business of dance – from the joys and challenges that face young dancers and their families, the physical stamina required to build a ballet body, to company politics, on-stage disasters, off-stage relationships, the anxieties around weight gain and weight loss, theatre etiquette, the age-old curiosities surrounding boys who choose ballet instead of footy, plus David’s thoughts on some of the world’s great ballets including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Giselle.

Beyond the formidable combination of tulle and lycra, how much can an audience ever truly understand about the demands of being a ballet dancer? What really is the pain and pleasure of pointe shoes and jockstraps? Can a wardrobe malfunction derail a scene? ... we’re about to find out …

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Julia kay 

Great Wrap 

Jordan and Julia Kay, the Co-founders of Great Wrap, are reimagining today's materials to solve tomorrow's problems.

Their former careers in winemaking and architecture, respectively, led them  to Great Wrap when they recognised the sheer impact plastic waste was having on the land. There was a materials revolution around us, and everything was changing rapidly — yet plastic stayed the same. 

“We knew the technology existed to end plastic waste, but there weren't any products available. So we invented the products we knew the world was missing. We are makers by trade, so manufacturing our own products was the obvious route for us to take.”

We're driven by impact, fuelled by demand and have a 10-year vision for a world where plastic doesn't exist.

Great Lab is the innovation and technology department at Great Wrap. They research, analyse and conceptualise our ideal solutions — all based on science. We will always use the best materials within Great Lab and never stop searching for ways to improve our products. 

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Kevin Murphy 

Recognized as one of the world's most respected and sought-after session hairstylists, Kevin has been at the forefront of fashion, runway, editorial and film for decades within Australia and internationally. His work has graced the covers of all the major global print publications such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Instyle, Rush, & GQ, and he has directed hair teams for countless high profile fashion houses across the globe. Kevin has also worked with cinematic luminaries such as Baz Luhrmann on the legendary Moulin Rouge, and his celebrity client list has included Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts, Selma Blair, Kylie Minogue, Enrique Iglesias, Vanessa Hudgens, Heidi Klum, Rose Byrne, Miranda Kerr, Catherine McNeil, Jessica Hart, Abby Lee and many more.

It was the lack of products that performed as needed on shoots and runways that forced Kevin to go beyond conventional hair products and look to advancements being made in skincare, and thus KEVIN.MURPHY the brand was born. Kevin remains at the forefront of an industry he is deeply passionate about, from leading new trends in cut and colour, through to developing groundbreaking products that are kind to the environment and the hair.

Recently travelling Italy his products were everywhere and a godsend when your travelling and find yourself in a hairdresser with such familiar quality products 

Kevin has carved himself quite a stable of loyal clients and suppliers ..

I was a client eons ago and recall your store and humble beginnings what did you love about hairdressing and how did you carve such a stellar client list? 

I’m a bit of a hairdresser addict nothing like a wash blow dry or colour to lift my mood and freshen me up .. it’s become quite an expensive addiction thoughts on the rising costs and who’s using hairdressers as it becomes out of reach for some ..

Love your timeless packaging some mention the challenge of use is this something you’ve explored and how iconic the brand has become does it make it a nightmare to Change …

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Beyond words, the Literacy Podcast aims to bring together experts and change-makers to discuss crucial issues in creating a literate world, such as access, equity, and the role of technology in learning.

 Guests will offer valuable perspectives on how to ensure high-quality literacy education for all.

This episode features
Mona Jolly, the Transformation Director at PwC and Mussarrat (Musi) Qureshi a Partner at PwC Advisory

Guided by  purpose to build trust in society and solve important problems, the PWC community in NYC know they have an obligation to the communities in which they live and work. At a time in which establishing trust is more important than ever, they work to not only support communities directly but to empower their people to promote initiatives that align with their personal values.

 As they work to build that trust, they recognize that collaborating with other responsible business leaders striving for similar goals helps to benefit society as a whole.

Literacy and financial literacy is critical to empowering communities ..


Madi Franquiz is a World Literacy Ambassador, as well as an Authour, Literacy Advocate and Speaker.

At just 25 years old, Madi Franquiz stood on the floor of the United Nations 77th General Assembly to advocate for kids who missed the same benchmark as her: the 3rd Grade Literacy Benchmark. The “3rd Grade Benchmark,” is indicative of future success a child will have in school. It was a benchmark that I missed. 

Living in poverty during her 2nd grade year, Madi's family struggled with access to basic necessities of life, including books. She never dreamed that someone like her could one day attend college, much less write a book, or compete for Miss Texas.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Beyond words, the Literacy Podcast aims to bring together experts and change-makers to discuss crucial issues in creating a literate world, such as access, equity, and the role of technology in learning.

 Guests will offer valuable perspectives on how to ensure high-quality literacy education for all.

This episode features
Frances Corcoran, 'The Managing Director' and Selena Whitehead, 'The Education Team Manger of Amazing Peoples Schools.

Amazing people inspire us to challenge ourselves. This Literacy story went global in many media outlets as it was so inspiring. Amazing People Schools UK supports young people, in both primary and secondary schools, to harness these innate character strengths, believe in themselves, and flourish. Selena and Frances give us a wonderful insight into how they’re Amazing People School platform  is making a difference.


Samantha Sida is the Director and Co-Founder of Limited Space. 

Her passion grew out of her concern for illiteracy and the lifelong impact on young people especially if they become an adult and are unable to read and write. Samantha recognised digital was fast moving and changing the world, and particularly young people and their attention span to sit down a read a book. These issues have sparked a journey for her to understand more and dig deeper.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Hi, Welcome to the What I’ve Learnt podcast

From food to fashion and art to music we’ve got you covered. We wanted to highlight some amazing moments of the podcast from May to June.

This Episode Features

Kate Ceberano: Revered Melbourne artist finds her at the dawn of a new era. 

Kates 30th album, My Life Is A Symphony, released this month is a breathtaking celebration of her songwriting, featuring her most iconic songs, Brave and Pash, and personal favorites from across her four-decade recording career, reimagined with Kate at a new peak of command amid the grandeur of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Unfolding on orchestral stages nationally, the epic musical setting is an apt reflection of an assured rise to the pinnacles of rock, pop, soul and jazz.

Silva Mcleod: The first Tongan woman to become an airline pilot. She’s still one of only a handful. Told by Silva with frankness and wit, it’s quite a story. Silva takes us on a journey of cultural change from her beginnings as a poor island girl to her marriage to an Australian. The challenges of pursuing a flying career and its impact on her family are set against the backdrop of the love story of her life with her husband and his battle with cancer.

Kerri Sackville: columnist and Author decided to stop filling every idle moment with distraction and learn to be comfortable alone, her quality of life soared.
From boosting creativity and productivity, improving self-awareness, building resilience and moral courage, to improving relationships and connection with others, a bit of alone time is vital to well-being. But with smartphones, social media, endless streaming and podcast options, as well as the demands of work, family and friends, spending meaningful time on your own can feel impossible, unnecessary, or even indulgent.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Beyond words, the Literacy Podcast aims to bring together experts and change-makers to discuss crucial issues in creating a literate world, such as access, equity, and the role of technology in learning.

 Guests will offer valuable perspectives on how to ensure high-quality literacy education for all.

This episode features

Tom Richardson is Chief Executive Officer of Literacy Planet 

Literacy Planet is a research and evidence-aligned literacy program, combining the science of reading, great storytelling and the psychology of game play to create a learning experience that educators and students love.

Tom is on a mission to transform the way people learn. He is humbled to be leading the Literacy Planet team who are inspiring a lifetime of learning. Tom is a proud dad of three kids and loves nature, the outdoors, adventure and travel.

Kyle Wallgren is the CEO of Edsoma 
 
The world has experienced a shift since the pandemic broke out. Now, self-education has taken a stronger stand than ever, with remote learning and parents actively being school teachers’ assistants. This has, however, enabled poor quality learning and reading. To fix the situation, Kyle Wallgren got the idea to build a new communication and reading application called Edsoma.

Edsoma was designed to get children back in the reading culture and help them bond better with the authority figures in their lives. The app has been on the trajectory to become every family’s favorite reading application with its numerous features and functionalities that encourage bonding while learning. 

Kishan Gopal Laddha is the Head of Literacy as a Service Corporate Social Responsibility  at TATA Consultancy Services

Kishan Gopal Laddha started his professional career with Tata Consultancy Services serving as design engineer with one of the world’s largest medical manufacturing company. Finding passion in serving, he joined the pioneering batch of Teach for India and taught as a primary teacher in low income schools in India’s largest slums for two years. He joined back TCS being the bridge between corporate and society and lead Corporate Social Responsibility for central, north and western India for TCS CSR.
 
Over the period of years, he worked with lacs of non-neo literates and empowered them with self-respect, confidence and reliance. He heads TCS’ Literacy as a Service, that served 1.1 mn+ people (>80%) women across India and Burikna Faso. He is father of two daughters, Vipassana meditation practitioner and a volunteer at Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

“I was alone in the middle of a forest, hanging from a zipline fifty metres above the ground. This was not within my comfort zone: I am a suburban mum whose idea of adventure is to get a double shot of coffee in my mocha. Still, I was with my two daughters on holidays in Tasmania, and we had decided to try ziplining for fun. The journey up the mountain had been exhilarating, but when I reached the top, the ride jolted to a halt and I was left dangling alone in mid-air.

This was not fun at all.

I hung there amid the treetops, my kids and the zipline staff shrunken to tiny specks in the distance. Up there in the air, cut off from the world, I suddenly felt profoundly and unspeakably alone. There was just me and the trees and the little gusts of breeze and quite remarkable silence. I could hear my own breath in my ears, incredibly loud, and I realised I was panicking. I instinctively reached for my phone, but, of course, it wasn’t there. It was in my bag at the zipline base, six hundred metres away.

I wanted my phone and I really, desperately, wanted to get down.

I’m not afraid of heights, and I wasn’t afraid of falling; I was very securely strapped in. It was the silence and the solitude that were terrifying. I closed my eyes and I wished for the ride to end.”

Why is it so scary to be alone with your own thoughts?

When columnist and commentator Kerri Sackville decided to stop filling every idle moment with distraction and learn to be comfortable alone, her quality of life soared.

From boosting creativity and productivity, improving self-awareness, building resilience and moral courage, to improving relationships and connection with others, a bit of alone time is vital to well-being. But with smartphones, social media, endless streaming and podcast options, as well as the demands of work, family and friends, spending meaningful time on your own can feel impossible, unnecessary, or even indulgent.

In The Secret Life of You, Sackville analyses society’s attitude towards solitude, identifies the roadblocks in the way to unplugging, contemplates aloneness vs loneliness, and looks at the difference between true connection and mere connectivity. Finally, she provides practical advice on how to become comfortable in your own company, in order to enjoy – and even cherish – time alone.

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850