In this episode, Ochan shares his multifaceted journey as someone of South Sudanese and Ugandan heritage, born in Ethiopia to migrant parents, whose family later moved to Kenya before eventually resettling in Australia. He opens up about the challenges he faced after arriving, including experiences of loneliness, racism, and racial profiling. Ochan discusses how these moments influenced his approach to content creation, helping him embrace and express his authentic self. He highlights the importance of community, mental health awareness, and the need for deeper connections in a society that often feels isolating. Ochan also offers thoughtful advice for new migrants and shares insights on what it means to belong in a multicultural landscape.

Resources mentioned:

Ochan Aba recommends “The African Diary” social media profile and its book, which features the creator telling stories while riding a bike through Nairobi.

Connect with Ochan:

Instagram and TikTok: @letstalkwithaboutit

Chapters:

(00:00 Introduction

(01:35 Meeting Ochan and Authenticity in Content Creation

05:18 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Confidence

06:51 Expectations vs. Reality: Migrating to Australia

08:27 Experiencing Racism and Discrimination

14:11 Navigating Social Isolation and Loneliness

17:32 Building Relationships in a New Culture

20:00 Cultural Differences in Communication

22:40 Creating Community and Connection

23:50 The Impact of Technology on Relationships

25:22 The Loneliness in Crowds

26:43 Experiencing Racial Profiling

30:11 The Impact of Racial Profiling on Identity

33:55 Advice for New Migrants

37:34 The Metaphor of Migration

40:48 Belonging Between Cultures

45:08 The Importance of Connection and Mental Health

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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.

In this episode of From There to Here, Emma Bellamy-Dodd speaks with Yaser Naseri, who fled Iran after political activism made staying impossible. Yaser describes life in Tehran, the dangers of protesting, and tough decisions that led him to Indonesia - where multiple failed escape attempts and a deadly boat disaster profoundly shaped him. He recalls surviving at sea, time in detention, and the everyday struggles of life as an asylum seeker with no language or financial resources. Through stark challenges, Yaser finds new reserves of resilience and discovers community and belonging in unexpected places. He shares how traumatic events, adjustment to difficulties, and perspective have changed his life, and why “just taking the next best step” matters. Yaser reflects on redefining home, balancing gratitude and grief, and the ongoing mental game of overcoming adversity.

Resources mentioned:

Talent is never enough, by John C. Maxwell

Connect with Yaser:

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

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction: Meeting Yaser Naseri

(02:23) Growing Up in Tehran: Family and Community

(06:03) Political Awakening and Green Movement Protests

(13:09) The Turning Point: Fear, Danger, and Escape

(18:03) Arrival in Indonesia: First Steps into the Unknown

(23:07) Failed Escape Attempts and Facing Detention

(35:55) The Boat Disaster: Surviving at Sea

(52:54) Detention Trauma and Unexpected Resilience

(57:36) Waiting in Limbo: Jakarta and Building Community

(1:03:27) Lessons Learned: Resilience, Perspective, and Growth

(1:11:18) Life in Australia: Adaptation and Mental Strength

(1:17:13) Advice for Newcomers: Taking the Next Step

(1:21:17) Sources of Inspiration: Books and Mentors

(1:23:09) Definitions: Refugee, Home, and Identity

(1:27:29) The Power of Sharing Stories

(1:27:55) Connect with Yaser & Closing Reflections

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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.

In this podcast episode, Roman Abasy shares his inspiring journey from Afghanistan to Australia as a refugee and human rights advocate. He discusses his background as a Taekwondo champion, his transition to advocating for women's rights in sports, and the challenges he faced adapting to a new culture. Roman emphasizes the importance of sports in helping refugees integrate into their new communities and highlights the unique challenges faced by young refugees today. He also shares his hopes for the future of women's rights in Afghanistan and offers advice to fellow refugees and migrants on navigating their new lives.

Resource mentioned:

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

Connect with Roman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-abasy-702ab2227/

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Roman Abasy

(01:36) Journey from Afghanistan to Australia

(10:06) The Power of Sports in Integration

(17:05) Challenges Faced by Young Refugees

(21:06) Hopes for Women's Rights in Afghanistan

(22:00) Advice for Refugees and Migrants

(24:54) Reflections on Identity and Home

(31:12) Conclusion

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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.