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/

Music in this episode is licensed by Impactify Pty Ltd 2025 and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved.

In this powerful episode of UThink, we sit down with Joey Grima, a renowned rugby league coach and passionate mentor, to discuss his transformative work in Papua New Guinea. Joey 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/

Music in this episode is licensed by Impactify Pty Ltd 2025 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).

Music in this episode is licensed by Impactify Pty Ltd 2025 and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved.

In this episode of UThink, we sit down with visionary urban planner and developer Russell Garnett to explore his groundbreaking work in reshaping the future of housing. From his early days in a family-run business to pioneering innovative living solutions with Vuvale, Russell shares the inspiration behind his mission to create affordable, sustainable, and community-driven spaces. We dive into the challenges of the current housing market, the policies shaping our cities, and how Vuvale is redefining what it means to live, work, and connect. If you’ve ever wondered how we can make housing more accessible and meaningful, this conversation is a must-listen.

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

· Russell Garnett - https://urbanrevolutions.com/about/

· Russell Garnett Olympian - https://www.olympics.com.au/olympians/russell-garnett/

· Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au

· Blue Ocean Strategy - https://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/what-is-blue-ocean-strategy/

· Adi Cohen - Go out and Talk to Strangers Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSdeIOjfJOPxJg54kumCd?si=6e9e7c4153db41b9

· 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/

Music in this episode is licensed by Impactify Pty Ltd 2025 and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved.

What does it take to build a long-term culture of success? In this episode of UThink, we sit down with Matt Cameron, CEO of the Penrith Panthers, to explore the foundations of the club’s incredible rise to dominance in the NRL. From his early days as a woodwork teacher to shaping one of the most successful rugby league academies in the country, Matt shares his insights on leadership, alignment, and the "Built From Within" philosophy that has driven the Panthers to multiple premierships. More than just a discussion on sport, this episode dives into what it means to create a winning environment—on and off the field.

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

· Matt Cameron - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cameron-771940169/?originalSubdomain=au

· Penrith Panthers - https://www.penrithpanthers.com.au

· 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/

Music in this episode is licensed by Impactify Pty Ltd 2025 and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved.

In this powerful second part episode of UThink, host Rose continues the conversation with Allan Sparkes, a decorated former police officer and mental health advocate, to explore the journey from crisis to recovery—and why endurance matters more than resilience. Allan shares his deeply personal experiences, from a harrowing child rescue that led to his Cross of Valour, to his own battle with PTSD and mental health struggles.

With raw honesty, Allan discusses the importance of operational readiness—a proactive approach to mental wellbeing that can prevent burnout before it begins. From sleep science to emotional regulation, he sheds light on the strategies that keep frontline workers, educators, and everyday Australians thriving in high-stress environments.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating stress, trauma, or the demands of modern life. It’s not just about bouncing back—it’s about staying strong, prepared, and in control.

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

• Allan Sparkes - https://www.allansparkes.com
• Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Cross of Valour - https://www.pmc.gov.au/honours-and-symbols/list-australian-honours/cross-valour
• Why sleep is the key to wellbeing - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/sleep-matters-impact-sleep-health-and-wellbeing
• 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/

Music in this episode is licensed by Impactify Pty Ltd 2025 and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved.

In this powerful two part episode of UThink, host Rose sits down with Allan Sparkes, a decorated former police officer and mental health advocate, to explore the journey from crisis to recovery—and why endurance matters more than resilience. Allan shares his deeply personal experiences, from a harrowing child rescue that led to his Cross of Valour, to his own battle with PTSD and mental health struggles.

With raw honesty, Allan discusses the importance of operational readiness—a proactive approach to mental wellbeing that can prevent burnout before it begins. From sleep science to emotional regulation, he sheds light on the strategies that keep frontline workers, educators, and everyday Australians thriving in high-stress environments.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating stress, trauma, or the demands of modern life. It’s not just about bouncing back—it’s about staying strong, prepared, and in control.

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

· Allan Sparkes - https://www.allansparkes.com

· Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

· Cross of Valour - https://www.pmc.gov.au/honours-and-symbols/list-australian-honours/cross-valour

· Why sleep is the key to wellbeing - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/sleep-matters-impact-sleep-health-and-wellbeing

· Dr David Said - https://www.dsclinicalpsychology.com/about

· 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/

Music in this episode is licensed by Impactify Pty Ltd 2025 and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved.

In this thought-provoking episode of UThink, we sit down with literacy powerhouse Gabrielle Mace, whose groundbreaking Just Read Project is transforming reading habits in schools and workplaces alike. Gabrielle shares her insights on why young people are reading less, how digital distractions are impacting literacy, and why reading is the key to confident communication, cognitive health, and lifelong learning.

We explore the science behind reading habits, the role of fiction in developing empathy, and how schools and businesses can embed reading into daily life for lasting impact. Whether you're a book lover or someone looking to reignite your passion for reading, this episode will challenge you to rethink the power of the written word.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of literacy—because reading is not just a skill, it’s a gift. 📚

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

• Gabrielle Mace – https://proreadingsolutions.com
• The time to Read - https://www.scisdata.com/connections/issue-117/the-time-to-read/
• Adult literacy and why it is important - https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Employment_Education_and_Training/Adultliteracy/Report
• Links to the three books we identified (Charlotte’s web, Charlotte's Web by E B White - Penguin Books Australia Oliver Twist Search - Penguin Books Australia and Boy Swallows Universe Boy Swallows Universe :HarperCollins Australia)
• Reading Research- Reframing Teen Reading Challenges – Moving Beyond the 'I Don’t Read' Mindset | LinkedIn
• Reading and the connection on wellbeing - Want to build Concentration & Empathy in Our Schools? | LinkedIn
• Literacy Poverty in a digital age - (1) Literacy Poverty in the Digital Age | LinkedIn
• (1) The AI Revolution in Schools: Why Reading Still Matters More Than Ever | LinkedIn
• The Grattan Report - https://grattan.edu.au/report/reading-guarantee/
• Lost for Words – SBS program - https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/lost-for-words
• Impactify - https://impactify.au

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

Music in this episode is licensed by Impactify Pty Ltd 2025 and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved.