No Ordinary People

A country that prides itself on fairness still locks up children as young as 10. That single reality cuts through the noise of “youth crime wave” headlines and forces a deeper question: what does it say about us when punishment becomes the default response to children facing deep disadvantage? In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Emily Mayo from the Justice and Equity Centre and the Raise the Age NSW campaign to unpack what’s really driving youth justice in Australia, an...

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Dominic Brook, founder of MMAD (Musicians Making a Difference), to explore how love, resilience and external belief can combine to change the course of a life. Dom grew up with a single mum doing her best under complex and often difficult circumstances. While love was always present, stability and consistency weren’t always possible — a reality shared by many families navigating structural and social pressures. A turning point came wh...

In a world where adversity often seems insurmountable, Kath Koschel's story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. From breaking her back twice to losing her partner, Kath's journey is a testament to the human spirit's ability to rise above challenges. Her experiences led her to found the Kindness Factory, a global movement that has inspired millions to engage in acts of kindness. Kath's life took a dramatic turn when she faced unimaginable physical and emotional challenges. Yet, instead ...

In this episode of No Ordinary People, host Jade Harley speaks with Lana Masterton, founder and CEO of Down the Track, a grassroots organisation based in Lake Cargelligo, NSW, dedicated to supporting disengaged and marginalised youth in remote communities. Lana shares her personal journey and the deep challenges faced by young people in her region - many of whom are impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and exposure to family and domestic violence. Through innovative, culturally respectful pro...