Be The Change Northern Rivers: Recent Episodes
Saoirse Chu
Here on Be the Change we dare, lead, empower, combat, uprise, inspire, and take action for our future. You'll hear interviews with leaders, shakers and change makers from all over the world who stand up for what they care about. Listen not only to feel enlightened, but inspired to be the change! New episodes every odd Monday of the month! Hosted by Saoirse Chu, Northern Rivers, Australia. Connect with me via Instagram! @bethechangepod.
Recorded on Bundjalung country. Cover art by Taya Clark.
Hey hey listeners!
I'm BACK after an extended break! I can't wait to share heaps of new episodes with you in this new year of 2022! Today we are joined by the incredible Nicole Yaneza Bagatsing, who is a hardworking, award-winning and truly inspirational civic leader, volunteer, Asian-Australian immigrant, aspiring lawyer and youth advocate! Goshhh I am just BUSTING to tell you all about her but I can only type so much - you'll have to listen to the pod to find out!
We chat about all things leadership - Nikki's own journey into the field, her background as an immigrant, how she deals with so many amazing opportunities on her plate, and - although daunting - why it is both important and inspirational to be the only one who "has the same cultural background as you do or speaks the same language that you speak at home" in your workplace or dream field. Nikki shares some powerful advice, and her dm's are open if you are seeking any more! You can find her on Instagram @nicole.bagatsing
I hope you all enjoy the episode and I am wishing you all a (very belated) happy new year! Here's to a healthier, more loving, and more progressive 2022!
S xx
P.S Don't forget to follow the pod on Instagram! You'll see news, fun graphics and episode updates in your feed - @bethechangepod :)
Hi folks!
Welcome back to a new episode of Be the Change! I am so excited to be back and to share some amazing stories with you.
Today, we chat to Chloe Zitsow, a 16-year-old change maker from Los Angeles. Chloe is the founder of youth-led organisation, The Hermit Crab Society, which is dedicated to addressing furniture poverty and preventing people from becoming homeless due to this issue.
Chloe and I chat about what furniture poverty actually is, what it looks like in LA County, and the ups, downs and whys of founding the organisation. We hear some great advice on what steps to take, if we want to take similar action for our passions.
The Hermit Crab Society has loads of good stuff to explore, including as resources for affordable furniture, educational instagram posts, education sessions at public libraries, monthly newsletters and volunteer opportunities.
To say hello to Chloe and learn more about the organisation, you can visit the thehermitcrabsociety.simplesite.com website or their instagram page @thehermitcrabsociety
Don’t forget to follow the pod on instagram @bethechangepod ! For any enquiries, please reach out via bethechangenorthernrivers@gmail.com
Enjoy the episode and have a wonderful week!
S :)
Hello lovely listeners!
Sorry for the delay in episodes, I have had a few weeks of rest and have tried a new editing style in the meantime!
Today we are joined by 16-year-old Nicholas Hong, all the way from Chicago, Illinois! He is a fundamental member of international youth-led organisation Zero Hour, which is focused on centering the voices of diverse young people in climate and environmental justice conversations.
We start by getting to know a little bit about Nicholas, and his Five Fast Favourites. We hear about his journey with environmental action, and how Nicholas dealt with having a President who did not prioritise the environment. This leads us to chat about Zero Hour - what it is, how to get involved, and what kind of opportunities are within the organisation. It sounds amazing... like there really is something for everyone! Nicholas shares his favourite story about collective youth action (although he got a Saturday school for it, it was definitely worth it!). We finish with some inspirational advice, and Nicholas shares how we can connect with Zero Hour on social media.
If you would like to learn more about Zero Hour, you can find them at @thisiszerohour on Instagram, or you can visit the website http://thisiszerohour.org to connect elsewhere! To hear more from the incredible Nicholas, you can reach out via Zero Hour's contact system.
Don't forget to follow the pod on Instagram @bethechangepod ! For any enquiries, email me at bethechangenorthernrivers@gmail.com
Enjoy the episode! Chat soon :)
Hey all! I hope you are all staying safe in the lockdown!
On today's episode, we are joined by Ruby Reithmuller, who is an amazing Sydney/Wagga Wagga based young leader, dedicated to empowering teenage girls. She is the founder of Womn-Kind, which allows her to connect, inspire and mentor teens through both social media, school talks, and her website.
Ruby and I start with her Five Fast Favourites, and question which is our favourite food - chocolate or avocado? Then, we dive straight into Ruby's passion for supporting and sharing experiences with others, and how this all began. Ruby explains what Womn-Kind is, and why she thinks it's important for teen girls to be supported by those who have had the similar experiences. We learn how to get involved though mentorship, volunteering, and engaging through her website/social media. To finish, Ruby gives herself (and us) the incredible advice she would give to herself, five years ago.
If you would like to get involved with Ruby and Womn-Kind, visit the website https://www.womn-kind.com.au/ to access all the great things that the organisation has to offer! You can also follow the Instagram page, @womnkind for super fun updates, self care tips, and positivity. This is an awesome resource to tap into, especially with the uncertainty that COVID places on us and how we are experiencing our teen years.
Don't forget to follow the pod on Instagram @bethechangepod ! For any enquiries, email me at bethechangenorthernrivers@gmail.com
I hope you guys love this episode. Have a fab week!
Hi all! Are you ready for this new episode?
Today on the line we have some international guests, Ayaat Quazi and Samantha Soriano. These legends join us all the way from Los Angeles! Both Ayaat and Sam are 18 years old, and during the COVID-19 lockdowns, co-founded the Buddy Dispatch Project. This letter-writing project not only connects us young people, but also acts as a therapeutic outlet for these tough times.
We start our chat with their Five Fast Favourites, and then dive into how a simple act of letter writing blossomed into what it is today. We chat all about COVID-19 and social media, and how this affected our ability to actually connect with each other. Sam shares the joys of receiving hand-written mail. We discuss the sessions Sam and Ayaat hold to make each letter different and unique, and how writing can help us to grow and reflect, to become better people. Ayaat tells us what the future of the Buddy Dispatch Project looks like and how we can join to make it global! To finish, Ayaat and Sam share some great advice on starting a passion project.
If you would like to get involved with the program, visit https://sites.google.com/view/thebuddydispatch/home, or reach out via buddydispatchproject@gmail.com
Don’t forget to follow the pod on instagram! @bethechangepod. For any enquires please email me at bethechangenorthernrivers@gmail.com
You guys are going to love this ep! Have a great week :)
Welcome back to another episode!
Today we are joined by 15-year-old activist Ruby Bron, who is such a brilliant source of inspiration to take positive action! Ruby is involved with School Strike for Climate Australia, and works with local organisations and businesses through SS4C to make change in her community. Ruby is also currently involved with the It Only Takes One Minute campaign, which is all about reaching out to the Federal Government to take action on plastic waste and alternatives.
Ruby and I start with their Five Fast Favourites, then we chat about what School Strike for Climate is, and how Ruby became involved in the movement. They then share their journey with climate awareness and eco anxiety, and why it is important that we, as a student community, stand up for our futures. We also share our experiences of when activism can be challenging and how to overcome these limitations. Ruby chats about the It Only Takes One Minute campaign, and how to get involved with it. We talk positive futures, and to finish, Ruby shares some legendary advice!
To reach out to Ruby, you can reach out to them via Insta: @_ruby.bron. To sign the It Only Takes One Minute petition, visit https://itonlytakesaminute.com
Don’t forget to follow the pod on instagram @bethechangepod. For any enquiries reach out to bethechangenorthernrivers@gmail.com
Hope you all enjoy the episode <3 Have a great week!
Hey all, welcome back!
On this week’s episode we invite Andrea Sarmiento, the creative change-maker behind DeLata. DeLata is a small business, which sells handmade bags out of pull-tabs, which are recycled from aluminium cans. Andrea supports families in Colombia – she has a small team of hardworking single mums, with whom she co-designs and co-creates the handbags. All of the products from DeLata are ethically made and support the slow fashion movement.
As usual, Andrea and I begin with her five fast favourites. Then, we delve into DeLata and how it all began (coincidentally)! Andrea describes some of her products, and why they are so special to her and the communities she supports. She then tells us about how she used her love of fashion to create the brand. To finish, Andrea shares some positive advice for us, and how we can stop contributing to fast fashion by investing in long lasting pieces and thrifting.
Andrea has utilised her creativity and love of fashion to create beautiful accessories. This has created a positive change for the environment, Colombian communities and the fashion industry.
If you would like to see some of the pieces from DeLata, or get in touch with Andrea, visit www.d3lata.com or follow her on instagram @d3lata
Don’t forget to follow the podcast on instagram for inspiration, nature pics and episode updates @bethechangepod
Welcome back change makers!
Today on the podcast we meet to Sam Davies, the director and co-founder behind Defy Design. Defy Design is an Sydney-based plastic recycling micro-factory, which turns our plastic waste into super cool new items like kitchenware, hair tools, dog leads and more. Starting initially as a small experiment, Sam and his team at Defy Design have evolved their organisation into a platform for community and environmental change.
We start our chat with his 5 fast favourites, then jump into what Defy Design means to Sam. We discuss plastic waste, the journey of Defy Design, and how the micro-factory actually processes waste to turn it into new items. Finally, we hear a some wonderful advice from Sam, all about starting our OWN individual project for change, and why it is important to give our dreams a go.
By simply trying something new, Sam has created a whole new world of recycling for small businesses that generate lots of waste (like hair salons). Defy Design have also created the space for community education, through participation in the creative process.
A new puzzle piece of the circular economy has been put into place.
If you would like to hear more from Sam or Defy Design, check out their website at www.defydesign.org
Don't forget to follow the pod on Instagram for local news, episode updates and pretty nature pics :) @bethechangepod
Hey there listeners! I hope you have been having a lovely start to June.
Today Youth Leader Miriam Ellemor-Collins joins us. Miriam has co-created the amazing Climate Resilience Workshops you may have seen around the community, the most recent workshop held at RenewFest! Miriam has always been passionate about the environment, and is all about finding new ways to channel her purpose as a climate warrior.
As usual, we start out with 5 Fast Favourites, and Miriam shares a really inspirational quote by Stephen Hawking. Then we jump straight into her journey with youth leadership, and what kind of change the community workshops are aspiring to create. We chat about Climate Resilience, and how it has taught us to stay strong and to turn our anxiety into positive, powerful energy. Lastly, Miriam shares some really good advice for all of us budding change-makers. It’s all about the small steps, people!
We all know Miriam is going to go places. Her story and work has definitely ignited some visions and ideas within me about how we can collectively create a better future. I hope it does the same for you!
Enjoy the episode!
Don’t forget to follow the pod on instagram for episode notifications, pretty art, and nature pics! @bethechangepod
Hello listeners! Today, the two brilliant leaders behind last Friday’s School Strike for Climate (SS4C) in Byron Bay join us, Inde Henderson and Ella Whan! Inde and Ella are both high school students of the Byron Shire, and are passionate about making a difference within their school and the local community. They are active members of the local group of students, SS4C, who organise events for young people worried about their future. Inde and Ella co-facilitated a Climate March in Byron Bay last Friday, bringing together passionate students from schools from all across the shire. This climate protest ran nation-wide in many other cities. It was an incredibly empowering event.
We chat about how Inde and Ella’s journey with activism began, and what role school played in this. They share the frustrating challenges that they commonly face, and how they stay resilient to these. We talk about our government, and how we need diversity in our leaders for true democracy and voices. To finish, Inde and Ella share their favourite experiences with activism, and I’m jealous (someone met Greta Thunberg)!
Inde and Ella demonstrate the leadership it takes to fight for climate action. They have created a space for the many students, staff, businesses, and industries to unite; and to amplify their voices of concern, anger, and frustration for the lack of action on climate change. We all want a future. And we will have one. #fundourfuturenotgas
If you would like to hear more from Ella and Inde, you can reach out to them via www.schoolstrikeforclimate.com
Don’t forget to follow the pod on instagram! @bethechangepod
Enjoy the episode!
Happy Monday folks!
Wow! I can't believe we are on the 10th episode! Thanks and welcome to all listeners here today.
Today on the pod, Eshana Bragg joins us. She is an incredible eco-psychologist, with a deep wonder for nature. Eshana has used this passion to awaken this sense of wonder within others, and to help them look after their mind to create a better world.
Eshana begins by telling us a bit about herself, and we hear about her favourite things. Then we dive into eco-anxiety - what it is, how it shows up in our bodies, and why it happens. Not to worry though, because Eshana then shares her three simple steps on how to transform eco anxiety into positive action. These are amazing tips, and I really encourage all of you to try them out and see how they resonate with you. We hear about her co-created organisation Joyality, and what kind of workshops she runs through this organisation to empower others to be the change.
Eshana is a one-of-a-kind activist who is creating the space for young people to turn their negative feelings into positive change. Make sure to check out Joyality’s website www.joyality.orgfor more information on eco-anxiety, upcoming courses, workshops etc.
If you would like to connect with Eshana, reach out to team@joyality.org
Don’t forget to follow the pod on instagram! @bethechangepod
Enjoy! :)
Welcome back all! On today’s episode of Be the Change, we are joined by an inspiring Byron Shire Resident, Ella Goninan! Ella has a strong presence in the community change sector - she is the director of upcoming festival, Renewfest, as well as co-chair of Resilient Byron, director of the Community Power Agency, and the founding president of Community Owned Renewable Energy Mullumbimby.
We chat all about the upcoming festival Renewfest, which is all about full regenerative change within the community, in order for our sustainable future. Ella tells us all about her turning point for action, and how she channelled her calling for environmental advocacy through the creation of Renewfest. She tells us how we can get involved with the festival, and why its so important that we do!
Ella is an inspiring leader who is creating the much-needed space for conversations and action within activists, artists, entrepreneurs, Indigenous elders, families and youth. This heartfelt gathering enables the deep thinking, listening, supporting, learning and responding we need to create full regenerative change within our community.
To hear more from Ella, or the festival, visit www.renewfest.org.au
Visit my instagram @bethechangepod for a chance to win free tickets!
Have an fabulous week! :)
Hello friends! Today on the show, I chat to Sasha Mainsbridge, a waste warrior from the Byron Shire. Sasha is passionate about creating a circular economy within her community, and this passion has led her to become a member of Zero Emissons Byron, as well as the founder of the organisation Mullum Cares.
We begin with Sasha’s journey and her personal turning point for action. She tells us about how she came up with “Mullum Cares”, and what this organisation is for the community. We hear about some of her favourite campaigns within Mullum Cares, including her implementation of a share library in her town. Sasha tells us all about Zero Emissions Byron, how they are creating change, and how we can connect and get involved with them.
These inspirational stories of community involvement, caring and sharing provide a light for the unity of our future, against challenges like waste and climate change.
If you would like to hear more from Sasha, or get involved with Zero Emissions Byron, connect with them via http://www.mullumcares.com.au and https://zerobyron.org
Don’t forget to follow the pod on instagram! @bethechangepod
Hello, marvellous listeners! Today we have a super cool interview with Kehkashan Basu, an incredible 20-year-old child rights activist. Kehkashan is extremely present in the youth advocacy sector – she is the Youth Ambassador for the World Future Council, winner of the 2016 International Childrens Peace Prize, member of KidRights Youngsters, Founder of Green Hope and so much more. Kehkashan’s goal is to empower young people to use their voices to speak up about social and environmental issues. She's the definition of being the change!
Kehkashan and I chat about her journey with change making, and the creation of the Green Hope Foundation. Kehkashan tells us about the book she has written, “The Tree of Hope”, and what she wanted to achieve. We hear about how she overcame the challenges of being a young activist, and get some inspirational advice about continuing the fight for our future. Kehkashan is a passionate changemaker!
If you would like to hear more from Kehkashan, you can find her on instagram @kehkashan5basu
Don’t forget to follow the pod on instagram! @bethechangepod
Welcome back, wonderful change makers!
Today is another fashion-focused episode – chatting with us is the incredible Nina Gbor, who works as a sustainability fashion editor, blogger, eco-stylist, and writer. Nina often hosts clothes swaps and styling and has her very own blog, Eco Styles. Starting off, of course with her five fast favourites, Nina then explains how she began to get involved with fashion and finding her personal style. We chat about the benefits of op-shopping, the “fashion trend-mill”, and how it affects us as consumers. Diving into how fashion is influencing climate change, Nina gives us some tips on how to shop better for the earth, humans, and our own self-expression. Enjoy, my friends!
If you guys would like to hear more from Nina, you can check out her blog at www.ecostyles.com.au
Don’t forget to follow the pod on instagram! @bethechangepod
Welcome back wonderful listeners! Today, you'll hear from Maggie Zhou, a uni student who tackles racial and sustainability issues through her journalism, social media and podcasting. She's a slow fashion advocate, debunking the myth of outfit repeating. Maggie and I chat about her career as a fashion journalist and social media influencer. We talk all things fashion, why Maggie believes there needs to be a change in the industry, and why its important to call out brands that "green wash" their customers. Maggie finishes with some amazing advice on how to be a sustainable and resilient shopper.
If you would like to hear more from Maggie, you can find her on Instagram at @yemagz or her podcast @cultureclubpod
Don't forget to follow the podcast on Instagram! @bethechangepod
Welcome back to another episode of Be the Change! On the line today we have Claire Boyle, farmer, juris doctor, writer and the Policy and Partnerships Coordinator for Farmers for Climate Action. Claire has been passionate about the environment from a young age, experiencing the harsh droughts of rural Australia and the necessity for action on climate change. She shares some of her five favourite things, then we delve into her journey of action, what Farmers for Climate Action really is and how to get involved, and why she believes that this organisation is important. Claire is an amazing advocate for positive communtiy action in such an root area of climate change.
If you would like to hear more from Claire or learn more about Farmers for Climate Action, please visit https://farmersforclimateaction.org.au
Don't forget to follow the pod on Instagram! @bethechangepod
Hi all, welcome back and thank you so much for joining me today. On the line today we have Erin Rhoads - activist, author and blogger of "The Rogue Ginger". Our conversation dives into her zero-waste journey, and the creation of her incredible blog. You'll hear about other initiatives Erin has taken for change including her part in Australia's first ever Zero Waste Festival. And of course, Erin shares some handy little tips to help us all to play our part in creating less waste. If you would like to hear more from Erin, you can find her blog at www.therogueginger.com
Follow the pod on Instagram! @bethechangepod
Hello everyone and welcome to Be the Change! Joining me today we have Lidia Thorpe, the first federal Aboriginal Senator for the state of Victoria. We chat about how she grew up highly conscious to the demand for change within Australia's racism system, and the importance of recognising Australia's true history, not the white-washed version, to truly reconcile the past. Lidia speaks about Invasion day, and why it is not a day to be celebrated. She gives us tips on how to take action on these issues of injustice, and gives some advice for all of you passionate young activists out there. If you would like to hear more from Lidia, you can connect with her on Instagram @lidiathorpegunnaigunditj
Remember, the 26th of January is not a day of celebration, it is a day of mourning, violence and stolen land.
Follow the pod on Instagram! @bethechangepod
Welcome all listeners to Be the Change Northern Rivers! I am so excited to have you here. This is just a pilot episode, explaining a little bit about who I am, why I created Be the Change and what kind of podcast you'll be listening to! Stay tuned friends - for a very exciting ride. More episodes to come. Enjoy!
Cover art created by Taya Clark
Follow the pod on instagram! @bethechangepod