Finding Sanctuary

Interested in joining this singles group to experience connection, no judgement and just a great time? email Rachel at roadtoemmaus@olol.org.au

 Rachel El Hage is known for her role as the coordinator and founder of the Road to Emmaus singles group. This initiative caters specifically to older singles over the age of 35, aiming to create a community that fosters friendship and connection centered on Christian values. Despite being m...

Linda Habak is an established interior designer and property developer, as well as the creator, founder, and host of the podcast "Build Beautiful." Her journey spans from studying textile technology and working in marketing to ultimately embracing her passion for design. Linda's career is marked by her intuitive approach to life, her ability to pivot amidst challenges, and her unwavering commitment to personal growth...

About the Guest:

Subdeacon Stefan is from Christ The Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish, where he plays a vital role in spiritual guidance and support. He co-founded the business Lauren's Family with his wife Giselle, who has extensive experience as a support worker for the NDIS sector. Stefan is deeply inspired by his late sister, Lauren, who has had a profound impact on his life and vocation, fueling his passion for serving th...

Bridget Sakr is a prominent community figure and Director of Heartfelt, an organization dedicated to supporting families experiencing loss and trauma. With a professional background in finance and insurance, Bridget transitioned into grief support work following personal tragedy that deeply impacted her life. Her experience and empathy have made her a beacon of support, not only within her community but also on a global scale, as s...

About the Guest

Jacqualine Kay Raad is a leadership and speechwriting consultant known for her proficiency in guiding individuals through moments of self-discovery. Her expertise spans critical areas such as presentation and negotiation skills, networking, leadership through coaching, and particularly, giving and receiving feedback. Her unique ability to identify and help resolve human interaction challenges stems from her deep-seat...

About the Guest:

Leonie Nahhas is a registered psychologist with an extensive background in community wellbeing, education, and mental health initiatives. She currently operates her private practice, ThriveWise Psychology, and has established the Illume Community Dialogue Forum, which aims to foster community dialogue and collective well-being. Leonie has worked in various educational settings and has spent time abroad gaining valua...

Patrick Coorey is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the high-octane world of professional motorsport. Starting from humble beginnings in Coffs Harbour, Australia, his passion for racing and engineering drove him to the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula One. Despite an initial setback when his team ran out of funds, Patrick transitioned into Formula E, where he thrived as a championship-winning team manager...

George Sahyoun built the Karima Group from the ground up, naming it after his mum—because sometimes the best business inspiration comes from home. As co-founder and director, George has turned entrepreneurial success into something bigger: genuine community impact through philanthropy and mentoring.

What sets George apart isn't just his business acumen—it's his commitment to lifting others up. From mentoring emerging entre...

Claudia Chakar has spent over 20 years helping Australian families untangle intergenerational trauma and build stronger connections. As a clinical psychotherapist specialising in family and couples therapy, Claudia understands that healing often means examining family patterns passed down through generations. 

Her trauma-informed approach has made her a respected voice in mental health circles, particularly within Lebanon's Aus...

About the Guests:

Heyam Haddad and Hanaan Haddad are accomplished clinical psychologists with an impressive track record of over 18 years in the field. Both guests have a robust background in trauma therapy, having worked extensively with different forms of trauma ranging from refugee and front-line emergency services trauma to child sexual abuse and domestic violence. With thriving private practices in Sydney, they specialize in Ey...

Episode Summary:

This episode of "Finding Sanctuary" brings together three remarkable voices tackling the mental health challenges facing young Aussies today. Host Debbie Draybi sits down with Fr Ron Hassarati—educator turned recently ordained priest—and Leena Dib, her friend and fellow education expert, for a raw conversation about parenting, faith, and finding your way in our digital world.

Father Ron and Leena don't...

Key Takeaways:

• Community Building through Activity: The Marunite Run Club successfully brings people together, blending physical exercise with opportunities for community-building and faith exploration.
• Casual Settings Promote Connection: A non-intimidating environment, like casual run/walk meet-ups, significantly eases social interactions and encourages new friendships.
• Inclusive Approach: The initiative is not limited to runners...

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of creating a safe and supportive network by sharing vulnerabilities and authentic experiences within a community.
• How raw and unedited podcasts foster genuine connections and provide relatable content that resonates with a broad audience.
• Imposter syndrome is a universal experience, and embracing it can lead to greater personal accountability and growth.
• The critical role of empathy and authenticity i...

Eddie Reaiche sits down with Monsignor Shora and Honi Lattouf to explore the life-changing impact of the Alpha program. Rhey dive into how this eleven-week course has become a guiding light for those seeking faith development, a sense of belonging, and clarity amid life’s challenges.

Alpha creates space for honest conversations, offering a path to personal growth and spiritual renewal—especially for people feeling lost, disconnected...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Finding Sanctuary, we sit down with Melissa D’Cruz—a powerhouse florist and wedding planner whose story is as inspiring as the blooms she works with. From dreaming of being a psychologist to becoming a trusted presence at some of life’s most emotional moments, Melissa opens up about how deep personal loss and grief reshaped her path and fuelled her passion for bringing comfort through creativity

Me...

Key Takeaways:

• The critical role of securing a sense of belonging and acceptance in shaping one’s identity and choices.
• How Andrew’s journey illustrates the deep links between trauma, addiction, and the search for masculine identity.
• The importance of seeking spiritual guidance and community support in overcoming personal challenges.
• The concept of “I am” and its influence on personal identity and behavior as demonstrated through A...

About the Guest:

Dr. Peter Holmes is a senior lecturer in theology at the University of Notre Dame. Recently Dr. Holmes published a book titled “Redeeming Masculinity,” which delves into understanding masculine identity from a theological perspective. To add to his list of credentials, he is now completing studies in counselling/ psychology.

Key Takeaways:

• The Evolution of Masculinity: Peter discusses how his personal and academic...

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Faith: Pamela Chedid emphasizes how her faith in Christ helped her carry the burden of grief after the loss of her child.
• Writing as Therapy: Through writing, Pamela found solace and a means to process her emotions, leading to the creation of her poetry book.
• Honor and Memory: Remembering and honoring lost loved ones through personal rituals and sharing stories aid in the healing journey.
• Support Network...

The content of this podcast is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for personal medical or therapeutic advice. Please consult your GP, therapist, or another qualified health professional for guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Holistic Approach to Mental Health: Combining medication with therapy and spiritual practices ...