Finding Sanctuary

Zeb Miller is a seasoned paramedic with nearly 14 years of experience in emergency services. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to learn and adapt, gaining significant insights into both the clinical and human aspects of medical care. Zeb’s extensive experience and growth trajectory within the paramedic field have equipped him with a deep understanding of holistic patient care, which considers not only the clinical symptoms but also the social and psychological aspects of those he serves.

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Andre Abouharb is the founder and director of Catholic Apparel, a faith-inspired fashion brand. Andre has traversed a remarkable personal journey, overcoming major life challenges that have deeply shaped his mission and work. His story is powerful, as it entwines his experiences with his Catholic faith, leading him to inspire others through his life and business.

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Andre Abouharb was a young man enjoying a normal night out when a shooting changed everything. As founder and director of Catholic Apparel, Andre joins Debbie and Natalie to talk about faith, trauma...

Judy Saba: Judy Saba is a cross-cultural psychologist with an extensive career working with the New South Wales Police and currently operates within a charity focused on domestic violence. Her career was kick-started over 30 years ago as one of the co-founders of the Maronite Counseling Services, where she played a pivotal role in community mental health support and understanding cultural nuances in psychological practice.

George Boutros: George Boutros is a dedicated humanitarian and the co-founder of the Sydney to Lebanon Humanitarian Aid Appeal. His journey started with Friends with Hope in response to...

Bridget Loulach is the founder of Glimpse of Heaven Australia, a charitable initiative based in Sydney, dedicated to aiding the homeless and families facing hardships across New South Wales. With a multi-faceted career as a lawyer, journalist, and creative, Brigette has utilized her platform to promote acts of kindness, inspired by her personal experiences and challenges. Her philanthropic journey began in her teenage years, driven by a profound familial loss and is sustained through her faith and resilience in facing personal adversities.

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Adella Beaini is an accomplished journalist who has carved a significant reputation for herself in the media industry. Currently working for the Daily Telegraph, Adella is known for her investigative reporting, most notably her work on the campaign "Save Our Heroes," which led to a royal commission into suicides in the defense force. Her reporting has significantly impacted veterans' lives, shedding light on the hardships they endure. Adella is passionate about bringing attention to critical social issues and is driven by her values and faith in both her personal and professional life.

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Chehade Richa is a dedicated educator and mentor who specialises in parenting strategies for preteens and adolescents, particularly in the context of social media and technology use. With a background in teaching and mentoring, he provides valuable insights into proactive parenting and communication dynamics between parents and children.

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Interested in joining this singles group to experience connection, no judgement and just a great time? email Rachel at roadtoemmaus@olol.org.au

 Rachel El Hage is known for her role as the coordinator and founder of the Road to Emmaus singles group. This initiative caters specifically to older singles over the age of 35, aiming to create a community that fosters friendship and connection centered on Christian values. Despite being married and a mother of three, Rachel has dedicated her efforts to the enrichment of the Maronite community and providing support to its single members. H...

Linda Habak is an established interior designer and property developer, as well as the creator, founder, and host of the podcast "Build Beautiful." Her journey spans from studying textile technology and working in marketing to ultimately embracing her passion for design. Linda's career is marked by her intuitive approach to life, her ability to pivot amidst challenges, and her unwavering commitment to personal growth and spiritual connection.

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About the Guest:

Subdeacon Stefan is from Christ The Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish, where he plays a vital role in spiritual guidance and support. He co-founded the business Lauren's Family with his wife Giselle, who has extensive experience as a support worker for the NDIS sector. Stefan is deeply inspired by his late sister, Lauren, who has had a profound impact on his life and vocation, fueling his passion for serving those with disabilities and fostering community support.

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Bridget Sakr is a prominent community figure and Director of Heartfelt, an organization dedicated to supporting families experiencing loss and trauma. With a professional background in finance and insurance, Bridget transitioned into grief support work following personal tragedy that deeply impacted her life. Her experience and empathy have made her a beacon of support, not only within her community but also on a global scale, as she continues to guide and accompany those navigating grief.

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Bridget Sakr is a prominent community figure and Director of Heartfelt, an organization dedicated to supporting families experiencing loss and trauma. With a professional background in finance and insurance, Bridget transitioned into grief support work following personal tragedy that deeply impacted her life. Her experience and empathy have made her a beacon of support, not only within her community but also on a global scale, as she continues to guide and accompany those navigating grief.

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About the Guest

Jacqualine Kay Raad is a leadership and speechwriting consultant known for her proficiency in guiding individuals through moments of self-discovery. Her expertise spans critical areas such as presentation and negotiation skills, networking, leadership through coaching, and particularly, giving and receiving feedback. Her unique ability to identify and help resolve human interaction challenges stems from her deep-seated experience in human resources and her journey in personal development, especially focusing on emotional intelligence.

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About the Guest:

Leonie Nahhas is a registered psychologist with an extensive background in community wellbeing, education, and mental health initiatives. She currently operates her private practice, ThriveWise Psychology, and has established the Illume Community Dialogue Forum, which aims to foster community dialogue and collective well-being. Leonie has worked in various educational settings and has spent time abroad gaining valuable cultural experiences, contributing to her deep understanding of human interactions and societal dynamics.

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Patrick Coorey is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the high-octane world of professional motorsport. Starting from humble beginnings in Coffs Harbour, Australia, his passion for racing and engineering drove him to the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula One. Despite an initial setback when his team ran out of funds, Patrick transitioned into Formula E, where he thrived as a championship-winning team manager. His career has also included roles such as design office manager and overseeing special projects, showcasing his versatility and dedication to innovation within the industry.

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George Sahyoun built the Karima Group from the ground up, naming it after his mum—because sometimes the best business inspiration comes from home. As co-founder and director, George has turned entrepreneurial success into something bigger: genuine community impact through philanthropy and mentoring.

What sets George apart isn't just his business acumen—it's his commitment to lifting others up. From mentoring emerging entrepreneurs to leading community initiatives across Australia, George proves that true success means creating opportunities for the next generation. This conversation explores building legacy businesses, the power of family values in entrepreneurship, and why giving back...

Claudia Chakar has spent over 20 years helping Australian families untangle intergenerational trauma and build stronger connections. As a clinical psychotherapist specialising in family and couples therapy, Claudia understands that healing often means examining family patterns passed down through generations. 

Her trauma-informed approach has made her a respected voice in mental health circles, particularly within Lebanon's Australian community where cultural sensitivity meets psychological expertise.

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About the Guests:

Heyam Haddad and Hanaan Haddad are accomplished clinical psychologists with an impressive track record of over 18 years in the field. Both guests have a robust background in trauma therapy, having worked extensively with different forms of trauma ranging from refugee and front-line emergency services trauma to child sexual abuse and domestic violence. With thriving private practices in Sydney, they specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which has revolutionized their approach to trauma and mental health treatment.

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Episode Summary:

This episode of "Finding Sanctuary" brings together three remarkable voices tackling the mental health challenges facing young Aussies today. Host Debbie Draybi sits down with Fr Ron Hassarati—educator turned recently ordained priest—and Leena Dib, her friend and fellow education expert, for a raw conversation about parenting, faith, and finding your way in our digital world.

Father Ron and Leena don't hold back when discussing how technology's completely reshaping childhood and family life across Australia. They dive deep into the isolation epidemic gripping our young people—kids more connected than ever t...

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