Stories of Wonder

James Murphy explores his career in sustainable and regenerative marine tourism. Plus, we unpack why work integrated learning improves employability. Read more about Murph’s story Learn more about Southern Ocean Environmental LInk Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. (00:00) - Introduction – James Murphy’s story (00:50) - Early connection to the o...

Paralympian, psychologist, high performance coach, author, and speaker Kate Naess talks mindset, resilience, and responding to change with intention. Content warning: this episode contains discussion of lived experience with disability, mental health, and grief. For support in Australia visit: deakin.edu.au/24hoursupport or for support in another country visit spotify.com/resources Links: Read mor...

Jayden Battey’s career has spanned across community development, advocacy, live-in community housing management, and recently documentary filmmaking. Content warning: this episode contains discussion of homelessness and grief. For support in Australia visit: deakin.edu.au/24hoursupport or for support in another country visit spotify.com/resources Read more about Jayden’s story Learn more about Ser...

Hear Chantella’s journey, from her WNBL days and subsequent successful AFLW career to her advocacy work in women’s sports and leadership in sport marketing. Content warning: this episode contains discussion of racism, sexism, discrimination, and grief. For support in Australia visit: deakin.edu.au/24hoursupport or for support in another country visit spotify.com/resources Read more about Chantella...

Shaun Wilson knows business. The Bondi Sands co-founder and Deakin Master of Business alum sat down with us to talk about his education and business journey. Read more about Shaun’s story. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. (00:00) - From Deakin to Bondi Sands (00:31) - Meet Shaun Wilson (Founder, Bondi Sands) (00:53) - Early entrepreneurial min...

In this episode, we catch up with Deakin’s Vice-Chancellor, Iain Martin to explore the evolving role of universities. From his beginnings as a medical student in 1980s UK to leading one of Australia's major universities, he explores the delicate balance between education and research, the concept of social licence, and why "ceaseless curiosity" matters more than ever. Read Iain’s white paper on so...

From ballet to a career in research and disability advocacy, Tim Harte’s journey is an awe-inspiring one. Tim sits down with us to share his story. Read the article Content Warning This podcast includes discussion of lived experience with disability and discrimination. We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing. You can pause, skip chapters and stop the episode at any time. A list of support se...

In this episode, Jo Weston takes us through her netball journey and unpacks how she balances a thriving sports career with study. Read more about Jo's story. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:57 – The Vixens’ Fairytale Run 03:34 – Handling Setbacks 05:15 – Sending Off Coach Simone McKinnis 07:05 – Jo’s Country U...

In this episode, Cassandra Iannucci and Alex Green explore how student support programs are paving the way for more inclusive and equitable university systems.  Read more about Cassandra and Alex's work here: https://this.deakin.edu.au/career/how-student-support-programs-can-transform-universities/ Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Chapters 00:...

Al Fricker talks about the power of a great education, why we need to decolonise Australia’s education system, and the importance of Indigenous Australian representation in academia. Read more here. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Content Warning This podcast includes discussion of colonisation, systemic racism, genocide and intergenerational...

As a successful film and TV producer, Anna Charalambous knows what it takes to succeed in the industry. From student films to SXSW premieres, Anna’s journey is our latest Story of Wonder. Watch Spreadsheet Champions now: https://www.spreadsheetchampions.com/ Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – Why Film? 02:00...

Legendary children’s writer and alumnus Andy Griffiths talks about his life and career journey from teacher and punk rocker to one of the most recognised children’s authors in the world. Read more about Andy's story at: https://this.deakin.edu.au/career-and-study/andy-griffiths-answers-what-does-it-take-to-be-an-author Learn more about Andy and his most recent work at: https://andygriffiths.com.au...

Jaleesa Basnight’s journey to become a nurse is dotted with its fair share of challenges and triumphs. From raising a family at a young age, to flying thousands of kilometres to study, Jaleesa’s story is one of resilience, growth, and determination. She’s now back in the Torres Strait working as a nurse, with a mission to improve the health outcomes of her community and inspire the next generation...

In this episode, Lucky shares his unconventional journey through careers in science, photography, and teaching - reflecting on the risks and rewards of embracing change. He shares his experience and challenges growing up in Australia, finding purpose, and his passion for connecting with people as an educator and photographer. Lucky’s story highlights the importance of perseverance, flexibility, an...

In this episode of Stories of Wonder, Ameer shares his journey. Despite significant barriers, he graduated high school twice and earned Deakin University's Sanctuary Scholarship to study Medical Imaging. Ameer reflects on his experiences, the vital role of scholarships in accessing education, and his aspirations in Medicine. Chapters: 00:00 Ameer's Arrival in Australia 00:47 High School Challenges...

In this episode of Stories of Wonder, learn about Michele's journey and how she is transforming legal education through community law clinics, empowering students and supporting underserved local communities. Find out more at https://50years.deakin.edu.au/story/deakin-law-students-break-down-barriers-for-justice/ Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessa...

The textile industry has become the second worst polluting industry in the world. With a mammoth amount of waste from manufacturers and retailers, and almost no textile recycling, it’s an issue that’s having a negative impact on the planet – literally.   Deakin Associate Research Fellow, Lucas Rosson aims to change that in some innovative ways.   From chemical recycling to working with industry to...

In 2016, a thunderstorm asthma event in Melbourne left 10 people dead and thousands in hospital. It was a dramatic outcome that exposed a serious issue - there was no easy way to detect pollen in the air. Previous technology would take a whole day to complete a scan and produce a report. And those machines were massive. Enter Dr Kira Morgan Hughes, a Deakin PHD graduate who knew there had to be a...