CW: This conversation contains discussions of domestic violence. If these topics are difficult for you, please take care while listening, and know that support is available. When we talk about systems change, it's easy to think in abstract terms - policies, funding models, reform agendas. But real change often starts with real stories: of survival, leadership, and radical empathy.Today, we're joined by Nicole Yade, the CEO of WAGEC - the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre - based in Redfern, Sydney. Nicole leads an organisation that doesn’t just provide crisis accommodation and holistic support services to women and children - it is working to end gender-based violence in a generation.In this conversation, Nicole speaks with extraordinary candour - about her own lived experience, why individualised care is so vital, and what systemic change really requires. This is a story about courage, community, and the power of showing up - again and again - for women who deserve safety and dignity.Donate to WAGEC here.1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, or text 0458 737 732
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In conversation with Prima Facie's Sof Forrest
From the moment actor and absolute rising star Sof Forrest steps on stage in the play Prima Facie, you can feel the air shift. As Tessa, a criminal defence barrister whose belief in the legal system is deeply shaken, Sof delivers a performance that is urgent, fearless, and unflinchingly human.It’s no surprise that the one-person play has been called a cultural reckoning around the world - and Sof is at the heart of it this month, carrying 90 minutes of story, 25 characters, and a tidal wave of emotion. In this conversation, we speak about what it takes to inhabit a role like this night after night, the power of representation, the partnership with leading non-profit Teach Us Consent, and why the story of Prima Facie demands to be heard by more than just women. Prima Facie is showing at Carriageworks over the next two weeks - but it’s nearly sold out. If you don’t manage to get a ticket you can buy the book edition by the playwright Suzie Miller (who we rave about in this episode) - it’s a must read. Just a little warning that this chat includes topics such as sexual assault - so if you’re not up to listening, feel free to skip or listen another time. So now, here’s Sof.
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In conversation with Muslim Agenda's Sara Mansour and Aishah Ali
Welcome to the Missing Perspectives podcast, where we celebrate game-changers and truth-tellers who are shifting culture, challenging norms, and carving space for underrepresented voices.In today’s episode, we’re joined by two powerful forces in the arts and advocacy space – Sara Mansour and Aishah Ali, the co-founders of Muslim Agenda.Boldly named and fiercely necessary, Muslim Agenda is more than a platform - it’s a movement. Created in response to the relentless stereotyping of their community in public discourse, the initiative aims to reclaim the narrative and build safe, joyful, and radically inclusive spaces for Muslim women to heal, create, and thrive.Sara and Aishah have not only confronted Islamophobia head-on - they’ve created something groundbreaking: Australia’s first Muslim Women’s Festival, bringing together artists, poets, thinkers, and communities in both Sydney and Melbourne - and beyond.Today, we’ll talk about what inspired the name Muslim Agenda, what authentic representation truly looks like beyond tokenism, and how they’re holding space for grief and joy, creativity and protest, community and celebration - particularly in a moment of global crisis and rising censorship.We’ll also dive into how poetry and the arts can be powerful tools for resistance and healing - including Sara’s founding of Bankstown Poetry Slam, and Aishah’s own work as a poet.This is a conversation about reclaiming power, redefining identity, and building the future - on their own terms. Let’s get into it.
Step into the stories you don’t hear enough. We go beyond the headlines to spotlight bold, brilliant women leading change in unexpected places - from grassroots organisers to founders, artists, authors, and advocates. These are real conversations with women shaking up the status quo, challenging power, and building the future. If you’re hungry for fresh ideas, untold stories, and big impact, this is the podcast for you.
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