In this episode, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd speaks with Rugare Gomo, author, leadership coach, and Zimbabwean-born migrant, about his journey toward embracing his authentic self in Australia. Rugare discusses growing up under strict societal and cultural expectations, navigating identity as a gay Black African man, and overcoming years of statelessness and exclusion. He highlights the unique tensions migrants face between safety and authenticity, and the resulting challenges to mental health and belonging. Rugare describes his path to self-acceptance as gradual, shaped by forming genuine communities and learning to ask for help. He rejects the myth of the “self-made” individual, emphasizing instead the collective power of community. The conversation stresses the value of creating safe spaces for others, the importance of curiosity and courage, and how adversity can be transformed into agency. Rugare encourages listeners to celebrate their resilience and seek connection as foundational to personal and societal change.

Resources mentioned:

Forging my own path, by Rugare Gomo

The words that remain, by Sténio Gardel

Ego is the enemy, by Ryan holiday

Connect with Rugare:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rugaregomo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rugaregomo/

Instagram: @rugaregomo

Website: https://www.rugaregomo.com/

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction to Rugare's Journey

(00:00:43) The Impact of Statelessness

(00:01:10) The Quest for Freedom

(00:01:26) Navigating Identity and Safety

(00:04:29) The Infinite Possibility of Migrants

(00:05:18) The Importance of Community

(00:17:59) Messages of Change and Growth

(00:36:24) The Power of Asking for Help

(01:02:19) Creating Safety for Others

(01:05:00) Reclaiming Identity

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this conversation, Nooria Mehraby shares her profound journey from being a refugee to becoming a clinician and advocate for mental health among refugees. She discusses the traumatic experiences of fleeing Afghanistan, her life in refugee camps in Pakistan, and the challenges of resettling in Australia. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, Nooria sheds light on the unique mental health challenges faced by refugees - emphasizing the need for holistic, culturally sensitive approaches to care. She explores the resilience and strength within refugee communities, the vital importance of community support in healing, and the role clinicians play in fostering safe, inclusive spaces for their clients. The discussion also covers the challenges refugees face in maintaining their identity and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. Nooria offers practical insights on how to support refugees in preserving their cultural heritage while integrating into a new society.

Resources mentioned:

• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (also a film adaptation)
• Tales from a Suitcase: The Afghan Experience (SBS documentary series and book, featuring Nooria’s story)
• No Other Land (documentary)
• Rewire Your Brain by Dr. John Arden
• Trauma and Recovery by Dr. Judith Herman

Article by Nooria: Adapting CBT with non-Western clients

https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/INFORMIT.492751480937975

Connect with Nooria, or STARTTS:

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/STARTTSNSW/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/starttsnsw/
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/STARTTS/

Chapters:

(00:00) Nouria's Journey: From Refugee to Advocate

(05:08) Life in Pakistan: Rebuilding from Scratch

(09:56) Transition to Australia: New Beginnings and Losses

(14:47) Mental Health Challenges for Refugees

(20:03) Holistic Approaches to Refugee Trauma

(25:13) Culturally Sensitive Counseling Techniques

(30:02) Case Study: Healing Through Cultural Context

(46:59) Cultural Relevance in Clinical Practice

(55:20) Understanding Refugee Identity and Trauma

(01:00:46) The Importance of Seeking Help

(01:02:30) Literature and Resources for Refugees

(01:05:32) Reflections on Resilience and Strength

(01:08:10) Navigating Identity as a Refugee

(01:17:57) Building Inclusive Communities for Refugees

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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In this episode of From There to Here, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd sits down with Mish Kumar-Jonson - a queer, non-binary, neurodivergent South Indian migrant who has called India, Oman, France, the US, New Zealand, and Australia home. Mish shares a deeply personal and insightful journey through multiple migrations, exploring how cultural identity is shaped, challenged, and redefined across borders and contexts. They discuss the complexities of adapting to new cultures, the challenges of code switching, and the pressure migrants often feel to maintain a positive façade of gratitude at the expense of their genuine feelings and struggles. Mishma also explores the double empathy problem, the limitations of empathy, and the need to prioritise compassion over empathy in therapeutic practice. They discuss the significance of investing in joy rather than solely focusing on trauma, drawing on the wisdom of First Nations and Black communities and the importance of art, dance, and celebration for healing.

Chapters:

(00:00) Cultural Identity and Migration Journey

(08:55) The Challenge of Code Switching

(21:05) Navigating Gratefulness and Criticism as a Migrant

(27:23) Defining Australian‑ness and Cultural Perceptions

(35:12) Empathy and the Double Empathy Problem

(42:40) Intersectionality and Community Dynamics

(50:18) Understanding Accents and Communication

(55:09) Compassion Over Empathy

(58:44) The Limits of Empathy

(01:02:33) Expanding Horizons and Responsibility

(01:07:12) Investing in Joy Over Trauma

(01:12:40) Finding Belonging and Community

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.