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

6. My Hope For The Future: What I Want People To Know

Feb 22nd, 2026 6:00 PM

In our final episode, we return to Faith, Tabitha and Josh to find out where life has taken them and hear their hopes for the future. Then past guests join us to share powerful insights on the hidden truths they wish more people knew. The series finale is also a rallying cry, a reminder how any one of us can help open the door to a better future and create a society where all children have the chance to thrive and be all they can be. 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.

5. Raising Aspirations: A Village Of Support To Help Kids Thrive

Feb 15th, 2026 6:00 PM

We visit a school that's setting its students up to dream big, work hard and become ‘all they can be’, with a village of support behind them.Principal Alison Forthuber is determined to ensure every child feels seen and valued, sharing why high expectations, early intervention and holistic support matter.Meanwhile, Kate, a mother of three, opens up about how wider community support ensures her children can shine at school – and the programs that make a big difference to their education.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.

4. From Detention To Degree: A Chance For Every Child

Feb 8th, 2026 6:00 PM

As a nine-year-old, George was facing expulsion from primary school. Now he's a university leader, opening doors for students of all backgrounds.Distinguished Professor George Williams AO shares his journey from "juvenile delinquent" to Vice-Chancellor, starting with one teacher who changed his life trajectory. Plus, demographer Dr Liz Allen returns to talk about the educators and moments that transformed her path – from homeless at 16 to completing a PhD. Together, they make the case for why Australia needs a fairer education system and better support for students, no matter their life circumstances. 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.

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.

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