Imagine a charity that has built an online ticketing platform and that gives their fees to other charities and you have met the founders of the startup Humanitix.
Started by two bold socially conscious men who did not subscribe to the usual model of believing that you have to stay doing something you don't enjoy in order to pay the bills they went about building the company in a very practical way and had a solid strategic plan that has seen them win a major investment from Google who have just made them one of the 4 organisations to receive $1 million towards their project through their Global Impact Challenge! That is one solid stamp of confidence for Humanitix, their board and the team of investors who have supported them to date. Join me as I learn how Joshua Ross, Adam McCurdie and James Humpherson brought it all together. 

How much do we underestimate the heart? Is it just part of our function or can it and does it offer so much more that can support us as we live our lives? Phil Shirvington has worked with a dynamic group of teachers to bring the heart, stillness and questioning into practice through Wisdom, Life Faith Studies and shares some foundational understanding as well as top tips for practice.

Teresa Dyson stands on a diverse mix of boards and shares with us the skills honed from school that have stood her in good stead throughout her working life. What is it like being a Board Member in diverse industries? Is there a challenge with gender diversity and is there a big difference between for profit and not-for-profit boards? These are just a few of the questions covered in this interview, as Teresa walks us through her life and decision making process inspiring others to hone the personal and professional skills to contribute in life. Her top tips:

• Be prepared
• Don't a passenger
  
• Be prepared to get involved

Do we consider that we can all write? Good speakers rarely consider those skills can be transferred to the page, and therefore there is an element of mastery that is needed that goes way beyond the need to be the best. My guests in the studio are Lydia Hamilton and Mandy Newman, the wonders behind Literary Giants a project with a mission to improve the quality and standard of writing around the world. This show will be relevant for teachers, parents and students themselves. How willing are we to be the change we want to see in our expression and equipping our next generation to be critical thinkers? 

The pressure to perform, the pressure to provide means fathers can be under extraordinary pressure, add to this being a farmer and the income being dependent on the cycles of nature and it is clear to see the repercussions of the drought are not likely to go away quickly. Therefore supporting our farmers to take a realistic look at work practices and supporting them to the next step is part of a whole family approach.

Today Chris Iffland tells us first hand what life is like as a 5th generation farmer, Neil McWhannell talks about the Rotary Club of Wahroonga initiative to support the farmers, Hugh Burne our second farmer tells us about some of the infrastructure he has put in place that is supporting both his farm and his neighbours premises. Lastly United Tradies Chris Saville will be sharing his new project and helping our farmer Chris on the farm!

Katie Walls and Donna Gianniotis share with us the details of their one day retreat offering a fresh way to approach breast cancer care. Other presenters on the retreat are past interviewees on the show Jean Gamble and Michelle Crowe so the quality of this retreat is assured! In this episode we consider how we speak to and treat women with a diagnosis of breast cancer and if the sympathy they get is really what they want or if there is a different way to support them. Also, who do we ask for support? Have we considered who has capacity to support emotionally and physically - it may be a mixture of services, friends and family rather than all in one person. Further resources and links available below.

Imagine starting life at a time where women were second class citizens and you were not allowed to work once you got married... that was how Jo Karaolis started her life. Somewhere along the line, she knew that love is an underrated commodity yet it is the foundation of who we are, where we come from and what we all want. Jo brought the simplicity of this knowing to all her jobs but culminating in her last job as Principle of St Lucy's School in Wahroonga. A school for children with disabilities. In this interview she shares the story of her life and how she found herself learning so much from her students along the way. This will inspire teachers, parents and anyone who would like to empower children to be the engaged, responsible and accountable adults they are all capable of being.

2 good falls of rain in 2 years in Gulargambone ​- "the grass is dead, the stock is gone or in small paddock, it is an eerie look, an eerie feel". Walgatt have been in drought for 6 years - Only 1 crop in 6 years which means low income, no life, no extra fuel, lots of depression due to not being able to provide and produce, suicide. The worst drought in NSW in 100 years.

Yet this is not our backyard so why should a local radio station in Sydney pay attention? ... Because we are each others brothers and sisters, because farmers are the food bowl of Australia and because we must if we are to avert one of the primary Australian industries from being undervalued and abused.

My guest is Carolyn Lyons OAM shares how city dwellers could make space to understand "the great diversity, the great pain, the great triumphs that farmers go through" so we can engage our politicians and policy makers, shop for the food that is on our table in a responsible way and pay attention to the conversations and policies we may have glanced over before our eyes were opened.

"We must remember the word community - the coming together of people with like mind"

If you think we have managed to open a conversation then please share with farmers so they know we care and with politicians, family and friends so we can each make a difference to the people who have dedicated themselves to sustain an industry which has long been ignored.

"Let's make agriculture sexy - that would help put us higher up the agenda"

Farmers on the land are very simple rain makes them smile

And then there is our big night out at the Great Gatsby themed Novus Foundation Dinner. A great many people worked to put this together. Join us for a conversation with Janelle Speight about the people and the organisations that are part and parcel of making this event the success it was. ​

Today I spoke to Chris and Aileen Savill, the co-founders of United Tradies a fledgling local business formed from the desire to create a business that not only made people’s lives easier but also could help change lives for the better. It is a win-win really - you get work done by tradies who believe in community and someone in the local community gets an opportunity to get a project done each month sponsored by United Tradies and the awesome team on their books!