Meet Brandon, an articulate and reflective young man who, through a lack of guidance , spent his teenage years embroiled in truancy and eventually crime, which landed him in correctional facilities. Years on, the young father who’s faced the challenges of addiction, grief and self-acceptance tells us how he’s turned his life around, has created a beautiful family unit and is on the path to finding meaningful work. In a time when concern on youth crime is rising, Brandon’s transformation is inspiring.

*PLEASE NOTE: This episode includes mentions of addiction, drug use, loss of a sibling, family trauma, and aggressive and criminal behaviour.

Need support?
The Salvation Army provides a range of services across Australia, including addiction rehabilitation, court and prison support, youth services, family violence support, and much more. Visit salvationarmy.org.au

If you need more support, help is available. We've put together a list of resources and services available to help you. Visit our Crisis Support page

The fear of bomb threats and terrorism were a reality during the childhood of Iranian-born Maryam who reminds us just what a lucky country Australia really is. In this episode, we talk to this highly skilled migrant who fled war-torn Tehran to seek peace and a place to raise children without the traumas that she faced. She has now made Australia home, has embraced the local lifestyle and shares some incredible life lessons for us all. In a time where the absence of peace in the Middle East brings heartache to so many, Maryam’s voice provides some hope.

*PLEASE NOTE: This episode discusses experiences of living through war - specifically Middle Eastern conflict - and seeking asylum.

Need support?
The Salvation Army provides a range of services across Australia, including asylum refugee services, financial assistance, and much more. Visit salvationarmy.org.au

If you need more support, help is available. We've put together a list of resources and services available to help you. Visit our Crisis Support page

We sat down with Jo, a remarkable and energetic woman who has overcome an emotionally abusive childhood, ongoing challenges in to adulthood, a marriage breakdown, a brush with cancer and is now carving out a new career in her early 60s. Join us as we hear Jo's inspiring journey to finding a job and proving that it’s never too late to find a life you truly love. In a time where older women in Australia increasingly face financial issues, Jo’s story of independence is reassuring.

*PLEASE NOTE: This episode includes references to emotional abuse, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts and sexual abuse.

Need support?
The Salvation Army provides a range of services across Australia, including addiction rehabilitation, family violence support, youth services and much more. Visit salvationarmy.org.au

If you need more support, help is available. We've put together a list of resources and services available to help you. Visit our Crisis Support page

Within Craig’s voice you can hear the generational trauma he has carried across the country in his quest for both freedom from addiction and negative influences. In this episode, we hear how he faced his own mortality, made brave, gutsy calls to go it alone and create a brand-new life for himself. Pleasingly, Craig’s discovered how his search for work has also provided him with a renewed sense of family. In a time when loneliness has become an epidemic, Craig’s new-found connections are life-affirming.

*PLEASE NOTE: This episode includes references to drug use, addiction, mental health issues and family trauma.

Need support?
The Salvation Army provides a range of services across Australia, including addiction rehabilitation, court and prison support, youth services, family violence support, and much more. Visit salvationarmy.org.au

If you need more support, help is available. We've put together a list of resources and services available to help you. Visit our Crisis Support page

In this episode, we sit down with Caz, who became a mother at a young age and learned how being tethered to the wrong person can dramatically shape your life. This smart woman eventually became a university graduate, and started working for the first time in her late thirties. Join us as Caz shares her inspiring journey of determination as she fought against all that life threw at her. In a time when family violence is perpetuating so much trauma, Caz’s resilience shines a light on the tenacity of a mother’s love.

*PLEASE NOTE: Please note that this episode includes references to suicidal thoughts, depression and family violence.

Need support?
The Salvation Army provides a range of services across Australia, including youth services, parenting support, financial assistance, family violence support, and much more. Visit salvationarmy.org.au

If you need more support, help is available. We've put together a list of resources and services available to help you. Visit our Crisis Support page

We first met Trish six years ago, when she was enrolled in our parenting program (now known as Parent Pathways). At the time, the mother of seven had just walked away from a toxic relationship, and with the support of her Employment Plus mentor, had created her own business. With her children by her, Trish wasn’t just standing on her own two feet, she was soaring.
When we last spoke to her, life was great.
And then it wasn’t.
With one phone call, Trish’s world crumbled. But in the aftermath of losing her son Alex, Trish found a new purpose. In this episode, she shares with us stories of the great compassion that drove Alex’s need to help others, and how she is carrying on the work that he dedicated his short life to. In a time when there seems to be a growing divide in our communities, Trish and Alex’s story reassures us that compassion still abounds.

*PLEASE NOTE: This episode includes mentions of suicide and the loss of a child.

Need support?
The Salvation Army provides a range of services across Australia, including youth services, parenting support, financial assistance, family violence support, and much more. Visit salvationarmy.org.au

If you need more support, help is available. We've put together a list of resources and services available to help you. Visit our Crisis Support page