In this episode, Emma Bellamy-Dodd interviews Gloria Tabi, founder of Everyday inclusion and Enable Women Africa, about her journey from Ghana to Australia and her fight against systemic racism. Gloria shares how colonial legacies and the search for opportunity shaped her migration, and describes the invisible barriers she faced in Australia’s workplaces despite her qualifications. She discusses how researching race structures helped her move past self-blame and highlights the personal and political impact of hair discrimination, explaining how Black women often feel pressure to hide their natural hair. Gloria recounts the fear and eventual empowerment of wearing her natural hair openly, and her commitment to ensuring young Black girls can embrace their identity without shame.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Gloria Tabi's Journey

02:15 Experiencing Racism in Australia

06:30 Transitioning to Advocacy

10:05 Hair Discrimination as a Form of Racism

13:50 Embracing Natural Identity

17:10 The Struggles of Identity and Professional Spaces

21:35 Systemic Change for Inclusion

26:05 Celebrating Natural Hair and Empowerment

30:00 Personal Actions Against Racism

33:20 Navigating Hair Discrimination

36:40 Books That Inspire and Empower

40:10 The Power of Adaptability and Resilience

43:50 Finding Home and Belonging

Resources mentioned:

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Traces of History by Patrick Wolfe

Gloria’s upcoming book: Enough

Connect with Gloria:

Gloria’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriatabi/

Gloria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriabinks/

Gloria’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gloria.tabi.binks

Everyday Inclusion: https://www.everydayinclusion.com.au/

Vote for Gloria at the Legacy International Pageant:

https://legacyinternationalpageant.com/gloria-tabi

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this insightful episode, Maryam Zahid shares her powerful journey from being a refugee in Afghanistan to becoming a community leader and advocate for women's rights in Australia. She reflects on her childhood experiences during the war, the challenges of resettling in a new country, and her mission to empower Afghan women. Through her work, she addresses issues of trauma, gender inequality, and the importance of building supportive networks for new arrivals. Maryam emphasizes the resilience of refugees and the need to challenge misconceptions about their experiences.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Intro & Maryam's Journey: From Afghanistan to Australia

(04:15) - Childhood Memories: The Impact of War

(08:42) - Understanding Gender Inequality in Afghanistan

(12:37) - The Decision to Leave: A Family's Escape

(17:20) - Arriving in Australia: Challenges and Opportunities

(21:55) - Healing Through Helping: The Power of Community

(26:40) - Empowering Afghan Women: A Mission of Advocacy

(31:10) - Overcoming Barriers: Building Confidence in Women

(35:30) - Facing Resistance: The Struggle for Gender Equality

(40:05) - Visibility and Leadership: The Price of Being Outspoken

(45:18) - Advice for New Arrivals: Building a Support Network

(49:45) - Debunking Misconceptions: The Reality of Refugees

(54:10) - Embracing Australian Identity: A Personal Reflection

Maryam’s book recommendation:

Happy Refugee, by Anh Do

To contact / follow Maryam:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-zahid-858893143/

https://www.instagram.com/maryam_popal_zahid_/

https://afghanwomenonthemove.org.au/

---

Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this conversation, Catherine Maguire-Donvito, Co-founder and Director of Treehouse Theatre, shares the program’s unique approach to supporting refugee adolescents through storytelling and theatrical performance. The initiative is designed to facilitate trauma recovery and raise awareness about the refugee experience among high school students. Catherine emphasizes the importance of building trust and connection among participants before delving into their trauma stories. She explains how narrative exposure therapy helps them develop new cognitive networks and process their traumatic experiences effectively. Catherine also recounts memorable performances and the ripple effect of these performances on both participants and viewers, underscoring the need for empathy and understanding in addressing the refugee crisis.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:28) - The Treehouse Program

(03:43) - Origins of the Treehouse Program

(04:31) - Storytelling as a Path to Connection

(05:55) - Art Therapy for Trauma Recovery

(06:43) - Sharing Happy Stories Before Trauma

(07:22) - Creating a Sense of Belonging

(08:01) - Building Confidence Through Performance

(09:02) - The Healing Power of the Program

(10:17) - Grief, Loss, and Rejection

(11:44) - Curiosity and Respect for Individual Stories

(13:08) - The World’s Response and Responsibility

(14:26) - Changing Perceptions and Fostering Empathy

Link to Treehouse theatre: https://treehousetheatre.org.au/

Cast From the Storm trailer: https://youtu.be/zRF-yDMVYdk

Tedx Video - Missing" Shalah's Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MplBF_AYYfM

---

Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this conversation, Christian Nduwimana shares his harrowing journey from Burundi, where he escaped a civil war and political persecution, to becoming a refugee in Australia. He discusses the political dynamics that led to violence in his home country and what led him to speak out against the injustices he witnessed.

Christian shares his complex journey from living in a refugee camp for three years to arriving in Australia. He reflects on the resilience he witnessed among fellow refugees, the hope that kept him going, and the importance of service to others.

Christian also discusses the challenges of adapting to a new life, including language barriers and the emotional toll of leaving his past behind. Ultimately, he emphasizes the significance of pursuing dreams and the power of hope in overcoming adversity.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro: A Story of Survival and Hope

(02:20) Fleeing Burundi: The Start of Christian's Journey

(06:42) Life Under Civil War and Political Oppression

(13:15) Speaking Up Against Injustice

(18:30) Becoming a Target of the Regime

(24:10) The Escape: Leaving Burundi Without a Bag

(29:50) Surviving the Refugee Camp Years

(36:00) Finding Strength Through Service

(41:20) Arriving in Australia: Relief and Grief

(47:05) Learning English & Rebuilding Dreams

(54:12) Inspiration from Dr. Dinesh Palipana

(59:00) Final Reflections: Community, Identity & Inner Voice

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this conversation, Khalil Bagatsing shares his journey from working in his family's business in the Philippines to helping immigrants find skill-aligned jobs in the US. He discusses the challenges immigrants face in the job market, including the importance of customizing resumes, recognizing transferable skills, and overcoming credential recognition issues.

Khalil emphasizes the significance of community support, resilience against rejection, and the power of storytelling in job applications. He introduces the PAR method for structuring responses and discusses the significance of preparation and practice.

In this episode, Kahlil encourages job seekers to view their unique experiences as strength, to reframe setbacks as integral parts of a broader journey, and to seek out companies that value diversity and inclusion.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to the podcast & Kahlil Bagatsing

(01:20) Kahlil’s immigration story and early influences

(04:00) Leaving the family business to find purpose

(06:30) Rebuilding life: health, love, and self-worth

(08:30) Discovering a passion for service & coaching

(09:50) Why skilled immigrants struggle to find work

(12:00) Resume mistakes & how to tailor your story

(14:00) Transferable skills: Making past jobs relevant

(17:30) Handling rejection and staying motivated

(23:00) Turning perceived disadvantages into strengths

(28:00) Storytelling & confidence in job interviews

(35:00) Final reflections, resources & message to migrants

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this insightful episode, Niharika Hiremath OAM, a first-generation immigrant and mental health professional, joins the podcast to share her unique perspective on growing up in Australia after leaving India at a young age.

Niharika discusses her lived experiences as a third culture kid, the challenges and conflicts of navigating multiple identities, and her openness about mental health struggles. She emphasizes the importance of cultural humility, self-awareness, and the intricate connection between identity and mental well-being. Niharika provides professional insights into intentional peer support and underscores the need for inclusive and culturally responsive mental health services in Australia.

This episode is filled with valuable advice for both mental health professionals and individuals from multicultural backgrounds.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast

(00:33) Meet Niharika Hiremath

(01:26) Niharika’s Early Life in India

(02:53) Migrating to New Zealand and Australia

(04:46) Growing Up as a Third Culture Kid

(06:34) Identity Conflicts and Emotional Expression

(08:21) Sharing Mental Health Struggles

(11:16) Intersectionality and Mental Health

(18:36) Creating Inclusive Mental Health Services

(25:20) Cultural Humility in Practice

(30:15) Introduction to Intentional Peer Support (IPS)

(34:07) Niharika’s Purpose and Advice to Migrants

(46:09) Final Reflections and Recommendations

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this episode, the host interviews Dinesh Palipana, an extraordinary individual who has achieved remarkable success as a doctor, lawyer, researcher, and disability advocate.

Dinesh shares his life story, starting from his childhood in war-torn Sri Lanka, the challenges he faced after moving to Australia, and how those experiences shaped his outlook on life. He also discusses his transition from studying law to medicine, the life-altering car accident that left him with quadriplegia, and the profound resilience and perspective that helped him overcome this adversity.

Throughout the conversation, Dinesh reflects on the importance of empathy, the influence of his mother, and the impermanence of life, offering valuable insights and inspiration to listeners.

Books Dinesh recommends:

• Ryan Holiday, Ego is the enemy
• Ryan Holiday, The obstacle is the way
• Ryan Holiday, Discipline is destiny

Movie Dinesh recommends:

• Seven Years in Tibet, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud

Chapters:

(00:00) – Welcome & Introduction to Dinesh Palipana

(01:38) – Dinesh’s Early Life in War-Torn Sri Lanka

(04:47) – Why Dinesh’s Family Migrated to Australia

(06:43) – First Impressions of Australia

(10:01) – Adapting to Australian Life & Identity

(13:27) – Cultural Tensions Within the Family

(17:14) – Struggles with Mental Health in Early Adulthood

(20:57) – Finding Purpose Through Medicine

(22:07) – The Car Accident That Changed Everything

(28:00) – Resilience, Gratitude & Reframing Adversity

(33:28) – Being a Doctor With Empathy & Purpose

(36:53) – Stoicism, Impermanence & Final Reflections

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this episode, we explore the harrowing and inspirational journey of Mahshid Babzartabi, a refugee who fled Iran at age 52, as she was unable to endure the constraints of a society that silenced her voice.

Confronted with limited legal options for safe emigration, she ultimately embarked on a perilous boat journey to Australia. Despite facing immense hardships, she survived and spent 45 days in an immigration detention centre where she used her language skills to help others in similar situations.

Her story highlights her resilience and continuous advocacy for asylum seekers, enriched by her volunteer work and cooking classes that started as a way to integrate into the community. This heartfelt narrative provides an enlightening perspective on the struggles and triumphs faced by refugees, emphasizing the importance of community support and the human spirit's capacity to endure.

Contact Mashid to order her book:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahshidtaste/

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1424779064486993/

Chapters:

(00:00) - Welcome & Introduction

(01:28) - Life in Iran Before the Escape

(03:39) - Why Mashid Fled Iran

(06:30) - Journey by Boat to Australia

(08:42) - Detention & Helping Other Refugees

(10:32) - Building Community & Founding Support Networks

(13:24) - Cooking, Advocacy & Creating Belonging

(15:07) - Culture Clash & Identity in a New Country

(17:31) - Searching for Home & Living in Between

(21:06) - Fear, Resilience & Life Lessons

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.