Chocolate and Coffee Break

Andrea Putting

A show, a movement, and a mission to break down the barriers that divide us. In a world growing louder with hate, division, and misunderstanding, we choose a different frequency: love, compassion, and the courageous power of connection. Each episode invites you into real, unscripted conversations over chocolate and coffee — simple rituals with the power to disarm, disarmour, and deeply connect. Here, we don’t just talk about change — we live it. We bring together people from different walks of life to share their stories, their hopes, and sometimes, their hardest truths. What will you get out of it? Perspective. Courage. Humanity. A spark of hope that maybe — just maybe — the world isn’t as divided as we think. This is your invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and discover the extraordinary in everyday people. Because when we make space for the conversations that matter, love doesn’t just whisper — it roars. So grab a cuppa. Break the chocolate. And stay for the conversation that might just change your day — or your life.

  1. 5d ago

    When Storytelling Gives Others Permission to Be Heard _ Khatija Halabi

    What does it mean to truly belong? In this heartfelt episode of Chocolate and Coffee Break, Andrea Putting sits down with Khatija Halabi—audiologist, community advocate, and author of A Soft Landing—to explore the power of belonging, inclusion, and human connection. Growing up in apartheid South Africa, Khatija experienced firsthand what it means to live in a society divided by race and classification. Arriving in Australia with plans to stay for only two years, her life changed when someone offered her a "soft landing"—a simple act of kindness and welcome that shaped her future and inspired a lifetime of helping others feel they belong. Together, Andrea and Khatija discuss:Growing up in South Africa during apartheidBuilding a life in Australia as a Muslim womanThe importance of storytelling in breaking down barriersThe parallels between hearing loss and social isolationCreating communities where everyone feels seen, heard, and valuedWhy belonging is something we intentionally createFrom her work supporting people with hearing loss to initiatives that promote understanding across cultures and faiths, Khatija reminds us that belonging begins with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to connect. "Belonging isn't accidental. It's intentional. And it begins with us." – Khatija Halabi Brew the Change Challenge This week, create a soft landing for someone new in your world—a neighbor, colleague, student, or community member. A simple conversation could make all the difference. 🍫 Connect with Khatija Halabi and learn more about her book A Soft Landing. Until next time, grab a chocolate, share a coffee, and remember: Let love be the loudest voice. A show, a movement, and a mission to break down the barriers that divide us. In a world growing louder with hate, division, and misunderstanding, we choose a different frequency: love, compassion, and the courageous power of connection.

    30 min
  2. May 20

    Episode 27: The Cost of Looking Away — Racism Stories With Stone Gye

    In this deeply thought-provoking episode of Chocolate & Coffee Break, Andrea sits down with counselor, strategist, and neurodivergent advocate Stone Gye for a courageous conversation about racism, belonging, systems, and healing. Stone shares his lived experiences as an African American man raised in Japan, serving in the military, migrating to Australia, and later relocating to France after facing systemic challenges within healthcare and society. Together, they explore: What racism actually is and what it is notThe hidden cost of systemic racismNeurodivergence and intersectionalityWhy belonging mattersHow systems either help people thrive or marginalize themThe importance of difficult but compassionate conversationsWhat true societal healing could look likeOne powerful takeaway: “Racism isn’t being called in. Racism is when systems stay untouched while harm continues.” This episode challenges listeners to move beyond defensiveness and toward deeper understanding, accountability, compassion, and collective healing. 🍫☕ Grab your chocolate and your coffee and join a conversation that matters. Guest: Stone Gye- Counselor, strategist, and advocate working with neurodivergent professionals. Connect with Stone Gye: stonegye.agency A show, a movement, and a mission to break down the barriers that divide us. In a world growing louder with hate, division, and misunderstanding, we choose a different frequency: love, compassion, and the courageous power of connection.

    31 min

About

A show, a movement, and a mission to break down the barriers that divide us. In a world growing louder with hate, division, and misunderstanding, we choose a different frequency: love, compassion, and the courageous power of connection. Each episode invites you into real, unscripted conversations over chocolate and coffee — simple rituals with the power to disarm, disarmour, and deeply connect. Here, we don’t just talk about change — we live it. We bring together people from different walks of life to share their stories, their hopes, and sometimes, their hardest truths. What will you get out of it? Perspective. Courage. Humanity. A spark of hope that maybe — just maybe — the world isn’t as divided as we think. This is your invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and discover the extraordinary in everyday people. Because when we make space for the conversations that matter, love doesn’t just whisper — it roars. So grab a cuppa. Break the chocolate. And stay for the conversation that might just change your day — or your life.