Shows
Finding SanctuaryIssues Teens Face at School - Fr Ron Hassarati and Leena DibEpisode 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...
2025-08-1136 minFinding SanctuaryBehind the Mic: Unscripted Moments and Real TalkKey Takeaways:The importance of creating a safe and supportive network by sharing vulnerabilities and authentic experiences within a community.How raw and unedited podcasts foster genuine connections and provide relatable content that resonates with a broad audience.Imposter syndrome is a universal experience, and embracing it can lead to greater personal accountability and growth.The critical role of empathy and authenticity in fostering mental health dialogues that resonate on a personal and community level.Leveraging insights and feedback from the audience to inform future conversations and improve the services offered by platforms like Hill Sanctuary...
2025-07-1420 minFinding SanctuaryGetting Real About AntidepressantsThe content of this podcast is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for personal medical or therapeutic advice. Please consult your GP, therapist, or another qualified health professional for guidance tailored to your specific needs.Key Takeaways:Holistic Approach to Mental Health: Combining medication with therapy and spiritual practices offers the most effective path to mental well-being.Stigma in Faith-Based Communities: Addressing mental health in religious contexts often involves tackling stigma and misconceptions, emphasising that seeking help...
2025-04-2128 minFinding SanctuaryEmbrace Holistic Health: Small Steps to Transform Your Life - Berta AzziAbout the Guest:Berta Azzi is a distinguished holistic health coach and nutritionist with a rich history in the wellness industry. Over her expansive career, Berta has transformed her personal health journey into a professional mission to empower others. With expertise in holistic approaches to wellness, she emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and soul in achieving optimal health. Berta is also a Pilates instructor and has an extensive background in counseling. She is the founder of Bellator Wellbeing, a platform dedicated to nurturing individual health through personalized holistic strategies....
2025-04-0732 minFinding Sanctuary2024 Reflections: Growth, Gratitude, and Community ConnectionKey Takeaways:The "Finding Sanctuary" podcast invites community members to share their voices, effectively breaking the silence on mental health issues.Hosting the podcast provides personal growth and deeper connections for both the hosts and the listeners.Special guests bring new insights into episodes, enriching conversations with their unique perspectives.Workshops following episodes allow for further community engagement and practical applications of podcast themes.The enduring message of forgiveness, mindfulness, and holistic health is central to the podcast's most popular episodes, resonating deeply with its audience.Notable Quotes:"You bring a voice...
2024-12-2625 minFinding SanctuaryCareer Choices Series Pt 3 - Embracing Our (Kids') UniquenessBlog post for this episode - Tap here!Key Takeaways:Embrace diversity within families and value each individual's unique skills and interests.Encourage open communication and healthy conversations to foster understanding and support among family members.Trust in your own abilities and stay true to your goals while seeking guidance and mentorship when needed.Allow children to make their own choices, learn from their mistakes, and develop at their own pace.Recognize the endless opportunities available in Australia and create roadmaps for personal and professional success based on individual strengths and aspirations....
2024-08-0127 minFinding SanctuaryCareer Choices Series Pt 1 - Finding Your True Career PathBlog post for this episode - Tap here!Key Takeaways:Importance of Early Career Guidance: Engaging with professional career advisers early in a child's educational journey can help identify their strengths and aspirations, preventing future career dissatisfaction.Cultural and Familial Pressures: Within tight-knit communities like the Maronite, family expectations can heavily influence career choices, sometimes leading to misaligned career paths for the young individuals.Financial Considerations: Transitioning to a new career often involves financial sacrifices, which can be a significant barrier for those looking to change their career...
2024-07-0328 minFinding SanctuaryAddiction Series Pt 3 - Creating Safe Spaces for Help-SeekingBlog post for this episode - Tap here!Key Takeaways:Addiction often leads to a profound loss of connection within families, resulting in loved ones feeling desperate to seek help.The secrecy surrounding addictive behavior stems not only from a desire to maintain the habit but also from an attempt to protect loved ones from the burden.Trust is a central aspect of relationships that can be greatly compromised by addiction, leading to significant challenges in family dynamics.The therapeutic process emphasizes non-judgmental listening and creating a safe space for individuals to feel heard...
2024-06-2026 minFinding SanctuaryAddiction Series Pt 2 - From Addiction to Freedom: How to Reclaim Your LifeBlog post for this episode - Tap here!Key Takeaways:• Recognizing addiction often involves observing changes in frequency and control over the use of substances, as well as the impact on daily life and relationships.• A five-point plan to recovery, analogous to the five fingers on a hand, includes spiritual guidance, counselling, lifestyle changes, transparent relationships, and a supportive community.• Monsignor Shora underscores the need for comprehensive strategies, comparing the approach to managing chronic conditions like diabetes.• Eddie Reaiche emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and educational components like...
2024-06-0628 minFinding SanctuaryAddiction Series Pt 1 - Breaking the Stigma and Embracing RecoveryTrigger Warning - We talk about addiction and how we can get entrenched in it. If you need help, please contact Beyond Blue. Blog post for this episode - Tap here!Key Takeaways:Addiction often stems from an attempt to cope with underlying trauma, pain, or distress, presenting itself as a complex layer of a person's life rather than the entirety of their identity.Addictive behaviors can sometimes be hidden for years, creating a secondary layer of pain that involves secrecy, guilt, and shame.The physiological aspects of addiction can lead to s...
2024-05-2322 minFinding SanctuarySchool Anxiety, Stress and Mental Well- BeingBlog post for this episode - Tap here!BIG ASK:Could you please spare us a few moments to like, rate, review this podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. This simple act helps us reach many more people - Thank you.Key Takeaways:• Mental health experts are not immune to personal struggles, highlighting the need for self-care and support even among professionals.• Current generations are placing significant self-imposed academic pressure, often fueled more by societal expectations than parental ones.• Proactive approaches to mental health, such as early communi...
2024-05-0934 minFinding SanctuaryReflecting on Breaks and the Power of MindsetBlog post for this episode - Tap here!BIG ASK: Could you please spare us a few moments to like, rate, review this podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. This helps us reach many more people as we get seen and get your tick of approval. Thank you.Key Takeaways:Taking a break and disconnecting from work is essential for mental well-being.Festive periods can bring both joy and heightened anxiety, especially for those experiencing grief or relationship challenges.Holidays can be a mindset rather than a specific...
2024-04-1227 minFinding SanctuaryBONUS - The Power of Unconditional Love: How Your Love is Enough for Your TeenSummary:Debbie Draybi hosts a conversation with Monsignor Shora, Eddie Reaiche, and Natalie Moujalli about parenting during the teenage years. They discuss the challenges of raising teenagers, including appearance and the need for a sense of belonging. Eddie shares his experiences with his own children and emphasises the importance of creating a safe space for open communication. Natalie reflects on the transition from proximity to availability as children become teenagers and the need for parents to be present and available when their teenagers need them. They also discuss the fear-driven parenting style and the importance of...
2024-02-0128 minFinding SanctuaryNew Year, New Perspective - Part 2Book: The Second Mountainhttps://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-second-mountain-9780141990903Summary:Debbie Draybi hosts the final episode of the season, continuing the conversation on New Year's resolutions. She is joined by Natalie Moujalli and Eddie Reaiche to explore key tips for setting achievable goals that build on strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses. They discuss the importance of acknowledging personal growth, setting tangible and measurable goals, and detaching self-worth from the outcomes. They also emphasize the value of embracing failure as a learning opportunity and being open to redirection...
2024-01-1819 minFinding SanctuaryNew Year, New Perspective: Reframing Resolutions as CelebrationsSummary: In this episode, hosts Debbie Draybi, Eddie Reaiche and guest Derrick Yeoh discuss the tradition of making New Year's resolutions and reflect on their own experiences with setting goals for self-improvement. Derrick shares his journey of feeling pressure to live up to certain expectations and the negative impact it had on his mental health. He talks about the importance of recognizing one's accomplishments and finding peace in being oneself. The conversation highlights the need to celebrate personal achievements and embrace self-acceptance rather than constantly striving for more.Key Takeaways:Pressure to...
2024-01-0117 minFinding SanctuaryTrue Spirit of Christmas: Letting Love and Kindness Guide Us Through the HolidaysSummary:Eddie Reaiche and Natalie Moujalli join host Debbie Draybi to discuss the challenges and struggles that people face during the holiday season. They explore the pressure to fit in and the impact it can have on mental health. They also discuss the importance of belonging and being true to oneself. The conversation highlights the need for self-acceptance and the power of vulnerability. Eddie and Natalie share personal experiences and insights, offering strategies for finding peace and comfort during the festive season.Key Takeaways:Wearing a mask to...
2023-12-2030 minFinding SanctuaryMotherhood - Instinctive Parenting and Self ConfidenceSummaryA conversation about parenting in the early years, focusing on the challenges, the importance of trusting oneself, and building confidence as a mother.In this episode of 'Finding Sanctuary,' host and psychologist Debbie Draybi discusses with resident psychologist Natalie Moujalli and counsellor Eddie Reaiche about various aspects of parenting. They delve into the complications arising from misinformation overload, especially from Google. Their main focus is on building self-confidence in mothers who often lose faith in their abilities due to external worries and fears. Throughout the discussion, they reinforce the importance...
2023-11-2327 minFinding SanctuaryGrief and Loss Part 4 - Living with Grief After 40 DaysIn this final part of the 4 part series on grief and loss, Natalie Moujalli and Debbie Draybi sits with Paul Tannous, a loving father, loyal husband and faithful parishoner at St. Joseph's, to conclude his story on loosing his wife, Margo to cancer. This episode we discuss the many stages of grief, the value of seeking professional help and the importance of faith.Do visit Margo's charity www.margosjourney.com which has raised over $350,000 to assist National Breast Cancer Foundation, Concord Hospital Cancer Centre and The McGrath Foundation as well as providing assistance to individuals wherever possible.
2023-10-2624 minFinding SanctuaryFOMO - Social Media and its EffectsThis episode, Debbie Draybi, Eddie Reaiche and Natalie Moujalli chat about the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) when it comes to social media. Keeping up with the fad and what's cool has been a massive issue especially with our snapshots and reels; all painting a reality which is all too often larger than life. Have we recognised the signs and the issues related to FOMO? Natalie suggests a brilliant antidote to FOMO in this episode which we cannot wait for you to get stuck in. For more information on the Hills San...
2023-08-3119 minFinding SanctuaryBarriers and Boundaries in a Close-Knit CommunityDebbie Draybi, Monsignor Shora and Natalie Moujalli share a conversation around community dynamics, human behaviour and social psychology. They delve into the intricate dynamics of close-knit communities, investigating how despite being interconnected, there are notable barriers that disconnect individuals within the community. The discussion focuses on four key aspects that play a crucial role in shaping these barriers: roles, stigma, status, and judgment. By exploring these aspects, the aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that arise within the community and identify potential solutions to foster greater unity and cohesion.#communitydynamics #projection #sel...
2023-08-1721 minFinding SanctuaryCommunication - Its Importance, Pitfalls , Consequences, Skills and StrategiesDebbie Draybi, Eddie Reaiche and Monsignor Shora share a conversation around communicating well. The core idea we'd invite you to consider is the difference of listening with judgement as opposed to listening with understanding. We raise awareness of our individual bias, fears, and triggers impact and drive conversations. Check out our blog post for this episode - Episode 2 - Humble CuriousityAlso some BTS pics! You'll love it!Next episode: Community dynamics, human behaviour and social psychology. #waltz #builder #nojudgement #listeningwell #difficultconversations #BTSFor more information on the...
2023-08-0319 minFinding SanctuaryPilot - The Pandemic, Resilience and the CommunityIn our pilot episode, we introduce our hosts, Monsignor Shora, Debbie Draybi, Natalie Moujalli and Eddie Reaiche. We dive straight into the pandemic and how it has changed the tight knit Maronite community in the Hills District of NSW, Australia. We talk about the community's resilience, dependence and organic adaptation throughout this season. Next episode; Communication - the importance of, pressure points, consequences, skills and strategies. Also some BTS pics! You'll love it!#pandemic #resilience #community #activelistening #teenagers #dating #connection #raisingteens #rolemodel #vaccinations #difficultconversations #BTSAvoiding difficult conversationsRaising teens todayR...
2023-07-2028 min