From There to Here (FTTH)
From There to Here (FTTH)
Podcast Description
This podcast presents stories from Australia-based immigrants and refugees, along with insights from migration experts and professionals. Our aim is to counter the lack of visibility of their experiences, by providing a platform that amplifies their authentic stories and educates us all about their real challenges.
Each episode will delve into themes like cultural identity, loss, displacement, and the journey of finding a home away from home (and so much more!).
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes of cultural identity, loss, displacement, and the search for belonging. Episodes like Multiple Migrations featuring Laura Gutierrez explore the complex motivations and challenges faced by those who migrate multiple times. Other episodes, such as From Conflict to Embracing Change with Steve Khouw, focus on overcoming adversity and fostering resilience within migrant communities.
This podcast presents stories from Australia-based immigrants and refugees, along with insights from migration experts and professionals. Our aim is to counter the lack of visibility of their experiences, by providing a platform that amplifies their authentic stories and educates us all about their real challenges.
Each episode will delve into themes like cultural identity, loss, displacement, and the journey of finding a home away from home (and so much more!).
In this episode of From There to Here, Emma Bellamy-Dodd speaks with Yaser Naseri, who fled Iran after political activism made staying impossible. Yaser describes life in Tehran, the dangers of protesting, and tough decisions that led him to Indonesia – where multiple failed escape attempts and a deadly boat disaster profoundly shaped him. He recalls surviving at sea, time in detention, and the everyday struggles of life as an asylum seeker with no language or financial resources. Through stark challenges, Yaser finds new reserves of resilience and discovers community and belonging in unexpected places. He shares how traumatic events, adjustment to difficulties, and perspective have changed his life, and why “just taking the next best step” matters. Yaser reflects on redefining home, balancing gratitude and grief, and the ongoing mental game of overcoming adversity.
Resources mentioned:
Talent is never enough, by John C. Maxwell
Connect with Yaser:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasernaseri/
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction: Meeting Yaser Naseri
(02:23) Growing Up in Tehran: Family and Community
(06:03) Political Awakening and Green Movement Protests
(13:09) The Turning Point: Fear, Danger, and Escape
(18:03) Arrival in Indonesia: First Steps into the Unknown
(23:07) Failed Escape Attempts and Facing Detention
(35:55) The Boat Disaster: Surviving at Sea
(52:54) Detention Trauma and Unexpected Resilience
(57:36) Waiting in Limbo: Jakarta and Building Community
(1:03:27) Lessons Learned: Resilience, Perspective, and Growth
(1:11:18) Life in Australia: Adaptation and Mental Strength
(1:17:13) Advice for Newcomers: Taking the Next Step
(1:21:17) Sources of Inspiration: Books and Mentors
(1:23:09) Definitions: Refugee, Home, and Identity
(1:27:29) The Power of Sharing Stories
(1:27:55) Connect with Yaser & Closing Reflections
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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!
If our guest’s story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.
I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!
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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.
Disclaimer
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