Taught, Not Told: Life Lessons That Stick

Season 2: A World Worth Keeping Episode 5: Interview with Ms. Victoria McKenzie-McHarg - The Power of Leading Together Victoria McKenzie-McHarg has spent years at the heart of Australia’s climate movement, helping build a future where women and gender-diverse people lead together - across generations, communities, and causes. As CEO of Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA), she’s focus...

Season 2: A World Worth Keeping Episode 4: Interview with Ms. Grace Vegesana - Building Youth Power for Climate Action It’s been incredible to see the voices of young people leading the fight for our planet - and no one embodies that better than Grace Vegesana, the National Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. At just 25, Grace has spent nearly a decade building youth power to end f...

Season 2: A World Worth Keeping Episode 3: Interview with Prof. David Karoly - Turning Science Into Stories That Matter It’s been a little while since the last episode - between schoolwork and a trip to Canberra lobbying for stronger climate action, life has been busy. Thank you for your patience, and I’m so excited to be back. And what a way to return: with none other than Professor David Karoly,...

Season 2: A World Worth Keeping Episode 2: Interview with Amanda McKenzie - Building Australia's Climate Voice In this much-anticipated episode of Taught, Not Told , I sit down with Ms. Amanda McKenzie - co-founder and CEO of the Climate Council, trailblazer for youth climate advocacy, and one of Australia’s leading voices on the fight for a livable future. From starting out in law to co-founding...

Season 2: A World Worth Keeping Episode 1: Interview with Dr. Gregory Moore OAM - On Trees, Time, and the Bigger Picture I'm back - with a brand new season of Taught, Not Told . This season, we’re exploring climate stories: not just the science or the headlines, but the people. The ones who are shaping the future with their choices, their knowledge, and their quiet persistence. In this episode, I’...

Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who've Led Episode 9: The World Isn't That Simple And That's the Problem (Reflection on "Divided") This week, it’s just you and me again, and I want to talk about a book that I genuinely think every young person should read. You’ve probably noticed how often the world gets reduced to us vs. them . Politics, economics, education - even basic human rights - are fr...

Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who've Led Episode 8: Interview with Dr. Geoff Raby AO This week, I sat down with Dr. Geoff Raby AO, Australia’s former Ambassador to China, whose career has been defined by navigating one of the most complex and consequential relationships of our time. What struck me most was his ability to find clarity in uncertainty - whether it was learning Mandarin, visitin...

Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led Episode 7: Interview with Prof. Gillian Triggs AC In this episode, I spoke with someone who has dedicated her life to using law as a force for good. Professor Gillian Triggs AC is one of Australia’s most distinguished international human rights lawyers and advocates. As President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, she led national debates on r...

Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led Episode 6: Life is Short – Make it Count People have asked me, "Are you doing all of this because your parents are making you?" And honestly, I get why they might think that. There’s this idea that working hard must come from pressure - whether it’s school, family, or some perfect future we’re supposed to chase. But for me, that’s never been the reaso...

Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led Episode 5: Interview with Rev. Tim Costello AO Some people dedicate their lives to a single cause. Mr. Tim Costello AO has spent his life standing up for the people and issues that too many ignore. As a lawyer, pastor, former mayor, and the longtime CEO of World Vision Australia, Mr. Costello has been on the frontlines of some of the world’s most urge...

Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led Episode 4: Thanks, Mum This episode is personal. Turning 16 while my mum turns 50 has made me reflect on our journey together - the lessons she’s taught me, the quiet ways she’s shaped my world, and the things I’m only now beginning to understand. I reflect on what my mum taught me about working hard with purpose, how passion is something we build, no...

Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led Episode 3: Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Carew-Reid OAM Dr. Elizabeth Carew-Reid OAM is a GP who has spent her career balancing deeply meaningful work in paediatric palliative care at Very Special Kids hospice with volunteer medical projects in Pakistan. Her journey has been shaped by moments of uncertainty, growth, and discovery - experiences that fee...

Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led Episode 2: Why Success Isn’t What You Think ( Outliers Review & Reflections) In this solo episode, I dive into Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, a book that challenges everything we think we know about success. From cultural legacies and hidden opportunities to the idea of the “self-made person,” Outliers explores the untold factors that shape extraor...

Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led Episode 1: Interview with Owen Hegarty OAM In this very special episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Owen Hegarty OAM, a distinguished leader with decades of experience and wisdom to share. From his childhood in the countryside to his remarkable career achievements - transforming Oxiana Limited into one of Australia’s top companies and leadi...

Episode 0: Welcome to Taught, Not Told In this first episode, host Ivy Sheng introduces Taught, Not Told and explains how it’s designed to meet a real need: giving young people practical, lived advice from those who’ve been through life’s challenges and triumphs. Ivy shares the personal story that inspired this podcast and sets the foundation for what you can expect - authentic conversations with...