OKIRU: Rise Together

To open 2025, OKIRU sits down with Corina Dutlow, CEO of Australian Filipino Community Services, for a conversation on culture, leadership, and the quiet power of service. With roots in both Filipino and Romanian heritage, Corina’s journey is anything but linear. Her story is an intimate reflection on what it means to grow into leadership without losing sight of where you came from. Across the episode, we travel through stories of migration, language, and legacy—from her father’s arrival in Australia, to the quiet but radical work of supporting elders, to the intergenerational power of dance. Corina shares how identity isn’t something you perform—it’s something you honour, pass down, and carry forward. 0:03 – From volunteer to CEO: Corina’s early years and rise in community services 7:47 – Multilingual worlds: Navigating identity through culture and communication 13:59 – Family legacy: A Romanian migrant story that shaped a daughter’s path 17:56 – Dual heritage: The beauty and complexity of living between cultures 21:07 – Caring through culture: Serving elders and community through dance 31:12 – What does it mean to be Australian, really? 38:49 – The migrant experience: Barriers, belonging, and building bridges 43:21 – Creating the Filipino Performing Arts Collective 50:38 – Intergenerational storytelling through movement 51:31 – Service-led leadership and holding space for others Follow OKIRU on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: Listen Here Facebook: @okiru.com.au TikTok: @okiru.com.au Support Our Mission Help us share more stories! Shop OKIRU gear for yourself or a loved one to stay comfy while enjoying the podcast: Shop Now. Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast celebrates creativity, cultural pride, and community stories. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Prefer to listen on the go? Find us on Spotify and other podcast platforms!

Nam Nguyen, DJ, father and social worker, shares his journey navigating a bicultural identity as a Vietnamese Australian. He reflects on reconnecting with his family’s history by visiting a Thai refugee camp and discusses the challenges and triumphs of straddling two worlds. Highlighting themes of identity, family, and cultural tension, Nam's storytelling offers insights into the Vietnamese community's resilience and the influence of music. Join Nam and Liem for a deep dive into finding balance between cultural heritage and personal aspirations. Discover the powerful narrative that shapes Nam's life and work. Timestamp Summary 0:00 Opening guided mindfulness exercise 10:30 Nam Nguyen: From Hobby DJ to Cultural Icon 16:24 The Evolution of DJing and Its Impact on Music Sharing 23:37 Growing Up Between Cultures: Multicultural vs. Homogeneous Communities 29:00 Navigating a Hybrid Identity as a Vietnamese Australian 32:45 The Search for Home: What Cultural Identity Really Means 34:35 Family, Tradition, and Change: Modern Vietnam's Cultural Shifts 36:00 Does Culture Shape Happiness? Different Perspectives Explored 36:57 Privilege & Intergenerational Trauma: When Cultures Clash 39:10 Food as a Language of Love and Connection 40:03 Straddling Two Worlds: The Challenges of Identity and Belonging 44:52 Retracing My Family's Roots and Embracing Vietnamese Identity 53:47 Solo Travel Through Vietnam & Thailand: Finding Myself in Culture 57:17 Emotional Return to Samila Beach: A Refugee’s Journey Home 1:03:44 The Struggles of Vietnamese Australian Identity and Belonging 1:10:37 Vietnamese Hip Hop: Its Rise and Cultural Influence 1:14:00 Rediscovering Vietnamese Roots in a Fast-Changing World 1:19:29 How Vietnamese Artists Are Changing the Music Industry 1:23:37 Balancing Tradition, Happiness, and Self-Discovery Follow OKIRU on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: Listen Here Facebook: @okiru.com.au TikTok: @okiru.com.au 💡 Support Our Mission Help us share more stories! Shop OKIRU gear for yourself or a loved one to stay comfy while enjoying the podcast: Shop Now. 🎙️ Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast celebrates creativity, cultural pride, and community stories. 🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Prefer to listen on the go? Find us on Spotify and other podcast platforms!

In this heartfelt episode of the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast, Liem sits down with Selba Gondoza-Luka, a mental health advocate and founder of Afri Aus-Care. Selba shares her journey from Malawi to Australia, detailing the challenges she overcame—postnatal depression, homelessness, and settlement struggles—and how these experiences inspired her mission to uplift the African Australian community. Together, they explore the philosophy of Ubuntu, the impact of intergenerational trauma, and practical community healing practices. Selba discusses Afri Aus-Care's work, from youth engagement through sports to empowering African mothers, offering holistic support through mental health counseling, mentorship, and cultural education. This episode dives deep into the intersections of individual and collective healing, gentle parenting, and fostering thriving multicultural communities. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, Ubuntu values, and the power of community in navigating settlement challenges. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions about mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening. Chapters: 0:00 Selba Gondoza Luka's Journey to Empower African Australians 2:33 Overcoming Loss and Mental Health Challenges in a New Country 13:46 Empowering African Australians Through Community Support and Ubuntu Practice 25:54 Empowering African Communities Through Ubuntu Ambassadors in Australia 31:45 Supporting Young People Through Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation Programs 37:35 Gentle Parenting and the Positive Change Model 40:14 Healing Through Service and Overcoming Mental Health Challenges 52:26 Balancing Ubuntu Values and Western Individualism in Multicultural Societies 58:59 Ubuntu Values and Building Trust in Community and Family 1:10:45 Empowering Youth Through Ubuntu and Community Support Follow OKIRU on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: Listen Here Facebook: @okiru.com.au TikTok: @okiru.com.au 💡 Support Our Mission Help us share more stories! Shop OKIRU gear for yourself or a loved one to stay comfy while enjoying the podcast: Shop Now. 🎙️ Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast celebrates creativity, cultural pride, and community stories. 🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Prefer to listen on the go? Find us on Spotify and other podcast platforms!

Liem sits down with Oanh Thi Tran, Commissioner of the Fair Work Commission, to share her extraordinary journey from a Vietnamese refugee to a trailblazer in the Australian legal system. Oanh opens up about her family’s escape from Vietnam in the 1980s, their settlement in Australia, and how these formative experiences shaped her passion for social justice and workplace fairness. She also recounts her unexpected path into law and her inspiring nine-month cycling adventure through Europe and North Africa. This heartfelt conversation explores themes of migration, career growth, and making a difference in the community. Chapters: 0:00:00 - Introduction of Oanh Thi Tran, Fair Work Commissioner 0:00:25 - Mindfulness Exercise: Breathing and Awareness 0:07:49 - Addressing Burnout in a Sedentary Job 0:08:05 - Importance of Taking Breaks 0:14:30 - Story Behind Oanh's Name 0:14:57 - Meaning of Oanh's Name 0:19:20 - Family Journey as Vietnamese Refugees 0:26:27 - Journey to the Sea: Family Trauma 0:32:45 - Nine-Month Bicycle Journey Through Europe 0:39:15 - Cycling Experience in Morocco 0:43:09 - Communication Skills in Foreign Lands 0:48:54 - Goodwill in Communication 0:57:51 - Role of the Fair Work Commission 1:12:30 - Networking Experience and Connections 1:18:18 - Reflection on Values and Career Progression 1:20:10 - Balancing Work and Personal Life Find us on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: Listen Now Facebook: @okiru.com.au TikTok: @okiru.com.au Support the OKIRU Collective! Help us share more incredible stories by grabbing unique OKIRU gear that keeps you comfy while you enjoy the podcast: 👉 Shop Now: www.okiru.com.au Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast celebrates resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Prefer listening on the go? Find us on Spotify and other major podcast platforms!

Liem sits down with Mamuch Chuol, CEO and Founder of NextGen Unite to explore themes of generational trauma, the resettlement journey of South Sudanese refugees in Australia, and the transformative power of community sports. Mamuch shares his journey, the pivotal role of mentors in his life, and his vision to empower future generations. They also delve into the challenges and triumphs of organising community events and using hip hop and sports as tools for social change. Join Liem and Mamuch for an insightful conversation on culture, resilience, and community building. Summary: 0:00 | Grounded in Mindfulness & Cultural Roots 11:25 | Building Bridges: Networking and Unlikely Connections 13:49 | Race to Success: The Power of Mindset 17:17 | Game-Changers: South Sudanese Women, Football, & Mental Health 19:34 | Unity in Action: Community Support for South Sudanese Youth 24:59 | Changing the Narrative: South Sudanese Community through Sport 27:15 | Healing Together: Resilience Through Collective Support 30:43 | Uniting Cultures Through Australian Rules Football 33:01 | Turning Challenges into Inspiration for Youth 34:56 | Community Connection & Integration through Football 42:25 | Generational Bonds & Love in the South Sudanese Community 50:14 | Music, Mentorship, & Empowerment 56:29 | Conflict Resolution & Youth Empowerment 1:00:00 | Tackling Community Challenges Together 1:07:44 | Dreaming Big: A Vision of Leading South Sudan 1:13:08 | From Refugee Camp to Australia: A Journey of Gratitude 1:16:12 | Empowerment Through Learning from Mistakes Find us on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3rOi6HO Facebook: @okiru.com.au Tiktok: @okiru.com.au Help us share more stories and join the OKIRU Collective by grabbing yourself or a loved one unique OKIRU gear that will keep you comfy while you watch the podcast: Shop Now 👇 http://www.okiru.com.au 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Prefer to listen on the go? Find this episode on Spotify and other podcast platforms! Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU and passionate advocates for cultural representation, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast shares stories of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.