Migrant Munch

In this episode, I chat with Shriyansh, who talks about his journey as an international student coming to Australia, learning to adapt to change, and ultimately realising how important it was to stay true to himself. Shriyansh also started Walks with Shriyansh, an initiative helping people build genuine connections through walks, taking away the pressure of traditional networking.We discuss the power of a positive mindset, adapting to change, stepping outside your comfort zone, sharing your opinions, and why being yourself is often your greatest strength.This episode is for anyone who is trying to navigate their journey as an international student or has already been through the journey and wants to reflect on what it means to build meaningful connections in Australia. 

In this episode, I talk about what it feels like to go on holiday and not fully switch off - to be away from work, but still feel like you should be doing more. Sometimes, as migrants, we feel like we must 'earn' rest.There’s this quiet voice that says you should be making the most of every opportunity, to then prove that taking a break was justified. Even when nothing is actually wrong, that feeling of obligation can still sit underneath everything.This episode is about noticing that pattern...not judging it, but understanding where it comes from...because maybe rest doesn’t have to be something we earn through exhaustion. Maybe it’s something we’re allowed to have without explanation?

Scrolling through everyone else’s milestones can make it feel like you’re just not doing enough. In this solo episode of Migrant Munch, I talk about the impact of loneliness, the constant comparison to other people’s timelines, and the pressure of feeling like you’re somehow “behind” in your own life. From watching others move forward in careers, relationships, or personal growth, to questioning your own pace, I unpack the emotional toll that comparison can take. Unfortunately, this experience is more common (and misleading) than we realise. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered: Why does it feel like everyone else is moving forward except me?If you’ve been stuck in the comparison trap or feeling alone in your journey, this one’s for you.

⚠️ This episode includes discussions around mental health. Please listen with care.In this week's episode of Migrant Munch, Hareni reflects on how our life experiences quietly shape who we become. Through stories of growth and change, she shares what it means to look back on your own journey while watching your child begin theirs.Hareni also opens up about her experiences with mental health, including navigating stigma within the Sri Lankan community, and the importance of having a strong support system that truly believes in you.✨ This episode is for anyone who feels like life is moving too fast, or anyone in need of a reminder to slow down and be present.

Somewhere along the way, I became the strong one. The one who pushes through. Keeps going. Doesn’t fall apart.In this episode, I talk about how that strength was built…through moments like getting fired, failing, and having to rebuild myself from scratch in a brand new country - but let's not forget what it’s cost me. When being strong becomes your default, you don’t always notice when you’re tired. Or hurting. Or need help.This is an honest reflection on resilience, over-functioning, and the quiet ways we stop showing up for ourselves.If you’ve ever been the one who “handles it”… this one’s for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Anushka Phal, psychologist and founder of Umeed Psychology, who is deeply committed to supporting her community while embracing a beautifully multi-passionate life. She shares her journey of building her own business and showing up authentically in every space she’s a part of.We talk about what it really means to “fill your cup,” why doing many different things can actually be a strength, and how trying to help just one person has led to so many different and amazing ventures. ✨ This episode is for anyone who feels pulled in many directions, is building something of their own, or wants reassurance that it’s okay to create a life and career that doesn’t fit a single box.

"I am exhausted"Lately I’ve been hearing this everywhere, and it’s got me thinking about why people are exhausted and how this can be a different experience from burnout.In this solo episode, I'm unpacking this experience and sharing what burnout actually means, the signs to look for, and how you can reduce your likelihood of experiencing burnout. This episode is for anyone who hasn't been feeling too great lately, and is trying to figure out what's going on...we've all been there.

In this episode, I sit down with Emily Chin, recipient of the International Student of the Year award, who is thriving in an IT career in Melbourne. She shares her journey of navigating life as an international student, from arriving with uncertainty to building a career through intentional networking, courage, and being an active member of the community.We talk about what networking really means, why relationships and casual jobs are important, and how showing up consistently can open doors you never knew existed. Emily also reflects on the mindset shifts international students often need to make, to move from 'survival' mode to 'opportunity' mode. ✨ This episode is for international students, migrants, and early-career professionals who want practical insight, honest encouragement, and a reminder that you don’t have to do this journey alone.

Moving countries often comes with opportunity, growth and new beginnings, but it can also come with grief that no one really prepares you for.In this solo episode of Migrant Munch, I talk about what it means to grieve the life you left behind: the people, the moments you missed, the version of yourself that existed back home, and the quiet ache that shows up when you see life going on without you. Drawing on my own experience as a migrant and my background as an organisational psychologist, I unpack concepts like migratory grief, ambiguous loss, and identity shifts, and why these feelings are far more common (and normal) than we realise.This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered:Why does this still hurt, even though I chose this life?If you’ve been carrying this grief silently, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Helani, an entrepreneur at 22, a parent and strong believer in unconditional love. She shares how Buddhist philosophy has quietly shaped the way she loves, feels, and lives, after spending years trying to unlearn the things she grew up with. We reflect on culture not just as heritage, but as values passed down, questioned, and consciously chosen, especially through the lens of raising the next generation.✨ This episode is for anyone who is trying to find themselves, trying to raise a child or for anyone who is curious about what it means to feel unconditional love. 

In this episode, I chat with the amazing Sonia, who has lived in multiple countries, carried her culture across borders, and built a life grounded in deep authenticity and passion for her work. After realising just how often migrants feel misunderstood in healthcare, she founded a company dedicated to culturally competent care, creating spaces where people finally feel seen for who they truly are.We talk about growing up between cultures, navigating the invisible weight of being misunderstood, and what it means to advocate for care that honours identity, heritage, and lived experience. Sonia’s story is a powerful reminder that culture shapes us, and everyone deserves to be understood in the fullness of who they are. If you've ever wished someone could understand your culture, your story, or the parts of you that don’t always translate well to others from different cultures or backgrounds, this episode is for you.For more information on Tala Thrive, visit: https://www.talathrive.com/You can also purchase the affirmation cards we talk about here: https://shop.talathrive.com/products/affirmation-conversation-cards

In this episode, I chat with Vish, who studied and worked as a chemical engineer before finally choosing the path her heart always knew - hospitality. Today, she runs a bakery she absolutely loves.We talk about the migrant experience, navigating life as an international student, struggling with accent bias, and what it takes to keep showing up even when it feels impossibly hard. Vish’s story is a reminder that sometimes the career you’re meant for is the one you circle back to.This is for you if you’ve ever questioned your career choices, life as an international student, or if you ever needed a reminder that pushing through can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

In this episode, I chat with Dorcas, a proud South African migrant and PhD researcher exploring the intangible traditions of culture, and the stories and rituals that shape who we are.We talk about identity, curiosity, and what it really means to stay connected to your roots while creating a life in a new country. It’s a powerful reminder that culture isn’t lost when we move, it simply lives within us.This is for you if you’ve ever wondered where you come from, who you are, or how to hold on to your heritage while finding home in a new place. 

Migrant Munch is back!In this episode, I chat with the amazing Kishwar Chowdhury. From a career in printing to making her mark on the MasterChef stage, she shares how her parents helped her stay connected to her roots whilst growing up in Australia, and how she proudly showcased South Asian food on a global stage. We explore what it means to celebrate culture, her life before (and after) MasterChef, and her advice for parents raising kids across different cultures.It’s an honest, heartfelt conversation about identity and the quiet power of embracing every part of who you are, no matter where you come from.

In this solo episode, I share the story of a migrant’s suitcase - the one that carries not only our belongings, but also our hopes, fears, and dreams that tie into everything we become as a migrant. This is a personal reflection on what a suitcase can really represent in the migrant journey, with insights from guest episodes. Listen to this episode if you have ever packed up your life and wondered what really travels with you as you start your new life. 

Meet Vlad, an extrovert from a country full of introverts! In this episode, he shares his journey of moving from Estonia to Australia, and the cultural contrasts he’s noticed along the way. With authenticity and humour, he opens up about navigating small talk, Melbourne’s food and coffee culture, and the everyday quirks of living in Australia. We dive into his love for Sri Lankan kotthu rotti, Chinese food, and bucket-list travel destinations. Vlad also reflects on the struggles of migrating, and leaves advice for other Europeans making the leap to Australia.This episode is a mix of real experiences and raw reflections that will leave you feeling so wholesome!

From leaving a “proper job” to pursuing her passion for fashion, Tina’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode of Migrant Munch, she opens up about taking the leap to become a personal stylist, moving across the world from Australia to LA, and building a thriving career she loves. We also dive into the psychology of styling and shopping - how what we wear affects how we feel, and how understanding style can be a powerful tool for confidence and self-expression. Tina’s story reminds us that true fulfilment comes from following what brings you joy, not from sticking to the path others expect of you.This episode is for anyone who has dared to take risks, follow their passions, and create a life on their own terms.

From being seen as the “troublemaker kid” to discovering what truly brings him joy, Tanush’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode of Migrant Munch, he opens up about his childhood, his journey towards self-development and how he found his definition of happiness. Tanush’s story reminds us that who we are is not determined by the stereotypes placed on us - it’s found in the choices we make along the way, and the way we choose to live our lives.This episode is for those who have felt misunderstood, faced challenges and worked hard towards their goals despite the noise.

In Episode 6 of Migrant Munch, we chat to Josh Lincoln (yes, that’s his real name). Josh shares his journey from growing up in India to arriving in Australia as an international student, with no safety net and everything to figure out on his own.At one point, he was juggling three jobs just to survive. When his visa was close to expiring and he had no job lined up, he came dangerously close to losing it all. Yet, he persevered through the hardships. If you’ve ever wondered how much strength it takes to start over in a new country with nothing but your will to keep going, or if you’re someone who’s currently working multiple jobs and trying to hold it all together, you need to hear this one.

In Episode 5 of Migrant Munch, Vish shares her story of growing up in Sri Lanka, navigating challenges, and then moving to Australia.From dealing with the struggles of setbacks she faced, to becoming a counsellor who now helps others heal, Vish reflects on the power of therapy, the reality of migration, and what it really means to find your way when everything feels unfamiliar.If you’ve ever felt like therapy is a “waste” for you, so you've buried your pain and kept struggling in silence - this one’s worth a listen.

In Episode 4 of Migrant Munch, Nisal Keembiyage shares his story of moving to Australia to study medicine, and unexpectedly becoming a bit of a celebrity along the way.From slicing brains in mice to lip syncing in the uni shuttle bus (and running through campus in a wedding dress), Nisal reflects on living between two worlds: the serious path of medicine and the joy of creating content just for the fun of it.Whether you’ve ever juggled different sides of yourself, wanted to show up authentically, or just needed a laugh - this episode is for you.

What do you do when you're not quite Aussie, not quite Sri Lankan, yet always somewhere in the middle?In Episode 3, Dr. Sarah Arachchi shares what it was like growing up as a Sri Lankan in Australia and starting to realise the differences between her two cultures, from the pressure to fit in, the disconnection when visiting Sri Lanka, to the quiet pride in holding onto her roots and forming her own identity. Whether you’ve moved countries, grown up between cultures, or simply felt like you didn’t quite fit, this story will resonate.

In this episode of Migrant Munch, we hear from Duygu, who left Turkey and began the quiet, courageous work of evolving in a new life in Australia. From learning to silence her inner critic to figuring out her new identity, her story is one of self-discovery and finding positivity despite all the obstacles that are thrown our way.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of personal hardship, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening and reach out for support.In Episode 1 of Migrant Munch, I chat with Niranjala, whose journey has been anything but straightforward. Just when things were finally starting to fall into place, life threw her another challenge. This episode is about resilience, navigating the hardships of life, and finding ways to keep going, even when it’s hard.