I'm at a Crossroad

Jim Grey explains why he left the house one morning and joined the Australian Army without telling his partner, or anyone for that matter. The decision Jim made that day would see him become a soldier for more than 30 years. He served in Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands, and around the world. What he didn’t realise is that he wouldn’t be the only one making sacrifices. His decision to enlist would see him spend a total of seven years away from his family. How he, his partner, and his sons came to terms with that, and how he accepted that he wasn’t needed at home, isn’t something that happened overnight. +++ I’m at a Crossroad was made on Bidjigal and Gadigal land. We would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past and present. +++Executive producers and scriptwriters: Tristan Black and Angela TjeuwProducer: Liam AchurchEditor: Jonathan PearsonSound design: Harry HughesVoiceover: Angela Tjeuw

Dr. Catherine Kizana’s crossroad moment came when she decided to admit herself to a psychiatric hospital for treatment of postnatal anxiety. Catherine had always wanted to be a mother, but her road to becoming pregnant was not easy. In the weeks that followed the birth of her daughter, Mia, Catherine’s elation turned to a realisation that she was not coping. Concerned about being left alone with Mia and what would happen if she couldn’t manage, she sought the help of mental health professionals. When she didn’t receive the help she needed, she made the choice to become a psychiatric inpatient. It was something she never thought she would have to do, and when it happened, it felt surreal. It helped her to realise things about her past that would secure a better future for herself and her baby.Catherine is the founder of ABC parenting, an organisation that empowers parents through education and coaching. +++I’m at a Crossroad was made on Bidjigal and Gadigal land. We would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past and present. +++Executive producers and scriptwriters: Tristan Black and Angela TjeuwProducer: Keegan BrownEditor: Jonathan PearsonSound designer: Jonathan Pearson Supervising sound designer: Harry HughesVoiceover: Angela Tjeuw

Writer and tsunami scientist, Kaya Wilson, tells the story of a horrific accident that hit the accelerator on his decision to transition from the gender he was assigned at birth. On a beautiful spring day in 2016, Kaya packed his board in his van, headed off to the beach, and went surfing. As he jumped off his board and into a wave, he went headfirst into a sandbank and broke his neck. Doctors expected that Kaya would be paralysed from the head down. As he contemplated life’s fragility, Kaya was empowered to listen to his body and transition to life as a man. He has since written about his story in his memoir, As Beautiful As Any Other. +++I’m at a Crossroad was made on Bidjigal and Gadigal land. We would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past and present. +++Executive producers and scriptwriters: Tristan Black and Angela TjeuwProducers: Jonathan Pearson and Keegan BrownEditor: Jonathan PearsonSound design: Harry Hughes and Campbell MooreVoiceover: Angela Tjeuw

Matthew Klein reveals what it took to leave a cult, and what it cost when not everyone wanted to leave with him. At a vulnerable moment in the late 90s, Matthew and his family sought help at the Peppercorn Creek farm in Picton, run by the Twelve Tribes religious sect. The years he spent with the Twelve Tribes and his eventual decision to leave still impacts him and his family two decades on. Matthew’s crossroad moment stemmed from a series of events that led him to question the belief system he had been indoctrinated into. His story reminds us that sometimes making the best choice can still be complicated. For those seeking general awareness or information about how to help loved ones affected by high demand groups or cultic relationships, Matthew recommends visiting: https://www.cifs.org.au/. +++ I’m at a Crossroad was made on Bidjigal and Gadigal land. We would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past and present. +++Executive producers and scriptwriters: Tristan Black and Angela TjeuwProducers: Campbell Moore and Liam AchurchEditor: Liam AchurchSound design: Harry HughesVoiceover: Angela Tjeuw

Niyati Libotte shares the turmoil that came with her decision to pursue her passions. Her story about growing up with migrant parents and recoiling from the seemingly safe career path they had chosen for her is a story that typifies what I’m at a Crossroad is all about. Niyati is a passionate storyteller. The award-winning director, writer and producer is now also a lecturer at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Her work has won awards from Hollywood to Cannes, but her road to a career in the arts once placed her at a junction that could have taken her in a drastically different direction. It was a heart-aching period of uncertainty that risked her wellbeing, and threatened her relationships with those closest to her. If you’ve ever had to make a difficult decision about your future, you’ll soon learn you’re not alone. +++I’m at a Crossroad was made on Bidjigal and Gadigal land. We would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past and present. +++Executive producers and scriptwriters: Tristan Black and Angela TjeuwProducer and editor: Campbell MooreSound design: Harry HughesVoiceover: Angela Tjeuw

A documentary podcast about life's ultimate plot twists, exploring the crucial decisions that shape who we are and the paths we set ourselves on.In each episode, you’ll meet people from around the country who tell us about the time they came to a fork in the road on their way through life. If you’ve ever had to make a life-changing decision, you’ll soon learn you’re not alone. Join us as we discover that no matter which turn you take, the only way is forward.No interviewer. No questions. Let yourself get carried away by the story…just beware of unexpected turns.[Credits]Executive Producers: Tristan Black & Angela TjeuwVoice Over: Angela TjeuwAudio Producer: Jonathan PearsonSound Designer: Harry HughesProducers: Keegan Brown, Liam Achurch, Campbell MooreBrought to you by the Australian Film Television Radio School