Engaging Conversations | Inspiring Dialogue, Empowering Communities

Send us Fan Mail Vincent De Luca OAM doesn't just talk about community service he embodies it. From starting advocacy work at just nine years old to becoming one of Australia's youngest Order of Australia Medal recipients, his journey reveals what happens when someone refuses to look away from society's most challenging issues. Growing up under the guidance of remarkable women activ...

Send us Fan Mail What we say reveals who we are—especially when we think no one's listening. Rachael Natoli, founder of Lokahi Foundation, brings raw honesty and practical wisdom to our conversation about the language that shapes attitudes toward women and ultimately fuels violence. As a mother raising twin boys and leading a foundation supporting abuse survivors, Rachel occupies a unique pos...

Send us Fan Mail The Hillview Op Shop demonstrates how a social enterprise can harness community spirit to create a remarkable impact by transforming donated goods into life-changing community initiatives. Manager Theo Van Bezouwen shares the inspiring evolution of what locals affectionately call "the David Jones of op shops", a 2,000-square-metre operation that generated over $1 million...

Send us Fan Mail When someone finds meaningful employment, they gain more than a paycheck—they discover dignity, purpose, and the ability to contribute to their community. This transformative journey sits at the heart of Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative (HAFC), where Cherylin Beever and her team help refugees and disadvantaged individuals overcome the invisible barriers standing between them...

Send us Fan Mail Step into the world of ethical finance with our guest, Niaz Cannoth, whose remarkable journey reflects how financial investments can spark real change in communities. From his beginnings in Australia to becoming a leader in NDIS accommodation partnerships, Niaz demonstrates that success in finance goes beyond numbers. It's about uplifting those around us. He shares powerful s...

Send us Fan Mail What drives someone to transform a personal passion into a movement with global impact? Join us as Anita Kolni, the visionary founder of the Ocean Lovers Festival, reveals how her commitment to ocean conservation inspired the creation of a vibrant festival that captivates and educates. Anita's story is a testament to how an individual's love for the ocean can blossom int...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the incredible journey of Julian (Jolly) Day, the visionary behind the Consensus Awards, as he shares his insights into innovation. These awards have spotlighted transformative technologies with a unique blend of rigour and support for over two decades. Join us as Julian recounts his path from the UK computer scene to shaping Australia's tech landscape, armed with ex...

Send us Fan Mail Claudia Tolhurst's journey from melanoma survivor to passionate advocate with the Hunter Melanoma Foundation is an inspiring tale of resilience and purpose. Claudia takes us through her personal story and highlights the urgency of raising awareness about this preventable disease. This episode brings to light Bec's heartwarming success story—a testament to the power of ea...

Send us Fan Mail Astrid Hocking, the inspirational powerhouse of the not-for-profit world, shares her incredible journey and insights from two decades of empowering vulnerable children. Astrid has become a beacon of hope for local and international communities through her dynamic leadership at Hearts and Hands. Her tireless advocacy, through initiatives like the Umbrella Hearts campaign, strives t...

Send us Fan Mail Rabbi Dr. Dovid Slavin and his wife, Laya, transformed a simple idea into a heartwarming reality that feeds thousands. From Leah's journey from hairdresser to a beacon of hope for women undergoing chemotherapy to the establishment of Our Big Kitchen (OBK) in Bondi, Sydney, this episode captures their incredible story. Discover how OBK evolved into a non-denominational industr...

Send us Fan Mail Claudia Tolhurst returns to our spotlight with transformative insights into melanoma prevention, shedding light on how early detection can lead to life-saving recoveries. Her expertise has not only sparked widespread conversation but is instrumental in changing lives, proving that knowledge truly is power. Meanwhile, we're excited to introduce Dovid Slavin, the visionary behi...

Send us Fan Mail Uncover the alarming truth behind melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in our compelling conversation with Claudia Tolhurst, Executive Officer at the Hunter Melanoma Foundation. Join us as we shine a light on why melanoma is referred to as Australia's "national cancer" and explore the foundation's dedicated mission to combat this aggressive disease. Cla...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how artificial intelligence can transform your workplace and give you back precious time? Join us as we chat with Brad Woollett, CEO of Definiti, on Newcastle’s sunny Honeysuckle foreshore. Brad reveals how Definiti is revolutionising work with automation, introducing digital co-workers like Vinnie—AI-powered helpers designed to boost business efficiency, especially...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the inspiring journey of Wendi Czislowski, a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. She shares her remarkable transition from the world of banking to the heart of disability support. Wendi opens up about the transformative power of words and the critical role communication plays in advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. Listen as Wendi emphasises...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of regional marketing success with Robert Scotto, the mastermind behind Retail Media Hub. Discover how targeted marketing can be a game-changer for regional businesses, boosting visibility, sales, and job creation in areas like the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, and Newcastle. Robert shares an inspiring story of how one furniture retailer used strategic marketin...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what makes a conversation genuinely engaging? Journey with me, Leon Goltsman, as we celebrate a special milestone—the 10th episode of Engaging Conversations. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on the art of listening and the profound impact of genuine human connection. From insights from my books, Engaging Conversations and Referral Mastery, to the inspiring stor...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of John Jones, a former aspiring rugby league player turned successful pharmacist and dietitian in Newcastle, New South Wales. John's path from sports to healthcare reveals the incredible impact of passion and perseverance. Influenced by his mother's dedication as a pharmacy assistant, John embraced the challenges of becoming a...

Send us Fan Mail What does building a successful business grounded in genuine community spirit take? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gary McCleay, a well-respected electrician from Lake Macquarie whose career journey began in the most unexpected of places—a chicken farm. With no need for flashy advertising, Gary's story is one of dedication, hard work, and the power of word-of-mout...

Send us Fan Mail Curious about how technology can reshape your local business landscape? Join me, Leon Goltsman, and our enlightening guest, Mitch Toner of Elaris Technologies, as we unlock the secrets to leveraging tech for community growth and personal connections. Mitch shares his nuanced understanding of businesses' unique challenges when transitioning from more extensive corporate settin...

Send us Fan Mail Want to unlock the secrets of financial stability and independence? Join us for an insightful conversation with Erica Voelkel from LJ Hooker, where she demystifies the world of credit scores and their profound impact on our financial lives. Erica, a seasoned home loan specialist, shares her wealth of knowledge on how credit scores are calculated and managed in Australia, dispellin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Engaging Conversations , host Leon Goltsman sits down with HR expert Danielle Howe, who brings over 25 years of experience. Together, they unpack the secrets to building a workplace where people thrive. From Danielle's journey in her family's electrical business to her leadership in HR, she shares powerful insights into how companies can strengthen aut...

Send us Fan Mail What makes a local business truly thrive? In this episode, we uncover the secrets to business success through an inspiring conversation with Emmanuel Constantinou, President of the Bondi and District Chamber of Commerce and owner of Kwik Kopy Bondi Junction. Emmanuel's journey, driven by a family legacy in the print industry, reveals the heartbeat of local business culture—pa...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could change the course of Parkinson's disease for thousands of people? Join us on a compelling journey with Mary Kay Walker, CEO of Parkinson's NSW, and Rachel Tanny, Chair of the Board. You'll hear their deeply personal stories, from Mary Kay's pivot from corporate life driven by her advocacy for the ageing brain to Rachel's dedication fueled...

Send us Fan Mail Can a community truly make a difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors? Join us as Maria, the dedicated founder of Survivor's R Us, shares incredible stories of transformation and hope. Discover the profound impact of a simple act, like providing fresh fruits to children, and the crucial support offered to pregnant women escaping abusive situations.    With the h...

Send us Fan Mail In the first episode of Engaging Conversations , host Leon Goltsman welcomes you to the weekly podcast that connects with the heart of our communities. Through authentic and powerful dialogues, Leon shines a light on the people making a real difference—those unsung heroes who lead purposefully and inspire positive change. Hope in a world that often feels disconnected. As the co-fo...