Episode 17: Caterin Castro on Cultivating Joy as a Compass

In this heart-warming and deeply reflective episode, host Carolyn Vincent welcomes Colombian-born creative Caterin Castro, whose journey from Medellín to Brisbane is as rich in spirit as it is in resilience. A former English teacher turned Zumba instructor, circus performer, and cooking class leader, Caterin shares the challenges and joys of adapting to a new culture while staying true to her passions. Together, they explore the nuanced layers of connection and disconnection, childhood memories that shape us, and what it means to build community from the ground up. This episode is a celebration of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the quiet power of starting over.⏱️ Episode Breakdown00:00 – Welcome & Show IntroCarolyn introduces the podcast’s theme—navigating connection and disconnection—and warmly welcomes Caterin Castro.02:30 – First Impressions & BackgroundCarolyn recounts meeting Caterin shortly after her move to Australia and shares admiration for her energy and positivity.04:00 – Childhood in ColombiaCaterin shares vivid memories of her creative mother and studious father, including a delightful story about doing laundry with music—by stomping in soapy buckets like grape pressing!10:45 – School Struggles & Emotional GrowthCaterin opens up about being bullied, excluded, and labelled "too much" as a high-achieving student—and how her brother's tough-love advice helped her reshape her approach to connection.20:30 – Shifting RelationshipsA reflective conversation on changing dynamics with family members and how emotional closeness evolves over time and distance.24:15 – Circus & Self-Funding UniversityCaterin reveals how joining a circus helped her pay for university, all without her parents knowing. She shares her mother’s initial concerns and how performance art helped her grow in confidence and independence.32:00 – Teaching TransformationHer teaching journey—from students rejecting her methods to becoming one of the most sought-after instructors thanks to injecting fun, emotional connection, and creativity into her classrooms.39:00 – Emotional Learning & The Joy of MovementCaterin discusses her belief that emotional connection fuels better learning—whether in school, the kitchen, or the dance studio.44:00 – Zumba, Community & Smiling Through MovementNow teaching Zumba in Brisbane, Caterin reflects on creating joy and connection through eye contact, rhythm, and warmth.47:30 – Being Held Back & Proving Herself Through JoyFrom being told she’d “never be a belly dancer” to launching cooking classes despite being labelled “not qualified,” Caterin reveals how joy—not credentials—drives her forward.52:00 – Migration, Faith & Full-Circle GenerosityCaterin and Carolyn revisit the emotional story of her arrival in Australia—no furniture, no history—and the beautiful chain of community generosity that helped her rebuild.54:30 – Looking Forward: Dreams of a Movement & Healing SpaceCaterin shares her vision for a dance, circus, and healing retreat space—rooted in joy, community, and holistic well-being.🎧 For more stories of reinvention, resilience, and connection, listen to Your Neighbourhood Show.📱 Available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | ubuntufoundation.com.au/your-neighbourhood-show