No Ordinary People

"Why doesn't she just leave?"It's a question we hear far too often. But for women experiencing domestic and family violence, leaving is rarely simple, and safety doesn't automatically begin once someone walks out the door.In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Nicole Yade, CEO of the Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC), to unpack some of the myths surrounding domestic and family violence and explore what it really takes to create safety, healing and lasting change.As CEO of WAGEC, one of Australia's leading organisations supporting women and children experiencing homelessness and domestic and family violence, Nicole has dedicated more than 25 years to creating pathways to safety, dignity and recovery.Drawing on both her lived experience and decades of working alongside people navigating trauma and crisis, Nicole shares why the question shouldn't be "Why doesn't she leave?" but rather, "What would make it possible for her to be safe?"Together, Jade and Nicole explore the complexity of leaving violence, why children experiencing domestic and family violence need to be recognised and supported in their own right, and the enormous pressure on frontline services working to meet demand that continues to outstrip available resources. Nicole also shares how WAGEC works across crisis support, healing and recovery, mentoring and prevention, including starting conversations about gender equality and respectful relationships with some of the youngest members of our community.Yet this conversation is also full of hope.For Nicole, hope isn't passive. Hope is action.It's staying connected when someone is being isolated. It's talking to our kids about equality and healthy relationships. It's supporting specialist services. It's using our voices to challenge the attitudes that allow violence to continue.Like every episode of No Ordinary People, this conversation isn't just about the challenge. It's about what becomes possible when people choose to act.This is an honest and deeply human conversation about what many women and children experience, what meaningful support can look like, and the role every one of us can play in building communities where violence is not inevitable.In this episode, we talk about:Why "Why doesn't she just leave?" is the wrong questionWhat can happen when a woman leaves an abusive relationshipWhy children experiencing domestic and family violence need support in their own rightHow WAGEC supports women and children through crisis, healing and rebuildingWhy prevention needs to begin earlyThe importance of gender equality and healthy relationshipsWhat friends, families, workplaces and communities can doWhy Nicole believes hope means taking actionIf this episode leaves you with one thing, let it be this: hope isn't passive. Stay connected. Start conversations. Support specialist services. Use your influence, however big or small, to help create safety and change.Learn more and get involvedFollow WAGEC and learn more about their work creating safer futures for women and children:🌐 WAGEC: https://www.wagec.org.au 💜 Walk for WAGEC: walkforwagec.org.au 📸 Instagram: @womens.girls.emergency.centre 💼 LinkedIn: Women’s & Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) 📘 Facebook: @WAGECREDFERN 🎵 TikTok: @wagec_ This episode discusses domestic and family violence and may be difficult for some listeners. If this conversation raises anything for you, or you’re concerned about someone in your life, support is available.If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732. Australia’s national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service, available free 24/7. You can also access online chat and video call support. Importantly, 1800RESPECT also supports friends, family members, colleagues and others who are concerned about someone experiencing violence. NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463. A 24/7 NSW service providing information, support and referrals to services nearby. Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578. Free, confidential 24/7 counselling for people impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence.13YARN: 13 92 76. 24/7 crisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, providing a confidential, culturally safe place to talk. Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline: 1800 497 212. 24/7 support for LGBTIQ+ people whose lives have been impacted by sexual, domestic and/or family violence.Link2home: 1800 152 152. NSW’s 24/7 homelessness information and referral service, including help finding emergency accommodation. Men’s Referral Service / No to Violence: 1300 766 491. 24/7 support for men who want help to change abusive or violent behaviour. Kids Helpline: The NSW Government lists Kids Helpline as a free, confidential 24/7 online and telephone counselling service for young people aged 5–25. Topics discussed: Domestic and family violence, domestic violence, leaving an abusive relationship, women’s safety, coercive control, homelessness, women’s refuges, children and domestic violence, gender equality, healthy relationships, violence prevention, domestic violence support.No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.💛 If you enjoyed this episode:Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple PodcastsLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend or colleagueSubscribe so you never miss a story of impact📧 [email protected]📷 @NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast💼  linkedin.com/in/jadeharley🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing? We'd love to hear from you.Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.Topics explored on No Ordinary People: social impact, community leadership, nonprofit leadership, children's wellbeing, youth development, mental health, education, trauma-informed practice, early intervention, prevention, resilience, belonging, systems change and positive social change.

What does First Nations literacy really mean?In this episode of No Ordinary People, Ben Bowen, CEO of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, explores First Nations literacy, First Languages, storytelling, community-led change, language revitalisation, cultural identity, and why representation in books matters for children and Communities across Australia.For many Australians, literacy is understood as reading and writing. But literacy is also about language, identity, belonging, culture, connection and self-determination.Ben's journey to leading one of Australia's most impactful literacy organisations has been anything but conventional. From professional sport to Aboriginal mentoring, health work, community enterprise, and ultimately the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, his path has been shaped by a deep belief in the strengths, knowledge, and leadership that already exist within Communities.At the heart of the conversation is a challenge to how we think about literacy itself. Ben explains why books are more than educational tools. In First Nations Communities, they can be vehicles for cultural preservation, language revitalisation, identity, connection, and self-determination. When children see their own language, Country, and Community reflected in stories, they're not simply learning to read. They're learning that their stories matter.What sits beneath that is a powerful community-led approach. Rather than deciding what Communities need, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation works alongside them, responding to local priorities and supporting Communities to create, publish, and share their own stories. The result is a model built on listening, trust, and ownership rather than assumptions or deficit thinking.Today, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation supports Communities across Australia through culturally relevant books, First Languages publishing, digital storytelling initiatives, and programs that help young people develop skills in writing, illustration, editing, design, and publishing. Through initiatives such as Talent Pathways, young people are building creative careers while staying connected to Country, culture, and Community.At the same time, the conversation explores bigger questions about systems, partnership, and power. Ben shares what meaningful allyship looks like, why community leadership matters, and how organisations can support change without taking ownership away from the people closest to the work.In this episode:Why literacy is about far more than reading and writingHow language, culture and identity are deeply connectedWhy books in First Languages matterWhat genuine Community-led practice looks likeHow storytelling creates confidence, opportunity and connectionThis is a conversation about stories, language, identity, and what becomes possible when Communities are empowered to lead their own futures.If this resonated, subscribe, share the episode with someone who would love it, and leave a review so more people can discover these stories.This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.Indigenous Literacy Foundation Contact DetailsWebsite – https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.auFacebook – @IndigenousLiteracyFoundationInstagram – @indigenousliteracyfoundationLinkedIn – Indigenous Literacy FoundationYouTube - IndigenousLiteracySupport the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and learn more about their work at indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.auTopics discussed: First Nations literacy, Indigenous literacy, First Languages, language revitalisation, storytelling, cultural identity, Community-led change, education, leadership and social impact.Authors and creators mentioned or connected to books discussed: Jay Kristoff, Nardi Simpson, Anita Heiss, Lystra Rose, Rebecca Yarros, Karen Manbulloo, the Gay’wu Group of Women, Khodi Dill, David A. Robertson, Julie Flett and Alison Lester. Best single place to visit for the Community-published books: the Indigenous Literacy Foundation shop. The ILF sells books written and created in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.💛 If you enjoyed this episode:Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple PodcastsLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend or colleagueSubscribe so you never miss a story of impact📧 [email protected]📷 @NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast💼  linkedin.com/in/jadeharley🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing? We'd love to hear from you.Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.Topics explored on No Ordinary People: social impact, community leadership, nonprofit leadership, children's wellbeing, youth development, mental health, education, trauma-informed practice, early intervention, prevention, resilience, belonging, systems change and positive social change.

One in four young Australians report being bullied, yet many anti-bullying programs struggle to create lasting behaviour change.In this episode of No Ordinary People, Rosie Thomas OAM, co-founder and executive director of Project Rockit, explores bullying, cyberbullying, youth wellbeing, digital citizenship, youth engagement, school culture, and what it takes to create safer environments for young people.Rather than treating bullying as an isolated incident, Rosie explains why it is often a culture shaped by power, repetition, exclusion, and the behaviour of those who witness it. From everyday "banter" and gaslighting to online hate and prejudice, this conversation challenges traditional approaches and explores why young people themselves are often the key to creating change.Built on the belief that young people are not the problem to fix but part of the solution, Project Rockit has spent years working alongside students to challenge bullying, hate and prejudice through youth-driven programs, storytelling, social experiments, and practical tools that help young people move from bystanders to upstanders.Rosie also shares the realities of scaling impact, the importance of authentic youth voice, and how schools, organisations and communities can create meaningful change without falling into tokenistic engagement.In this episode:Why traditional anti-bullying programs often failThe difference between bullying and conflictHow power, repetition and audience behaviour shape bullying culturesThe impact of cyberbullying, gaslighting and everyday "banter"Why youth-led solutions create stronger behaviour changeHow to help young people become upstandersWhat authentic youth engagement looks like in practiceThe challenges of scaling impact while staying true to your missionThis is a conversation about bullying prevention, youth leadership, belonging, respect, digital wellbeing, and creating cultures where young people feel seen, heard and safe.If this resonated, subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can be part of the shift.Project Rockit Contact DetailsProject Rockit Website – projectrockit.com.auProject Rockit Foundation Website – projectrockitfoundation.org.auEmail – [email protected] – @projectrockitInstagram – @projectrockitLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/project-rockitTikTok - @projectrockitThis episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.Topics discussed: bullying, cyberbullying, youth wellbeing, youth leadership, school culture, student engagement, online safety, digital citizenship, behaviour change, youth voice, belonging, inclusion and social impact.No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.💛 If you enjoyed this episode:Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple PodcastsLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend or colleagueSubscribe so you never miss a story of impact📧 [email protected]📷 @NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast💼  linkedin.com/in/jadeharley🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing? We'd love to hear from you.Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.Topics explored on No Ordinary People: social impact, community leadership, nonprofit leadership, children's wellbeing, youth development, mental health, education, trauma-informed practice, early intervention, prevention, resilience, belonging, systems change and positive social change.

What happens to a child when a parent's substance use, addiction or overdose turns their world upside down?In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jane Rowe, founder and CEO of the Mirabel Foundation, explores childhood trauma, parental substance use, kinship care, grief, child wellbeing, mental health, and the hidden impact of addiction on children and families.When a child loses a parent due to illicit drug use, the silence can be as heavy as the loss itself. Stigma often leaves children carrying grief, confusion, and shame without the support they need to make sense of what has happened.Drawing on decades of experience in addiction counselling and child-focused support, Jane shares the moment she recognised a critical gap in Australia's response to addiction: while services focused on adults, children were often left unseen.What followed was the creation of the Mirabel Foundation, an organisation providing long-term, trauma-informed support for children who have been orphaned or abandoned due to parental substance use. Through counselling, mentoring, peer connection, and family support, Mirabel helps children and young people rebuild safety, belonging and hope.The conversation also shines a light on kinship care, where grandparents, relatives and extended family members step in to raise children, often with little financial, emotional or practical support. Jane explains why these carers play such a vital role and why they deserve greater recognition and investment.You'll also hear how programs like Big Days Out help children experience connection, joy and belonging, free from secrecy, stigma and judgement.In this episode:The impact of parental substance use on childrenChildhood grief, trauma and lossWhy children affected by addiction often go unseenThe critical role of kinship carers and grandparentsHow trauma-informed support changes outcomesThe importance of belonging, connection and stabilityHow stigma affects children and familiesPractical ways communities can support children impacted by addictionThis is a conversation about addiction, child wellbeing, trauma, family, resilience, kinship care, and the extraordinary people helping children find hope after loss.Topics discussed: parental substance use, addiction, childhood trauma, childhood grief, kinship care, grandparents raising grandchildren, child wellbeing, child mental health, family support, trauma-informed care, resilience, belonging and social impact.If this conversation resonated, follow the show, share it with someone working in child wellbeing, mental health, education or family services, and leave a review to help more people discover these stories.This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.Mirabel Foundation Contact DetailsMirabel Website – mirabel.org.auFacebook – @MirabelFoundationInstagram – @mirabelfoundationLinkedIn – Mirabel FoundationYouTube - @TheMirabelFoundationRead Jane Rowe's book - The Damage UndoneNo Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.💛 If you enjoyed this episode:Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple PodcastsLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend or colleagueSubscribe so you never miss a story of impact📧 [email protected]📷 @NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast💼  linkedin.com/in/jadeharley🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing? We'd love to hear from you.Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.Topics explored on No Ordinary People: social impact, community leadership, nonprofit leadership, children's wellbeing, youth development, mental health, education, trauma-informed practice, early intervention, prevention, resilience, belonging, systems change and positive social change.

Australia is one of the few developed countries where children can be arrested, charged, and imprisoned from the age of 10. What happens when we stop asking, "What did this child do?" and start asking, "What happened to this child?"In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade Harley sits down with Emily Mayo from the Justice and Equity Centre and the Raise the Age NSW campaign to explore one of Australia's most contested social issues: youth justice.Emily explains what it means to raise the age of criminal responsibility, why Australia remains out of step with international standards, and what the evidence tells us about crime prevention, community safety, and child development.Together, they unpack the realities facing many children who come into contact with the justice system, including trauma, disability, homelessness, poverty, and unmet health needs. The conversation explores why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are dramatically overrepresented in detention, the impact of early criminalisation, and why many children in detention have not been found guilty of a crime.They also examine the economic and social cost of youth detention, which can exceed $1 million per child each year, and the evidence showing that early intervention, diversion programs, family support, and community-led solutions deliver better outcomes for young people and safer communities.In this episode:• What raising the age of criminal responsibility actually means • Why children as young as 10 can be imprisoned in Australia • The connection between trauma, disadvantage, and youth offending • Why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are disproportionately affected • The reality of children held on remand • The long-term impact of early contact with the justice system • Why youth detention is costly and often ineffective • Evidence-based alternatives that improve outcomes and community safety • How politics, media narratives, and public perceptions shape youth justice reformThis is a powerful conversation about child development, criminal justice, prevention, and what it takes to create safer communities for everyone.If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in youth justice, social impact, criminal justice reform, child wellbeing, or community safety.This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.Raise the Age NSW Contact DetailsRTA NSW Website – raisetheagensw.org.auWatch the 'Ten Is Too Young' campaign video Watch the 'Better Way for Kids and Communities' videoJustice and Equity Centre website – jec.org.auEmail – [email protected] – @RaiseTheAgeNSWInstagram – @raisetheagenswJoin the movementTopics discussed: Youth justice, Raise the Age, age of criminal responsibility, youth detention, child criminalisation, community safety, trauma, early intervention, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, criminal justice reform, prevention and evidence-based policy.No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.💛 If you enjoyed this episode:Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple PodcastsLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend or colleagueSubscribe so you never miss a story of impact📧 [email protected]📷 @NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast💼  linkedin.com/in/jadeharley🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing? We'd love to hear from you.Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.Topics explored on No Ordinary People: social impact, community leadership, nonprofit leadership, children's wellbeing, youth development, mental health, education, trauma-informed practice, early intervention, prevention, resilience, belonging, systems change and positive social change.

What can one dependable adult change in the life of a child in foster care?When a child asked a volunteer, “How much do you get paid to do this?”, it revealed something children in out-of-home care often recognise all too well: many of the adults in their lives are there in a professional capacity. The volunteer’s answer was simple. Nothing. They kept coming back because they genuinely wanted to be there.In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade Harley speaks with Bronwyn Sheehan OAM, founder and CEO of The Pyjama Foundation, about foster care, early literacy and the power of one trusted adult who consistently shows up.Bronwyn Sheehan OAM shares how her early awareness of inequality, followed by her work as a nurse and midwife, shaped her commitment to children. She also recounts meeting a frightened and disoriented 18-month-old boy who had recently entered foster care. That moment led her to ask a practical question: what was one meaningful thing she could do right now?Her answer was to read.That simple idea grew into The Pyjama Foundation and its Love of Learning Program. Screened and trained volunteer mentors, known as Pyjama Angels, are matched with children in out-of-home care. Through weekly reading, educational activities and time spent together, they help children build confidence, develop life skills and discover a love of learning. But the program is about more than books. It is also about trust, choice and consistency. Children guide the sessions, choosing what they want to read, play or create. Week after week, the presence of a dependable adult sends a powerful message: you matter, you are valued, and someone has chosen to be in your corner. In this episode:The encounter with an 18-month-old boy that inspired The Pyjama FoundationWhy early literacy matters for children in foster and kinship careHow trauma can affect learning, engagement and developmentWhat children really mean when they ask a volunteer, “How much do you get paid?”Why choice and consistency help children build trustWhat makes a great Pyjama Angel mentorThe relationship between reading, connection and confidenceWhat National Pyjama Day makes possibleHow individuals and communities can better support children and families in the care systemThis is a conversation about foster care, mentoring, belonging and the quiet power of showing up. It is a reminder that meaningful change does not always begin with a grand solution. Sometimes it starts with one person, one hour and a decision to return next week.If this conversation moves you, follow No Ordinary People, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review. You can also learn more about becoming a Pyjama Angel or supporting National Pyjama Day.This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.Pyjama Foundation Contact DetailsWebsite - www.thepyjamafoundation.comNational Pyjama Day - https://fundraise.thepyjamafoundation.com/event/npdEmail - [email protected] Facebook - @facebook.com/pyjamafoundationInstagram - @https://www.instagram.com/thepyjamafoundation/Topics discussed: Foster care, out-of-home care, children in care, early literacy, youth mentoring, volunteer mentoring, child development, educational disadvantage, trauma-informed support, belonging, trusted adults, positive relationships and child wellbeing.No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.💛 If you enjoyed this episode:Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple PodcastsLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend or colleagueSubscribe so you never miss a story of impact📧 [email protected]📷 @NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast💼  linkedin.com/in/jadeharley🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing? We'd love to hear from you.Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.Topics explored on No Ordinary People: social impact, community leadership, nonprofit leadership, children's wellbeing, youth development, mental health, education, trauma-informed practice, early intervention, prevention, resilience, belonging, systems change and positive social change.

What difference can one caring adult make in the life of a young person facing adversity?In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Dominic Brook, co-founder of MMAD (Musicians Making A Difference), to explore how belonging, mentorship, music, and one person's belief can change the trajectory of a life. MMAD is an Australian charity that uses music and mentoring to help young people make positive choices and find their place in the world. Dom grew up with a single mum doing her best through complex circumstances. While love was always present, stability wasn't always guaranteed. Like many young people navigating adversity, he was searching for connection, purpose, and someone who believed in him.That person arrived in the form of a neighbour.What seemed like a small act at the time became a turning point. Years later, it would inspire the creation of MMAD, built on a simple but powerful idea: one additional trusted adult can help change a young person's future.Today, MMAD works alongside young people experiencing significant disadvantage, including those involved in child protection and youth justice systems. Through music, mentoring and genuine relationships, the organisation creates opportunities for young people to build confidence, strengthen identity, develop purpose and imagine a future beyond their circumstances. From the early days of community hip-hop camps to Futures, a youth-led radio initiative operating inside youth justice centres, Dom's work demonstrates what becomes possible when we prioritise connection, creativity and belonging. Futures uses music, storytelling, mentorship and youth voice to support rehabilitation and hope for young people in detention. Together, Jade and Dom unpack:Dom's childhood, instability and search for belongingThe neighbour who changed his life with a guitar and genuine beliefThe founding story of MMADWhy music creates connection when other approaches often can'tSupporting young people navigating child protection and youth justice systemsBuilding trust, identity and self-belief through mentoringHow young people can rewrite the stories they've been told about themselvesFutures and amplifying youth voices inside justice settingsWhy prevention and early intervention create stronger outcomesWhat communities can do to support young people before they reach crisisThis is a conversation about youth mentoring, belonging, resilience, and the extraordinary impact of ordinary people who decide to show up. It asks us to move beyond "What's wrong with you?" and instead ask "What happened, and what support do you need to thrive?"If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in youth justice, youth development, mentoring, social impact, or community-led change.Learn More About MMAD🌐 Website: https://mmad.org.au 📱 Instagram: @mmadaustralia📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmadaustralia/ 🎵 Futures Radio: https://www.mmad.org.au/futures🔗 Linktree (Programs, mentoring, donations and resources): https://linktr.ee/mmadaustralia 📩 Contact MMAD through their website or Instagram DMs.This episode was recorded at ARN Studios.Topics discussed: Youth mentoring, music mentoring, youth development, child protection, youth justice, belonging, resilience, trauma-informed practice, purpose, identity, early intervention, crime prevention, Futures Radio and positive youth development.No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.💛 If you enjoyed this episode:Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple PodcastsLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend or colleagueSubscribe so you never miss a story of impact📧 [email protected]📷 @NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast💼  linkedin.com/in/jadeharley🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing? We'd love to hear from you.Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.Topics explored on No Ordinary People: social impact, community leadership, nonprofit leadership, children's wellbeing, youth development, mental health, education, trauma-informed practice, early intervention, prevention, resilience, belonging, systems change and positive social change.

What happens when a child disappears from school, not because they don't want to learn, but because the system can no longer accommodate their reality?In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Megan Gilmour, 2025 ACT Australian of the Year, co-founder and CEO of MissingSchool, to explore one of Australia's most overlooked challenges: school isolation.When Megan's son Darcy survived a life-threatening illness, she discovered a second crisis unfolding alongside the medical one. As treatment forced him away from school, he lost access to much more than education. He lost daily connection, friendship, routine, identity and belonging.What began as a personal family experience became a national mission.Today, MissingSchool is leading efforts to ensure children facing serious illness, disability, neurodiversity, mental health challenges and other barriers to attendance can remain connected to learning, teachers and classmates. Megan's work has helped elevate school isolation as a national issue, influenced policy conversations and pioneered innovative solutions that keep children connected to their school communities.Together, Jade and Megan explore why school isolation is affecting more children than many people realise, why traditional attendance measures often fail to tell the full story, and what a truly inclusive education system could look like.They discuss the growing number of students missing school, the impact of exclusion on wellbeing and educational outcomes, and why belonging is not a "nice to have" but a critical foundation for learning, development and long-term success.In this episode:What school isolation is and why it mattersWhy children with illness, disability, neurodiversity and mental health challenges are being left behindThe hidden costs of disconnection from school and communityHow Darcy's experience inspired the creation of MissingSchoolWhat schools learned during COVID and why many systems have since regressedThe disproportionate impact on parents and caregivers, particularly mothersWhy outdated attendance models no longer fit a changing worldThe future of flexible and inclusive educationTechnology, innovation and new approaches to connectionWhy belonging drives learning, wellbeing and opportunityWhat policymakers, educators, employers and communities can do differentlyThis is a powerful conversation about educational equity, school attendance, disability inclusion, chronic illness, mental health, belonging and the future of education in Australia.If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review and share it with a parent, teacher, school leader, policymaker or anyone who believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn, belong and thrive.Learn More About MissingSchool🌐 Website - missingschool.org.au/📧 Email - [email protected]📘 Facebook - MissingSchoolInc/📱 Instagram - @missingschool_org/💼 LinkedIn – company/missing-school-incorporated🎥 YouTube – @missingschoolThis episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.Topics discussed: School isolation, school attendance, inclusive education, educational equity, disability inclusion, neurodiversity, student wellbeing, chronic illness, mental health, school belonging, flexible learning, education reform and the future of education.No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.💛 If you enjoyed this episode:Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple PodcastsLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend or colleagueSubscribe so you never miss a story of impact📧 [email protected]📷 @NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast💼  linkedin.com/in/jadeharley🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing? We'd love to hear from you.Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.Topics explored on No Ordinary People: social impact, community leadership, nonprofit leadership, children's wellbeing, youth development, mental health, education, trauma-informed practice, early intervention, prevention, resilience, belonging, systems change and positive social change.

What if the most powerful force for change isn't talent, status or success, but kindness?In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Kath Koschel, founder of The Kindness Factory, to explore how adversity can become purpose, and how small acts of kindness can create extraordinary change.Kath's story is one of remarkable resilience.After breaking her back twice, navigating significant personal loss and facing challenges that could have easily defined her life, she made a decision that would change not only her future, but the lives of millions of others. Instead of allowing hardship to close her world, she chose to expand it through kindness.That decision led to the creation of The Kindness Factory, a global movement built on a simple belief: kindness has the power to transform individuals, communities and cultures. Since its inception, millions of acts of kindness have been recorded through the movement, demonstrating that meaningful change often begins with the smallest actions.Together, Jade and Kath unpack the experiences that shaped her perspective on life, resilience and human connection. They explore how kindness influences mental health and wellbeing, why empathy and compassion matter more than ever, and how intentional acts of kindness can strengthen relationships, workplaces, schools and communities.The conversation also explores the development of the Kindness Curriculum, which is helping young people build empathy, emotional intelligence and a deeper sense of connection to others. Through education, Kath hopes to create a future where kindness is not seen as an extra, but as an essential life skill.In this episode:• Kath's journey through adversity, loss and recovery • What resilience really looks like in practice • Breaking her back twice and rebuilding her life • The origins of The Kindness Factory • Why kindness is more powerful than many people realise • The connection between kindness, wellbeing and mental health • How small actions create ripple effects in communities • Building empathy and compassion through education • The impact of the Kindness Curriculum in schools • Why connection and belonging matter for all of us • What we can do today to create positive changeThis is a conversation about resilience, kindness, gratitude, purpose and the extraordinary impact ordinary people can have when they choose compassion over indifference.If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who could use a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life.Learn More About The Kindness Factory🌐 Kindness Factory Website – https://kindnessfactory.com/🌐 Kath Koschel Website – https://kathkoschel.com/📧 Contact – https://kindnessfactory.com/contact-us/💼 LinkedIn (Kath Koschel) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathkoschel/💼 LinkedIn (The Kindness Factory) – the-kindness-factory/📘 Facebook – Kindnessfactory/📷 Instagram – kindnessfactory/🎥 YouTube – @kindnessfactory🎵 TikTok – @kindnessfactoryThis episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.Topics discussed: Kindness, resilience, mental health, wellbeing, personal growth, gratitude, empathy, compassion, positive psychology, leadership, community wellbeing, kindness in schools, purpose, hope and social impact.No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.💛 If you enjoyed this episode:Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple PodcastsLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend or colleagueSubscribe so you never miss a story of impact📧 [email protected]📷 @NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast💼  linkedin.com/in/jadeharley🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing? We'd love to hear from you.Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.Topics explored on No Ordinary People: social impact, community leadership, nonprofit leadership, children's wellbeing, youth development, mental health, education, trauma-informed practice, early intervention, prevention, resilience, belonging, systems change and positive social change.

What happens when a child's pain is too big for words?In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Margo Ward, founder and CEO of KidsXpress, to explore how trauma-informed expressive therapy is helping children recover, reconnect, and thrive when traditional approaches aren't enough. KidsXpress delivers creative therapies including art, music, drama, play, and movement to support children affected by trauma, adversity and mental health challenges.Margo's journey began with a child whose final wish challenged her understanding of what children truly need to heal. That experience helped shape what would become one of Australia's leading trauma-informed children's mental health organisations. Over the past two decades, KidsXpress has developed an evidence-based model that helps children express emotions, build resilience and recover through creative therapies when words alone aren't enough.Together, Jade and Margo explore the reality facing children impacted by trauma and adversity, the growing evidence behind Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and why early intervention is one of the most important investments we can make in children's mental health. They discuss how expressive therapies help children regulate emotions, develop healthy relationships and reconnect with learning, family and community.The conversation also examines what schools, parents and communities can do differently. From partnering educators with mental health professionals to creating trauma-informed learning environments, Margo shares practical insights for anyone who wants to better support children experiencing distress.In this episode:• The story that inspired the creation of KidsXpress • What trauma looks like in children and how it often goes unnoticed • Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-term impact • Why half of all mental health challenges begin before age 14 • How art, music, drama, play and movement support emotional healing • The science behind expressive therapy and emotional regulation • Supporting children in schools, families and communities • The powerful Snowy Valleys case study and community-wide impact • Practical guidance for parents and carers navigating behavioural changes • Why prevention and early intervention matter more than crisis response • Creating trauma-informed schools and systems that help children thriveThis is a conversation about children's mental health, trauma-informed care, expressive therapy and the life-changing impact of trusted adults who keep showing up.If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review and share it with a parent, teacher, school leader, health professional or community member who cares about children's wellbeing.Learn More About KidsXpress🌐 Website – https://kidsxpress.org.au/📧 Email – [email protected]💼 LinkedIn (KidsXpress) – company/kidsxpress 📘 Facebook – @KidsXpressAustralia📷 Instagram – @kidsxpressmentalhealth🎥 YouTube – @KidsXpress 💛 Donate & Support – https://kidsxpress.org.au/This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.Topics discussed: Children's mental health, trauma-informed care, expressive therapy, play therapy, art therapy, music therapy, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), childhood trauma, emotional regulation, early intervention, prevention, school wellbeing, parenting and children's wellbeing.No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd. The podcast shines a light on the founders, leaders, and changemakers creating better futures for children and communities across Australia. Through honest conversations and hopeful storytelling, we explore practical solutions to some of our biggest social challenges.💛 If you enjoyed this episode:Follow No Ordinary People on Spotify or Apple PodcastsLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend or colleagueSubscribe so you never miss a story of impact📧 [email protected]📷 @NoOrdinaryPeople_Podcast💼  linkedin.com/in/jadeharley🎙️ Know a founder with a story worth sharing? We'd love to hear from you.Brand identity and cover design created by the legends at Cocogun.Topics explored on No Ordinary People: social impact, community leadership, nonprofit leadership, children's wellbeing, youth development, mental health, education, trauma-informed practice, early intervention, prevention, resilience, belonging, systems change and positive social change.