Season 5 – Episode 003 – What to be when I grow up – Miriam Hechtman – Founder of Poetica

Today we speak with Miriam Hechtman..... and in Miriams own words here is her story I am a writer, journalist, poet, feminist, mother and world traveller. From methane digesters in San Francisco and lake salt discovery in Western Australia, to the inspiring tales of Holocaust survivors all over the world, I have had the privilege to give voice to a kaleidoscope of issues. An avid traveller, I have spent much time abroad on trains, planes and buses, meeting fascinating people with extraordinary stories. My intention is to enquire into my subject matter with depth, curiosity and insight. I am interested in bringing about change, drawing attention to matters that might have gone under the radar and questioning the status quo. I believe everyone has a story and I am first the listener and then the messenger. I feel privileged to be Australian and having travelled all over the world I am grateful to be living in such a beautiful, multicultural and mostly peaceful country. I feel that when given the opportunity people are eager to be educated and this is best communicated through people’s stories. We are living in very precarious times and we have so much opportunity to learn from history and from our current status. Every day is an opportunity for evolution. What’s with the trains? Trains have always been a favourite form of transport for me. I like the idea that something is on the move and is progressing forward. Travelling by train allows you to appreciate the landscape, feel the rhythm of the wheels in motion, inhale the aroma of places discovered and stay grounded. Riding on trains has given me the opportunity to write, listen, engage, watch and be in the world.