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.

In this episode, Emma has a heartfelt conversation with Jetha Devapura, an inspiring CEO and philanthropist who immigrated from Sri Lanka to Australia at the age of 12.

Together, they discuss Jetha’s memories of his childhood in Colombo and his transition to life in Australia as a teenager. Jetha shares his academic struggles and eventual success, highlighting the impact of environment on personal growth. He recounts a pivotal moment in his life following his diagnosis of OCD, and the development of his three life virtues: courage, compassion, and commitment.

Jetha discusses his philanthropic endeavours, including building a 194-bed cancer transit home and initiating a Lifeline centre in Sri Lanka, significantly impacting mental health and suicide rates. He also introduces his “Let’s Talk” program aimed at fostering psychological safety and resilience in schools. Their conversation converges on the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the inner journey of self-worth. Jetha's story is a testament to making meaningful change and creating a better community both locally and globally.

Follow Jetha's work:

Website: https://letstalkprogram.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jetha-devapura-576a2a6/

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to Jetha Devapura

(02:01) – Childhood Memories in Sri Lanka

(03:38) – Migration Journey & Family Sacrifices

(06:10) – School Struggles and Turning Point

(10:39) – OCD Diagnosis and Path to Healing

(13:59) – Building Sri Lanka’s Largest Cancer Transit Home

(16:02) – Launching Lifeline Sri Lanka

(19:39) – Creating the Let’s Talk Program

(22:58) – Psychological Safety & Authenticity

(35:32) – Final Reflections on Self-Worth and Belonging

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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, Laura Gutierrez shares her experience as an immigrant having migrated multiple times from Colombia to the US, from the US to New Zealand, and from New Zealand to Australia. She discusses her motivations for leaving her country of origin, including a desire to explore other cultures and escape certain aspects of her own culture.

Laura reflects on the challenges and rewards of starting over in different countries, the importance of perseverance, embracing vulnerability, and cultivating authentic connections. She also shares deep insights into what it means to truly find a place to call home.

Ultimately, Laura encourages fellow immigrants to embrace their own journeys and be proud of what it takes to migrate and start anew.

Follow Laura's work:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragutierrezpinillos/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalaland8319

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to the Podcast & Guest

(01:33) – Laura's First Migration Dream at 15

(04:27) – Moving to the U.S. for an Internship

(06:17) – Cultural Tensions & Family Influence

(07:50) – Life in the U.S.: Freedom & Growth

(11:11) – Transition to New Zealand & Australia

(17:21) – Struggles Settling in Australia

(20:46) – Longing for Home & Family

(26:59) – Redefining Home & Belonging

(38:08) – Advice & Final Reflections on Migration

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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.

Yohana Jury, an Australia-based immigrant from Indonesia, shares her story and insights. She grew up in a small town in Indonesia and moved to Australia on a scholarship to pursue a master's degree in her desired field of study. While there, she met the man who would later become her husband, which led her to stay in the country to start a family.

Throughout the conversation, Yohana opens up about the difficulties she faced in finding a job that aligns with her skills. Despite holding local credentials and professional experience from overseas, she initially had to work at McDonald's to gain her first Australian work experience. Today, she has achieved her dream career, but her journey required immense effort and perseverance.

Yohana offers practical insights for other immigrants navigating their integration journey. She emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community, cultivating self-belief, and persevering during difficult times. Ultimately, she encourages migrants to work hard and take pride in their efforts, even if it means starting at a lower level.

To connect with Yohana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yohanajury/

Chapters:

(00:00) - Welcome and introduction to Johana Jury

(02:26) - Growing up in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

(04:02) - Early teaching career and daily life differences

(06:08) - Earning a scholarship and moving to Australia

(07:24) - Culture shock and adjusting to the Australian accent

(10:36) - University experience and navigating language barriers

(13:32) - The struggle to find work after graduation

(15:00) - Starting from scratch with a job at McDonald's

(18:01) - Lessons in resilience and helping other migrants

(20:16) - Building confidence and navigating identity

(28:27) - Advice on belonging, community, and making Australia home

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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 great 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.

This podcast episode dives into the life story of an Indonesian-born immigrant living in Australia. Steve shares his vivid childhood memories of political conflict and racial discrimination in 1960s Indonesia, the hasty and perilous departure of his family, and their subsequent immigration to Australia.

Steve reflects on the cultural shock of adapting to a new school environment, the hardships of financial instability, and the rigorous efforts his parents made to provide a stable life. The guest discusses the numerous jobs he had to undertake, including working as a food delivery rider, and his advocacy for migrant workers' rights.

Steve shares insights on dealing with racism, the importance of embracing cultural values while navigating new societies, and the vital role that hope and resilience play in overcoming life's challenges. Throughout the conversation, themes of gratitude, perseverance, and the impact of migrant communities on Australia are deeply explored.

Contact Steeve:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-khouw-515246/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sneaky.stevey/

Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome and introduction to Steeve Khouw

(01:55) Childhood in Indonesia and early persecution

(04:03) Fleeing the country and finding safety in Australia

(06:04) Starting over: housing, work, and language barriers

(09:41) School experiences and facing racism

(13:08) Building resilience and advocating for migrants

(18:01) Life as a food delivery rider and gig economy insights

(22:33) Empathy, connection, and cultural understanding

(25:40) Identity, reinvention, and embracing change

(28:36) Final reflections on hope, belonging, and advocacy

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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 first episode, Emma interviews Katrina James, a registered counsellor who helps migrant professionals thrive in Australia.

Katrina shares her professional insights into the complexities of cultural adaptation in the workplace, including during significant life transitions such as career shifts or retirement. She highlights the importance of acknowledging the systemic barriers that migrants face in Australia and discusses how they can reframe unhelpful beliefs without having their experiences of racism and employment discrimination dismissed.

The conversation also touches on the economic contributions of migrants, and the need to challenge prevalent misconceptions. Throughout the episode, Katrina underscores the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in navigating the migrant experience, offering valuable insights for both migrants and the broader Australian community.

Contact Katrina James

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-james-reframe/

Website: https://www.reframecounselling.com.au/

Chapters

(00:15)Meet Katrina James: Migration Therapist

(01:54)Navigating Cultural Workplace Differences

(05:33)Migration's Non-Linear Journey

(09:04)The Challenge of Sharing Migrant Struggles

(13:21)Reframing Perceptions vs. Real Discrimination

(18:31)Building Confidence in Your Migrant Identity

(22:45)Finding Focus Through Life's Contrasts

(35:10)What Does Being Australian Really Mean?

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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!

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

Hello and welcome to the

podcast, From There to Here – a podcast I created with Kintsugi Heroes.

I’m your host, Emma Bellamy, and

each week, we’ll dive into conversations with people who have the courage to

leave their home country to rebuild a home away from home.