Breaking barriers, Changing Lives

National children’s education charity The Smith Family is launching All I Can Be, a new podcast series that takes listeners inside the deeply personal journeys of Australians who’ve risen from tough beginnings – their stories intertwining through the challenges they’ve faced and the turning points that changed their lives.

Narrated by respected and much-loved journalist and radio presenter Sarah Macdonald, this six-part series features prominent and everyday Australians who’ve faced unbelievable obstacles but gone on to thrive, achieving goals and dreams that once felt impossible.

From young singer-songwriter Faith Kayrooz who has cared for her mum since the age of 10, to demographer Dr Liz Allen, who went from homeless at 16 to completing her PhD, their stories prove that where you begin doesn’t have to define where you go.

“The experience of making this podcast has been powerful,” Sarah Macdonald says. “I’ve met some very successful people in my life, but to me, the people I met for All I Can Be have been the most successful of all. Because the greatest measure of success, is how you rise above challenges and how you live your life.

“They’ve all had tough starts in childhood, without the opportunities most of us take for granted. Through their incredible hard work, endurance, intelligence and some help along the way, they have broken the cycle of disadvantage to create a different future.

“It’s been an honour to hear and tell their stories. It’s also been emotional at times but the power of human beings never ceases to amaze me.”

Every child has potential. Every child deserves to be seen. And when one young person gets the chance to be all they can be, it doesn’t just change their life. It changes everything.