In this episode, Mel sits down with Jak Vaessen, a man whose life has been shaped by a fierce commitment to justice, dignity, and compassion. From sleeping rough in solidarity with the homeless to challenging public indifference head-on, Jak’s advocacy is as relentless as it is heartfelt.
His work hasn’t gone unnoticed, Jak was honoured with the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian Award, a testament to his decades of service to those society too often overlooks. But for Jak, recognition is never the goal. It’s about showing up, listening deeply, and standing beside those who’ve been pushed to the margins.
This conversation explores the emotional toll of witnessing public apathy, the transformative power of proximity, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going when the world looks away. Jak’s story is a call to action - for empathy, for accountability, and for radical kindness.
On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.
The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:
Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
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Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services
CREDITS:
Host: Melissa Alsemgeest
Guest: Jak Vaessen
Editor: Robert Alsemgeest
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