Critical Conversations

Critical Conversations

Follow Critical Conversations
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Life, love, trials, trauma & triumphs. We cover all of this and so much more with some truly inspiring guests on the Critical Conversations Podcast with Jolene Togia-Shortus.


    • Dec 27, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 11m AVG DURATION
    • 12 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Critical Conversations with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Critical Conversations

    Selma Andersen on the complexities of the mother-daughter dynamic

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2020 87:46


    Jolene and her mother, Selma, sit down for a Q&A style discussion covering a diverse range of topics.   Themes include; race, assault, trauma, families, relationships, grief, parenting 

    Brittany Baker on the intersection of mental illness, relationships and eating disorders

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2020 66:18


    Jolene interviews close friend and HR expert, Brittany (Britt) Baker on her lifelong journey with mental illness and how eating disorders can be closely intertwined with that.   Themes include; mental illness, eating disorders, suicide attempts, relationships, family, education. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental health or eating disorders please visit: au.reachout.com or www.ruok.org.au

    Dianella Ngakuru on being a Boss Woman in a Man's World

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2020 62:44


    Jolene interviews Dianella (Dee) Ngakuru; Managing Director, Wife, Mother & IVF Warrior Woman. Themes include; IVF, infertility, spirituality/ faith, career advice, birth trauma, poverty, culture/ race, career advice 

    Jolene Togia-Shortus & Matt Shortus on their personal & professional lives intertwining and answering your submitted questions

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2020 50:28


    Jolene is again joined by her husband Matt, per your request, to answer submitted questions regarding their marriage, parenting, business and so much more.   Themes include; family, race, marriage, parenting, business, entrepreneurship, wellness, mental health, breastfeeding

    Tiahna Togia on Faith, Family and the Freedom of Forgiveness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2020 145:38


    Jolene interviews sister and returned LDS missionary, Tiahna Togia, on her tumultuous journey of finding faith in God and overcoming childhood trauma. Themes include; substance abuse, eating disorders, domestic violence, religion, sexual assault, suicide, family, polygamy, prayer, spirituality

    Mokwa Sekanyambo on life as an African refugee living in Australia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2020 48:28


    Jolene interviews Rwandan/Congolese refugee, Mokwa Sekanyambo about his journey to Australia, his impending fatherhood and his views on the #blacklivesmatter movement.   Themes include; genocide, racism/discrimination, political views, parenthood.

    Jolene Togia-Shortus & Matt Shortus on pregnancy, parenthood & more.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2020 75:31


    Jolene is joined by her husband Matt, to share an intimate and unfiltered recollection of their recent journey through pregnancy, birth and now parenthood. Special guest appearance by their daughter, Elsie.    Themes include; labour, relationships, family, pregnancy & more. 

    Jolene Togia-Shortus on overcoming incredible adversity and trauma in her journey of self-discovery and self-love. (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2020 44:46


    In this 2 part series, Jolene is interviewed by journalist Aislinn Dwyer about her personal and professional journey thus far. Themes include; sexual assault, domestic violence, racism/ discrimination, substance abuse, entrepreneurship, pregnancy, relationships & family. (Part 1)

    Jolene Togia-Shortus on overcoming incredible adversity and trauma in her journey of self-discovery and self-love. (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2020 62:02


    In this 2 part series, Jolene is interviewed by journalist Aislinn Dwyer about her personal and professional journey thus far. Themes include; sexual assault, domestic violence, racism/ discrimination, substance abuse, entrepreneurship, pregnancy, relationships & family (Part 2).

    Lee Johnston on overcoming mental illness through health & wellness.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2020 68:56


    Jolene interviews her long-time friend and CEO of Validus Consulting, Lee Johnston. Themes include; health & wellness, mental health, business advice.

    Dr Derik Steyn on future developments to combat the debilitating & terminal illness that is motor neurone disease

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2020 50:25


    Jolene interviews Dr Frederik (Derik) Steyn (PhD MSc Lecturer) on his work as a researcher for rare & terminal disease, MND (Motor Neurone Disease). Themes include; grief, loss, medical terminology/ trials/ treatments, terminal illness.

    Dan Cross on what it takes to balance business and being a family man

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2020 98:18


    Jolene interviews Daniel (Dan) Cross; ex NRL player, successful entrepreneur & proud Father of 3 to discuss his life and legacy. Themes include; Domestic violence, poverty, overcoming adversity, business advice, parenthood.

    Claim Critical Conversations

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel