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PODCAST · health

OKIRU: Rise Together

by OKIRU

Sometimes the most important discussions are the ones we never talk about. In this series of podcast, we talk on the topics of mental health and well-being. What does it take to get out of rock bottom? How do you build mental resilience? Let’s talk.

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Episodes

  1. How Martial Arts Shaped My Creative Life with Flying Art Studios | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #72

    In this episode, we sit down with David Trí Nguyen, founder of Flying Art Studios, to explore how martial arts, film, and hip hop shaped his creative and personal journey. From navigating cultural pressures and identity, to building a filmmaking business from passion, to reclaiming Vietnamese...

  2. From skater to filmmaker: Bol Mayan on culture, community & The Seed Network | OKIRU Podcast #71

    In his first ever public interview, Bol Mayan, Founder of The Seed Network, shares his journey from growing up in Richmond, skating the streets, and running from his South Sudanese identity - to becoming a filmmaker, community leader, and cultural storyteller. We talk about: ‣ How skateboarding…

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  3. How hip hop, media, and identity shape a community | Michael Husky Nguyen | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #70

    In this episode, Liem sits down with Michael Husky Nguyen - a cultural connector, music curator, and producer at SBS Vietnamese—to trace his journey from tech to the heart of Australia’s Vietnamese music scene and SBS Vietnamese. What began as pandemic-era Zoom collaborations evolved into People...

  4. Hold the door open for culture | Corina Dutlow | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #69

    To open 2025, OKIRU sits down with Corina Dutlow, CEO of Australian Filipino Community Services, for a conversation on culture, leadership, and the quiet power of service. With roots in both Filipino and Romanian heritage, Corina’s journey is anything but linear. Her story is an intimate…

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  5. Between Two Worlds: The Vietnamese Australian Identity | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #68

    Nam Nguyen, DJ, father and social worker, shares his journey navigating a bicultural identity as a Vietnamese Australian. He reflects on reconnecting with his family’s history by visiting a Thai refugee camp and discusses the challenges and triumphs of straddling two worlds. Highlighting themes…

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  6. Turning pain into purpose; power of ubuntu: creating collective change - OKIRU Rise Together Ep #67

    In this heartfelt episode of the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast, Liem sits down with Selba Gondoza-Luka, a mental health advocate and founder of Afri Aus-Care. Selba shares her journey from Malawi to Australia, detailing the challenges she overcame—postnatal depression, homelessness, and settlement...

  7. Refugee journey, bike packing and career mentorship with Oanh Thi Tran | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #66

    Liem sits down with Oanh Thi Tran, Commissioner of the Fair Work Commission, to share her extraordinary journey from a Vietnamese refugee to a trailblazer in the Australian legal system. Oanh opens up about her family’s escape from Vietnam in the 1980s, their settlement in Australia, and how…

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  8. Breaking Barriers: How Sports Unite Communities and Transform Lives | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #65

    Liem sits down with Mamuch Chuol, CEO and Founder of NextGen Unite to explore themes of generational trauma, the resettlement journey of South Sudanese refugees in Australia, and the transformative power of community sports. Mamuch shares his journey, the pivotal role of mentors in his life, and...

  9. Politics and Karaoke: Jamal Hakim on How to Transform Melbourne | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #64

    In this episode of the OKIRU Rise Together, hosts Liem and Fhred dive into a candid conversation with Jamal Hakim, who is running for Lord Mayor of Melbourne. Hakim shares his vision of inclusivity and plans for the City of Melbourne but also touches on topics such as anime, karaoke, and the game...

  10. Liberating Melbourne: Inside the Underground Doof Scene | Alex Monteiro | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #63

    Join Alex Monteiro, founder of High Tea Sessions and co-founder of Liberation Group, as he explores Melbourne’s doof culture, the power of community, and his deep connection to his Portuguese heritage. Dive into the thrilling underground party scene, the transformative practices of breathwork and...

  11. Elevating Filipino Cuisine & Mental Health in Kitchens | Chef Fhred | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #62

    Elevating Filipino Cuisine & Mental Health in Kitchens | Chef Fred Batalona | OKIRU Rise Together Podcast In this episode, Chef Fred Batalona joins the podcast to share his inspiring journey of elevating Filipino cuisine in Melbourne through his two culinary ventures, Barangay and Palay. Fred…

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  12. Growing up Filipino in Australia and find the mindset to nurture your best self - OKIRU: Rise Together #61

    Thad Mangalino is a performance coach, motivational speaker, podcaster and writer for the Philippine Times. In this episode, we dive deep into the unique journey of growing up as Filipinos in Australia, sharing the richness of our cultural upbringings and exploring the mindset needed to nurture...

  13. Finding 10% more relaxation - 10 minute Guided Meditation

    Liem guides us through a short 10-minute guided meditation to help us settle into the conversation. We begin the meditation by focusing on our breath, the life force that gives us energy and helps ground us into the present moment. For those who live busy lives and are constantly on the grind,...

  14. Catching Up With The OKIRU Team | OKIRU: Rise Together #60

    Are you ready to dive into a world of self-development, culture, and community? Join us on OKIRU: Rise Together, a podcast that's here to warmly welcome young hearts in Australia and all over the globe. We're your Melbourne-based companions on a mission to unite communities through the power of...

  15. Embrace Culture, Community, and You with Boudene Hauraki - OKIRU Rise Together #59

    Join us for a heartwarming episode on OKIRU: Rise Together, as we celebrate the enriching journey of self-development and multiculturalism with Bou, a proud Māori man. His vibrant culture forms the bedrock of his identity, providing deep-rooted safety and understanding of his place in the world....

  16. "That Hit Different" Meditation - Under 15 Minutes Guided Meditation

    Welcome to a Mindful Journey: Embrace Your Inner Self Embark on a transformative podcast experience that truly "hits different." Join Liem and Bou as they lead you through a blissful meditation journey, designed to nurture your self-development and connect you with the heart of Melbourne's…

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  17. Cultivating Compassion: Metta Meditation for Emotional Well-being - Under 15 Minutes

    Welcome to OKIRU: Rise Together! Join us as we dive into the transformative practice of Metta meditation, also known as loving-kindness meditation. Originating from Buddhist traditions, this practice nurtures compassion and goodwill towards oneself and others, fostering a sense of...

  18. Migrant Stories, Yoga, and Community Impact: Inspiring Conversations with Anzari Atik & Kano Ravalji - OKIRU Rise Together #58

    Welcome to OKIRU: Rise Together! In this engaging episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Anzari Atik, a PhD in Neuroscience, Yoga Teacher, Running Community Leader, and a dear friend of our podcast. Anzari leads weekly classes at Assembly Yoga and spearheads a vibrant run club in Williamstown...

  19. Starting the journey to discover your familial culture - OKIRU Huddle Pod #57

    Maiysha Moin is a 4th year law student at Monash University. She is currently going through a deep journey to uncover her identity and what type of person she is and wants to become. We talk about her role in the School's Strike for Climate, privilege and stories of uncovering her cultural…

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  20. Discover Your Inner Self: 'I Am' Guided Meditation for Personal Growth - 10 Minutes

    Welcome to our podcast! Join us on a transformative journey as we dive into a profound 'I Am' guided meditation designed to enhance personal growth and self-discovery. In this immersive episode, we provide expert guidance to help you establish a harmonious connection between your body and mind,...

  21. Culture is the spirit guiding you - OKIRU Huddle Pod #56

    Tyson Tuala is the Founder of Melbourne Cultural Consultants and Chairman of Nga Matai Parua. In this episode he enlightens us with how culture can be a spiritual experience and can be your guiding light. Culture is powerful. It is visible in the customs and traditions we practice and honour.…

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  22. Honour Your Breath: Meditation in under 10 m

    In this short practice, we take you through the different dimensions of the breath. 1. How your body automatically receives a breath and nourishes your body with life-giving energy. 2. Recognising the feeling of weightlessness as you notice the top and bottom of the breath cycle. 3. The cycle of...

  23. Lessons from a 22 year old CEO with Jahin Tanvir - OKIRU Huddle Pod #55

    In this episode, we begin with a 5-minute guided meditation to find ground and space. Listen in as we dive into the story of Jahin Tanvir - an overnight success story and CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship. We dive into his family history and his connections as a Bengali man…

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  24. The passion and hunger to pursue your dreams now rather than later with Mason & Oliver - OKIRU Huddle Pod #54

    Mason Moon and Oliver Gates are two young Melbourne creatives. Mason is an up-and-coming rapper and Oliver is a talented videographer. In this episode, we discuss Mason's latest release and the creative process behind the music video. They talk about how they're inspired as creatives and their...

  25. Discovering Hazara Culture and the Meaning of Australian Identity with Hashmat Temori - Okiru Huddle Pod #53

    Step into the incredible world of our next guest, Hashmat - a Hazara-Australian person with a powerful story of hope and identity. In this episode, he takes us on a journey from war-torn Afghanistan to the safety of Pakistan, and ultimately to his new home in Australia. Through his deeply…

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  26. Rising up into leadership with Kevin Kapeke - Okiru Huddle Pod #52

    Have you felt the overwhelming feeling when life does not go your way? That you are on the wrong path but too scared to make a decision? Kevin speaks about his journey from his rock bottom and how he has risen into community leadership roles with the Victoria African Community and landed board...

  27. Discovering YOUR identity and HOW we've grown ourselves and our business through turbulent times.

    As we've grown through turbulence so has our hair and now it is time for a fresh start as the year comes to an end. You may have attached your identity or brand to your physical appearance, whether it be your body, facial features or even your hair as we did. However, as our bodies are...

  28. Unfolding stories of adoption with Rosie Thyer - Okiru Huddle Pod #50

    Imagine going through the first 20 years of your life wondering who your biological mum really is. Imagine searching for her and finding her after 20 years. Rosie tells us the story of finding her biological mother, unfolding her cultural identity and her work with multicultural young people as…

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  29. Deeply connecting with multicultural communities in Australia - Okiru Huddle Pod #49

    What is it like growing up as a multicultural person in Australia? Liem and Jasper explore this topic with our guest, 22 year old Multicultural Advocate Kano Ravalji. Kano, is a multitalented speaker and sharp shooter from Melbourne's West. We are still unfolding our senese of identity and hope…

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  30. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.48 – Recreating Filipino Food (Chef Fhred)

    In this Okiru Huddle Podcast, we are honoured to have the wonderful Chef Fhred. In a first-ever for the Okiru podcast, we eat and talk! Chef Fhred prepared an amazing candle-lit dinner at his wonderful home. Call it a mukbang, ASMR, or whatever you would like to call it, we had an amazing time…

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  31. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.47 – To go far, go together (Tisiri)

    We are honoured to have the guys from Tisiri on our podcast to share their journey. The guys share fantastic stories from their inception, the struggles of running a food truck, growing together, and much more. We had a lot of fun on this podcast and wisdom and insights from the guys at Tisiri.…

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  32. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.46 – Habits (Kristy Bertenshaw)

    We are honoured to have Kristy Bertenshaw on our podcast to share her story and provide so much value. She shares fantastic insights on how to create and remove habits and the power of our mind and also opens up about the struggles and difficulties she overcame in her life. So many gold nuggets…

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  33. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.45 – Embrace The Suck (Steady Teddy)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have Steady Teddy bring his good vibes and amazing stories. We talk of some wild incidents in the tattoo parlour, dealing with traumatic life events, dealing with grief, being vulnerable, and so much more. --------------------------------- Follow us on our...

  34. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.44 – Just Keep Going (ft. Josh Culibao)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have Josh 'Kuya' Culibao (@joshculibao) on this week's Okiru Huddle podcast. We talk about being the bunso (the youngest), being humbled in BJJ, idolising fighters and real-life battles, who is Josh Culibao outside of fighting, dealing with the ups and downs,...

  35. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.43 – The Teacher Life (ft. Emmanuel)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have the homie Emmanuel (@kickinitwithgee) on this week's Okiru Huddle podcast. We talk about teaching philosophy, building connections as a teacher, old school and new school mentality, being a work in progress and so much more! So much knowledge and golden...

  36. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.42 – Start Now! (ft. Naz Jafari)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have the wonderful and inspiring Naz Jafari (@naz_jafari_). We talk about proving people wrong, the importance of intentional rest, working in alignment with your values, inspiring others, teaching taekwondo, becoming your best self and so much more! It was...

  37. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.41 – Be yourself (ft. Kevin Truong)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have Kevin Truong (@switch.step). We talk about being your genuine self, Vietnamese martial arts, going from student to coach, and so much more. We hope you gain value from our discussion. --------------------------------- Follow us on our different social....

  38. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.40 – The Sneaker Culture (ft. Taureen & Elijah)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have Tauren McKelton (@shoeflytv) and Elijah Toohill (@coltsnation87) in collaboration with the @lacekickz family. We talk about new releases, the digital era of sneakers, spreading positivity, the legendary Jumpman Bostic (@jumpmanbostic) and so much more. We...

  39. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.39 – The Cresmond File (ft. David Morgan)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have David Morgan the founder of The Cresmond File. We talk about how The Cresmond File started, the work behind the scenes, overstimulation from social media, working in silence, and so much more. We hope you gain value from our discussion. Be sure to check…

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  40. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.38 – Build Each Other Up (ft. Dr Lacekickz)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have Dr Lacekickz. We talk about how Lacekickz started, building each other up, leaving an impact, stepping up to go after your dream, and so much more. We hope you gain value from our discussion. Be sure to check out Dr Lacekickz’s Instagram accounts below: ✖️...

  41. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.37 – Trial and error (ft. Sneaker Genius)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have Sneaker Genius. We talk about his journey into creating Sneaker Genius, the struggles of operating during the lockdown, starting a customs gallery, and much more. We hope you gain value from our discussion. Be sure to check out Josh's Instagram account...

  42. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.36 – Music and Sneakers (ft. Kev Hannibal, Sneaker Genius, Lacekickz)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have Kev Hannibal, Sneaker Genius and Lacekickz. We talk about pushing through lockdowns, our top 5 rappers, our top 5 shoes, finding inspiration, and much more. You don't want to miss out on this episode, and we hope you gain value from our discussion. Be sure...

  43. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.35 – Silent Meditation

    In this episode, we are blessed to have our good friend Liem Nguyen. We talk about Liem's experience of 9 days in silent meditation. Hear about the challenges and realisations Liem went through during those 9 days of silence. This was an eye-opening episode and we are grateful that we can have…

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  44. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.34 – Sneaker Family

    In this episode, we are honoured to have @soleinsiders, @sneakagenius, @the_lace_brothers and @lacekickz. If you have an interest in sneakers this is definitely the episode to watch. We talk about the future predictions of the sneaker scene in Australia, what inspired you to get into the sneaker...

  45. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.33 - Do what you love (ft. Anzari Atik and Liem Nguyen)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have the amazing Anzari Atik and Liem Nguyen. We talk about the practice of yoga, making a positive impact in people's lives, vulnerability, and a lot more! You don't want to miss out on this episode and we hope you gain value from our discussion. Special…

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  46. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.32 - Resilience (ft. Chris Aggett)

    In this episode, we are blessed to have our good friend Chris Agget. We talk about transitioning from powerlifting to MMA, training, mindset, and a lot more! Join us as we unpack these interesting topics and we have an amazing discussion. We hope you gain value from these discussions.

  47. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.31 - Fostering Relationships (ft. Richard Okello)

    In this episode, we are blessed to have our good friend Richard. We talk about reflection and growing up, parenthood, building relationships, and a lot more! Join us as we unpack these interesting topics and we have an amazing discussion. We hope you gain value from these discussions.

  48. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.30 - Expectations (ft. Rob and Aaron)

    In this episode, we are blessed to have Rob and Aaron. We talk about life after university, monotasking, setting your expectations, relationships and love languages.

  49. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.29 - Just go for it (ft. Zujin and Kayla)

    In this episode, we are blessed to have Zujin and Kayla. They talk about how it feels after graduating, being Asian in the creative space, not being afraid to go for it, the importance of communication and making genuine connections, and so much more.

  50. Okiru Huddle Pod Ep.28 - Chasing The Dream (ft. R.M.Congrats)

    In this episode, we are honoured to have Richard Masigan aka @r.m.congrats in where we talk about chasing the dream, breaking the mould, creating your own identity as an artist, musical influences and personal growth. Be sure to check out all his work and share the love. Big things to come!

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Sometimes the most important discussions are the ones we never talk about. In this series of podcast, we talk on the topics of mental health and well-being. What does it take to get out of rock bottom? How do you build mental resilience? Let’s talk.

HOSTED BY

OKIRU

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does OKIRU: Rise Together have?

OKIRU: Rise Together currently has 77 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is OKIRU: Rise Together about?

Sometimes the most important discussions are the ones we never talk about. In this series of podcast, we talk on the topics of mental health and well-being. What does it take to get out of rock bottom? How do you build mental resilience? Let’s talk.

How often does OKIRU: Rise Together release new episodes?

OKIRU: Rise Together has 77 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to OKIRU: Rise Together?

You can listen to OKIRU: Rise Together on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts OKIRU: Rise Together?

OKIRU: Rise Together is created and hosted by OKIRU.
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