Chat Man Friday
North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre
NWMNC’s podcast channel shares conversations and stories from North and West Melbourne that bring the community together. Featuring Chat Man Friday and other local voices, we highlight real experiences, community activities, and shared stories that foster connection, wellbeing, and belonging, supporting men facing barriers to connection, work, or wellbeing, as well as the wider community. North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre acknowledges the Bunurong and Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) peoples of the Kulin Nation and pays respect to Elders past and present.
Episodes
Season 2 - Ep 15: From Kabul to Melbourne: Sayed Jawed Maqsoodi’s Journey in Media, Community, and New Beginnings.
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men who live, study, or work in North and West Melbourne. Tune in to hear personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and pick up a few tips that may help improve your quality of life while enjoying your time in the historic streets of North and West Melbourne.This is the final episode (Episode 15) of the second season of Chat Man Friday. Our guest is Sayed Jawed Maqsoodi, co-producer of the podcast at the North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre (NWMNC).In this episode, Sayed shares his journey in the media industry, particularly in television and radio production. Before coming to Australia, he built a long and distinguished career as a journalist in his home country, Afghanistan. He also offers insights into life in Afghanistan and reflects on how it compares with his new life in Australia.Sayed discusses his efforts to re-establish his media career in Australia and explains how he is working to highlight the achievements, challenges, and contributions of the Afghan community. He also shares his experience volunteering with NWMNC and reflects on his role and contributions to the Chat Man Friday podcast.
Season 2 - Ep 14: From South Sudan to Melbourne: Deng’s Journey of Resilience
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Tune in to hear personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and pick up tips that may improve your quality of life as you enjoy your time in the historic streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode 14 of Chat Man Friday, Season 2. Our guest today is Deng Ahoi Geng Yum, a resident of North Melbourne. Deng shares his personal journey from his home country, South Sudan, to a culturally different new life in Australia. He speaks about the challenges he has faced over the past 20 years, including culture shock, understanding a new country and its legal system, and the importance of education in building a stable life.Deng is a member of local men’s group and the newly established life skills program, Men Out of the Margins. He speaks highly of the human connections he has built and how these relationships will support him as he looks forward to rebuilding his life and exploring new opportunities for a better future.
Season 2 - Ep 13: From Vietnam to Melbourne: Stories of Migration, Community, and Homelessness
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and pick up a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Thirteen of Season Two of Chat Man Friday, and our guest for the day is Hieu Nguyen, the Wellbeing Officer at the Elizabeth Street Common Ground Building (ESCG). He recalls the first few days he spent after arriving in Australia in 2009. He fondly speaks about his time growing up in Vietnam and working as a tour guide. He also shares insights into Vietnamese culture and its welcoming, relaxed pace of life, and gives a quick guide to the best places to visit in a 10-day trip.Hieu also shares his beautiful singing voice in a French and Vietnamese love song. He continues by reflecting on the challenges facing people experiencing homelessness and his role at Launch Housing and the Elizabeth Street Common Ground (ESCG). Hieu asks residents of North and West Melbourne to treat people experiencing homelessness with respect and to better understand the daily challenges they face.
Season 2 - Ep 12: Karl Walheim on Life, Resilience, and Connection
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and pick up a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time on the historic streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Twelve (12) of the second season of Chat Man Friday, and our guest today is Karl Walheim. He shares how much he enjoys life in Melbourne and how easy it feels compared to Sydney, where he spent his early years. He emphasises the importance of having someone to lean on. He also expresses his concerns about the general health of Melburnians, particularly regarding mental health.Karl talks about his love for his balcony garden. He is especially fond of succulent plants because they are resilient, strong, and able to survive challenging conditions. He enjoys taking unique photos of his plants and shares some interesting facts about succulents.Karl also speaks about his experience as a new member of the men’s group at Elizabeth Street Common Ground (ESCG), and how being part of the group has helped him make friends and learn many new things.Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 2 - Ep 11: Digital Literacy, Hope, and Community: A Conversation with Louise Cindric
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time on the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Eleven (11) of the second season of Chat Man Friday, and our guest today is Louise Cindric, a Digital Literacy Coach who previously worked in the information technology sector with many well-known companies. Louise is now sharing her expertise in digital literacy to support and build the capacity of community members who are struggling to cope with the daily challenges of continuously evolving information technology.Louise shares her knowledge with the residents of Ozanam House and many community service agencies. She spoke to us about the challenges faced by people affected by homelessness, alcohol, and drug abuse. She also shared some inspiring success stories of people who were able to overcome their challenges and lead happy lives.
Season 2 - Ep 10: Jack's Story: A Gathering That Changed Everything
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time on the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is episode ten of the second season of Chat Man Friday, and our guest today is Jack, a senior who attends the Men’s Afternoon Tea. He loves singing and sharing his jokes and stories with the people around him. Jack sang one of Elvis Presley’s songs for us and shared some stories about music.Jack expressed his gratitude for the Men’s Afternoon Tea and its role in helping him cope with loneliness. He enjoys making new friends and sharing laughs with them. He is a happy man and wishes the Men’s Afternoon Tea activities could be held more frequently.
Season 2 - Ep 9: Inside PeterMac Men Shed with John: Building Skills, Friendship and Community
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time on the old streets of North and West Melbourne.In Episode Nine of Season 2 of Chat Man Friday, we speak with John, workshop lead at the PeterMac Men Shed. John shares his background, how he became involved in the Men Shed movement, and what it means to be part of the PeterMac Men Shed. He also explains the purpose of Men Sheds and who can join the PeterMac Men Shed.John shares stories that reflect the positive impact of the Men Shed on its members and how working in the workshop has helped them overcome various challenges in life. He also talks about the PeterMac Men Shed’s contribution to the community and explains the process of joining the workshop.With John, we learn about an important community space where men can come together, make new friends, develop practical hands-on skills, and give back to their community by creating products that make people’s lives happier.
Season 2 - Ep 8: Neil Hawthorn on libraries, life after loss, and finding connection through community.
Chat man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to some personal stories, get to know some activities organise by and for men, and learn few tips that may improve your life quality and enjoy your time on the old streets of North and West Melbourne. This is episode eight (8) of Chat Man Friday of the second season, and our guest for the day is Neil Hawthorn, who is of Norwegian descent. Neil spoke about his family and his job as a librarian. He shared some interesting stories about what could happen within the library sphere. Neil spoke the depression he had after he was asked to resign from his library jobs.Neil spoke about his interest to building relationships with people from various cultural backgrounds especially international students. Neil is a member of the Men Afternoon Tea program at the North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre (NWMNC). He expressed his happiness to be part of this group and how it helped him to gain friends, who are always there for him.
Season 2 - Ep 7: Mattia - A Shoemaker’s Story of Craft and Culture
Chat man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to some personal stories, get to know some activities organised by and for men, and learn few tips that may improve your life quality and enjoy your time on the old streets of North and West Melbourne. This is episode Seven of Chat Man Friday of the second season, and our guest for the day is Mattia, a businessman owning one of the shoemaking shops remaining in North Melbourne and the whole state of Victoria. He takes us with the well-known Italian passion for soccer, the Italian football teams, and the Socceroos and the Matildas. Mattia expresses his love for the Australian coffee culture that reminds him of the Italian love for coffee.Being a third generation of leather manufacturing family, Mattia speaks dearly about the industry that is manufacturing, and how his family is so involved in this field. He feels that people are going back slowly to the leather made jackets, shoes etc. He explains why it is important to own a leather shoe. He shared with us the key challenges facing the leather manufacturing industry in Australia and the world.
Season 2 - Ep 6: Michael Taylor on Homelessness, Community Support and Volunteerism
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Tune in to hear personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and pick up useful tips to improve your quality of life while enjoying your time in the historic streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Six of the second season of Chat Man Friday, and our guest today is Michael Taylor, the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) Coordinator at the North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre. Michael shares his personal experiences and discusses the challenges of being homeless. He highlights the importance of volunteerism and encourages the community of North and West Melbourne to support people experiencing homelessness in the area.Michael also explains his volunteer work at the Centre, assisting with the small over-the-counter Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) program, and how the community can benefit from it. He invites local residents to volunteer at the Centre, particularly with the CDS team. In addition, he talks about the “10,000 Cents” initiative and the excitement of meeting high-ranking government officials and speaking in the media about his efforts and achievements.
Season 2 – Ep 5: Dr Helena Steel: Insights From a Career Coach
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Tune in to hear personal stories, discover activities organised by and for men, and learn a few tips to improve your quality of life while enjoying your time on the historic streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Five (5) of the second season of Chat Man Friday. Our guest today is Dr Helena Steel, a career coach and former Human Resources executive in the corporate sector. Dr Helena shares insights from her career background, including her many years working in corporate environments. Drawing on her experience in human resources, she offers practical tips for job seekers and advice on how to approach new stages in your employment journey.Dr Helena also encourages us to look deeper within ourselves to better understand what the right job is and how to choose a career path that suits our behaviours and attitudes. She further discusses key trends in the employment market in Melbourne, Victoria.
Season 2 - Ep 4: Shane Guest on ADHD, Trauma, and Healing Through Music
Chat man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to some personal stories, get to know some activities organised by and for men, and learn few tips that may improve your life quality and enjoy your time on the old streets of North and West Melbourne. This is episode four of the second season of Chat Man Friday, and our guest for the day is Shane Guest. He shares his passion towards computers and music. He spoke about the challenges he faced through his life, his struggles with ADHD, homelessness, and life trauma. Shane speaks about the shock of losing his only child and how did that impact his life. It was his music, where he used music as a medium to channel his pain in two albums that he created. He explained what music meant to him and how it has saved him out of depression and kept him going to face the day-to-day challenges. Shane played his piece ‘Falling off the edge of the Universe’ that we hope our dear listeners will be enjoying.Chat Man FridayPodcast is proudly supported by Department of Social Services.
Season 2 – Ep 3: Eddie Uni & Peter Worland on Homelessness, Community Support, and The Salvation Army’s Flagstaff and Open Door Crisis Accommodation
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, get to know activities organised by and for men, and learn a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Three of Season Two of Chat Man Friday, and our guests for the day are Eddie Uni, the Community Engagement Team Leader, and Peter Worland, the Therapeutic Recreation Worker at Flagstaff and The Open Door Accommodation services, which are run by The Salvation Army Australia Territory. They share different aspects of homelessness and the challenges faced by people affected by homelessness, as well as the efforts to reduce the burden of homelessness in the city of Melbourne. They emphasise a community approach to easing feelings of loneliness that can lead some homeless men towards drug and alcohol abuse.Eddie and Peter also spoke about men affected by homelessness, their ability to cope with loneliness, and how this impacts their mental health. They provided information about the services offered by Flagstaff and Open Door Crisis Accommodation.
Season 2 - Ep 2: From El Salvador to Australia: Jose Estrada’s 40-Year Journey
Chat man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to some personal stories, get to know some activities organised by and for men, andlearn few tips that may improve your life quality and enjoy your time on the old streets of North and West Melbourne. This is episode two of Chat Man Friday of the second season, and our guest for the day is Jose Estrada, a resident of the Elizabeth Street Common Grounds (ESCG). Jose is sharing with us his personal experiences comingfrom his home country El Salvador in Central America to a new culturally different new home in Australia. He speaks about the challenges he faced through the past 40 years including language barriers, cultural shock, democracy and getting along with the new Australian culture.Jose is a member of the men group at ESCG, and the newlyestablished life skills program ‘Men out of the Margins’. He speaks highly of the human connections that he was able to establish and how these relationships will be of a great help for him as he is getting closer to retirement.
Season 2 - Ep 1: Frances McMillan on Education, Community, and Men Out of the Margins
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, get to know activities organised by and for men, and learn a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is the first episode of Season Two of Chat Man Friday, and our guest for the day is Frances McMillan, the Education Facilitator for the Men Out of the Margins program at the North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre (NWMNC). Frances takes us through her long journey as a teacher and as an educator in the Homework Club at the centre, as well as the impact of the Homework Club movement on the surrounding community and students living in the area.She also introduces the Workout Program and the newly established life skills program, Men Out of the Margins, which targets men in the area affected by homelessness and social isolation.
Season 1 - Ep 12: Laurence Angwin shares stories of North Melbourne, local history, and passion for teaching.
Episode 12 - Laurence Angwin shares stories of North Melbourne, local history, and passion for teaching.Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to some personal stories, get to know some activities organised by and for men, and learn a few tips that may improve your life quality and enjoy your time on the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is episode Twelve of Chat Man Friday; in this episode you will be introduced to Lawrence. Lawrence is a 42-years resident of North Melbourne. He lived in the area, when he was a little child, a young teenager, an adult and a senior, witnessing the gradual changes that happened in North Melbourne and the whole city in general. He contributed to the Hotham project, writing a special portion about his family that lived in the area for long years.Lawrence loved teaching and had worked with many young people from various cultural backgrounds. He went to Indonesia and taught at the university there, and also, he has a special experience working with the Vietnamese refugees. He is currently coordinating the Homework clubs at the North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre, helping many young people to have their first steps towards a successful career.Sit back, have a cup of tea and enjoy this episode. The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 13: Arnav shares his life experiences in Melbourne as an international student.
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne.Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode 13 of Chat Man Friday. In this episode, you will meet Arnav, who came to Australia as an international student and is now an Outreach Officer at the North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre. He is part of the successful Being a Melburnian project, which connects local residents with international students through a six-week community program.Sit back, enjoy a cup of tea, and listen to Arnav's story as he reflects on his experiences of studying, living, and building connections in Melbourne.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 15: Danilo Diaz (Ilo)- Moonee Ponds Legal Services
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne.Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode 15, the final episode of Season 1 of Chat Man Friday. Our guest today is Danilo Diaz (Ilo), a dedicated community member who uses his passion and skills to support people living in the North Melbourne and Moonee Valley communities. Originally from Chile, Ilo has been living in Australia since the 1980s.In this episode, Ilo shares his love of soccer and explains how his passion for the game inspired him to lead a community soccer program in North Melbourne. He also reflects on some of the remarkable experiences he and the program participants have enjoyed over the past ten years.Ilo also speaks about his Latino heritage and the presence of the Chilean community in Melbourne. In addition, he discusses his role at Moonee Valley Legal Service and how he uses his extensive knowledge of multicultural communities to help people overcome challenges in navigating the Australian legal system.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 14: Interview with Robert
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to some personal stories, get to know some activities organised by and for men, and learn a few tips that may improve your life quality and enjoy your time on the old streets of North and West Melbourne.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 14: Interview with Robert
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.Come along to support, connect with, and be part of the North Melbourne community.Sit back, enjoy a cup of tea, and listen to this episode.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 11: Interview with Chris
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.Come along to support, connect with, and be part of the North Melbourne community.Sit back, enjoy a cup of tea, and listen to this episode.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 10: Interview with Dr. Shaday- Men Health, Community Health, and Activism
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Ten of Chat Man Friday. In this episode, you will be introduced to Dr Shaday, a doctor currently working at Brunswick Community Health Centre. She is a community activist involved in campaigns to prevent the closure of community health centres operated by cohealth in Collingwood, Fitzroy, and Kensington. Dr Shaday has worked in public hospitals for eight years, including the emergency departments at Footscray and Sunshine Hospitals.Dr Shaday shares her insights on men's health, Movember, and her passion for supporting community health services and public healthcare more broadly.Come and join us to support and connect with the North Melbourne community.Sit back, enjoy a cup of tea, and listen to this episode.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 9: Solving Mysteries: Ian's Journey Through Forensic Science
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Nine of Chat Man Friday, and our guest for the day is Ian, who joins us to share stories from his life and career. Ian is a long-time North Melbourne resident and a retired forensic scientist. He is also a member of the Men's Afternoon Tea at the North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre.Join us for a fascinating conversation about laboratories, forensic science, artificial intelligence, and detective work.Sit back, enjoy a cup of tea, and join us for an engaging and thought-provoking episode.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 8: Balancing Creativity, Career, and Motherhood with Yulay
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Eight of Chat Man Friday. In this episode, you will be introduced to Yulay, a dancer, artist, and events coordinator. Yulay shares her experiences of balancing multiple roles as a journalist, artist, and mother.Yulay and the podcast team also introduce the program for the upcoming Queensberry Cup, taking place on 18 October 2025. Come along to support, connect with, and celebrate the North Melbourne community.Sit back, enjoy a cup of tea, and listen to this episode.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 7: Barry – Advocating for Youth from Multicultural Backgrounds in North Melbourne
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Seven of Chat Man Friday, and our guest is Barry, a passionate community leader and youth advocate. Barry founded Young Australian People (YAP), an organisation that empowers multicultural young people—particularly those living in public housing—by providing connection, opportunity, and support to help them live their best lives.With a strong commitment to social justice, Barry has been a leading voice opposing the demolition of public housing in North Melbourne and has become a plaintiff in a class action against the Victorian Government.In this episode, Barry talks about what drives him to take on these challenges, how his upbringing and Eritrean heritage have shaped his experiences, and the work YAP is doing to provide employment and career development opportunities for young people.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 6: Scott on Dyslexia, Radio, and Finding Community in Melbourne
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Four of Chat Man Friday, and our guest for the day is Scott, who joins us to talk about his life, Ozanam House, the NWMNC Men’s Group, radio, music, and dyslexia.Scott was born in Hamilton and later moved to Melbourne. He shares his experience growing up with dyslexia, a commonly misunderstood neurological difference. At the age of 19, while volunteering in radio, Scott received a big break and has been working in the industry ever since, including alongside well-known artists such as Shannon Noll.Scott also introduces us to the Men’s Afternoon Tea at the North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre, which has been an important part of his life—a place for social connection, support, and community, where men can come together and share a cup of tea.He also offers thoughtful advice for people who may be experiencing homelessness, those seeking support services, and information about where to find community meals in North Melbourne.Sit back, enjoy a cup of tea, and join us for a colourful and engaging episode.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 5: Mr MS on Addiction, Incarceration, and Homelessness
Mr MS – Addiction, Incarceration, and Homelessness: Mr MS’s StoryChat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Five of Chat Man Friday, and our guest is Mr MS. He joins the podcast with a desire to share his life experience. For many years, MS described having a fortunate life. He made good choices early on, was successful in business, and raised a beautiful family.However, after the passing of his parents, everything changed. Addiction entered his life and, over time, took hold.Mr MS gives listeners an authentic account of what it is like to experience homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. He speaks about the importance of family, the pain of disconnection, and the challenges many people face when trying to access crisis accommodation or food relief services. Most importantly, MS hopes his story and advice will reach those experiencing addiction and show that it is possible to find a way forward.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 4: Annabel – Understanding Neurodivergence in North and West Melbourne
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Four of Chat Man Friday, and our guest for the day is Annabel C, a seasoned social activist, intercultural communications expert, and certified ADHD coach. Annabel has years of professional experience as a program manager and consultant in the not-for-profit sector, as well as personal experience raising and advocating for her three children who are neurodivergent.Annabel defines neurodivergence as a way in which a brain functions differently compared to the so-called “neurotypical” brain. She unpacks this by outlining different presentations and experiences, with a focus on autism and ADHD. Using neuro-affirming and identity-first language, she explores the barriers many neurodivergent men encounter when trying to access services, connect with their community, and navigate education or work.Annabel also highlights practical ways community organisations can become more inclusive and welcoming for people who identify as neurodivergent, and points listeners towards local resources available to support men in bringing out their best and achieving their goals.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 3: Leyton B – Leyton B on Identity, Homelessness, and Community Support
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Three of Chat Man Friday, and our guest for the day is Leyton B. He is a member of the LGBTIQ community and an enthusiastic supporter of the Carlton Football Club. Leyton takes us through his life journey as a teenager who faced a serious risk of homelessness. He speaks about the challenges he faced as a teenager and as a member of the LGBTIQ community in accessing various services in North and West Melbourne, and how the community can play a role in easing his current situation.Leyton explains his love for Australian Rules Football and shares his memories with the Carlton Football Club. He also tells listeners of Chat Man Friday about his volunteering work over more than 10 years, and the importance of volunteering for himself and for the wider community.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 2: Kevin Shi on Life as an International Student in Melbourne
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne.Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is Episode Two of Chat Man Friday, and our guest for the day is Kevin Shi, an international student at the University of Melbourne. He is originally from China but has been living in Australia for several years. In this episode, Kevin shares his story in Melbourne, what he has found interesting about the city, and the key challenges faced by international students in Melbourne.Kevin also speaks about his voluntary work promoting environmental sustainability in Melbourne, as well as his efforts to connect more with residents of North and West Melbourne. Chat Man Friday also explores the Being a Melburnian project, one of his initiatives aimed at creating personal and social connections between senior residents of North and West Melbourne and international students.The Chat Man Friday Podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Social Services.
Season 1 - Ep 1: Ariel Valent on Community, Men’s Services, and North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre
Chat Man Friday is a podcast for men living, studying, or working in North and West Melbourne. Come and listen to personal stories, learn about activities organised by and for men, and discover a few tips that may improve your quality of life and help you enjoy your time in the old streets of North and West Melbourne.This is the first episode of Chat Man Friday, and our guest for the day is Ariel Valent, the Director of the North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre (NWMNC). Ariel explores the history of the centre, the services it provides, and the impact of NWMNC on the surrounding community, especially men.He also discusses the key challenges facing men in the area and the role that Chat Man Friday and other services can play in improving the wellbeing and life skills of men in North and West Melbourne.