Stand Tall Podcast

In this powerful episode, we sit down with returning speaker and long-time friend of Stand Tall, Michael Crossland, backstage at our 2025 Canberra event.Michael’s story is one of resilience, perspective, and unshakable gratitude in the face of life’s greatest challenges. He shares how choosing positivity over despair has shaped his journey, why gratitude routines anchor his daily life, and how surrounding yourself with the right community can transform your future.You’ll hear Michael reflect on:- Why living in the present is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.- How hardship can become a teacher and a stepping stone to a richer life.- The importance of perspective and finding meaning even in moments of darkness.- How gratitude practices and strong routines keep him grounded.- The role of family, community, and faith in building strength for the journey.Michael reminds us that true success isn’t measured by achievements, but by being present, kind, and committed to serving others. His words are both humbling and deeply inspiring for anyone navigating difficult seasons.If you’ve ever wondered how to find hope when life feels overwhelming, this conversation will encourage you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the power of gratitude.FOLLOW US FOR MORE & Visit our Website!Subscribe to YouTube, Follow on Spotify or Apple.YT: https://www.youtube.com/@StandTallAustraliaINSTA: https://www.instagram.com/standtallaustralia/FB: https://www.facebook.com/standtallaustraliaTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@standtallaustralia

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses mental health struggles. Please listen with care, and reach out for support if you need it.In this powerful backstage conversation from Stand Tall Canberra 2025, Joany Badenhorst sits down with Matt Caruana, a young man whose story of resilience will stay with you long after you listen.At just 12 years old, Matt began to struggle with feelings of worthlessness. At 16, he survived falling 7 stories, waking up in hospital, he was faced with life-altering injuries — and an even bigger choice: would his story end there, or was this the beginning of something new?A chance encounter on a train changed everything. When a stranger asked him a simple but confronting question, “What are you going to do about it now?”. Matt’s perspective shifted forever. That single moment became the spark for his journey of hope, action, and advocacy.In this episode, Matt opens up about:The dark headspace he lived in as a teenager and what it took to break free.The pivotal train conversation that gave him the power to reframe his future.How he learned that “hope is hopeless without action.”Why surrounding yourself with the right people can unlock your strengths.The mantra that guides his life today: “What next?”This is a raw and honest story about courage, community, and discovering light in the darkest of places. Matt reminds us all that the future is built one decision at a time — and that no matter where you are, you always have a choice to take the next step.Be encouraged. Be inspired. And above all, don’t lose hope.FOLLOW US FOR MORE!Subscribe to YouTube, Follow on Spotify or Apple.YT: https://www.youtube.com/@StandTallAustraliaINSTA: https://www.instagram.com/standtallaustralia/FB: https://www.facebook.com/standtallaustraliaTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@standtallaustralia

In this inspiring backstage conversation at Stand Tall Canberra 2025, Molly Croft sits down with the extraordinary Duku Forè - a refugee-turned-international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.Arriving in Australia at just 10 years old with no English and a speech impediment, Duku’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of saying “yes.” From filming motivational videos in his bathroom with his little brother to speaking on global stages - including the United Nations - his journey shows what’s possible when you refuse to give up.In this episode, Duku shares:- How bullying and setbacks shaped his drive to grow.- The creative way he overcame his speech challenges.- Why his siblings’ belief in him kept him moving forward.- The importance of starting small—even if it’s just chasing a $9 sandwich.His personal mantra: “You don’t have to be great to get started, you have to get started to be great.”This conversation is full of laughter, wisdom, and hope. Whether you’re a young person chasing your dreams or someone needing a reminder that persistence pays off, Duku’s story will leave you inspired to Stand Tall in your own life.FOLLOW US FOR MORE!Subscribe to YouTube, Follow on Spotify or Apple.YT: https://www.youtube.com/@StandTallAustraliaINSTA: https://www.instagram.com/standtallaustralia/FB: https://www.facebook.com/standtallaustraliaTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@standtallaustraliaSTAY UP TO DATE ABOUT STAND TALL EVENTS https://www.standtallevent.com/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode touches on themes of loss, grief, and forgiveness after tragedy. Please listen with care.In this Episode, Joany Badenhorst sits down with Leila Abdallah, whose life changed forever on February 1st, 2020, when a tragic accident claimed the lives of three of her children and their cousin. In the face of unimaginable grief, Leila and her husband Danny chose forgiveness - a decision that has transformed their lives, their family, and their future.Leila shares her journey of choosing to forgive, and the practical steps that anyone can take to release anger, heal, and find peace. Together, they explore: Why forgiveness is a choice—not a feeling The four steps to forgiveness inspired by her children: ACKNOWLEDGE the pain and its impact ACCEPT what cannot be changed SURRENDER the pain to find peace VOICE your choice to forgive How forgiveness strengthens resilience, family bonds, and even future generations The heart behind “i4Give Day”, a national day encouraging conversations and acts of forgiveness held annually on February 1st.Leila's story is a powerful reminder that while we can’t control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond - and that forgiveness can transform lives.FOLLOW US FOR MORE!Subscribe to YouTube, Follow on Spotify or Apple.YT: https://www.youtube.com/@StandTallAustraliaINSTA: https://www.instagram.com/standtallaustralia/FB: https://www.facebook.com/standtallaustraliaTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@standtallaustraliaSTAY UP TO DATE ABOUT STAND TALL EVENTS https://www.standtallevent.com/

In this honest and inspiring backstage chat, Joany sits down with the incredibly talented Tim Omaji (aka Timomatic) at the 2025 Stand Tall Canberra event. Tim shares what it was like growing up in a Nigerian-Aussie family, how he found his voice through dance and music, and the real challenges he’s faced along the way. He gets vulnerable about confidence, rejection, faith, and staying true to who you are—even when the world says you’re not enough. This convo is full of heart, hustle, and hope—and it’s a reminder that you’re not alone, and your dreams are worth fighting for.FOLLOW US FOR MORE! Subscribe to YouTube, Follow on Spotify or Apple.YT: https://www.youtube.com/@StandTallAustraliaINSTA: https://www.instagram.com/standtallaustralia/FB: https://www.facebook.com/standtallaustraliaTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@standtallaustraliaSTAY UP TO DATE ABOUT STAND TALL EVENTS https://www.standtallevent.com/

This is the second part in a 2 part episode with filmmaker Georgia Cramp, sharing her transformative journey of overcoming cyberbullying and how it inspired her to create award winning films.  Our host, Amie Morris, chats with Georgia, about the ability to turn negative experiences into positive creative expressions and how she entered the amazing Film Festival, REELise, and won! By just giving it a shot and expressing her emotions got her 2 awards and her movie played on the big screen during the award ceremony.    If you, or anyone you know, has suffered from cyber bullying and you want to reach out for advice click the link below:  *E-Safey Commissioner* Cyber Bullying   And if you fancy giving movie making a shot, any young person 12-24 can enter REELise Film Festival 2025 now:  REELise Film Festival 2025   Chapters 00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Film 02:50 Realize Film Festival: A Platform for Young Filmmakers 05:57 Networking and Community in Filmmaking