Impact Policy

In this episode, we sit down with Shantelle Thompson, Barkindji and Ngiyampaa Woman, three-time world champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, mother of five, educator, entrepreneur, and founder of the Kiilalaana Foundation and Warrior Heart movement. Shantelle shares her journey of becoming, reflecting on self-leadership, responsibility, and listening to her ancestors, whose voices continue to guide her...

In this episode of the Impact Policy Podcast, we sit down with Associate Professor BJ Newton for a grounded conversation on child removal, restoration, and the systemic realities facing Aboriginal families navigating the child protection system. Drawing on the Bring Them Home, Keep Them Home research, BJ reflects on the role of research as advocacy, the importance of community-embedded approaches,...

In this special episode of the Impact Policy Podcast, we sit down with our Director of Policy and Research, Sean McCarthy, for an in-depth reflection on his journey at Impact Policy and his work across the New South Wales public sector. As Sean McCarthy prepares to take on new opportunities, we discuss key projects including systems readiness, structural reform, and the importance of moving from c...

Join hosts Moustafa Ardati and Sam Johnson for powerful, real conversations exploring lived experience, resilience, and mindset. In this episode, Moustafa Ardati—tri-code international athlete, counselor, coach, and doctoral researcher—shares his remarkable journey growing up with cerebral palsy, defying limitations, and challenging stereotypes about disability, education, and mental health. The d...

In this latest solo episode, Sam Johnson takes us behind the scenes at Impact Policy, sharing powerful reflections on what it means to “Indigenise Masculinities.” Drawing on personal stories, recent thought leadership, and upcoming conference conversations, Sam Johnson explores the intersection of masculinity, colonization, and systemic change—especially in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Str...

In this solo episode of the Impact Policy Podcast, host Sam Johnson shares the inspiring journey behind Impact Policy's decision to build a not-for-profit. Sam Johnson reflects on the organization's roots in community-driven work, starting with scholarship programs for Aboriginal young people and extending to current initiatives supporting girls in community sports. Drawing on personal experiences...

This episode dives deep into conversations around the lived experiences of Aboriginal people, the complexities of black identity, the intersection of joy and rage, and the ongoing journey of reclaiming power and telling authentic stories. The discussion, led by Kyan Mitchell, features reflections on Chelsea Watego’s influential work and her role in inspiring other black writers and thinkers to sta...

Join Sam and Kuyan for a yarn about place based responses in social policy and community development. together they also explore issues around mental health and reflect on the NSW Aboriginal Knockout and its significance and impact for Aboriginal people, families and communities across NSW. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. Personal Journey and Identity Formation Kate Webber 's Aboriginal heritage and connection to multiple nations Influence of family (grandmother, mother, and father's service) on identity and generosity Childhood experiences facing discrimination and racism Navigating conflict between pride in Aboriginal identity and external negativity Carrying forward family legacy and sense of service 3. Ident...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Thompson, Director at Homes NSW, says you can’t bulldoze through Australia’s housing crisis—you need people at the heart of every decision. Homes aren’t just buildings. They hold memories, connections, and shape entire communities. That’s why listening to those in social housing is central to his work. Adam’s a proud “social housing kid” and stays connected to his roots—he knows firsthand how...

Kuyan and Sean form Impact Policy dive deep into lateral violence and anti racism, below is an outline of some of the topics they navigate together 2. Lateral Violence: Definitions and Prevalence Description of lateral violence and its recurring presence in various sectors and work environments Emphasis on the lack of nuanced understanding of the root causes Encouragement to view the issue at both...

Episode: Transforming Systems from Within – A Conversation with Paul O’Reilly Recorded on Bidjigal Country, this episode sees Paul O’Reilly (Deputy Secretary, NSW DCJ) join Sam Johnson and Kuyan Mitchell to tackle the big questions around community, justice, and leadership in the public sector. We dig into the realities of youth justice and out of home care, focusing on the systemic overrepresenta...

Join Sean and Kuyan along with Sam as they dive into the latest episode of the Impact Policy Podcast and together unpack key takeaways from the National Planning Congress in Darwin. Tune in for sharp insights on Aboriginal communities, planning, and community-led change. Here's what you'll hear about in this episode: First-hand reflections on the National Planning Institute of Australia Congress,...

In this Episode of the Impact policy podcast, Sam Johnson sits down with Terri Janke, a celebrated leader in Indigenous cultural and intellectual property (ICIP). Terri shares her passion for empowering First Nations people through arts, culture, and business. 00:00 "ICIP Insights with Terry Janky" 07:36 From Law to Arts Activism 13:26 Copyright Triumph in Aboriginal Art 21:44 Indigenous Cultural...

Our Guest Jared Wheatley in this episode of the Impact Policy Podcast as they dive into the complexities of the out of home care system. Discover the challenges and potential solutions for creating a more connected and relational approach to care. Exploration of Jared Wheatley's 17-year journey in the social sector and his focus on youth work Discussion on the systemic issues causing relational de...

Something different today with a short 20min episode where three of the CoDesign consultants at Impact Policy did a call out to our communities on LinkedIn and tackle their questions on the spot. We hope you like the episode and hope we did a good job - if you want more content thats shorter like this let us know, we hope you get some value out of it and thank you to all our followers for submitte...

Delve into a conversation with Kyan Mitchell, a senior consultant at Impact Policy, as he shares his insightful journey and perspectives from the youth justice sector. Kyan's unexpected entry into the justice sector and his professional journey. The role of cultural programs in rehabilitation and identity building. The significance and challenges of place-based initiatives and decision-making. Ove...

Today I am joined by Elle Davidson, Managing Director at Zion Engagement and together we explore the complexities around connecting with Country, as a framework and in practice. Elle shares her professional journey and the impact she has had through her organisation and consulting work. We unpack what great work looks like in this space including access to her upcoming training platform. This is a...

Join Jessie Robinson, proud Wiradjuri man and Senior Consultant CoDesign and Engagement at Impact Policy. Together with Sam we explore Jessies journey to now, his extensive on the ground and community experience and a deep dive into CoDesign in practice, Jessies personal and Cultural approach and unpacking what this looks like in our communities. Introduction Host introduction: Sam Johnson Acknowl...

Join Sam Johnson on this insightful episode of the Impact Policy Podcast as he sits down with Jarren, an inspiring Wiradjuri woman. Dive deep into the challenges and triumphs faced in the world of Aboriginal business and cultural identity. 00:00 "Aboriginal Procurement Insights" 06:10 "Inconspicuous Beginnings to Bold Brand" 07:06 Empowering Indigenous Art Business 12:33 Challenges of Australian-M...

In this episode of the Impact Policy Podcast, Sam Johnson, Sean McCarthy, and guest Scott Hawkins explore the complexities of youth justice policy and the Raise the Age campaign in New South Wales and Australia. They delve into current issues, systemic challenges, and possible solutions. Overview of the Raise the Age campaign and current policies around youth justice in Australia Statistics and ev...

In this episode of Impact Policy Podcast, host Sam Johnson and guest Vanessa dive deep into the complexities of language revitalization and cultural preservation. Vanessa shares her nearly 20 years of experience in public service, discussing both the challenges and the necessary steps to ensure Aboriginal languages are respectfully and sustainably integrated into public spaces. Organizing an all-B...

Kieran and Sam dive deep into the art of storytelling, with a particular focus on empowering Indigenous voices. This conversation touches on some incredibly poignant and groundbreaking projects that underline the importance of narrative sovereignty and cultural representation. They discuss the themes of community impact, particularly through the lenses of storytelling and collaborative initiatives...

In the episode featuring Ed Wensing on the Impact Policy Podcast, the conversation delves deeply into the topic of Indigenous planning. This involves integrating Aboriginal knowledge and cultural heritage into urban planning and policy-making processes to address historical inequalities and envision more inclusive future developments. Both Sam and Ed emphasise the importance of incorporating Abori...