What does it take to help a young person become 'all they can be'? Join much-loved journalist and radio broadcaster Sarah Macdonald as she uncovers the deeply personal journeys of young Australians and well-known figures who've risen from tough beginnings – their stories intertwining through the challenges they’ve faced and the turning points that changed their lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode List

3. The Boy Who Never Gave Up: Grit, Courage And The Right Support

Feb 1st, 2026 6:30 PM

At 12, Josh was told he was “the man of the house”. His life began amid instability – frequent moves, a turbulent home life and adult responsibilities thrust on him far too young. Josh reveals how grit, courage and the right support helped him escape disadvantage and create a life and career he never could have imagined. We also hear from Robyn, the Smith Family support worker who backed him for more than a decade, and from his parents and partner – underscoring the crucial need to have people in your corner.  CREDITS  Narrator: Sarah Macdonald   Audio production: Mylk Media   Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. The Place Where I Escaped: Finding Hope In Hard Times

Feb 1st, 2026 6:15 PM

For Tabitha, it was hard to see a better future when she was a child. She found escape in the library shelves, when life outside felt impossibly heavy. Now a young mum and successful business owner, she talks about what it took to rise above the challenges and how she's become the strong person she is today. And demographer Dr Liz Allen, who knows poverty firsthand, speaks powerfully about her own experiences and how we can help more young people like Tabitha to not just survive, but thrive. CREDITS  Narrator: Sarah Macdonald   Audio production: Mylk Media   Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. When A Lyric Hits You: The Power Of Self-Belief

Feb 1st, 2026 6:00 PM

Faith is a talented singer-songwriter who spent much of her childhood juggling school, work and caring for her mum. Music became her lifeline – and her launchpad. In this episode, Faith takes us inside her world as a young carer, the struggles that go unseen and how one person believing in you can change everything. Plus, journalist and TV presenter Sarah Harris – ​who, like Faith, was raised in a home where money was tight – ​reflects on the tough times in her childhood and the teachers who saw a spark in her and nurtured it. CREDITS Narrator: Sarah Macdonald Audio production: Mylk Media Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing: All I Can Be

Jan 22nd, 2026 8:00 PM

Introducing All I Can Be... a six-part series about big dreams, hidden struggles and the moments that make all the difference in a young person's life. Through raw and heartfelt storytelling, you'll meet Australians who've had tough starts in life, but went on to thrive, achieving goals and dreams that once felt impossible. These are stories of grit, courage and determination, and support when it mattered most, to strive towards a better future – proving where you begin doesn't have to define where you go. The series starts on Monday 2 February. Follow now to catch the first episodes. CREDITS Narrator: Sarah Macdonald Audio production: Mylk Media Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get this podcast on your phone, Free

Create Your Podcast In Minutes

  • Full-featured podcast site
  • Unlimited storage and bandwidth
  • Comprehensive podcast stats
  • Distribute to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more
  • Make money with your podcast
Get Started
It is Free