Uncommon Ground with Talal Yassine

In this powerful episode of Uncommon Ground, Professor Talal Yassine sits down with Shaun Christie-David, a social enterprise leader, restaurateur, and the founder of Colombo Social, Kabul Social, Kyiv Social, and the Plate It Forward Foundation. From his humble beginnings in Western Sydney to launching some of Australia's most socially impactful dining venues, Shaun is reshaping what hospitality means. His mission? Use food as a force for good, creating jobs for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds, and delivering over 750,000 meals to those in need. Shaun’s story is equal parts rage and resilience, from enduring racism in the corporate world to building businesses that fight injustice and feed hope. He opens up about his Sri Lankan roots, his parents’ migrant struggles, and why migrant women, ex-offenders, and people from disadvantaged communities deserve more than charity, they deserve opportunity. Subscribe to Uncommon Ground on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@talal.yassine Links Learn More About Talal talalyassine.com.au LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/talaly Facebook facebook.com/talal.yassine.1 Instagram instagram.com/talalyassine Episode Running Order Intro — who is Shaun Christie-David and why his story matters (00:00)• Childhood in Fairfield & memories of early mischief and innocence (01:05)• Family dynamics — growing up the youngest of three Sri Lankan brothers (02:07)• School years — selective school entry, avoiding trouble & chasing opportunity (03:32)• Parents’ migration from Sri Lanka & sacrifices for a better life (04:57)• Dad’s career shift — from engineer to mobile mechanic in Australia (06:36)• Life at Holsworthy Ag High — navigating identity in elite academic spaces (08:39)• The turning point — how one teacher changed Shaun’s path (13:25)• University life — failing subjects, partying, and discovering purpose (16:54)• Why finance? — the Martin Place moment & chasing the suit-and-tie dream (17:41)• Early career in finance — process automation & questioning the status quo (20:29)• Experiencing casual racism in corporate Australia — from “Tamil Tiger” to “wrong side of the bridge” (28:16)• The call that changed everything — leaving finance after an Obama slur (34:04)• The ex-girlfriend’s mum story — racism in the home & drawing hard lines (40:07)• Returning to Sri Lanka — realizing his privilege & finding a new mission (48:04)• Founding Colombo Social — creating fusion food & a social impact model (51:47)• Why food? — the universal language that brings people together (53:29)• COVID pivot — launching Plate It Forward & 750,000+ donated meals (55:24)• Food insecurity in Australia — now worse than during the pandemic (56:42)• How the model works — restaurants, catering, and the Plate It Forward Foundation (58:06)• Funding the movement — 95% of donations from Shaun’s hospitality businesses (59:09)• The workforce model — 85% of staff from marginalized communities (1:01:45)• Launchpad — helping migrant women start their own food businesses (1:09:20)• Can Shaun cook? — decoding flavor without being a chef (1:06:01)• The future — endowment models, sustainability & replicating community care (1:11:32)• Quick-fire questions — misconceptions, guilty pleasures & defining conversations (1:13:53)• Closing reflections & outro (1:15:30) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Uncommon Ground, Talal sits down with OzHarvest Founder and social entrepreneur Ronni Kahn to explore the personal journey behind one of Australia’s most impactful purpose-led organisations. From growing up in apartheid-era South Africa to living on a kibbutz in Israel, Ronni reflects on the formative experiences that shaped her understanding of inequality, community and responsibility. She shares how a successful events business in Sydney ultimately led to a life-changing moment, witnessing thousands of kilograms of perfectly good food being thrown away, and the decision to redirect her life toward rescuing surplus food to feed those in need. Ronni discusses the risks of walking away from commercial success, the courage required to challenge entrenched systems, and how OzHarvest has grown from a simple act of giving into a national movement spanning food rescue, education and social innovation. Subscribe to Uncommon Ground on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@talal.yassine Links Learn More About Talal talalyassine.com.au LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/talaly Facebook facebook.com/talal.yassine.1 Instagram instagram.com/talalyassine   Episode Running Order Intro: Ronni Kahn, OzHarvest and the fight against food waste (00:03)• First memories: childhood in Johannesburg with two older sisters (01:29)• Her father’s accident and the lesson of resilience (03:30)• Growing up during apartheid and witnessing inequality (06:50)• Family values, activism and early exposure to social justice (08:14)• Jewish identity, youth movements and community discipline (11:06)• Schooling at King David and living in a liberal bubble (11:45)• The impact of losing “Flory” — her childhood carer (17:25)• Leaving South Africa at 17 to study in Israel (18:48)• Culture shock, independence and life on a kibbutz (19:15)• 10 years in a socialist commune: values vs individuality (21:23)• Moving to Haifa and building a successful florist business (26:52)• Political changes in Israel and deciding to leave (28:22)• Choosing Australia: familiarity without overt apartheid (29:13)• Starting over with $10,000 and building an events company (30:21)• The Star City pitch and scaling a creative business (31:34)• The moment that changed everything: thousands of kilos of wasted food (32:44)• Midnight at Matthew Talbot Hostel — the OzHarvest spark (33:10)• Closing the events business to pursue purpose full-time (34:24)• Risk, naivety and the entrepreneurial leap of faith (37:02)• OzHarvest today: beyond food rescue to education (38:36)• Feast, NEST and Nourish — empowering the next generation (39:44)• OzHarvest Ventures: social enterprise in action (42:22)• Conscious Drink & partnering with Indigenous business (43:47)• Founder to CEO transition and scaling impact (45:21)• The Hunger Solutions Lab and ending hunger in Australia (46:39)• Quickfire: misconceptions, essentials and advice to her younger self (48:03)• The conversation that shaped her purpose: “go out and feed people” (49:11)• Closing reflections & outro (49:44) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Redfern ovals and Canterbury streets to world-title nights under bright lights, Anthony “Choc” Mundine has lived more than one lifetime in Australian sport. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Choc sits down with Talal to trace the full arc of his journey – from precocious footy kid and Australian Schoolboy who walked away at the peak of his powers, to becoming a world-title winning boxer who refused to bow to the system. Mundine opens up about growing up between cultures, the racism and over-policing that shaped his militancy, and the deep frustration of being overlooked for national selection despite dominant seasons on the field. He talks candidly about his father’s legacy, the pressure of carrying a family’s hopes, and the backlash that followed his conversion to Islam and his most controversial public statements. Along the way, Choc reflects on depression, discipline, faith, money, and why he believes no Australian athlete has matched his achievements across two brutal codes. If you’ve only ever known Anthony Mundine through headlines and highlight reels, this episode will challenge, surprise and humanise one of Australia’s most talked-about figures. Subscribe to Uncommon Ground on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@talal.yassine Links Learn More About Talal talalyassine.com.au LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/talaly Facebook facebook.com/talal.yassine.1 Instagram instagram.com/talalyassine Episode Running Order Intro — who is Anthony Mundine & why his story matters (00:00) First memories: Zetland Jets, dreaming big at 4 years old (01:22) Family story: Mum, Dad (Tony Mundine) & blended siblings (02:12) Parents separate; growing up between Canterbury & Earlwood (02:58) School years: four schools, culture shock & Greek mates (03:31) Rugby league obsession & natural gifts in sport (04:26) Repeating Year 11 twice & leaving school early for footy (05:11) Early representative years: Harold Matts to Australian Schoolboys (07:10) Winning Buckley Shield & chasing national selection (08:30) Early rise: SG Ball, Jersey Flegg & straight into first grade (10:09) Feeling overlooked: “What more do I have to do?” (10:31) Dominant 1999 season & frustration with selectors (11:10) Big money: St George, Brisbane, ARL vs Super League war (13:13) Playing with legends: Langer, Tallis, Webcke, Lockyer (16:40) Ego, confidence & trash talk as competitive tools (17:22) Racism, representation & being the only outspoken Blackfella (18:31) Leaving rugby league: fed up with the system (29:56) Transition to boxing: chasing a title his father never had (30:30) First world title shot in Germany — knocked out after 10 rounds (31:28) Depression, recovery & rebuilding to world #1 again (32:34) Becoming world champion: and proving himself right (34:18) Rivalries: Sam Soliman trilogy, Kessler & the best he faced (35:59) Boxing legacy: three world titles & Australian records (38:23) Conversion to Islam: faith, identity & cultural alignment (50:29) Faith becomes discipline: Ramadan & five daily prayers (55:00) Discipline as the foundation of greatness (57:38) Mental health, resilience & spiritual grounding (01:01:30) Mundine Mindset: teaching discipline & life choices (01:02:57) Quickfire round: guilty pleasures, biggest myths & advice to young Choc (01:03:48) Closing reflection & sign-off (01:08:20) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From humble beginnings in Western Sydney to leading one of Australia’s largest structural package firms, Nabil Hafza’s story is one of grit, sacrifice and long-term belief.   In this episode of Uncommon Ground, Nabil reflects on his upbringing, leaving school early to pursue a trade, starting Future Form with just a few thousand dollars, and building it into a major player on some of the country’s biggest projects.   He also speaks openly about family, fatherhood, loss, culture, ambition and what it takes to keep going when the pressure is high and the road is uncertain. This is a conversation about leadership, patience, integrity and building something that lasts.     Subscribe to Uncommon Ground on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@talal.yassine   Links   Learn More About Talal talalyassine.com.au   LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/talaly   Facebook facebook.com/talal.yassine.1   Instagram instagram.com/talalyassine     Episode Running Order   Early memories in Casula and growing up in Western Sydney (01:04) Family background, siblings and school life (01:55) Liverpool Boys, Kasula High and finishing school at All Saints (02:37) Leaving school early and choosing a trade over university (04:33) What formwork is and why it matters in construction (05:50) Starting out in 2002 with $4,000 and an EB Falcon (07:27) His parents’ migration story and early family life in Sydney (09:03) The influence of his brother Khalil and early mentorship (12:08) Buying a first home young and backing himself in business (12:51) The slow build of Future Form and the turning point in Sutherland (13:11) Winning first tier-one work and breaking into the big league (15:17) Marriage, fatherhood, custody and the lessons of raising children (17:18) Loss, patience and how family shaped his perspective (19:31) The sacrifice required to grow a business from the ground up (21:42) Landmark projects, legacy and building structures that outlive him (23:03) Where Future Form sits in the national market today (25:22) Culture, team building and why family remains central to the business (26:47) Working with Australia’s biggest builders and scaling nationally (27:33) The values behind the company’s growth: integrity, honesty and win-win partnerships (28:40) Supporting community causes, women in construction and cerebral palsy advocacy (30:51) Life outside work: fishing, the beach, cars and switching off (32:59) Navigating stereotypes as a Western Sydney builder of Lebanese heritage (35:43) The future of Future Form and plans for continued growth (39:06) Why he backed the Bulldogs and what business can learn from elite sport (39:28) Quick-fire questions: chocolate, misconceptions and what keeps him grounded (42:10) The advice he would give his 19-year-old self (45:30)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just 27, Fatima Payman made history as the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman elected to the Australian Parliament. Her election was more than symbolic, it was a moment of visibility that resonated deeply across Australia, especially for young people who had never seen themselves represented in public life.  In this candid conversation with Talal Yassine, Fatima shares her extraordinary journey, from refugee roots in Afghanistan and Pakistan, to growing up in Perth, to the unlikely path that took her into student activism, union organising, and finally the Senate. She speaks openly about her late father’s influence, the lessons of resilience and faith her parents instilled, and the weight of carrying both community hopes and personal expectations.  Fatima also reflects on the challenges of navigating politics as a young woman of colour, the racism she faced at university, the pressures within party politics, and the personal cost of taking a stand when her conscience collided with party lines. She explains why she chose principle over convenience, even at the risk of her career, and how she continues to redefine what representation can look like in modern Australia.  Subscribe to Uncommon Ground on your favourite podcast platform.  Episode Running Order  Intro: who is Senator Fatima Payman and why her story matters (00:00)  Early memories: Pakistan, reunion with her father, arriving in Australia (02:05)  Family history & politics in the blood: grandfather’s role, dad’s influence (05:10)  Faith & agency: choosing the hijab at 12 and owning the decision (08:15)  Growing up in Perth: Islamic school, belonging, first brushes with prejudice (11:20)  Uni shock: “Do you have a bomb?” and turning ignorance into dialogue (14:30)  First activism win: saving the campus café with a petition (17:40)  Enter Labor: coffee with Pierre Yang, volunteering, first campaign (20:25)  Young Labor president: diversifying the room and building field muscle (23:15)  Union organiser: aged care to factories—rights, persuasion, and trust (26:40)  Preselection saga: citizenship hurdle, “you won’t win #3,” and the upset (30:05)  Day one in Canberra: Senate school, staff, and the reality of power (33:45)  October 7 as turning point: platform vs. party line (36:30)  Speaking out: genocide language, pressure, and double standards (40:00)  Crossing the floor: consequences, conscience, and fallout for Jacob (44:10)  Leaving Labor: independence day and what came next (48:05)  Building Australia’s Voice: party launch, tour of WA, 2025 run (51:00)  Beyond Palestine: housing, climate, HECS, aged care, youth voice (55:05)  Not the Greens: balance of power and why she stayed independent (58:00)  Quick-fire Q&A: misconceptions, guilty pleasures, advice to young women (1:01:20)  Closing reflections: courage, cost, and representing WA on her terms (1:04:10)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist, author and academic Stan Grant joins Talal Yassine for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about identity, faith, and the cost of speaking out. From a childhood of poverty and constant movement across rural New South Wales, to interviewing world leaders and reporting from some of the globe’s most dangerous conflict zones, Stan’s story is one of resilience, grit, and unflinching honesty. He opens up about growing up Wiradjuri, the hard love of his father, and the strength of family that carried him through homelessness and hardship. Stan reflects on his meteoric rise through journalism, the toll of frontline reporting, and the burden of being one of Australia’s most visible Indigenous voices. He speaks candidly about racism, burnout, and his controversial departure from the ABC, but also about the things that sustain him: faith, philosophy, music, and the enduring power of love. This episode moves between the personal and the profound, from childhood memories tied to songs on a transistor radio, to the philosophy of history and modernity, and finally his vision for a more generous Australia rooted in respect and hope. Subscribe to Uncommon Ground on your favourite podcast platform. Episode Running Order Opening: The art of conversation vs. interview (00:00) Earliest memories: music, hats and a travelling childhood (04:00) Life on the move: cars, caravans and sawmills (09:00) Hard love, resilience and lessons from his father (15:00) The wider family and responsibility beyond his years (20:00) Discovering books, philosophy and a world beyond poverty (25:00) From mail boy to university: the turning point (32:00) Breaking into journalism: copy boy, cadetship and the fast rise (38:00) Reporting Canberra politics and hosting prime-time TV by 27 (45:00) CNN years: the world stage, conflict zones and PTSD (50:00) Returning home: ABC, Sky and disillusionment with hosting roles (58:00) Family life: meeting Tracey, raising four children and following bliss (1:05:00) Race, identity and the unfinished business of Australia (1:12:00) Faith, philosophy and the last sigh of Christ (1:18:00) Yindyamarra Trust: giving, love and building respect (1:25:00) Quickfire round: misconceptions, guilty pleasures, advice to young Stan (1:28:00) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trailblazing business leader, arts patron and advocate for women in leadership, Catherine Harris joins Talal Yassine for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about business, family and purpose. From growing up as one of ten children in a loud, loving Italian–Irish household, to co-founding Harris Farm Markets and guiding it through more than 50 years of highs, lows and reinvention, Catherine shares stories that shaped her values: integrity, fairness, and lifting others as you lead. She reflects on resilience through tough times, including near-bankruptcy, 17% interest rates and even a mafia threat, while highlighting the lessons of transparency, courage, and compassion in business. Beyond Harris Farm, Catherine discusses her decades of public service: leading affirmative action at a national level, serving on boards from the NRL to the National Gallery, and even representing Bhutan as Consul-General. With humour, humility, and a lifetime of experience, she shows how business, family and values can intertwine to shape modern Australia. Subscribe to Uncommon Ground on your favourite podcast platform. Episode Running Order Childhood and family roots (02:00) Her mother: Australia’s first woman on TV (07:00) Schooling, Florence, and finding her own path (10:00) University struggles, dyslexia and discovering commerce (14:00) Meeting David Harris and the origins of Harris Farm (20:00) Starting out in Villawood and early hardships (25:00) Near-collapse, 17% interest rates and resilience (30:00) The mafia contract and surviving the 1990s (34:00) Lessons from 50 years in business (38:00) Family in business: succession, mentoring, and fairness (43:00) Raising five boys and reflections on gender equity (50:00) Serving as Consul-General for Bhutan (56:00) Arts, culture, rugby league and public service (1:00:00) Quickfire questions: misconceptions, guilty pleasures, advice (1:07:00) Closing reflections: the power of listening to stories (1:10:00)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Urbanist, business leader and former Lord Mayor of Sydney, Lucy Turnbull joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about power, public life, and why good cities don’t just happen, they’re built with care and with community at their core. Lucy reflects on her early fascination with urban environments, the lessons from her childhood in Potts Point, and how a sense of purpose, has guided her through decades of leadership across government, planning, business and philanthropy. From growing up in a legal dynasty to building her own legacy in city-making, Lucy opens up about partnership, privilege, and staying grounded when the spotlight is on. She also talks about Sydney’s housing crisis, the hard truths behind affordability, and the bold planning reforms she believes are needed to make Australian cities liveable for future generations. Subscribe to Uncommon Ground on your favourite podcast platform. Episode Running Order Childhood memories, place and perception (02:15) From elite schools to legal studies and marriage at 21 (06:50) Studying law at Sydney, switching gears with an MBA (11:00) Life and partnership with Malcolm Turnbull (15:30) Finding purpose through city-making and public service (20:45) First steps into politics and becoming Lord Mayor (25:00) Council leadership during Sydney’s transformation (30:15) Reflecting on 9/11 and civic leadership in crisis (35:10) Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission (39:00) The housing affordability crisis: causes and cures (43:00) Radical ideas, TODs, and rethinking city planning (48:20) Growing up in a political and legal dynasty (54:00) Maintaining humility, purpose and empathy (57:15) Quickfire questions: myth, guilty pleasure, advice (1:02:00) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Carr discusses loss, love and his long political career

Antoinette Lattouf on childhood, activism and the truth behind the ABC court case