I'm at a Crossroad AFTRS Radio

Kai Noonan tells the story of resigning from her job and driving across the country on a journey of discovery.

Kai was working at a refuge service for women and children through the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic. Realising she was burnt out and that she didn’t have any energy left to give, she decided to resign, pack her things in a camper van, and head on a 3-month journey across Australia to meet people from different walks of life and make a podcast about human connection. People around her thought she was slightly mad. Kai’s story is about life on the road, what it did for her soul, and how it was even more uncomfortable for her than the average person because she was also pregnant. 

You can listen to Kai’s podcast, Towards Connection, here: https://towardsconnection.com/listen 

+++

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 Tjeuw
Producers: Liam Achurch and Keegan Brown
Editors: Campbell Moore and Jonathan Pearson
Sound design: Jonathan Pearson
Supervising sound designer: Harry Hughes
Voiceover: Angela Tjeuw


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Tjeuw
Producer: Liam Achurch
Editor: Jonathan Pearson
Sound design: Harry Hughes
Voiceover: Angela Tjeuw


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Tjeuw
Producer: Keegan Brown
Editor: Jonathan Pearson
Sound designer: Jonathan Pearson 
Supervising sound designer: Harry Hughes
Voiceover: Angela Tjeuw


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Tjeuw
Producers: Jonathan Pearson and Keegan Brown
Editor: Jonathan Pearson
Sound design: Harry Hughes and Campbell Moore
Voiceover: Angela Tjeuw


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Tjeuw
Producers: Campbell Moore and Liam Achurch
Editor: Liam Achurch
Sound design: Harry Hughes
Voiceover: Angela Tjeuw


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Tjeuw
Producer and editor: Campbell Moore
Sound design: Harry Hughes
Voiceover: Angela Tjeuw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.