Stories of Wonder

Jayden Battey: what is a career in community advocacy and development like?

Deakin University — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +1000

Jayden Battey’s career has spanned across community development, advocacy, live-in community housing management, and recently documentary filmmaking.

Content warning: this episode contains discussion of homelessness and grief. For support in Australia visit: deakin.edu.au/24hoursupport or for support in another country visit spotify.com/resources

Chantella Perera: from WNBL to AFLW to sports marketing and advocacy

Deakin University — Tue, 26 May 2026 12:00:00 +1000

Hear Chantella’s journey, from her WNBL days and subsequent successful AFLW career to her advocacy work in women’s sports and leadership in sport marketing.

Content warning: this episode contains discussion of racism, sexism, discrimination, and grief. For support in Australia visit: deakin.edu.au/24hoursupport or for support in another country visit spotify.com/resources

Shaun Wilson talks business education and co-founding Bondi Sands

Deakin University — Tue, 12 May 2026 12:06:54 +1000

Shaun Wilson knows business. The Bondi Sands co-founder and Deakin Master of Business alum sat down with us to talk about his education and business journey.

Vice-Chancellor Iain Martin on Social licence and the future of universities

Deakin University — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +1100

In this episode, we catch up with Deakin’s Vice-Chancellor, Iain Martin to explore the evolving role of universities. From his beginnings as a medical student in 1980s UK to leading one of Australia's major universities, he explores the delicate balance between education and research, the concept of social licence, and why "ceaseless curiosity" matters more than ever.

Read Iain’s white paper on social licence here.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.

(00:00) - Introduction
(00:26) - University Experience
(03:52) - Trust in Universities
(05:21) - Social Licence and University Purpose
(07:36) - The Role of Curiosity
(08:19) - Evolution of Higher Education
(11:50) - Rankings and Research vs Education
(14:10) - Balanced Excellence at Deakin
(18:04) - White Paper on Social Licence
(23:45) - Universities and Difficult Debates
(27:48) - Creating Safe Debate Spaces
(29:27) - Personal Experience with Change
(34:57) - The Evolution of University Research
(40:24) - Making Research Accessible
(44:05) - Deakin Research Highlights
(46:06) - Why Study at University
(48:45) - Student Experience and Support
(50:16) - Advice for New Students
(51:50) - Improvements in Higher Education
(55:37) - Quick Fire Questions

Tim Harte’s story: from ballet to a career in research

Deakin University — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +1100

From ballet to a career in research and disability advocacy, Tim Harte’s journey is an awe-inspiring one. Tim sits down with us to share his story.

Read the article

Content Warning
This podcast includes discussion of lived experience with disability and discrimination.

We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing. You can pause, skip chapters and stop the episode at any time. A list of support services is available here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/student-life-and-services/health-wellbeing-and-safety/safety-security/emergency-and-crisis. For support outside of Australia, please visit http://spotify.com/resources.

Editorial note

The taxation treatment of Graduate Research (GR) scholarships is determined by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), not the Research Training Program (RTP) Guidelines or Deakin University. Under current ATO legislation, part-time scholarships are deemed taxable, whereas full-time RTP stipends are generally tax-exempt. This distinction sits outside of Deakin’s policy or discretion. It is something Deakin and the sector have lobbied the government about over many years. It is a genuine challenge for the sector and for all current and prospective candidates who cannot study at a full-time rate.

In relation to awards and prizes, eligibility criteria may be set by either external funding bodies or by Deakin, depending on the award. In the case of PhD stipends Deakin’s own award (DUPR) align with the RTP awards (set by Commonwealth legislation) with restricted criteria for enrolment load, duration or progression requirements. We acknowledge that these criteria can have unintended impacts for part-time GR candidates, including students whose enrolment status reflects disability or other equity-related circumstances. Tim’s reflections highlight how these settings can be experienced as barriers in practice.

More broadly, we recognise that the legislative and policy frameworks surrounding RTP stipends, enrolment load and taxation can create genuine challenges for some HDR candidates. While Deakin administers scholarships within parameters set by the Commonwealth Government and relevant tax law, these broader settings do not always align well with the diverse circumstances of HDR students.

Click here to view the episode transcript.

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:11) - Ballet Journey
(05:11) - Onset of Disability
(16:00) - Leaving Ballet
(18:33) - University Life
(21:15) - Academic Achievements
(26:00) - PhD Beginnings
(27:29) - Research Challenges
(33:01) - Structural Energy Storage
(37:00) - Life Reset & Advocacy
(43:00) - Disability Advocacy Work
(46:41) - Speaking at the UN
(54:31) - Behind the Scenes
(58:00) - Leadership
(01:00:02) - Disability & STEM
(01:01:14) - Inclusion Matters
(01:03:13) - ChemAbility Network
(01:06:43) - Power of Community
(01:08:55) - Representation
(01:10:00) - Barriers in STEM
(01:22:55) - Scholarships & Stipends
(01:23:13) - Young Australian of the Year Victorian Nomination
(01:24:26) - Representation in Awards
(01:26:43) - Impact Vision
(01:27:19) - Challenging Assumptions
(01:31:17) - Desired Change
(01:32:14) - Resourcing, power & systemic barriers
(01:34:46) - Quickfire Round
(01:36:17) - Final Reflections

Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture. Information provided is as known at time of publishing.

Jo Weston’s netball career, leadership and advocacy

Deakin University — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +1100

In this episode, Jo Weston takes us through her netball journey and unpacks how she balances a thriving sports career with study.

Read more about Jo's story.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:57 – The Vixens’ Fairytale Run
03:34 – Handling Setbacks
05:15 – Sending Off Coach Simone McKinnis
07:05 – Jo’s Country Upbringing
09:11 – Starting Netball
11:54 – Netball as a Career
14:52 – Becoming a Professional Athlete
18:00 – Working While Playing for Australia
20:55 – Growing with the Sport
22:52 – Managing the Pressures
24:52 – Advice for Younger Athletes
25:53 – Studying a Master of Communication
29:00 – Study Shaping Leadership
31:41 – Storytelling and the Power of Sport
34:10 – Netball Besties
37:01 – Podcasting
39:34 – Turbulence and Transformation in Netball
40:00 – Negotiating Player Pay & Conditions
44:50 – Leadership Under Pressure
47:04 – The Rise of Women’s Sport
49:50 – Advice for Girls in Sport
50:55 – Looking Ahead to Brisbane 2032
52:00 – Life Beyond Netball
53:57 – Quickfire Round
57:01 – Closing

How student-staff partnership programs are transforming universities

Deakin University — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode, Cassandra Iannucci and Alex Green explore how student support programs are paving the way for more inclusive and equitable university systems.

Read more about Cassandra and Alex's work here: https://this.deakin.edu.au/career/how-student-support-programs-can-transform-universities/
Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:36 – What is Students as Partners?
01:33 – Cassandra’s Journey
02:57 – Alex’s Story
04:18 – Authentic Partnership in Action
07:01 – Matching Students and Staff
09:32 – Impact Moments
11:00 – Shifting Attitudes in Higher Education
11:34 – How Projects Begin
13:07 – Voices from the Classroom Podcast
14:46 – Students Mentoring Staff
17:15 – Why Equity Matters
18:25 – Avoiding Tokenism
21:06 – Removing Barriers for Students
24:01 – Lived Experience as a Catalyst
25:43 – Career Impact
26:14 – Tangible Changes Across Deakin
33:36 – Normalising Partnership
35:59 – Why Belonging Matters
39:02 – Skills and Confidence
42:00 –Proud Moments
45:36 – What Staff Should Know About Students
47:00 – Closing Reflections

Al Fricker on why decolonising education matters

Deakin University — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +1100

Al Fricker talks about the power of a great education, why we need to decolonise Australia’s education system, and the importance of Indigenous Australian representation in academia.

Read more here.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.

Content Warning
This podcast includes discussion of colonisation, systemic racism, genocide and intergenerational trauma.

People who have experienced these may find some of this content difficult. People who have not been exposed to this content before, may find the information confronting and challenging.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
01:54 – Al’s Journey into Education
04:45 – Teaching Prep to Year 12
07:00 – Schooling vs Education
07:49 – Colonial Systems in Classrooms
10:22 – Rethinking ‘Learning Needs’
12:54 – What Does Decolonising Education Mean?
14:30 – Productivity, Compliance, and Capitalism
16:00 – Flipping the Model of Education
18:34 – Indigenous Knowledges as an Alternative
21:16 – Learning at the Right Time
23:05 – Asking Better Questions of Young People
24:52 – Curriculum Reform and Textbook Publishing
27:12 – Five Ways to Decolonise Classrooms
29:35 – Changing the System from Inside
33:03 – Why Mandating Change Matters
36:44 – Discomfort as Part of the Process
39:08 – Intersectionality and Decolonisation
42:58 – Moving Beyond Guilt to Action
45:02 – Work, Identity, and Colonial Mindsets
48:51 – Teaching with Integrity
49:31 – Being an Indigenous Educator in Colonised Spaces
53:45 – Authenticity and Resilience
57:27 – The Long-Term Mission
01:00:01 – Quick Fire Questions
01:04:59 – Closing Reflections

Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture.

Anna Charalambous on working in the film and TV industry

Deakin University — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +1100

As a successful film and TV producer, Anna Charalambous knows what it takes to succeed in the industry. From student films to SXSW premieres, Anna’s journey is our latest Story of Wonder.

Watch Spreadsheet Champions now: https://www.spreadsheetchampions.com/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

00:55 – Why Film?

02:00 – First Year Challenges

06:15 – Discovering Producing

09:00 – What Does a Producer Do?

16:00 – Problem-Solving on Set

20:00 – Breaking Into the Industry

27:00 – The Documentary Path

33:00 – Making Spreadsheet Champions

40:00 – Filming Around the World

46:00 – Challenges & Restrictions

52:00 – Funding & Festival Journey

58:00 – What Makes a Great Story?

01:03:00 – Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

01:06:40 – What’s Next for Anna
01:07:50 – Trailer: Spreadsheet Champions

Andy Griffiths talks writing, literacy and what it takes to be an author

Deakin University — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:39:42 +1100

Legendary children’s writer and alumnus Andy Griffiths talks about his life and career journey from teacher and punk rocker to one of the most recognised children’s authors in the world.

Read more about Andy's story at: https://this.deakin.edu.au/career-and-study/andy-griffiths-answers-what-does-it-take-to-be-an-author
Learn more about Andy and his most recent work at: https://andygriffiths.com.au/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome

00:55 – Early Love for Books

02:00 – Discovering Humour & Shock Value

03:50 – Punk Rock & Performance

06:15 – Becoming a Teacher

09:30 – From Classroom to First Books

13:40 – Finding His Voice

18:00 – Persistence

22:00 – The Treehouse Series

29:00 – Child-Centred Fiction

41:00 – Literacy & Imagination

55:00 – Audio Books & Adaptations

01:03:00 – Advice for Parents & Educators

01:08:00 – What’s Next

The light at the end of the tunnel - Jaleesa's story

Deakin University — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:58:42 +1100

Jaleesa Basnight’s journey to become a nurse is dotted with its fair share of challenges and triumphs. From raising a family at a young age, to flying thousands of kilometres to study, Jaleesa’s story is one of resilience, growth, and determination. She’s now back in the Torres Strait working as a nurse, with a mission to improve the health outcomes of her community and inspire the next generation.

Content Warning

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this podcast includes conversations about deceased persons. It does not include names, voices or images.

This episode contains themes of family violence, First-Nations child removal, mental health challenges, traditional adoption, and grief. People who have experienced themes discussed may find some of this content difficult. Similarly, those who have not been exposed to this content before, may find the information confronting and challenging.

We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing. You can pause, skip chapters and stop the episode at any time.

If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to seek support through:

Deakin Safer Community(Deakin Students and Staff)
Deakin's Employee Wellbeing Support (Deakin Staff)
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (24/7 support for domestic and family violence)
13YARN (13 92 76) – Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Line
Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental health support)
For support outside of Australia, please visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about NIKERI at deakin.edu.au/indigenous-students/study/nikeri-institute
Learn more about studying nursing at deakin.edu.au/international-students/choosing-your-degree/nursing

Chapters
00:00 Content warning

00:24 Introducing Jaleesa

03:01 Early life

05:33 Growing up

15:05 Pursuing a nursing degree

22:48 Navigating studies and family

27:47 Support and challenges

30:10 Building a support system

31:18 Balancing motherhood and education

35:03 Finding motivation

36:13 The final push to graduation

46:33 Graduation day

53:57 Life after graduation

55:33 Future aspirations

Lucky's journey through science, photography, and education

Deakin University — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:05:05 +1000

In this episode, Lucky shares his unconventional journey through careers in science, photography, and teaching - reflecting on the risks and rewards of embracing change. He shares his experience and challenges growing up in Australia, finding purpose, and his passion for connecting with people as an educator and photographer. Lucky’s story highlights the importance of perseverance, flexibility, and the joy found in embracing change.

Learn more about Deakin's education courses here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/find-a-course/education-and-teaching
Check out Lucky's photography at: https://lakshalperera.com/

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Lucky Perera
02:11 – Childhood & Belonging
03:58 – Discovering Physics & Passion
05:42 – The Accidental PhD
10:10 – Family, Culture & Expectations
15:18 – Science & Society
18:07 – Becoming a Photographer
23:23 – Connection Through the Camera
25:28 – Pandemic Pause & Career Reflection
30:03 – Teaching & Community Impact
39:45 – Awards & Recognition
47:00 – Embracing Possibility
49:45 – What’s Next for Lucky?

Ameer’s story of education and hope

Deakin University — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:02:53 +1000

In this episode of Stories of Wonder, Ameer shares his journey. Despite significant barriers, he graduated high school twice and earned Deakin University's Sanctuary Scholarship to study Medical Imaging. Ameer reflects on his experiences, the vital role of scholarships in accessing education, and his aspirations in Medicine.

Chapters:

00:00 Ameer's Arrival in Australia

00:47 High School Challenges and Achievements

01:23 Life in War-Torn Iraq

03:42 Adjusting to Life in Australia

04:47 Pursuing Higher Education

09:12 The Sanctuary Scholarship

14:40 Balancing Work and Study

19:14 Future Aspirations in Medicine

24:26 Advice for Aspiring Students

25:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Breaking down barriers and transforming legal education through community law clinics

Deakin University — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:25:52 +1000

In this episode of Stories of Wonder, learn about Michele's journey and how she is transforming legal education through community law clinics, empowering students and supporting underserved local communities.

Find out more at https://50years.deakin.edu.au/story/deakin-law-students-break-down-barriers-for-justice/

How Lucas is reweaving the future of textile recycling for a sustainable future

Deakin University — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:19:50 +1000

The textile industry has become the second worst polluting industry in the world.

With a mammoth amount of waste from manufacturers and retailers, and almost no textile recycling, it’s an issue that’s having a negative impact on the planet – literally.

Deakin Associate Research Fellow, Lucas Rosson aims to change that in some innovative ways.

From chemical recycling to working with industry to turn food waste into textiles, his research is showing that sustainable materials are possible.

This is the story of how a young mining and engineering student made the switch to study materials science, uncovered new insights about how we colour certain materials, and experience some happy accidents that would lead to new possibilities for textile sustainability.

At 07:58 and 25:00 Lucas mentions 'IFM' - this is Deakin University's Institute of Frontier Materials https://www.deakin.edu.au/ifm

Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture.

Kira’s world-leading breakthrough in thunderstorm asthma

Deakin University — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:06:59 +1000

In 2016, a thunderstorm asthma event in Melbourne left 10 people dead and thousands in hospital. It was a dramatic outcome that exposed a serious issue - there was no easy way to detect pollen in the air. Previous technology would take a whole day to complete a scan and produce a report. And those machines were massive.

Enter Dr Kira Morgan Hughes, a Deakin PHD graduate who knew there had to be a better way.

So she created it.

Her invention makes it possible to detect pollen in the air within the hour. Oh, and it’s the size of a small button. This is the story of how a young fiction writer, who nearly flunked chemistry in high school, created a device that could potentially save lives.