Conflict Stories Podcast

Former Reuters Bureau Chief, Author and Workplace Mental Health Advocate Dean Yates spent 26 years reporting from the front lines of history - including the Bali bombings, Boxing Day tsunami and Iraq War. After experiencing PTSD and moral injury following the deaths of Reuters staff in Iraq, Dean transformed his personal struggles into advocacy, leadership and systemic workplace mental health refo...

US-based mediator, author and mental health advocate  Dan Berstein  brings a powerful perspective shaped by his lived experience with bipolar disorder and his work in dispute resolution. Founder of MH Mediate and co-founder of the Dispute Resolution in Mental Health Initiative at the CUNY Dispute Resolution Center, Dan has spent more than a decade helping courts, legal practitioners and...

Award-winning journalist, best-selling author and change-maker  Tracey Spicer  shares her powerful journey through conflict in the media, advocacy and public life.    From navigating discrimination in Australia’s 1980s and 1990s newsrooms to leading the nation’s #MeToo movement, Tracey shares the personal cost of speaking truth to power.    She opens up about carrying...

Meditation teacher, filmmaker + university leader  Mayur Katariya  has lived a life shaped by cultural crossroads and inner evolution. Growing up in Gujarat, conflict largely lay beneath the surface of unspoken expectations; coming to Australia revealed how a more forthright communication style can bring what’s hidden into the light. Mayur’s award-winning film  Ek Aasha , amplifying...

Award-winning speaker, author, and sales + mindset master - Ian Stephens’ story is one of grit, reinvention + deep personal growth. Born “cold, wet, bald and hungry… and then things got worse,” Ian’s journey took him from a tough family upbringing to leading a $200 million sales team by age 28 - and losing it all a year later. Rebuilding himself from the inside out, Ian unlocked the power of minds...

Narrative therapist and mediator Debbie Dunn shares her remarkable journey from being dishonourably discharged from the British Women’s Air Force for her same-sex relationship to becoming a pioneering voice in narrative mediation and workplace bullying support. Debbie delves into her personal story of resilience, the significance of narrative techniques in mediation and the transformative power of...

This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Mandy Nolan, a comedian, author, speaker, and politician. Hosted by Sam Hardy and Scott Dutton, the discussion explores Mandy’s tumultuous upbringing marked by domestic violence, the role of humor in navigating life's challenges, and her experiences in stand-up comedy and politics. Mandy discusses her ability to manage conflict, including...

CEO, Advocate and Change-Maker  Stacey Ross  is a visionary and dynamic leader transforming how communities respond to domestic, family and sexual violence. As CEO of The Centre for Women & Co. and Men & Co. Services, she leads with purpose - delivering vital support across SE QLD and driving social justice reform nationwide.   Stacey shares her leadership approach - turning...

Clinical psychologist, former police negotiator and counter-terrorism expert Kieran Plasto shares powerful insights from a career spanning armed sieges to executive tensions. With experience across law enforcement and HR, he brings a rare depth of perspective to high-stakes conflict - and a deeply human approach to resolving it. Kieran unpacks his philosophy of conflict resolution, grounded in dig...

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of trauma, discrimination, captivity and sexual assault which some listeners may find distressing. In this episode of the Conflict Stories podcast, Sam and Scott speak with Rabia Siddique, an international humanitarian lawyer and former senior British Army officer. Rabia recounts her journey from a challenging multicultural childhood, through trau...

In this episode of Conflict Stories, Sam Hardy and Scott Dutton are joined by Tom Panos, a renowned real estate coach and auctioneer. Tom shares his experiences growing up in a conflict-averse Greek family, the challenges of managing family conflicts with his children, and the high-stakes emotional conflicts that arise during property auctions. He discusses the importance of pausing, being curious...

Mediator and social justice advocate  Bruce Argyle reflects on a lifetime of resolving conflict - from youth work and parent-teen mediations to navigating high-stakes boardroom disputes and multi-party conflicts in a hospital ward. He shares the lessons of over 700 mediations, a vineyard sabotage, a Highlander sword siege, and the art of actually being heard. With humour, humility, and heart,...

Journalist and author  Mimi Kwa  opens up about her tumultuous family history, intergenerational trauma, and journey to healing. She recounts her father’s lawsuit against her, the deep inner work it sparked, and the role of mindfulness and acceptance in moving forward. Mimi also shares insights from her career, including a memorable clash with Russell Crowe, exploring how conflict - both...

Meet your hosts,  Sam Hardy + Scott Dutton  – two dynamic voices in the world of conflict resolution. In this premiere episode, Sam - a ‘pracademic’ – unpacks how conflict can entrap or empower. While Scott - the ‘Conflict Whisperer’ - brings years of wisdom from the frontlines of mediation + conflict training. Together, they share the inspiration behind Conflict Stories, drawing on prof...