Land and Love

We like to think we’re the authors of our own stories—but what happens when history chooses us?In this episode, I sit down with Josipa Kosanovic, Croatian-born host of the SBS Learn English podcast. Ten years ago, she arrived in Australia with a background in film production, shaky English, and no idea she’d end up behind the mic, helping others learn a new language and find their voice.We talk about how growing up in a country at war shaped her understanding of identity, and what it means to start over in a place where your experience isn’t recognized and language becomes a barrier.Language is often seen as one of the biggest hurdles to integration—into a new country, a new culture, even the job market. We explore how Josipa navigated all of that, what helped her keep going, and the messy, beautiful work of building a home in a new country.Josipa’s story is a reminder that when history chooses us, it can be the chance to start again.Show notes:SBS Learn English Podcast How speaking practice transformed my English: a personal journey

In this episode of Land and Love, I sit down with Leora, whose journey reflects the complexities of identity, home, and cultural connection that many migrants experience. Born in Sydney, Australia, within a South African Jewish community, Leora’s story is shaped by rich traditions and the transitions between different cultures and countries.Leora’s journey began with a life-changing trip to Israel during high school, sparking a deep connection to the land that would later become her home. We discuss her transition to Israel, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and her evolving connection to the country as an adult. Leora shares insights into her struggles with the Hebrew language and the sense of belonging she found within the Israeli community.Now living in Brazil, Leora reflects on the differences between life in Australia, Israel, and Brazil. She highlights the warmth and authenticity of Brazilian culture, the importance of community, and her role as an emissary bridging traditional Jewish values across borders. Her story emphasizes that ‘land’ is an important part of one’s sense of home, intertwined with relationships, traditions, and shared experiences to create a rich tapestry of identity.A quick note: This episode isn’t about politics—it’s about personal stories. We’re talking about identity, family, and the idea of home. My guest, Leora, shares her journey of moving across countries and cultures, and how her sense of belonging has been shaped by generations before her. Show notes: Jewish Identity research Kichel - Traditional Jewish BiscuitMatzo Balls What's Midrash

What’s it really like to leave behind a successful life in London and start over in Australia? In this episode, Lesley shares her journey — from arriving with a one-way ticket and a campervan, to raising a family and navigating the challenges of starting again. We talk about identity, belonging, career shifts, and the realities of building a new life far from home. A thoughtful, honest conversation about adventure, resilience,and what "home" really means.

Conversation with Viv Kartsounis, Runner and Founder of Shoes for Planet Earth.From competing at an elite level to running alongside orphans and those in need, Viv has used her passion for sport to foster human connection and create change. Born in South Africa, she lived in Malaysia before settling in Australia in 2002. A long-distance runner with over 30 years of experience, she proudly represented Australia in the 100-kilometer World Cup ultra-marathon for three consecutiveyears.But beyond her athletic achievements, Viv has dedicated her life to giving back. In 2009, after a visit to South Africa, she founded Shoes for Planet Earth, a charity that has provided over 100,000 pairs of running shoes to people in need across 24 countries. Her commitment to community service has also earned her the honor of being nominated an Australia Day Ambassador, a role in which she shares her inspiring story and promotes the values of generosity and inclusion. We’ll talk about her journey—leaving South Africa, adapting to life in Australia, and transforming her passion into a movement that restores dignity and opportunity.To donate to Shoes for Planet Earth or contact Viv, visit: https://www.shoesforplanetearth.com/

When you visit your country of origin, do you feel like a tourist in your own land? Today I will explore this topic with Rosalie Clarke, the author of a research on diaspora tourism. Rosalie’s research examines how migration and return visits influence émigrés’ sense of identity and belonging. Her insights reveal the emotional and cultural complexities of being caught between two worlds. References: “Memories, Travel Narratives and Identity: Recounts of the touristic return journeys of South African émigrés living in Australia to places of personal heritage significance.” By: Rosalie Ann Wilson Clarke Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa July 2019 - Cherishing Each Other: A Conversation with Tara Brach and Father Gregory Boyle - South Africa Country Statistics

In this episode, I sit down with Junita Mushenko, a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant, and a dear friend of over 20 years. Junita shares her journey growing up as a woman of colour in Australia, navigating the challenges and opportunities of embracing a diverse background. We dive into the realities of unconscious bias, her impactful work helping leaders and organisations foster inclusivity, and the importance of turning what makes us different into our most valuable strength. Junita also offers practical advice for listeners on how to feel more included—whether at work or in the community—and how to celebrate the unique perspectives that shape us. Connect with Junita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junita-mushenko-352a7514/ Short of time? Go straight to the point: 00:02:48 - Family transition to Australia 00:05:39 - Growing up as a woman of colour in Australia in the 70s 00:09:50 – Defining the colour of our skin 00:12:00 – Name and appearance biases 00:14:00 – Is there a “better” colour? 00:19:02 – Connecting with the Indian culture later in life 00:22:00 – The origin of the name Junita and stereotyping 00:26:20 – How Junita became interested diversity and inclusion in the workplace 00:31:15 – Imposter syndrome 00:33:16 – Number one mistake organisations make in D&I 00:34:10 – The biggest challenges of people of a migrant background 00:37:15 – Using language and accent to your advantage 00:39:20 – Introversion vs extraversion 00:43:32 – Being a brown outspoken person 00:49:20 – White feminism 00:50:10 – Celebrating D&I progress in Australia 00:54:15 – Junita’s top tip for individuals of diverse backgrounds I hope you enjoy this episode and follow the show 😊

It takes a village to raise a family. But what happens when the village is overseas? Migration doesn’t just affect those who move; it impacts those born in the new country and the loved ones left behind. In this episode we explore the impact of migration on a family divided between Australia and the UK. Ralph and Kim’s daughter married a British citizen and has been living in the UK for 15 years, where she had a son who is just beginning his life in a family spread across two continents. Together, we’ll dive into how this distance is reshaping their family dynamics and the evolving roles that Ralph and Kim will play. References: Grandparents and child care in Australia. Australian Institute of Family Studies Grandparents Are Getting Older, On Average. Here's Why That Matters The Age of the Grandparent Has Arrived  

Imagine looking across the ocean and seeing a world full of possibilities—freedom, equality, and the chance to define your own path. That’s the vision that guided my guest, Latifa Amal Schwartz, as she left Morocco in search of a life where she could truly be herself. After a decade in Europe and mastering five languages, Latifa moved to Australia, where she now teaches English as a second language and explores her passion for writing—having just finished her first novel. Today, we explore her remarkable journey of reconciliation with her own culture, and the balance she’s found between honouring her roots and building a new life. Morocco > Spain > The Netherlands > Germany > Australia

With increasing global mobility, more and more people in high income nations are forming relationships across borders, cultures, and languages. Did you know that in Australia, about a third of all registered marriages are intercultural? And interestingly, although most of these couples are from different backgrounds, both partners were born right here in Australia. Only a small percentage—around 8%—involve one partner born in Australia and the other in a non-English speaking country. Today, I will speak with one of these couples. Linda, an architect, and Cem, an engineer, have been together for over two decades, living in Sydney and raising three wonderful children. Linda was born into a traditional Australian family, while Cem hails from Turkey. Their love story began by chance when Cem, seeking new connections in Australia, met Linda at a language club. Intriguingly, it wasn't English or Turkish that brought them together. In our conversation, we’ll explore their unique experiences as an inter-ethnic couple, why Cem chose Australia as a destination, and the joys and challenges of being part of a multicultural family. And, of course, I have to ask them the burning question: when Turkey faces off against Australia in sports, who do they cheer for? Linda and Cem’s story is a beautiful example of how families and communities are enriched by the diverse backgrounds and experiences of people who come together from different parts of the world to build a shared future. Join us as we explore the connections between Land and Love in Linda and Cem’s lives. Show notes: 1. Gender Asymmetries in Cross-National Couples - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/padr.12565 2. Who we are: Interracial dating and relationships in Australia - https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast-episode/who-we-are-interracial-dating-and-relationships-in-australia/dmutm46bs 3. Language of love: a quarter of Australians are in inter-ethnic relationships - https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/news/2919-language-of-love--a-quarter-of-australians-are-in-inter-ethnic-relationships 4. Australian students say they understand global issues, but few are learning another language compared to the OECD average - https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/australian-students-say-they-understand-global-issues-but-few-are-learning-another-language-compared-to-the-oecd-average

If you think that starting a business is hard, imagine starting a business in another country and language. This is the story of Adriana Parncutt. She is an entrepreneur, a mother of two and what’s most exciting to me, a dreamer. But not in her wildest dreams did she imagine that her connection to her European heritage would blossom into a thriving gingerbread business that now supplies delicacies to renowned brands like David Jones and Heighes Chocolates. Tune in to learn about Adri’s journey from Czech Republic, to the UK, the US and finally Australia. Meet my guest: Adriana ParncuttCountry of birth: Czech RepublicCountry of residence: Australia (22 years)Contact: Adri’s Gingerbread - https://www.adrisgingerbread.com.au/ -#adrisgingerbread References: Skilled migrants’ contribution to the Australian workforce Labour Market for Migrants - April 2023.pdf

International migration is reshaping countries and culture. While the majority of people do not leave their homeland the number of people moving across borders is rising – it’s estimated that close to 300 million people live outside their country of birth. I’m one of them. I left Brazil 26 years ago without knowing what to expect of life in Australia and while my journey has been quite successful there have been many challenges along the way, like family illnesses, ageing parents, divorce. It is not easy to watch the life of your loved ones unfold from a distance, or re-start your career from scratch, make friends as an adult. But I learned that most migrants are capable of rising beyond these challenges and hold in their hands the opportunities of starting life in a new country. Sure, success demands skill, hard work and no small amount of luck, but that luck is far easier to find in places where opportunities abound. I invite you to join me on this journey and explore the experiences and contributions that these diverse minds bring to their new country and their connection with the land they left behind. Reference: https://unric.org/en/8-billion-people-10-facts-on-the-worlds-population/