A feel good podcast featuring interviews with inspiring people who have put their ideas into action, and are helping to make this world a better place.
The Lids4Kids grass roots movement has stepped in to solve the small plastic problem in Australia.Lids4Kids Australia was founded as a grass-roots 100% volunteer project in May 2019 by Tim Miller, a Canberra-based full-time house Dad with three boys under ten. Today Lids4Kids is a registered charity committed to rescuing every plastic bottle lid from going into landfill to protect our environment and benefit kids.Highlights from this episode include why Tim started the organisation, the overwhelming community response, and how we can all do our part to help achieve zero waste.This podcast is produced by Samuham Media, and available on all major podcast platforms.
Play spaces for all abilities should exist at the heart of neighbourhoods.The Touched by Olivia Foundation was founded by Justine and John Perkins after they tragically lost their baby daughter, Olivia to a rare illness when she was just eight months old. Following this devastating event, John and Justine devoted themselves to positively enhancing the lives of children and their families. Highlights from this episode include the three principles of inclusive play, the power of communities and delivering social impact within communities by enabling partnerships and collaborations between business, government and other like minded charities.Justine is a successful thought leader and passionate philanthropist with over 25 years of legal, strategic, and not-for-profit experience. Justine has a loving family, which includes her husband John and four other children, Will, Gabrielle, Isaac and Henry.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
The time we live in presents an excellent opportunity for the future of co-operatives. COVID-19 has laid bare the failures of the current globalised capitalist system, which the co-operative model is well suited to address. Molly Kendall oversees Communications and Business Development at The Co-op Federation. The Co-op Federation advocates for the co-operative sector; raises public awareness; provides education, resources and networking opportunities; assists in forming co-operatives and like entities; and maintains links with other organisations interstate, nationally and internationally. Molly is a co-operative nerd from way back. She explored Australia's intentional communities from her early days to heading up a worker-owned waste management co-op. In this episode, Molly discusses the history of the Co-op sector in Australia, how it stacks up against other countries and its model's benefits in today's context.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Outdoor recreation has been a welcome respite for many, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, however more needs to be done to make these spaces inclusive. Mathew Townsend founded Nature Freedom in 2017, a social enterprise that gives people from all walks of life and all abilities the opportunity to connect with nature and each other. This was motivated by Mathew's own lived experience of living with autism and hearing impairment, and being often excluded from environmental groups and sustainability spaces.Video interview with captions available here. Nature Freedom runs a range of eco crafts and environmental workshops in South-East Queensland, with more outdoor activities planned. In this episode Mathew talks about his vision for true inclusion, the importance of co-design and how his team has adapted to COVID-19What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Australian Seniors are learning to use technology in safe and conducive environments through the help of community run computer clubs, supported by Australian Seniors Computer Club Association. Nan Bosler AM is the founder of this peak body that was set up in 1998. In this episode, Nan talks about the history of ASCCA, how it helps seniors, the best way to support seniors in their technology journey, and how the NBN delivered her grandsons to her. Nan Bosler AM is an Australian community activist and advocate for young people, the elderly and people with disabilities. She is an author and most notable internationally for her involvement with computer clubs and digital skills for older people.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.------LinksSamuham Media ASCCA
Sahera Sumar is the Founder and Director of Worldwide Sheroes, a social enterprise that brings together a community of mentors and leaders to foster the next generation of female leaders. Sahera is a facilitator, coach, mentor, and keynote speaker. She has worked with leaders in over 25 countries in World Bank, WHO, and AKDN international development projects. In this episode, Sahera speaks about the lack of access to women leaders in a number of countries, her own experiences trying to fit in to a corporate culture, and the strength and value of the global community she has built.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
The North Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka have lower digital literacy levels, compared to the rest of Sri Lanka, and its neighbours.Sujan Selven is the Founder & CEO of Upcycled Tech, a not-for-profit that provides sustainable IT solutions for remote villages in the North Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. A Tamil refugee, Sujan is a social impact entrepreneur and human rights advocate.In this episode, Sujan talks about how Upcycled Tech started, the opportunities created for communities in these villages, and Upcycled Tech's vision for digital equity in Sri Lanka.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
In 2021, Poonkulali Govintharajah formed Thadam to build mental health literacy within the Sri Lankan Tamil Australian community.Poonkulali Govintharajah is a Sri Lankan Tamil psychologist, a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and holds her Master's degree in Social Health. Poonkulali has a strong commitment to improving the mental health of our community with a strong focus on child protection and working with families.In this episode, Poonkulali shares discussing mental health through an appropriate cultural lens, why mental health stigma exists in her community, and the effects of intergenerational trauma.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
As the waiting lists for social housing grows in Australia, many who are reliant on the system cannot navigate themselves out of it. Stephen Woodlands is the Founder and Managing Director of Head Start Homes, which harnesses innovation and collaboration to reduce homelessness and poverty by providing equal access to home ownership for single mums, First Nations Peoples and other families living in social housing. In this episode, Stephen shares his lived experience growing up in social housing, the three barriers Head Start Homes removes for its clients, and the importance of levelling the field for homeownership here in Australia.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Gloria Tabi is an Author and the CEO of Everyday Inclusion. Gloria's research specialises in Social Analysis on Race, Social Inequalities and Anti-Racism. As a Black African-Australian woman, Gloria brings well-grounded knowledge and experience of the impacts presented in race and gender identities. In this episode, Gloria talks about the critical misunderstandings about racism, the impact on racialised people and about her new book Inclusive Teams & Workplaces: Everyone Wins.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Tinai Colawai is the Founder & Director of knext Career Design – a social impact company with a mission to enable people of colour achieve long-term career success. Before launching her business in early 2021, she spent over 15 years working across the Pacific, Asia and Australia in HR leadership, strategic and specialist roles.In the first episode of 2022, Tinai talks about the common barriers culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals and people of colour (POC) face when working in Australia, the importance of diversity and inclusion in positions of influence, and the outcomes she hopes to see in the future.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Zahra Bayani is has done a lot for her community, since she arrived in Adelaide in 2017. Zahra is currently studying Bachelor of Physiotherapy Honours at University of South Australia and hopes that one day her studies will empower her to work with disadvantaged youth and women to support them in overcoming adversity to reaching their full potential as integral members of the community.In this episode, Zahra talks about how she got involved in volunteering, her political aspirations for the future and her advice for youth.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Priyanka Kaur is a visual and resin artist who recently founded Mahala, a social enterprise. Mahala is Australia's first gift box service that features products from South Asian women, pursuing side hustles, passion projects or small businesses. A percentage of Mahala's profits goes to the Australian South Asian Centre, a not for profit organisation. In this episode, Priyanka talks about why she started Mahala, the underrepresentation of South Asian creatives and artists here in Australia, and how she hopes Mahala will encourage women to pursue their creative passions.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Rough Edges is a community centre for people experiencing homelessness and other forms of marginalisation in Darlinghurst. This drop-in centre is operated by St John's Anglican Church and supervised by Team Leader, Ryan Naoum. As a service, Rough Edges aims to create a safe space where community is fostered and individuals can move from crisis to flourish.In this episode, Ryan talks about the issues facing Darlinghurst's communities, how Rough Edges has found new ways to create impact owing to the pandemic, and the misconceptions people have about communities experiencing homelessness.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Tasnia Alam co-founded ARISE Foundation to reveal the impact of financial abuse and provide financial freedom for women traditionally considered 'unbankable'. Tasnia has a background in Applied Finance and Law and was most recently an Associate Director at NSW Treasury. She has a decade of public and private sector experience across various industries, including audit, legal, corporate finance and public policy development.In this episode, Tasnia talks about what motivated her to start Arise, what financial abuse looks like, and the impact Arise Foundation hopes to create. What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon. This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Merciful Servants has delivered over 150,000 packets of food over the last 7 years, supporting Brisbane's homeless and vulnerable populations. Managing Director, Ansary Muhammed, started this organisation with the aim to end hunger, in a city where approximately 1 in 200 people experience homelessness. In this episode, Ansary talks about what drives him, the challenge Brisbane's communities are now facing and how he's nurturing the next generation of community leaders. What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon. Prema works in a project and operations capacity in the not-for-profit sector.Check out previous episodes and transcripts here: whatcanwedopodcast.com This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Charishma Kaliyanda was elected to the Liverpool City Council in 2016. Charishma was born in Bangalore, India, and moved to Australia when she was four years old. Starting her journey in student politics, Charishma has become an important voice for Liverpool City communities. In this episode, Charishma talks about the hurdles women of colour need to clear in elected office, how the recent strict lockdowns affected southwest Sydney communities, and why local community representation is important.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon. Prema works in a project and operations capacity in the not-for-profit sector.Check out previous episodes and transcripts here: whatcanwedopodcast.com This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
COOK4CALD started as a passion project to feed culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities facing hardship in the City of Casey. The organisation was founded by Ashvina De Zoysa. Today it has grown into a 50 member strong volunteer organisation that has become a vital source of support for CALD individuals and families who live in the City of Casey and surrounding areas. In this episode, I speak to Olivia Acciarito, COOK4CALD's Treasurer. Olivia joined as a volunteer during the first summer food relief program in 2020. Olivia talks about the gap that COOK4CALD fills, the barriers that CALD communities face during crises and how we can look out for one another in our communities. What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon. Prema works in a project and operations capacity in the not-for-profit sector. Check out previous episodes and transcripts here: whatcanwedopodcast.com This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Tessa Deak is a Mount Gambier based disability advocate who has led and been involved in several chronic illness, mental health, and disability-related initiatives in the Limestone Coast. Tessa is passionate about making a change in her community and tries to use her lived experience of chronic illness/disability to educate others and spread awareness. Tessa has been recognised for her work and won the 7News SA Young Achiever Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Health Award in 2021, among other nominations. In this episode, Tessa talks about how she got started in advocacy work, the changes she has observed through the course of her work, and how to overcome the fear of stepping outside of your comfort zone. What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon. Prema works in a project and operations capacity in the not-for-profit sector. Check out previous episodes and transcripts here: whatcanwedopodcast.com This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
Paige Krystal Wilcox (she/her) uses Intentional Storytelling to create compelling stories that counter mainstream media's unhealthy or unhelpful bias, tropes, and stereotypes. In this episode, Paige shares why she got started in Intentional Storytelling, the challenges she initially faced, and what she has learnt through her journey so far. What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon. Prema works in a project and operations capacity in the not for profit sector. Check out previous episodes and transcripts here: whatcanwedopodcast.com This podcast is also available on major podcast platforms.
6th Sense, a charity based in Singapore, recognises the growing inequalities in the country. They work with children and mothers who live in public rental scheme neighbourhoods, home to low income families whose total income is below 1500 Singapore dollars a month 6th Sense and its volunteers conduct activity based workshops with the children, to help with expression, personal and community development. They go a step further and befriend the mothers, and guide them through daily issues they might encounter. In this episode, founders of the charity Abhishek, Manisha and Jezamine talk about how they enable the families they work with, the challenges they face, and why the work they do is important.
Mental health and emotional well-being, two things that are on many people's minds these days. In this episode, I speak to Singapore born Usha Raman, a trainer and life coach based in Perth, Western Australia. Usha's focus is mindfulness and emotional intelligence. Usha will give us a basic understanding of what mindfulness is, how it can help in difficult times and simple ways we can introduce the practice in our lives. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook
Environmental activism is growing steadily, as more of us are getting educated on the perils of climate change. While there is a lot of discussion on how changing human activities and behaviours can help in the fight against environmental threats, the actual solutions for some communities are not this simple. Sofiah Jamil realised this as an environmental activist. In Central Lombok, she witnessed that communities could not be focused on saving trees, when they were struggling for basic access to resources like water. Sofiah has since left her activism days behind in search of ways to meaningfully help communities in need. She has recently co-founded Pantry Perch, as a side initiative of her main PR & political consultancy business, Hornbills- Concepts and Communications. The aim of this business is to help promote and support brands within the Asian region that are socially responsible. In this episode, Sofiah talks about why she left environmental activism, what her business Pantry Perch aims to do, and how we can all step out of our bubbles. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Singaporean and Singapore based artistes operate in a unique arts and culture environment - censorship, government funded grants and mainstream media channels that are mostly operated by state owned subsidiaries. This combination limits the scope of works that are produced. Rishi Budhrani has been navigating this industry for over a decade now as an actor, performer, entertainer and comedian. Rishi talks about how this distinctive landscape has shaped his craft, his latest project The Rishi Report, and how he thinks the industry will evolve post COVID. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Homelessness is Singapore is a topic that is not widely discussed in the country. In recent years, there have been books published about inequalities in Singapore society, as well as academic articles. Liyana Dhamirah's book "Homeless - The Untold Story of a Mother's Struggle in Crazy Rich Singapore" is the first of its kind, told from a first person encounter. Liyana experienced homelessness over a decade ago, and she wrote this book to raise awareness. Today, she is a Befriender for those who are homeless, and helps them navigate Singapore's bureaucratic system to get the aid they need. She also runs her own business, Virtual Assistant Singapore, and employs single mothers. In this interview, Liyana talks about her journey towards getting this book published, the reaction its received, and how fellow Singaporeans can help those who are vulnerable. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
There are a range of support services available across Australia to help people fleeing danger or at risk of being vulnerable. However, a lot of the times the burden of rebuilding their lives with essential household items falls on the vulnerable person. The Generous and The Grateful partners with available support services, by connecting household donations with the people that need them for a home. CEO and Co-Founder Carmen Platt talks about why she started this service, the difference it makes, and how all of us should approach helping. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
The world around us is becoming increasingly uncertain. Some people turn to faith at times like these. This special episode is a recording of my conversation with Pravrajika Gayatriprana, President of the Vedanta Society of NSW. A senior Nun of the Sri Sarada Math of the Ramakrishna Order, Pravrajika Gayatriprana talks about how faith and spirituality can help us through chaos. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Online fundraising is a major source of funds for not for profits and charities. These organizations have faced criticism over the years about how a portion of donations do not go towards those in need. Benojo, led by Pascal Adolphe, is a fundraising platform that's trying to simplify the act of giving for donors and organizations. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
About 7 million tonnes of waste goes into landfills each year in Australia. Guido Verbist and his team at The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre want that to stop. To date, the organization has diverted over 2 tonnes of waste from the landfill, and continue their efforts through repair cafes, education, their stores and by leading campaigns to hold manufacturers responsible. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Australian content still has a long way to go in terms of representing diverse and inclusive voices, despite years of dialogue and debate. Vonne Patiag is a Filipino Australian filmmaker who has worked in the industry for over a decade. In this episode, Vonne talks about how he found his authentic voice, what it lends to his art, the inclusive practices he used in the making of his web series "Halal Gurls", and how POC content creators are finding their own platforms outside of traditional media. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Tamil is the third most frequently spoken Indian language at home in Australia. However, there are no formal systems in place to help this language thrive and grow for future generations. The preservation of the language usually falls to families. Vanitha Veerasamy started Vaaranam Children's Books as a way to get her own child engaged in her mother tongue, and as a resource for other Tamil children living in Australia. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Social enterprises are on the rise, as more and more people feel a call to live with purpose. Tom Dawkins founded StartSomeGood, a crowdfunding platform to lower barriers to ensure as many voices get represented in the social enterprise landscape. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Human trafficking has become the fastest growing crime in the past few years and experts agree that the problem is getting worse. Dr Abi Foluké Badejo, Founder & Director of Grace + Grit Social Enterprise, implements her research findings to effect social behaviour change, along with providing opportunities and options to survivors in Nigeria and Cameroon. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
LGBTQI+ people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds face multiple barriers in society and in their professional careers. Kamalika Dasgupta, founder of SheQu Group Inc, wants to ensure that LBT+ women of colour in Australia have the tools and resources they need to live their best possible life. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Lack of digital inclusion affects approximately 2.5 million Australians, 10% of the population. YourLink's co-founder, Richard Scenna, talks about how the social enterprise is working to change this for a particular digitally excluded group - older Australians, seniors, through technology. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Welcome back to Season 2 of this series. New episodes will be launched from 27th January onwards. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Lisa & Zoe Paisley are working with Fijian farmers to increase their income and food security through Aggie Global. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Liz Scully and her board members are expanding crisis accommodation services for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with the opening of Parramatta Women's Shelter. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Megan Etheridge is harnessing community goodwill to support vulnerable women, through Dress for Success Sydney. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Anita Howell is cultivating sustainability and spreading compassion with repurposed event flowers, through Perpetual Blooms, in Sydney, Australia. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Malin Frick founded Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew, in Sydney, to solve an immediate litter problem on her local beaches. 5 years on, Malin and her Crew are leading the campaign against single-use plastic in their communities and neighbourhoods. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
As a child, Nina Sackprasith knew she had to help children who were living in poverty. Now a young adult, Nina is turning this belief into a reality, through her homegrown beauty business, Vivre Co Australia. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Inspired by his own unremarkable tertiary education in Australia, Julian O'Shea set up Unbound. His organization designs education programs that are more accessible and have real world and sustainable impact for communities across the Asia Pacific region. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Rinku Razdan migrated to Australia as a bride. After 7 years, she had to rebuild her life with a 3 year old son, with very little money. Her experience motivated Rinku to start Connections Australia, a multilingual, mobile app that uses data and API to connect migrants and refugees with a community, jobs and settlement information. Website (for show notes and transcripts) whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
Why I decided to start this podcast. Website (for show notes and transcripts) www.whatcanwedopodcast.com Socials Facebook Instagram
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