Shows
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondWhen the diagnosis is Mesothelioma: How the ADDRI Support Service helps patients and families navigate the journeyWhen a person receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, they are often desperately searching for answers. In today’s episode, James O’Loghlin sits down with Carmel Oostveen, one of the dedicated Mesothelioma Support Nurses at the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI), to explore the compassionate and complex world of supporting people affected by mesothelioma. Carmel shares her journey into nursing, from surgical and intensive care units through to her current role, where she provides one-on-one emotional, psychological, and clinical support to patients and carers navigating this rare and devastating disease.We learn how Carmel first encountered meso...2025-06-1732 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondShane Wormald - a Tunneller’s storyIn this episode, we speak with Shane Wormald, a road tunnelling and mining worker who has been diagnosed with Progressive Massive Fibrosis, Silicosis, COPD, and Rheumatoid Arthritis after a 30-year career in an industry he loves. Shane was the first person in his field to publicly speak out on the dangers tunnel workers face working in incredibly dusty conditions, raising awareness of the deadly risks associated with respirable crystalline silica exposure.Shane's story became widely known when he appeared on Channel 10’s The Project in late 2021, speaking out about silicosis and the impact it had on his...2025-04-0128 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondShane Wormald - a Tunneller’s storyIn this episode, we speak with Shane Wormald, a road tunnelling and mining worker who has been diagnosed with Progressive Massive Fibrosis, Silicosis, COPD, and Rheumatoid Arthritis after a 30-year career in an industry he loves. Shane was the first person in his field to publicly speak out on the dangers tunnel workers face working in incredibly dusty conditions, raising awareness of the deadly risks associated with respirable crystalline silica exposure.Shane's story became widely known when he appeared on Channel 10’s The Project in late 2021, speaking out about silicosis and the impact it had on his...2025-04-0128 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondShane Wormald - a Tunneller’s storyIn this episode, we speak with Shane Wormald, a road tunnelling and mining worker who has been diagnosed with Progressive Massive Fibrosis, Silicosis, COPD, and Rheumatoid Arthritis after a 30-year career in an industry he loves. Shane was the first person in his field to publicly speak out on the dangers tunnel workers face working in incredibly dusty conditions, raising awareness of the deadly risks associated with respirable crystalline silica exposure.Shane's story became widely known when he appeared on Channel 10’s The Project in late 2021, speaking out about silicosis and the impact it had on his...2025-03-3128 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondHow do you create awareness of the hazards you can’t see? The critical role of unions in ensuring a healthy and safe workplaceEach year, 4,000 Australians lose their lives to asbestos-related diseases—making it the leading killer of workers, not just in Australia but around the world. In Australia alone, an estimated 6 million tonnes of asbestos remains in the built environment. So, what happens when this material starts to break down? Additionally, around 600,000 Australian workers are exposed to hazardous silica dust in their workplaces.In today’s episode, we dive deep into the critical role that unions play in advocating for the fundamental right of every worker to a safe and healthy working environment. We're joined by Liam O’Brien, Assist...2025-02-2541 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondHow do you create awareness of the hazards you can’t see? The critical role of unions in ensuring a healthy and safe workplaceEach year, 4,000 Australians lose their lives to asbestos-related diseases—making it the leading killer of workers, not just in Australia but around the world. In Australia alone, an estimated 6 million tonnes of asbestos remains in the built environment. So, what happens when this material starts to break down? Additionally, around 600,000 Australian workers are exposed to hazardous silica dust in their workplaces.In today’s episode, we dive deep into the critical role that unions play in advocating for the fundamental right of every worker to a safe and healthy working environment. We're joined by Liam O’Brien, Assist...2025-02-2541 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondHow do you create awareness of the hazards you can’t see? The critical role of unions in ensuring a healthy and safe workplaceEach year, 4,000 Australians lose their lives to asbestos-related diseases—making it the leading killer of workers, not just in Australia but around the world. In Australia alone, an estimated 6 million tonnes of asbestos remains in the built environment. So, what happens when this material starts to break down? Additionally, around 600,000 Australian workers are exposed to hazardous silica dust in their workplaces.In today’s episode, we dive deep into the critical role that unions play in advocating for the fundamental right of every worker to a safe and healthy working environment. We're joined by Liam O’Brien, Assist...2025-02-2541 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondI’ve been diagnosed with silicosis - how do I start the compensation and legal process?In this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Walsh, a Principal Lawyer specialising in asbestos, silica, and occupational diseases with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. Jonathan is an expert in dust diseases law and a dedicated advocate for those impacted by these diseases. With a deep passion for justice and compassion for his clients, he works tirelessly to secure the best possible outcomes for individuals affected by these life-changing conditions.
Jonathan sits down with James O’Loghlin to discuss the legal landscape and the health implications for those impacted by silicosis. During this conversation, we discuss the conn...2024-12-1038 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondIn conversation with Professor Dean Fennell, international leader in mesothelioma researchIn August 2024, we were thrilled to host UK-based Professor Dean Fennell, a renowned expert in mesothelioma research, in Sydney. He has designed and led numerous investigator-initiated trials from phase 1 through phase 3, placing him at the forefront of this critical field.
Join James O’Loghlin as he engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Professor Fennell about his clinical and translational research in mesothelioma, as well as the latest treatment options available in the UK.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Insights into Professor Fennell’s groundbreaking research on the gut microbiome and its in...2024-10-0727 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondTrailblazing support: the crucial role of Victim Support GroupsIn this episode, James O’Loghlin sits down with Vicki Hamilton OAM, the CEO/Secretary of the Asbestos Council of Victoria and Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support (GARDS). With over 20 years of dedicated service, Vicki has been a beacon of support for those suffering from asbestos and silicosis in Gippsland and across Victoria.
Vicki’s journey into advocacy and support began after the tragic loss of her father to asbestos-related lung cancer in 2000. At that time, she was unaware of available support groups. Her personal fight to remove asbestos-containing water pipes from her street led her t...2024-08-0928 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondTriumph and tragedy: the campaign to help ‘Mr Fluffy’ victims. In memory of James ‘Jum’ WallnerIn this very special episode, friends Bruce Wallner and James O’Loghlin catch up to remember Bruce’s younger brother and James’ dear friend James ‘Jum’ Wallner and the community campaign they ran together in the months leading to his passing in May 2021, to secure assistance (financial and medical) for victims of the notorious ‘Mr Fluffy’ homes in the ACT.
Jum Wallner contracted mesothelioma after growing up in a home sold by the company that became known as 'Mr Fluffy'. The Wallner family was one of more than a thousand families in the ACT that used loose-fill asbestos for in...2024-07-2539 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondThe challenges of coping with a Mesothelioma diagnosis: the essential role of the ADDRI Support ServiceReceiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families. Often, they may not understand what this means, where to start, or what options are available.
In this episode, James O’Loghlin sits down with specialist nurse Jocelyn McLean, the founder of the ADDRI Support Service. With over 20 years of experience in providing pre-and post-operative education and support to thoracic surgery patients, including those diagnosed with mesothelioma, Jocelyn worked closely with Professor Brian McCaughan, a surgeon offering trimodality therapy (TMT), which involves chemotherapy, radical surgery (Extrapleural pneumonectomy EPP), and subsequent radiotherapy. Her fi...2024-06-2727 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondWho cares for the carer?Caring for a loved one with mesothelioma may be one of the greatest challenges a person may face. The heavy symptom burden of mesothelioma means that patients are significantly dependant on caregivers and the uncertain prognosis makes it hard to predict how things will go and what the patient will need.
In this episode, James talks to Shirley Seaman about her experience in caring for her husband Trevor, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021. Shirley shares openly what it was like when Trevor first received the diagnosis of a condition she had never heard of...2024-06-0630 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondWhat does a diagnosis of silicosis mean?In this latest episode, James sits down with Professor Deborah Yates – the leading voice on silicosis and dust diseases. Professor Yates is a Respiratory Physician and specialises in thoracic medicine and occupational lung disease. She was also the first person to diagnose engineered stone silicosis in Australia in 2013.
Australia's mining legacy has made silicosis a longstanding part of our history. In this extremely insightful conversation, Professor Yates discusses where exposure to silica dust occurs, how this causes disease and why engineered stone is the ‘perfect storm’ for accelerated disease development. She shares what a diagnosis of...2024-05-2237 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondSilicosis: navigating the legal compensation processIf you or someone you care about has received a diagnosis of silicosis or is worried about potential exposure, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. To help with that, in this episode we’ve got Jacqueline Hughes, a Partner at Turner Freeman Lawyers in Sydney, who specialises in compensation law, particularly focusing on dust diseases like silicosis.
In our chat with Jacqueline, hosted by James O’Loghlin, we dive into the compensation process specifically tailored for individuals dealing with silicosis. With her wealth of experience and passion, Jacqueline shares how she takes the weig...2024-05-0829 min
Nursing Excellence in Cancer Care - Cancer Nurses Society of Australia PodcastDemystifying the support options for mesothelioma patients: social, financial & legalIn this CNSA Podcast, we demystify the support options and processes available to mesothelioma patients, including the social, financial & legal aspects. CNSA CEO, Jemma Still, is joined by Beth Ivimey, Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse and Raelene Lingam, Legal Counsel from Slater and Gordon’s New South Wales Asbestos & Dust Diseases team. The discussion incudes the impact of mesothelioma on patients and their carers, how to support the patient including social worker and legal support as well as new treatment advances.
Nurse referral for support & resources: ADDRI NURSE SUPPORT CO ORDINATORS - 02 97679800
info@addri.org.au
CANCER COUNCIL IN ANY STATE OF...2024-04-3025 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondA medical oncologist’s perspective on mesothelioma managementWhat happens when someone receives a diagnosis of mesothelioma and is referred to an oncologist? In this episode, we delve into the world of mesothelioma management through the lens of Associate Professor Steven Kao. Steven oversees the thoracic oncology clinical service at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, bringing both expertise and compassion to his patients.
In this conversation with James O’Loghlin, Steven answers the key questions: what happens after diagnosis? What are the different treatment options? Chemotherapy vs Immunotherapy? What is the role of surgery in mesothelioma management? And why is continued research so important?
S...2024-04-2333 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondKen’s battle with engineered stone silicosis.How would it feel to be able to walk and talk – but not at the same time? Or to feel like you are breathing through a wet towel? Ken Parker is 48 years old and this is what it’s like to live with severe engineered silicosis. Silicosis is an incurable, but preventable, work-related lung disease caused by inhaling tiny particles of carcinogenic crystalline silica dust released when cutting engineered stone.
Ken worked as Stonemason for 20 years. He was very good at his job. And he had no idea that the dust which was everywhere – in the...2024-04-0523 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondWhat do you do if your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma? A carer and lawyer’s perspective.This is the story of Biaggio Signorelli, a young migrant from Italy who arrived in Pyrmont, NSW, in the mid-1950s. From humble beginnings, Biaggio went on to found the iconic Doltone House Group – making a significant impact on Sydney's hospitality scene. In October 2007 at the age of 70, a seemingly minor cough revealed a devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Biaggio passed away just eight months after his diagnosis.
In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of Biaggio's illness on his family and his son Paul, who served as his primary caregiver duri...2024-03-2026 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondWhy is the cleanup of the asbestos contaminated sites in Sydney taking so long? Part 2 of the Sydney asbestos exposure crisisWelcome to Episode 9 of our podcast series. Today, we're diving into the lingering issue of asbestos contamination in Sydney, particularly discussing why the cleanup process seems to be dragging on for so long.
Since our last episode recorded on the 2nd February discussing the asbestos exposure in Sydney's Rozelle Parklands, the problem has spread all over Sydney with signs of contamination cropping up across many neighborhoods. Many of these affected areas, which are vital community spaces, remain cordoned off. But why is the cleanup effort moving at such a sluggish pace?
Join James as he reco...2024-03-0623 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondTrevor’s Mesothelioma JourneyIn the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Trevor Seaman worked as an apprentice electrician in his hometown of Wagga Wagga. He then spent the next 35 years travelling the world working on various oil rigs and mines. In 2020, Trevor and his wife Shirley returned home to Australia, planning to retire and work on the farm they had purchased in country Victoria, near the Albury-Wodonga border.
Feeling increasingly breathless, but not overly concerned, Trevor decided to seek medical advice and after numerous appointments and tests, Trevor received a call that would change his life. He had been diagnosed with mesothelioma. When...2024-02-2228 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondWhat do we need to know about the Rozelle Parklands NSW asbestos exposure?It’s early 2024 and bonded asbestos has been found in mulch across Sydney. What do we need to know and should we be worried?
In early 2024, bonded asbestos was discovered in the mulch of the brand-new Rozelle Parklands, sparking public concern. Then more was found in landscaping sites across Sydney. This has shone a light on the fact that asbestos is still very much a problem today.
Peter Tighe, Independent Chair of the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and the former CEO of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) has an enormous weal...2024-02-0627 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond“I will carry you.” Meet one of the pioneering lawyers of asbestos litigation in AustraliaA young lawyer stumbles on an asbestos litigation case that sets him on a journey to drive legislative changes in NSW – changes that were then adopted around the country. In this episode, join James O’Loghlin as he delves into the world of asbestos litigation in Australia with one of its pioneering figures, Armando Gardiman.
Armando sheds light on the evolution of asbestos compensation claims, from the harrowing 'Bedside hearings' to the establishment of a fairer compensation system for individuals affected by mesothelioma and other dust diseases.
To listen to Armando’s story is to listen t...2024-01-2234 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondKate Cole OAM Certified Occupational HygienistKate Cole OAM Certified Occupational Hygienist
The history, hazards and massive health impacts of Silicosis in Australia
Today’s conversation shines a spotlight on silicosis – a national health crisis and a topic that has been prevalent in the media for much of 2023.
In this episode, James sits down with Kate Cole OAM, an expert in respirable silica. As a Certified Occupational Hygienist, she provides the science behind workplace health and safety and debunks the following questions: What is crystalline silica and why is it so hazardous? With a high concentration of silica and creati...2023-12-1324 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondI’ve been diagnosed with a dust disease – how do I start the process for workers compensation?In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic: navigating the workers’ compensation process when diagnosed with a dust disease. In this conversation, James is joined by Katherine Stone the Head of Dust Diseases Care at iCare. Together, they shed light on the workers compensation process in NSW.
Katherine provides an overview of the Dust Diseases Care Scheme, explaining how it provides crucial support to individuals who have been exposed to harmful dust in the workplace, as well as their dependants. During this, conversation, James and Katherine delve into the scheme, simplify the application process and dispel commo...2023-11-2236 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondLisa’s journey with mesotheliomaA young girl helping her father to build a garden shed would never dream that the shavings she innocently played with would one day lead to a cancer diagnosis.
How does a person find the inner strength to go from living a full life to facing three consecutive cancer diagnoses? In 2021, Lisa was preparing for the start of an extraordinary year. Recently relocated to the Southern Highlands with her partner she was to celebrate her 60th birthday and was looking forward to a rescheduled overseas trip.
However, she decided to visit a local GP about some...2023-11-2237 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondA doctor’s journey in treating mesothelioma patientsWhen a patient visits an oncologist, they know they're facing a challenging journey. But what does it look like from the doctor's perspective? In this episode, we sit down with Dr Anthony Linton, a medical oncologist and a specialist in mesothelioma.
Have you ever wondered how a young medical student decides to specialise in oncology? And how does a doctor navigate the complicated path of treating an incurable cancer with their patients? From the other side of the desk, Dr Linton's story unfolds — one of unwavering commitment, compassion and the power of hope.
Join us as...2023-11-2233 min
Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyondDealing with a Cancer Diagnosis: Sandie’s Mesothelioma JourneyWelcome to the launch episode of our podcast series that dives into the emotional and challenging experiences of individuals facing asbestos and dust-related diseases, as well as those that treat and care for them. Today, we share the compelling journey of Sandie Foreman, who found herself facing an unexpected battle with cancer.
In 2016, Sandie visited her G.P. for what seemed like a minor discomfort. Little did she know that this would be the moment her life would take an unforeseen turn. A shocking diagnosis of mesothelioma—an aggressive malignant cancer caused by exposure to asbestos—with a me...2023-11-0737 min
Maceratando, storia e poesia della città di MacerataPoesia 23 - "Li manifesti de li morti"Li manifesti de li mórti Perché li manifesti de li mórti bóni o cattìi, li tratta a tutti uguale?! Eppure, se tu bene te combórti, sì diversu da chj se porta male. A me, però, non m'é succésso mai ( e me ce rombe póco li minghjoni ! ? ) de lègghje : " Quistu ha fatto solo guai ". Postà che mòre solo quilli vóni ! ? - Mbó de rispettu - quarghidù dirà - - per chj mòre, me pare che non guasta. - Se tu, sur serio, lu vó' rispettà, scrivi lu nome, lu cognome, e basta. Se tu...2023-03-2001 min
Maceratando, storia e poesia della città di MacerataPoesia 3 - "Mondagne russe"Mondagne russe Co' lu carèllu, in dó che sì mondatu, te ràmbichi llassù, verso la cima. Pó, da llassù, che mango sì rigatu, te rtrói, de bbòttu, dó che stavi prima. Curi su e gghjó. Su e gghjó. Sèmbre ccuscì. E tutto quando, a te, te pare véllo. Tande adè le 'mozió che pó' sindì. Ma ( se ce penzi ) tu fai sembre quello. A te, te pare d ' èsse lu patró. Mèjo ccuscì. Ma se vai perinzù, se curvi o curi forte perignó, quillu che spigne e guida non sì tu. Però, te gusta. E se non pe...2023-02-1502 min
Maceratando, storia e poesia della città di MacerataPoesia 2 - "Mamma"Mamma Angóra me ricordo 'lla matìna, anghe se d'anni n'é passati tandi. De fòri, ce statìa 'na virivìna Da fà ngioccà li déndi anghe a li sandi. Mamma aprì la finestra per capì... “ Aiuto! Aiuto! “ se sindìa a strillà. E, sùbbito, mi' matre, lipperlì, co' quattro garze, u' lacciu e u' sciuccamà, sardò de fòri, e jé nvasciò , per bene, li purzi, perché un certu “Maregnà” s'era tajatu ( penza mbó ! ) le vene; dato che adèra stufu de cambà. Ccuscì la vita, a quillu, jé sarvò. Anghe perché, de quesso, adèra esperta. Però succèsse, ( co' la cun...2023-02-1502 min