Conflict Stories Podcast

Antarctic explorer, content creator, author, podcaster and penguin lover Matty Jordan has spent more than 500 days in Antarctica across 11 expeditions, building a global following of 2.5 million along the way. From breathtaking adventures on the ice to surviving an Antarctic winter, Matty takes us behind the scenes of life at Scott Base, where teamwork, trust and relationships are tested in extraordinary ways. From a leadership decision gone wrong to misplaced gym weights, frozen Coca-Cola and some extraordinary tales of Antarctic conflict, Matty shares fascinating stories of life on the ice with humour, honesty and vulnerability. Along the way, he reveals powerful lessons about navigating conflict, owning mistakes, rebuilding trust and maintaining perspective when there's nowhere to hide.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV personality, author + passionate advocate for emotional intelligence and authentic human connection, Lucinda Light became a global favourite on Married at First Sight Australia, bringing warmth, honesty + compassion to the “wild west” of reality TV. A recovering people pleaser + self-described straight shooter, Lucinda traces her relationship with conflict from her parents’ shock divorce when she was 12 through sibling strain, share-house tensions + relationship breakdowns. Lucinda shares the tools behind her ongoing “journey of refinement” – from active listening + not taking things personally to responding rather than reacting, holding boundaries with compassion + navigating online trolls without losing herself. For Lucinda, conflict has become a teacher – an invitation to reflect, repair, forgive + grow. And, of course, we ask the big question: Has Lucinda found love?Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global mediator, people-centred leader and conflict innovator Laura May PhD shares her international journey through mediation, leadership and organisational change. From growing up in Tasmania to living and working across Australia, the UK, Russia, Belgium and now Spain, Laura brings a truly global perspective to resolving conflict and helping organisations put people first. Laura reflects on how her conflict resolution journey transformed her from a self-described conflict “shark” into a collaborative “owl” - and what blame, curiosity and even tango dancing can teach us about building healthier relationships. Blending deep expertise with warmth, humourKeep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Reuters Bureau Chief, Author and Workplace Mental Health Advocate Dean Yates spent 26 years reporting from the front lines of history - including the Bali bombings, Boxing Day tsunami and Iraq War. After experiencing PTSD and moral injury following the deaths of Reuters staff in Iraq, Dean transformed his personal struggles into advocacy, leadership and systemic workplace mental health reform. His powerful story has been featured on ABC’s Australian Story. Dean shares his journey through trauma, recovery and organisational betrayal - exploring the difference between PTSD and moral injury, the unexpected care and connection he found during his admissions to Ward 17 and the importance of psychologically safe workplaces. He also reflects on spirituality, forgiveness and rebuilding life after trauma.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US-based mediator, author and mental health advocate Dan Berstein brings a powerful perspective shaped by his lived experience with bipolar disorder and his work in dispute resolution. Founder of MH Mediate and co-founder of the Dispute Resolution in Mental Health Initiative at the CUNY Dispute Resolution Center, Dan has spent more than a decade helping courts, legal practitioners and organisations better navigate mental health and conflict. Through personal stories - including family estrangement and professional challenges - Dan shines a light on stigma, resilience and the courage it takes to find voice + help others do the same. Special Note: We recorded this episode in June 2025. Dan asked to delay the release because he was struggling with next steps related to the mental illness stigma conflicts discussed in the episode. Now, he has launched DisabilityRadar.com to help anyone who might be targeted by the exclusionary mental illness "radars" we discussed in this episode. He also suggested we air the podcast now, nine months after it was recorded.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning journalist, best-selling author and change-maker Tracey Spicer shares her powerful journey through conflict in the media, advocacy and public life.  From navigating discrimination in Australia’s 1980s and 1990s newsrooms to leading the nation’s #MeToo movement, Tracey shares the personal cost of speaking truth to power.  She opens up about carrying the weight of thousands of victim-survivor disclosures, the online abuse that followed, the impact of long COVID on her wellbeing, and her ongoing concern with bias-built AI.  A trailblazer for social change, Tracey reflects on speaking up in conflict, and the self-care required to stay the course.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meditation teacher, filmmaker + university leader Mayur Katariya has lived a life shaped by cultural crossroads and inner evolution. Growing up in Gujarat, conflict largely lay beneath the surface of unspoken expectations; coming to Australia revealed how a more forthright communication style can bring what’s hidden into the light. Mayur’s award-winning film Ek Aasha, amplifying the journeys of transgender communities in India, reflects his belief in storytelling as a force for justice, empathy + visibility. As a long-time meditation practitioner and teacher grounded in non-dual philosophy, Mayur brings a calm, insightful approach to conflict - exploring how awareness, compassion and presence can transform how we understand ourselves and each other.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning speaker, author, and sales + mindset master - Ian Stephens’ story is one of grit, reinvention + deep personal growth. Born “cold, wet, bald and hungry… and then things got worse,” Ian’s journey took him from a tough family upbringing to leading a $200 million sales team by age 28 - and losing it all a year later. Rebuilding himself from the inside out, Ian unlocked the power of mindset + purpose, becoming one of Australia’s most sought-after speakers and trainers in sales + leadership development. Ian unpacks how early family conflict, two marriage breakups, and a search for self-understanding led him to his life’s work: helping others transform pressure into performance. Ian reveals how emotional intelligence, blended with behavioural strategies, can transform communication and strengthen relationships. A raw, wise + unexpectedly funny exploration of the inner game behind outer success.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Narrative therapist and mediator Debbie Dunn shares her remarkable journey from being dishonourably discharged from the British Women’s Air Force for her same-sex relationship to becoming a pioneering voice in narrative mediation and workplace bullying support. Debbie delves into her personal story of resilience, the significance of narrative techniques in mediation and the transformative power of sharing one's story to move from shame to strength. Debbie's story is a testament to how sharing our narratives - including those shaped through struggle - can become an act of courage, connection + change.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Mandy Nolan, a comedian, author, speaker, and politician. Hosted by Sam Hardy and Scott Dutton, the discussion explores Mandy’s tumultuous upbringing marked by domestic violence, the role of humor in navigating life's challenges, and her experiences in stand-up comedy and politics. Mandy discusses her ability to manage conflict, including interactions with audiences and political opponents, emphasizing the importance of resilience, compassion, and listening. The episode also touches on her unconventional family dynamics and her efforts to maintain constructive relationships with her ex-partners for the sake of their children. Through various anecdotes, Mandy illustrates how humor, empathy, and open-mindedness can transform conflict into opportunities for growth.Keep track of new stories at https://conflictstories.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.