27 episodes

Inspirations in my backyard reflects human journeys shared through inspirational stories around our local heroes. Original, relatable, authentic.

Come with me to explore.

Inspirations In My Backyard Xueqian Zhang

    • Society & Culture

Inspirations in my backyard reflects human journeys shared through inspirational stories around our local heroes. Original, relatable, authentic.

Come with me to explore.

    Embracing My Vulnerability Opened A Whole New World For Me - Martina Hughes: From A Financial Controller To A Love, Intimacy And Relationships Mentor

    Embracing My Vulnerability Opened A Whole New World For Me - Martina Hughes: From A Financial Controller To A Love, Intimacy And Relationships Mentor

    "What I have been looking for is always there, inside me."



    A tantric retreat changed everything. 

    What happened? Why did Martina so scared of the trip at first? And what made her want to explore herself and end up doing what she is doing? 



    Listen to this episode to hear about Martina's soul searching journey and learn some tips on relationships and how to embrace your authentic self and deepen your intuition.



    Martina's website: https://martinahughes.com/

    • 46 min
    I Can Use My Creativity To Do Meaningful Things - Stephanie Daughtry: An Artist and Producer Reflects

    I Can Use My Creativity To Do Meaningful Things - Stephanie Daughtry: An Artist and Producer Reflects

    Stephanie Daughtry, a co-director and producer of an award-winning  Fringe show Eating Tomorrow this year. It's an interesting time travel experiment, imagining what future food would look like.

    To my surprise, she only started to call herself an artist recently.  Also, I discovered her life is experimental too. After many trials and challenges, she finally found out her secret power and what she can bring to this world.

    • 55 min
    I’m So Glad to Choose The Third Option - Promila Gupta: A Chef and Cultural and Community Award Winner Reflects

    I’m So Glad to Choose The Third Option - Promila Gupta: A Chef and Cultural and Community Award Winner Reflects

    Promila Gupta immigrated to Australia almost 40 years ago from India.  With only $500 in hand and being in a completely new environment, she cried a lot initially, but what made her change and thrive? From being a  housewife to a chef, an author, a radio show host and a tutor. But most of all, she has become a public figure in the culture and community space. Promila has promoted her rich culture and cuisine to Australia  and has done many amazing works for the community.

    Apart from reflecting on her turning point, Promila also talked about her values, thought process on maintaining her culture in a different country, advice to other immigrants and her views about racism in Australia.

    • 50 min
    Australia Granted Me Citizenship Based On A Song I Wrote - Mahmood Khan: I Want To Expand Australians’ Ears

    Australia Granted Me Citizenship Based On A Song I Wrote - Mahmood Khan: I Want To Expand Australians’ Ears

    Mahmood Khan is a singer-songwriter and music producer originally from Pakistan. He has created many first-time records. For example, his recent song Jagamarra, a folk-pop world music hybrid dedicated to the  Indigenous community, is Australia’s first-ever orchestral set to achieve a No. 1 iTunes chart.

    What touched me the most is his dedication and passion for music.  Before these successes, he just worked on his music consistently without making much money for over 15 years. How could he do that, and what are his supporting values and crazy stories he had? Find the answer by yourself, now.

    If you are an immigrant like him, you will understand why he said: “You can replant and reseed things anywhere you want to”.

    • 38 min
    How You Say It Matters, So Be Willing To Play - Sanja Jovanovic: From A Shy Ballerina To A TEDx Speaker Coach

    How You Say It Matters, So Be Willing To Play - Sanja Jovanovic: From A Shy Ballerina To A TEDx Speaker Coach

    Sanja Jovanovic is a public speaking coach and founder at Talent  Academy where she cures stage fright. But what interests me the most is  how she got to where she is and her passion for international students,  refugees and immigrants. Surrounded by a macro minority family culture  in Australia, she sees herself as a global citizen.

    Sanja used to be a shy girl, that's why she was sent to learn dancing  and performing. But life made her notice and started to use her  superpower: a skill almost always trumps the rest.

    Listen in to feel her strong heart and explore her inspiring journey.

    • 42 min
    Being A Minority, This Is How I Made My Way - Henry Thong: A Young Asian Australian’s Filmmaker Reflects

    Being A Minority, This Is How I Made My Way - Henry Thong: A Young Asian Australian’s Filmmaker Reflects

    Henry Thong didn’t discover his passion for filmmaking until something happened in high school.

    He then broke the norm. You may be aware that for people born in an  Asian family, working in a creative industry is usually not encouraged by their family. But Henry was determined, and in fact, he even decided  not to attend university.

    What made Henry push through all the boundaries? And how did he deal with some extra challenges as being a minority in Australia, this western world?

    Listen in to find out his journey, how Henry embraced adversity and made his dream come true. If you are a creative person, you will get some practical tips from him too. 

    • 36 min

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Miss Me?
BBC Sounds
The Louis Theroux Podcast
Spotify Studios
Happy Place
Fearne Cotton
Desert Island Discs
BBC Radio 4
Life with Nat
Keep It Light Media
Modern Wisdom
Chris Williamson