NEW EPISODES!
We interview extraordinary people and find out how they overcame everything life threw at them, from mental health struggles, terminal cancer, and blindness, to freak accidents resulting in severe life-changing injuries - you're not alone, and you can get through it. Our goal is to build hope in the next generation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NEW EPISODES!
We interview extraordinary people and find out how they overcame everything life threw at them, from mental health struggles, terminal cancer, and blindness, to freak accidents resulting in severe life-changing injuries - you're not alone, and you can get through it. Our goal is to build hope in the next generation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this inspiring backstage conversation from Stand Tall Sydney 2025, Molly Croft sits down with Daniel Flynn, co-founder of Thank You, the movement that started with bottled water and has grown into a force for global change.
Daniel shares the highs and lows of his journey, from the first “pinch me” moment of seeing a stranger buy his product to the ongoing battles against doubt, setbacks, and the invisible barriers we all face. He opens up about protecting his own wellbeing, learning the power of saying “no,” and why the stories we tell ourselves on the inside are often the biggest obstacles to stepping out and making a difference.
Molly brings her warmth and curiosity to the chat, guiding Daniel through fun quick-fire questions, personal reflections, and big lessons that we all can take into our own lives.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The first breakthrough moment in the Thank You journey
- How Daniel manages his energy and wellbeing while leading a movement
- The “inside story” that holds people back from making change
- His favourite quotes and mantras that fuel resilience and bold action
- Why living a life of service - often unseen - is the truest measure of success
This is a conversation about courage, purpose, and rewriting the narrative of what’s possible.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE! Visit our website for upcoming events and more info - www.standtallevent.com
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In this powerful episode, we sit down with returning speaker and long-time friend of Stand Tall, Michael Crossland, backstage at our 2025 Canberra event.
Michael’s story is one of resilience, perspective, and unshakable gratitude in the face of life’s greatest challenges. He shares how choosing positivity over despair has shaped his journey, why gratitude routines anchor his daily life, and how surrounding yourself with the right community can transform your future.
You’ll hear Michael reflect on:
- Why living in the present is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.
- How hardship can become a teacher and a stepping stone to a richer life.
- The importance of perspective and finding meaning even in moments of darkness.
- How gratitude practices and strong routines keep him grounded.
- The role of family, community, and faith in building strength for the journey.
Michael reminds us that true success isn’t measured by achievements, but by being present, kind, and committed to serving others. His words are both humbling and deeply inspiring for anyone navigating difficult seasons.
If you’ve ever wondered how to find hope when life feels overwhelming, this conversation will encourage you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the power of gratitude.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE & Visit our Website!
Subscribe to YouTube, Follow on Spotify or Apple.
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@StandTallAustralia
INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/standtallaustralia/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/standtallaustralia
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@standtallaustralia
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses mental health struggles. Please listen with care, and reach out for support if you need it.
In this powerful backstage conversation from Stand Tall Canberra 2025, Joany Badenhorst sits down with Matt Caruana, a young man whose story of resilience will stay with you long after you listen.
At just 12 years old, Matt began to struggle with feelings of worthlessness. At 16, he survived falling 7 stories, waking up in hospital, he was faced with life-altering injuries — and an even bigger choice: would his story end there, or was this the beginning of something new?
A chance encounter on a train changed everything. When a stranger asked him a simple but confronting question, “What are you going to do about it now?”. Matt’s perspective shifted forever. That single moment became the spark for his journey of hope, action, and advocacy.
In this episode, Matt opens up about:
This is a raw and honest story about courage, community, and discovering light in the darkest of places. Matt reminds us all that the future is built one decision at a time — and that no matter where you are, you always have a choice to take the next step.
Be encouraged. Be inspired. And above all, don’t lose hope.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE!
Subscribe to YouTube, Follow on Spotify or Apple.
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@StandTallAustralia
INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/standtallaustralia/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/standtallaustralia
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@standtallaustralia
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this inspiring backstage conversation at Stand Tall Canberra 2025, Molly Croft sits down with the extraordinary Duku Forè - a refugee-turned-international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.
Arriving in Australia at just 10 years old with no English and a speech impediment, Duku’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of saying “yes.” From filming motivational videos in his bathroom with his little brother to speaking on global stages - including the United Nations - his journey shows what’s possible when you refuse to give up.
In this episode, Duku shares:
- How bullying and setbacks shaped his drive to grow.
- The creative way he overcame his speech challenges.
- Why his siblings’ belief in him kept him moving forward.
- The importance of starting small—even if it’s just chasing a $9 sandwich.
His personal mantra: “You don’t have to be great to get started, you have to get started to be great.”
This conversation is full of laughter, wisdom, and hope. Whether you’re a young person chasing your dreams or someone needing a reminder that persistence pays off, Duku’s story will leave you inspired to Stand Tall in your own life.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE!
Subscribe to YouTube, Follow on Spotify or Apple.
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@StandTallAustralia
INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/standtallaustralia/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/standtallaustralia
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@standtallaustralia
STAY UP TO DATE ABOUT STAND TALL EVENTS https://www.standtallevent.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode touches on themes of loss, grief, and forgiveness after tragedy. Please listen with care.
In this Episode, Joany Badenhorst sits down with Leila Abdallah, whose life changed forever on February 1st, 2020, when a tragic accident claimed the lives of three of her children and their cousin. In the face of unimaginable grief, Leila and her husband Danny chose forgiveness - a decision that has transformed their lives, their family, and their future.
Leila shares her journey of choosing to forgive, and the practical steps that anyone can take to release anger, heal, and find peace. Together, they explore:
Leila's story is a powerful reminder that while we can’t control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond - and that forgiveness can transform lives.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE!
Subscribe to YouTube, Follow on Spotify or Apple.
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@StandTallAustralia
INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/standtallaustralia/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/standtallaustralia
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@standtallaustralia
STAY UP TO DATE ABOUT STAND TALL EVENTS https://www.standtallevent.com/
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In this honest and inspiring backstage chat, Joany sits down with the incredibly talented Tim Omaji (aka Timomatic) at the 2025 Stand Tall Canberra event.
Tim shares what it was like growing up in a Nigerian-Aussie family, how he found his voice through dance and music, and the real challenges he’s faced along the way. He gets vulnerable about confidence, rejection, faith, and staying true to who you are—even when the world says you’re not enough.
This convo is full of heart, hustle, and hope—and it’s a reminder that you’re not alone, and your dreams are worth fighting for.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE!
Subscribe to YouTube, Follow on Spotify or Apple.
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@StandTallAustralia
INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/standtallaustralia/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/standtallaustralia
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@standtallaustralia
STAY UP TO DATE ABOUT STAND TALL EVENTS https://www.standtallevent.com/
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This is the second part in a 2 part episode with filmmaker Georgia Cramp, sharing her transformative journey of overcoming cyberbullying and how it inspired her to create award winning films.
Our host, Amie Morris, chats with Georgia, about the ability to turn negative experiences into positive creative expressions and how she entered the amazing Film Festival, REELise, and won! By just giving it a shot and expressing her emotions got her 2 awards and her movie played on the big screen during the award ceremony.
If you, or anyone you know, has suffered from cyber bullying and you want to reach out for advice click the link below:
*E-Safey Commissioner* Cyber Bullying
And if you fancy giving movie making a shot, any young person 12-24 can enter REELise Film Festival 2025 now:
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Film
02:50 Realize Film Festival: A Platform for Young Filmmakers
05:57 Networking and Community in Filmmaking
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This is a true, raw, real life story of Cyber Bullying and its effets on a person. Hosted by Amie Morris and our guest Georgia Cramp, who shares her heartbreaking Cyber Bullying experience and life changing advice on overcoming.
Cyberbullying is when someone uses the internet to be mean to a child or young person so they feel bad or upset. It can happen on a social media site, game, app, or any other online or electronic service or platform. It can include: posts, comments, texts, messages, chats, livestreams, memes, images, videos and emails.
These are some examples of ways the internet can be used to make someone feel bad or upset:
*E-Safet Commissioner* https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/cyberbullying
In this episode of Stand Tall, host Amie Morris speaks with Georgia. Cramp, a multifaceted creative in the film and photography industry, about her journey through cyber bullying and how it shaped her career. Georgia shares her experiences of isolation during high school, the impact of social media on mental health, and how she found solace in creativity and storytelling. The conversation highlights the importance of community, support, and reclaiming one's power in the face of adversity, culminating in Georgia's involvement with the REELise Film Festival, which empowers young filmmakers to share their stories.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Georgia's Journey
02:10 The Impact of Cyber Bullying
10:23 Navigating Isolation and Seeking Help
15:07 Finding Escape in Creativity
22:51 Turning Pain into Purpose
30:28 The Power of Film and Community
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Takeaways
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mindfulness Matters !
Feeling stressed with life? Maybe you are studying for exams or having issues with friends? Or maybe you are just feeling overwhelmed? Well we have a tool kit that can help!!!
In this episode of Stand Tall, host Amie Morris welcomes Chibs Okereke, (A voice on the CALM app) who shares his journey from corporate life to mindfulness and meditation. Chibs discusses the importance of mindfulness in managing stress, especially for teenagers facing academic pressures. He explains mindfulness in super simple terms, so we can all put it to use. He also gives us a guided mindfulness meditation, showcasing how easy it is to incorporate mindfulness into daily life. Chibs highlights the benefits of mindfulness in enhancing focus, reducing anxiety, and creating more time for enjoyable activities, rather than just being productive. Life is for living!
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"Mindfulness helps us stay focused on what you can do right now."
"It's about creating more time for yourself."
"Mindfulness helps us to close down some of those apps."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness and Its Importance
07:47 Understanding Mindfulness: Practical Techniques
14:56 Mindfulness in Action: Real-Life Applications
Keywords
#mindfulness #meditation #stress relief #mental health #focus #anxiety #teenagers #productivity #relaxation #well-being
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Have you ever suffered with anxiety? Have you ever experienced those physical feelings you can't control in your chest? Sweaty palms? Heavy breathing? You are not alone!
For some people even leaving the house can bring it on. But IT IS OK!
In this episode, host Tyler Antcliff and psychologist Eleni delve into the complexities of anxiety, particularly among teens.
There is strength in speaking out, it is NOT a weakness! They explore the VERY REAL physiological and psychological aspects of anxiety, its triggers in modern life, and the importance of self-discovery and vulnerability in managing mental health.
Eleni shares with us the significance of having a 'toolbox' of strategies to cope with anxiety and encourages listeners to seek help and support when needed.
If you are struggling and need some extra support there are services in Australia you can reach out to including:
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After being pinned to the ground a week before the HSC, abused online and verbally - he flipped his life on its head once he left school. Bullied for the majority of high school, 18-year-old Mahir Munot's story isn't uncommon. But guys don't talk about it! But what he made out of it the next year is uncommon.
All the caged up energy, ambition he wanted to achieve something just exploded - and just this year he has spoken at TEDxSydney Youth 2024, assistant produced with Channel 7 for Stand Tall 2024, speaks at high schools across Sydney about careers, is a student director at UTS representing the voice of 44 000 and is proud to call himself the founder of Interview HQ, his first ever business helping Years 10-12 with their job and scholarship applications, interviews and to become better written and spoken communicators!
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Ever got "The Ick" and didn't know why??
In this third and final part of our Relationships series, Anna and Nathan discuss the complexities of high school relationships, focusing on the various stages of dating, the all important 'ick'.
What if that happens? Why does it happen? And what do you do if it does?
Takeaways
High school relationships are filled with grey areas
The talking phase is crucial for building connections.
The 'ick' is a common experience that can signal self-sabotage.
Self-reflection is key to understanding relationship dynamics.
It's normal to feel confused about emotions in relationships.
Enjoy the process of getting to know someone.
Communication is essential in navigating feelings.
Don't let the fear of commitment hold you back.
Take relationships day by day, without pressure.
Everyone is learning about relationships together.
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In this episode Anna and Nath address the elephant in the room, the heart break of break ups and feelings of rejection!
Ever been ghosted ? Did it make you wonder, what on earth happened? One minute you are messaging and getting along great, the next thing you don't hear back.... EVER AGAIN!!
In this conversation, Anna and Nathan discuss the complexities of relationships. They share personal stories, emphasising how normal it is to experience these feelings and the importance of communication. The discussion also touches on the impact of ghosting and the necessity of self-respect in dating.
Takeaways
It's incredibly normal to feel hard emotions during breakups.
Everyone has different experiences with relationships and rejection.
Communication is key in all aspects of life, especially in relationships.
Ghosting can leave people confused and hurt.
Self-respect is crucial when rejecting someone.
Rejection can be a form of self-development and learning.
It's okay to feel sad after a breakup; allow yourself that time.
Every failed relationship brings you closer to the right one.
Listening to podcasts can help during tough emotional times.
You are not alone in your experiences with love and loss.
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In this episode Anna and Nath address the elephant in the room, those big feelings and those crushes you can't ignore!
Ever experienced a feeling where you like someone so much you feel your heart beats out of your chest? And you realise that actually you might have a crush on someone? It is completely normal and ok. Every single human goes through these feelings and they can feel big and overwhelming at times but they ARE REAL! So let's discuss what it feels like and see how other people dealt with those emotions. This first part of a 3 part series we talk about the feelings the crushes, the rejections and love. Stay tuned for Part 2 and 3.
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In this episode we hear from Jack Berne at the Stand Tall Sydney event 2024.
15-year-old Jack Berne was only 10 years old when he started an initiative called 'Fiver For a Farmer' to support drought affected farmers. Jack has changed the lives of thousands having since raised over $2 million. He is an inspiration to young people, proving that you are never too young to make a difference. He has shown young Australians that great things can happen when we come together to support one another. Jack and his family continue to start fresh initiatives including school dress up days, presentations and advice on additional ways to support farmers including water conservation.
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In this episode we hear from Grace Rowe speaking at the Stand Tall 2024 event.
Grace grew up racing motocross and enduro as one of the only junior females fully sponsored in Australia.
In recent years she has trained in freestyle motocross where she became one of just a few girls in the country to clear a 75ft gap. In March 2023 she had an accident in training that left her with a broken pelvis in 5 places. She was airlifted to hospital where she had 2 surgeries and suffered an extremely painful recovery period for 31 days. After intensive physio and hydrotherapy, she is recovering and living life with a new found appreciation. She shares her remarkable story of overcoming adversity.
Takeaways
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In this episode we hear from Derek Rabelo at the Stand Tall 2024 event in Sydney.
Derek is a blind, big-wave surfer and author who was the first blind person to ride life-threatening monster waves at Pipeline in Hawaii. Derek has overcome significant adversity in life, defying the odds and re-defining what it means to believe in yourself and to never stop chasing your dreams. Derek recently surfed some of the biggest and most dangerous waves in the world in Nazare, Portugal.
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PART 2 - What do I do after high school?
A question many people struggle with. All the changes and all the choices.
In this episode, Nathan and Anna interview Tamara Swissa, a high school student from Sydney, about the pressures and challenges she faces. The increased workload in year 11, the importance of finding the right group of friends, and the social pressures of social media.
Tamara shares her experiences and strategies for managing these pressures and staying motivated. Anna and Nath also offer advice on balancing schoolwork and social life, and remind listeners that there are many paths to success.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PART 1 - What do I do after high school?
A question many people struggle with. All the changes and all the choices.
In this episode, Nathan and Anna interview Tamara Swissa, a high school student from Sydney, about the pressures and challenges she faces. The increased workload in year 11, the importance of finding the right group of friends, and the social pressures of social media.
Tamara shares her experiences and strategies for managing these pressures and staying motivated. Anna and Nath also offer advice on balancing schoolwork and social life, and remind listeners that there are many paths to success.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.