Shows
The ActualEp 20: The Fight for a Free Iran: What Happens Next? with AliIn this episode, I’m joined by Australian-Iranian patriot and activist Ali for his third appearance on the The Actual to dissect the rapidly evolving situation in Iran and the global implications of the ongoing war.
Since our last conversation, there have been significant developments, including the death of Khamenei, military interventions, growing pressure on the Islamic regime, and the critical question of whether these actions will lead to sustainable change. Ali emphasises that the optimal outcome would involve a complete dismantling of the IRGC to create an opportunity for Iranians to move toward a free, democratic, an...
2026-03-0555 min
The ActualEp 19: Refinding Hope During Turbulent Times with Dr. Julian Pascal SaadiIn a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty, polarisation, and collective distress, what does it truly mean to hold onto hope? In this deeply reflective episode, psychotherapist and psychologist Dr. Julian Pascal Saadi explores hope not as naïve optimism, but as a psychological force. Drawing on his clinical experience in adult mental health, he unpacks the delicateness between hope and despair, examining when hope guides us, when it shields us, and how it can be consciously re-found in times of personal and collective upheaval. From intimate relationships to the wider global landscape, this conversation considers hope as an essential l...
2026-02-271h 13
The ActualEp 18: My Return to Words with Lee KofmanIn this episode of The Actual, author and editor Lee Kofman reflects on writing, identity, and Jewish life in the aftermath of October 7 2023. She examines the surge of disinformation, antisemitism, and the pressure placed on Jewish voices in public discourse. Lee describes co-editing Ruptured, an anthology documenting Jewish women’s lived experiences post October 7, and felt the urgency of recording history as it was still unfolding. She shares the emotional cost of writing without a sense of distance, whilst also addressing the damaging “good Jew/bad Jew” binary, and the loss of nuance around the term 'Zionism'. This episode is a c...
2026-02-0747 min
The ActualEp 17: Iranians Under Siege: A Most Important Local and Global War with AliIn this follow-up episode of The Actual with Iranian patriot and activist Ali, he discusses the critical updates on the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran and its expanding global implications. As disinformation intensifies and extremist rhetoric gains traction worldwide, this episode examines Iran’s prolonged and unprecedented internet blackout, the regime’s escalating violence against civilians, and the increasing risks faced by activists both inside Iran and across the diaspora. This episode serves as a stark update on a crisis still unfolding and a call to pay attention.
Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from...
2026-02-0649 min
The ActualEp 16: Bondi Attack: A Mother’s Body, a Survivor’s Mind with Chavi Block-IsraelIn this episode of The Actual, we speak with Chavi Block-Israel, an educator, writer, and founder of The Empowered Jew, about surviving the Bondi terror attack whilst shielding her infant son with her body. Chavi takes us inside the moments during and after the attack, how her mind narrowed under threat, how instinct took over, and how motherhood was central to her experience. We explored the psychological protections that emerge in the terror, the lasting impact of collective trauma, and why silence is no longer possible in the face of rising antisemitism and violence.
Original music in...
2026-01-301h 24
The ActualEp 15: Inside the Disinformation Era with Lynda Ben-MenasheThis fascinating episode features Lynda Ben-Menashe, President of the National Council of Jewish Women Australia and a long-time leader in the Jewish community. She speaks about the concerning tidal wave of misinformation and disinformation shaping people's perspective of the world today. She describes the way antagonistic positions towards Israel are typically one's own expression of a 'morality play', and also why emotional narratives often overpower history and reality.
Drawing on decades of leading interfaith initiatives, women’s leadership programs, and anti-racism advocacy, Lynda outlines the patterns forming across Australia - rising antisemitism, manipulated narratives, and communities caught in...
2026-01-2343 min
The ActualEp 14: Economic Collapse and Public Outrage: Inside Iran’s Revolution with Ali and AminIranian activists Ali and Amin were invited onto The Actual to explain how a series of economic and political pressures in Iran escalated into a nationwide uprising in late December 2025. They break down the factors that have led to a revolution where the Iranians demand the removal of the Islamic regime. The conversation also provides historical context on Iran’s political system since 1979 and how past protest movements and failed reform efforts have shaped the current response.
Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with...
2026-01-151h 09
The ActualSpecial Episode: Hanukkah Terror Attack at Bondi BeachShortly after the terror attacks at Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world, the host of this podcast Lissy Abrahams, and two other courageous members of the Jewish community were interviewed by Dr. Phil. They share their personal experiences and reflections of the massacre on 14 December 2025, where a mass shooting broke out during celebrations of the first night of Hanukkah. What should have been a night of light and community turned into mayhem and terrifying chaos within seconds. 15 innocents were brutally murdered, and many are still fighting for their lives in the hospital. This feature...
2025-12-2347 min
The SaintsThe Kindness Of StrangersAmidst the tragedy, the kindness of strangers shone bright at Bondi, highlighted by these stories shared with 2GB's Ben Fordham the following day. Among them - Lissy Abrahams who, with her adult daughter, joined dozens of others taking shelter at the famous Bondi lifeguard post - and Peter, whose grandson was caught up in the chaos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-12-1904 min
The ActualEp 13: Telling Our Own Stories: Tamar Paluch on RupturedIn this episode, activist Tamar Paluch talks about Ruptured, the collection of essays she co-edited with author Lee Kofman that documents how Jewish women experienced and responded to events following the terror attacks on October 7 and beyond. Tamar explains how the book provided a way for women to write through grief, record their memories in real time, and take back ownership of their stories during a moment when Jewish voices were being pushed aside.
This conversation speaks to why written records and documentation matters so deeply in Jewish life, what it means to live history as it’s...
2025-11-2857 min
The ActualEp 12: Community Leadership in Challenging Times with Michele GoldmanIn this episode of The Actual, Michele Goldman, CEO of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies opens up about the impact of disinformation, the rise of anti-Semitism, and what it means to lead a community during times of uncertainty. She shares her insights on advocacy, the importance of interfaith relationships, and the challenges faced by the Jewish community in the wake of recent events. The conversation also touches on the broader societal implications of hate speech and the pressing need for stronger legislative action to protect vulnerable communities.
Original music in this episode: “Kama At Ya...
2025-11-2146 min
The ActualEp 11: Ben Adler: Inside the mind of a musical and creative geniusViolinist, composer, arranger, and founder of CHUTNEY, Ben Adler joins The Actual to discuss the way music becomes an emotional communicator and how Jewish identity and community have shaped his work. He describes why carefully designed concerts can move people from despair to hope to jubilation, and how SHIR concerts are deeply thought through to create a truly transformational experience. Ben shares his journey from classical training to leading CHUTNEY, Australia’s leading Jewish ensemble, where their musical creations support the Jewish community to feel connected and to hold one's head up high in difficult times.
Original mu...
2025-11-1454 min
The ActualEp 10: Kindness as a De-Radicalising Act: Arno Michaelis’ StoryArno Michaelis once lived a life consumed by hate. Today, he devotes himself to preventing others from following this path, and recognises the urgent need to confront antisemitism and misinformation. In this deeply moving and fascinating episode of The Actual, Arno shares his journey from violent extremism to healing. His story is one of painful reckoning and hope. Arno now works with Parents 4 Peace, helping families and communities break cycles of hate before they begin.
To support and know more about Parents 4 Peace, visit: www.parents4peace.org.
2025-11-071h 17
The ActualEp 9: Lessons from the Frontlines: Be not a Bystander with Michael Scott [Part 2]Returning as a guest on The Actual, Michael Scott CSC, founder of The 2023 Foundation and author of his recently released book A Light Still Burns: Israel and the Values Worth Defending reflects on the rise of disinformation and anti-Semitism in the wake of October 7 2023. Drawing from more than 30 years of military service and his time living in Israel, he shares how these experiences shaped his mission to defend truth, uphold Western values, and inspire others to stand against hate through education and action.
2025-10-3154 min
The ActualEp 8: Lessons from the Frontlines: Be not a Bystander with Michael Scott [Part 1]Colonel (Ret.) Michael Scott CSC, Founder and CEO of The 2023 Foundation, joins The Actual to speak about combating antisemitism, terrorism, and disinformation. Drawing on more than 30 years in the Australian Army and his 27 months serving in Israel with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), Michael reveals why he refuses to be a bystander, the ripple effect of his personal action, choices, and how ordinary people can become leaders in the fight against this ancient hatred. This is Part 1 of our two-part conversation with Michael Scott.
To know more about the 2023 Foundation: https://www.2023foundation.org.au/
2025-10-2451 min
The ActualEp 7: Making A Mark - Having Courage in the Face of Global Tribalism with Mark LeachMark Leach is the co-founder of Never Again Is Now and a longtime church leader. In this incredible episode of The Actual, he reveals how his earlier years of personal trauma, faith, and later leadership have directly shaped his current responses to the major challenges we face today. We discussed his courageous words and actions and why he keeps standing up to Jew hatred and how this impacts Australia as a whole. Mark also shares his views on the increase in global tribalism. This is a must-listen conversation that you won't want to miss!
To know more...
2025-10-1555 min
The ActualEp 6: @clammy_fraud vs. the Algorithm of Hate with Zara CooperWhat started as one woman’s way of coping with fear and grief, through sharp humour and biting honesty, has since become one of Australia’s fiercest watchdogs for online hate. In this episode, Zara Cooper or more known as @clammy_fraud, shares how her personal response to the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, grew into a community-powered digital defence movement. From satirical posts to serious legal submissions, Zara reveals the blurred lines between free speech and hate speech, and why what happens online doesn’t stay online. If you’ve ever felt silenced, targeted, or unsafe in today’s digital...
2025-08-3148 min
The ActualEp 5: Leading With Light and Courage: Being a Rabbi In Unchartered and Uncertain Circumstances with Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio OAMRabbi Jacqueline Ninio OAM joins Relationships Under the Microscope to discuss her extraordinary journey from lawyer to rabbi. She shares her experiences as a female leader in the Jewish community, and her reflections on and post the terror attacks on Israel of October 7, 2023. Rabbi Jacki is a humanitarian at heart, and in this episode imparts her insights on faith, community, and leadership during times of crisis.
2025-08-311h 02
The ActualEp 4: No Room for Hate: Inside Operation Golda with Shoshana EisnerMore than 600 days since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, taking hostages.
In this episode I’m joined by Shoshana Eisner, the powerhouse behind Operation Golda - a grassroots mission launched from her kitchen just days after October 7. What began with a WhatsApp callout for empty suitcases turned into a full-scale relief effort that has since delivered over 26,000 kilos of trauma supplies to Israel and mobilised hundreds of volunteers across Australia. Shoshana opens up about what it means to channel fear into action, and how her Jewish identity became the driving force behind the work. We discuss Australian va...
2025-08-3150 min
The ActualEp 3: Saying Their Names: Why the Hostages Matter with Tzachi and AlexisTrigger Warning: This episode discusses the Middle East conflict, including war, violence, and humanitarian issues, which may be distressing to some listeners.
In this episode, my guests, Tzachi and Alexis, speak from the heart of a humanitarian crisis that began on October 7, 2023, which continues to reverberate across borders in the Middle East. Reading the names of the remaining hostages and tireless community work, they’ve helped keep the stories of the missing alive. Each hostage held in captivity in Gaza is a person, with a unique world, a family, friends and a future. We discuss how the wa...
2025-08-3152 min
The ActualEp 2: Living History Again: Why Memory Must Lead to Action with Lynda Ben-MenasheTrigger Warning: This episode discusses the Middle East conflict, including war, violence, and humanitarian issues, which may be distressing to some listeners.
In this episode, my guest, Lynda Ben-Menashe, shares her journey of building bridges across communities, faiths, and histories. As President of the National Council of Jewish Women Australia, and with decades of work as an educator, writer, and public diplomat, Lynda brings a deep belief in the power of connection and dialogue. Her mission is rooted in innovation — finding new ways to build social capital, strengthen empathy, and foster understanding between the Jewish community and th...
2025-08-311h 00
The ActualEp 1: Better Australia Starts With Us with Sophie CallandAustralia stands at a turning point in this coming federal election, and in this episode, Sophie Calland of Better Australia joins us to talk about what’s at stake. An engineer by profession and a community advocate by choice, Sophie stepped forward out of concern for the growing influence of political extremism and elite activism. Through Better Australia, she champions accountable leadership, strong governments, and a future built on transparency, unity, and action not division.
To know more about Better Australia visit www.betteraustralia.org.
2025-08-2946 min
Almost Forty11 signs you need a relationship reset (+ what the experts say)The real-life signs it’s time for a relationship reset plus expert advice on how to bring the spark back. In this episode, we’re diving into the subtle (and not-so-subtle) clues that it might be time to bring fresh energy back into your relationship. I’m sharing the real-life signs listeners have told me signalled they needed a reset; from quiet disconnection, to small habits that slowly chip away at closeness, along with research-backed insights and practical tips from leading relationship experts, including the Gottman's and psychotherapist Lissy Abrahams. Whether you’ve been together a few years or a few de...
2025-08-0334 min
Game ChangersTracey Spicer Interviews Lissy Abrahams About Helping Couples Have More Meaningful RelationshipsFrom empowering couples around the world, to transforming the corporate world, Lissy Abrahams‘ mission is to help people unravel the mysteries of their own mind so they can learn how to end internal suffering, and have more meaningful relationships. So, is she a Game Changer? Let’s find out.
2024-04-1809 min
Leadership OdysseysLissy Abrahams on ‘Nurturing Your Relationship with Yourself’In this insightful episode of Leadership Odysseys, we dive deep into the realm of self-discovery and building a healthier relationship with oneself. Our guest, Lissy Abrahams, a renowned expert in personal development and relationships, shares her wealth of wisdom and insights. From the early influences that shaped her perspective to the powerful lessons learned through personal experiences, Lissy guides us through the intricacies of understanding and nurturing the most important relationship we have – the one with ourselves.
Episode Highlights:
Early Influences on Life's Preciousness: Lissy Abrahams reflects on the profound impact of a family friend's unt...
2024-01-081h 06
Wellness Women RadioWWR 246: Healthy Relationships with Lissy AbrahamsWhen our relationships are not working it can feel as though our entire lives are not working! Joining us on Wellness Women Radio this week is Relationship Psychotherapist – Lissy Abrahams. Lissy is a vibrant, incredible woman who helps us to answer some of our burning relationship questions like “why do we fight most with the ones we love best”? Join us for this fascinating insight into the world of relationships! We’re sure you’ll have as many aha moments as Dr Andrea & Dr Ashleigh as we unpack why couples fight, attachment styles, childhood exposures and programming and how that shows...
2023-11-0343 min
Healthy-ishIs therapy-speak ruining your relationship?Therapy speak has taken over the internet. Psychotherapist and relationship expert Lissy Abrahams discusses its rise - what it is, how to use it and why it can damage your relationships. WANT MORE FROM LISSY? To hear today's full interview, where she discusses how to manage the mental load before you burn out...search for Extra Healthy-ish wherever you get your pods. For more on Lissy’s new online course Fight Less, Love More see here. You can find Lissy’s book Relationship Reset here, see her website here or follow her on Instag...
2023-10-1009 min
Extra Healthy-ishThe mental load is exhausting, so how do we deal?Psychotherapist and relationship expert Lissy Abrahams says her top client complaint is from women struggling to manage the mental load. She discusses how to cope and navigate tricky household and family conversations with your partner. WANT MORE FROM LISSY? For more on Lissy’s new online course Fight Less, Love More see here. You can find Lissy’s book Relationship Reset here, see her website here or follow her on Instagram @lissy.abrahams. WANT MORE BODY + SOUL? Online: Head to bodyandsoul.com.au for your daily digital dose of health and welln...
2023-10-1017 min
Powerful Stories with Tory ArchboldReset your relationship with couple psychotherapist Lissy AbrahamsLissy was initiated into the complexity and awkwardness of human minds when she was 15 years old when her Mum became a family lawyer. She was intrigued hearing about court cases, hearing about people’s strengths and vulnerabilities, and the nightmare for children caught in the parental crossfire. This paved the way for her to study psychology and become one of Australia’s thought leaders when it comes to re-setting your relationship with loved ones. If you are feeling stuck in your current relationship and feeling overwhelmed this Powerful Stories Podcast will empower you to t...
2023-05-1728 min
Almost FortyRelationship Reset with Lissy AbrahamsToday's episode in an incredible interview with leading individual and couple psychotherapist Lissy Abrahams. This conversation is a must listen to, with so much helpful insight into so many areas of relationships. We dive deep into attachment styles and the 3 different subtypes you may not have heard of, understanding what your triggers are, what they mean and how to work through them, identifying your relational templates, as well as ways of building a secure attachment in your current relationships. This episode has something for everyone who has ever been is, is in, or wants to be...
2023-01-2940 min
The Accidental Fatherhood Podcast#17 - Having awkward conversations with Lissy AbrahamsLissy Abrahams is an individual and couple psychotherapist, speaker, and author. She founded and runs the Heath Group Practice, a therapy clinic in Sydney. She has dedicated her career to helping hundreds of clients navigate life’s obstacles and challenges.
Lissy knows how much we’d all love for the people closest to us to change so we feel safer and more respected. The problem is that this isn’t how relationships work. Change happens when we change. And for change, we need to have awkward conversations, first in our own minds, and then with others in our live...
2022-10-271h 01
Feel Good From Within with Yvette Le Blowitz - #spaitgirl podcastRelationship Reset with Lissy Abrahams, Leading Psychotherapist, Founder of Heath Group Practice, AuthorFeel Good From Within with Yvette Le Blowitz - #SPAITGIRL Podcast EP.188 - Relationship Reset with Lissy Abrahams, Leading Psychotherapist, Founder of Heath Group Practice, Author Why Do We Fight Most with Those We Love Best? Australian Relationships Therapist Lissy Abrahams has spent years exploring this question, both in her treatment room helping clients and through extensive research. Lissy knows that long-term conflict leaves us drained, anxious and worried for the emotional wellbeing of our families, but says it is neither intractable nor inevitable. Conflict is caused by unconscious patters of...
2022-09-1929 min
The Heart Of ItIt's Not Them... It's YouRelationships are hard. In long-term relationships it can be easy to get stuck arguing about the same things, or finding yourself getting annoyed by things that never used to annoy you. So, how do we break the cycle? Individual and couple psychotherapist Lissy Abrahams chats to Cam and Ali about her book Relationship Reset, and how looking deeper into ourselves can change the way we deal with conflict. LINKS Buy Lissy Abrahams' book Relationship Reset — https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781760989781 Follow Lissy Abrahams on Instagram @lissy.abrahams Follow Lissy Abrahams on Facebook — @LissyAbrahamsCourses Follow Lissy Abrahams on Twi...
2022-08-2139 min
Peace at the Water CoolerWhy employers should be wooing employees back into the office after COVID.After the unprecedented circumstances of the last two years, working people are on the brink of change once again as offices reopen with full force. Coming out of the work-from-home vacuum, stress levels are skyrocketing. The returning workforce will, on the whole, require assistance and reassurance from their employers on their return to the office.Saranne talks with Lissy Abrahams about how to reduce the stress of returning to the office, and Lissy offers some valuable advice for anyone dealing with these emotions. Lissy believes getting out of our tracky dacks and into a new routine with...
2022-08-0319 min
The Faster Than Normal Podcast: ADD | ADHD | HealthCreating Connected Relationships w/ Psychotherapist Lissy AbrahamsLissy Abrahams is passionate about helping people create healthier lives for themselves, as well strengthening the connection for partners in couple relationships. She is a leading psychotherapist who has dedicated her career to helping her clients navigate life's obstacles and challenges. When our lives or our couple relationship goes off the rails, for whatever reason, we can all feel distressed and anxious. Lissy helps her individual and couple clients not just get back on track but also to thrive again. Lissy believes we all have the capacity to improve our lives and couple relationships with the right knowledge and...
2022-04-2715 minExtra Healthy-ishBest of 2021: What couples who communicate well do differentlyTo celebrate (the good bits of) 2021, we’re bringing you the most listened to episodes of Extra Healthy-ish. On this one, psychotherapist and couples counsellor Lissy Abrahams discusses her top tips for improving communication in a relationship. WANT MORE FROM LISSY? You can download Lissy’s free ebook, Top Tips for Improving Couple Communication, here, or for more info, see her website here WANT MORE BODY + SOUL? Online: Head to bodyandsoul.com.au for your daily digital dose of health and wellness. On social: Via Instagr...
2021-12-2309 minExtra Healthy-ishHow to deal with family crap at ChristmasPsychotherapist and couples counsellor Lissy Abrahams shares her advice on navigating relationships and families during Christmas. She talks through common scenarios of conflict and how to deal so you can actually have fun. WANT MORE FROM LISSY? For more info on HCF’s Summer Health Report click here. You can download Lissy’s free ebook, The 5 Mistakes Couples Make, here, or see her website here. WANT MORE BODY + SOUL? Online: Head to bodyandsoul.com.au for your daily digital dose of health and wellness. On social...
2021-12-1517 minHealthy-ishWhen Christmas stress hits...Yes, it’s Christmas and boy, it can pile on all sorts of pressures. Psychotherapist and couples counsellor Lissy Abrahams helps you manage stress and overwhelm, and actually have fun. WANT MORE FROM LISSY? To hear today's full interview, where Lissy shares her advice on navigating families and relationships and all the stress and conflict that comes with it...search for Extra Healthy-ish wherever you get your pods. For more info on HCF’s Summer Health Report click here. You can download Lissy’s free ebook, The 5 Mistakes Couples Make, here, or see h...
2021-12-1508 min
Relationship AdviceHow To Have A Peaceful Divorce or SeparationUnfortunately, relationships sometimes end in separation and divorce. They don't always have fairytale endings and that's OK. The important thing is to try your best, to continue to grow and to love yourself and your partners. In today's episode we share some personal news, as well as dive into the details of how to separate or divorce in the best, most loving way possible.In this episode with Lissy Abrahams, we discuss relationship advice topics that include:
How to detangle your lives through a separation or divorce
The importance of integrity and respect during the divorce...
2021-09-0845 minRelationship AdviceHow To Have A Peaceful Divorce or SeparationUnfortunately, relationships sometimes end in separation and divorce. They don't always have fairytale endings and that's OK. The important thing is to try your best, to continue to grow and to love yourself and your partners. In today's episode we share some personal news, as well as dive into the details of how to separate or divorce in the best, most loving way possible.In this episode with Lissy Abrahams, we discuss relationship advice topics that include:
How to detangle your lives through a separation or divorce
The importance of integrity and respect during the divorce...
2021-09-0845 minExtra Healthy-ishWhat couples who communicate well do differentlyPsychotherapist and couples counsellor Lissy Abrahams discusses her top tips for improving communication in a relationship from being curious, to listening and tolerating the other's viewpoints especially in lockdown. WANT MORE FROM LISSY? You can download Lissy’s free ebook, Top Tips for Improving Couple Communication, here, or for more info, see her website here WANT MORE BODY + SOUL? Online: Head to bodyandsoul.com.au for your daily digital dose of health and wellness. On social: Via Instagram at @bodyandsoul_au or Facebook. Got an idea for an episode? DM host Felicity Harley on Instagram @felicityharley. In print: Each Sunday, grab Bo...
2021-09-0115 minHealthy-ishA psychotherapist on the No 1. thing to improve couple communicationPsychotherapist and couples counsellor Lissy Abrahams shares the one thing you can do to communicate more effectively in your relationship. Yes, it’s about YOU not them… WANT MORE FROM LISSY? To hear today's full interview, where Lissy discusses her top five tips for improving communication in a relationship...search for Extra Healthy-ish wherever you get your pods. You can download Lissy’s free ebook, Top Tips for Improving Couple Communication, here, or for more info, see her website here WANT MORE BODY + SOUL? Online: Head to bodyandsoul.com.au for your daily digital dose of health and wellness. On social: Vi...
2021-09-0110 min