Surviving a Shooting: Andre Abouharb On The Power of the Mind (Spirituality)
Andre Abouharb was a young man enjoying a normal night out when a shooting changed everything. As founder and director of Catholic Apparel, Andre joins Debbie and Natalie to talk about faith, trauma and what healing really looks like. He shares how the Holy Spirit met him in crisis, how volunteering at Westmead became his therapy, and why forgiving someone you have never even identified set him free. In this episode, you will discover what it truly means to find purpose and mental health through faith.
Tragedy, Shame & Community Healing with George Boutros and Judy Saba
George Boutros has turned two of the most painful experiences of his life into movements that have genuinely changed communities. Joining Debbie and cross-cultural psychologist Judy Saba, George opens up about losing his cousin to suicide, the nine months that shook his community to its core, and how that grief quietly built something remarkable. From founding Friends with Hope to shipping 27 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the Beirut explosion, this is a raw and honest conversation about what it really looks like to turn tragedy into purpose.
Premature Birth, Faith and Surrender: What Bridgette Loulach Learned in the NICU
Bridgette Elias built a charity from grief at sixteen. Then life threw her into the very situation she had spent years serving others through. When her premature son Charbel arrived at twenty-seven weeks in an emergency delivery, Bridgette found herself inside a NICU, drawing on every bit of faith and community she had quietly been building for years. This is a conversation about suffering, surrender, and finding heaven in the most unexpected places.
When Journalism Becomes a Calling: Adella Beaini on Faith, Trauma and Emotional Well-being
Journalist Adella Beaini joins the conversation to talk about what it really costs to carry other people's stories — and what happens when the weight of it catches up with you. From a two-year campaign exposing suicides in the defence forces to her own brush with burnout, Adella is refreshingly honest about the dark side of a purpose-driven career. She also unpacks how her Lebanese heritage and Maronite faith shape the way she reports, listens, and leads. Raw, real, and genuinely moving.
Road to Emmaus: Faith, Belonging & Mental Health
Being single over 35 in a community built around families isn't easy — and Rachel El Hage gets that. The founder of Road to Emmaus, a Maronite singles group, joins us to talk about what it really takes to build belonging when you don't fit the mould. They dig into faith-based friendships, the modern dating landscape, and why vulnerability might be the most underrated tool for finding your people. If you're navigating single life and craving genuine connection, this conversation is exactly where you need to be.
Redefining Success, Parenting, and Identity: What One Woman’s Story Can Teach Us All
Linda Habak — interior designer and podcast host — joins us for a raw, honest conversation about guilt, self-worth, and the cultural weight that follows success. Linda opens up about navigating postpartum anxiety, pivoting from fashion to a career in design, and what it really means to parent from faith rather than fear. If you've ever felt like your achievements came with a side of shame, this one's for you.
Caregiving, Grief & the Faith That Holds Families Together
Subdeacon Stefan Gerges carried his sister Lauren every single day. Not out of obligation — out of love. But caring for someone through grief and family challenge is never a solo journey. On Finding Sanctuary, SDS shares how caregiving shaped him, how faith kept his family together, and why community support isn't optional — it's essential.
Helping Kids Through Grief: Bridget Sakr on Loss & Healing
How do you talk to your kids about death? After losing her daughter Veronique, Bridget Sakr faced this exact challenge whilst drowning in her own grief. What she discovered about parenting through loss challenges everything we think about protecting children from pain. From weaving a loved one's memory into everyday life to building faith-based support networks, Bridget's story offers parents a powerful framework for navigating grief together. Because healing doesn't mean forgetting—it means learning to carry love forward.
Creating Safe Spaces for Difficult Conversations in a Diverse World – Leonie Nahhas
Natalie Moujalli and Debbie Draybi talk with psychologist Leonie Nahhas about breaking mental health stigma in Lebanese Australian families. Leonie shares her Illume model—a fresh approach to getting young people talking openly about the stuff that matters. The conversation digs into family communication, managing those inner voices that hold us back, and building emotional intelligence across generations. Whether you're navigating cultural expectations or trying to create healthier conversations at home, Leonie offers practical strategies for fostering understanding and well-being in your family and community.
Unlocking the Brain’s Healing Power: A Deep Dive into EMDR Therapy
Clinical psychologists Heyam and Hanaan Haddad break down EMDR therapy and separate fact from fiction. They explain how this powerful technique helps trauma survivors heal by engaging both sides of the brain through eye movements, tappers, and audio. The conversation explores how trauma reshapes memory and behaviour, and why EMDR's becoming a game-changer for treating anxiety, PTSD, and even addictions. Heyam and Hanaan share real success stories that'll challenge any scepticism about innovative therapies. Whether you're struggling with your own trauma or supporting someone who is, you'll walk away understanding how deep emotional healing actually works—and why it matters.
Navigating Parenting, Technology, and Faith in a Modern World
Fr Ron Hassarati and Leena Dib tackle the real challenges of raising kids in today's world. They explore how technology's reshaping the way young people connect, why consistent parenting matters more than ever, and the serious impact of issues like pornography on our youth. Fr Ron shares practical wisdom on building stronger family connections through faith and community, while the conversation digs into collective trauma and what it takes to parent with intention. This isn't theory—it's honest talk about navigating modern parenting, strengthening relationships, and raising resilient kids who can handle whatever life throws at them.
Marunite Run Club – Fitness, Friendship, Faith
Debbie and Nat chat with Marunite Run Club (Julian and Jacinta), exploring how casual running breaks barriers and fosters connection within the Maronite community. Julian and Jacinta reveal how the club, known for its focus on social interaction over speed, combats isolation by creating an inclusive space for making new friends and engaging spiritually. Discover how this unique blend of fitness, faith, and fellowship helps young adults find belonging and rekindle their connection to the Maronite faith through shared experiences and community support.
Behind the Mic: Unscripted Moments and Real Talk
Debbie Draybi, Natalie Moujalli, Eddie Reaiche, and Derrick Yeoh come together for an impromptu chat about finding peace in everyday life. They explore imposter syndrome, community, and personal growth, sharing how vulnerability and real connection foster healing. This episode highlights the power of empathy and the value of creating safe spaces for mental health conversations.
Beyond Perinatal Loss: Finding Hope and Healing – Pamela Chedid
Pamela Chedid joins Debbie Draybi and Eddie Reaiche to share her moving journey through loss and healing. After experiencing the stillbirth of her child, Pamela turned to writing as a way to process her grief. Her book, Letters to Heaven, is a collection of heartfelt letters to Christ, reflecting her deep faith and resilience. She opens up about the pain of loss, the strength found in motherhood, and how faith carried her through. Pamela’s story offers hope and inspiration to anyone walking through heartbreak and searching for peace.
Getting Real About Antidepressants
Debbie Draybi and Eddie Reaiche chat with pharmacist Jony Raad to unpack the vital connection between mental health, medication, and therapy. They address common fears and myths about antidepressants while stressing a holistic, faith-integrated approach to healing. Drawing on real-life stories and professional insight, the conversation highlights the power of communication, support systems, and the courage to be vulnerable. Jony offers practical advice and reassurance for those navigating their mental health journey, helping break down stigma and encourage openness.
Celebrating Milestones: Jade El- Choueifati and Finding Balance
Jade El Choueifati, Monsignor Shora and Natalie explore the role of celebrations in the Maronite community and their impact on mental well-being. They discuss maintaining joy amidst wedding planning stressors, navigating family dynamics, and the importance of focusing on the purpose behind celebrations. Highlighting examples from his wedding emceeing experience, Jade underscores the value of perspective, community, and faith at life’s milestones.
The AI Era: The positives and pitfalls of artificial intelligence – George Khouri
Explore how AI reshapes work, education, and personal interactions while uncovering opportunities and challenges it brings. With insights from Eddie Reaiche, the conversation explores AI's role in enhancing human connection, balancing technology with humanity, and maintaining authenticity.
Navigating the Complexities of Student Stress and Mental Well-Being: Insights From the Trenches
Understand the. pressures and anxieties faced by students, particularly during exam season. Explore the impact of social media and societal expectations on young people and strategies for managing procrastination and exam anxiety.
Finding Sanctuary: Reflecting on Breaks and the Power of Mindset
Discover the importance of taking a holiday and the challenges of balancing family expectations and personal needs. The conversation also touches on the mindset of a holiday and the benefits of detaching from work and technology
Parenting Through the Teenage Years: Navigating Challenges and Building Trust
Parenting teenagers can be a challenging and messy period, filled with hormonal changes, physical transformations, and a strong desire for a sense of belonging. As parents, it is crucial to create a safe space for open communication and understanding.
True Spirit of Christmas: Letting Love and Kindness Guide Us Through the Holidays
Debbie, Eddie and Natalie chat about the challenges people face during the holiday season. They discuss the pressure to fit in and wear masks, the exhaustion that comes from trying to meet expectations, and the importance of belonging and being authentic. They also touch on the impact of grief and loss during this time and offer strategies for finding comfort and allowing oneself to feel emotions. The conversation emphasises the need to prioritize mental health and find sanctuary in the midst of the holiday chaos.
Motherhood – Instinctive Parenting and Self Confidence
Eddie emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts and the unique relationship between a mother and her child. Natalie shares her personal experience of feeling inadequate as a mother when her second child didn't fit the "textbook" mold. The conversation highlights the need for self-confidence and self-compassion in navigating the ups and downs of parenting.
Grief and Loss Part 3 – It Gets Lighter
We discuss the importance of being open and vulnerable with emotions, challenging societal expectations of masculinity, and seeking help from professionals or trusted individuals. We highligth the power of human connection, sharing burdens, and finding moments of light in the midst of darkness.
