Join Chelle and Leanne as they sit down with debut memoirist Daniel Nour to discuss his sharp, funny, and deeply moving book, How to Dodge Flying Sandals. Part coming-of-age tale, part cultural reflection, Daniel's memoir captures what it's like to grow up queer, Egyptian, and Australian—all while navigating family expectations, church traditions, and the sometimes absurd challenge of figuring out who you are.
With humor, honesty, and compassion, Daniel shares how writing his story helped him reconcile his own identity, forgive himself (and others), and carve out a space where he belongs.
In this episode:
The metaphor behind "dodging flying sandals"—and what it reveals about cultural discipline, expectations, and resilience
How humor became Daniel's coping mechanism and storytelling superpower
Balancing family love with personal authenticity, even when values clash
Why representation matters, and how migrant voices challenge mainstream stereotypes in Australia
The concept of "letting in" rather than "coming out" when it comes to sharing your true self
Discussion prompt:
What expectations have you had to "dodge" in order to become more fully yourself? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in the book club—we'd love to hear your story.
PS: If you enjoy memoirs that blend humor, identity, and heart, How to Dodge Flying Sandals is a must-read. And keep an ear out for Daniel—this is just the beginning of his storytelling journey.
