Lilian Dibo Eyong is a truly inspiring young woman.  A 26 year old polio survivor, Lilian faced her early struggles with determination, even during the difficult times. School was challenging for her, given her mobility issues. Yet, she aspired to study.  The Cameroonian Civil War put a stop to her University Accounting studies. In those three years since the beginning of the Anglophone Crisis, Lilian endured even more hardship, & came close to ending her life. It was then that a counsellor stepped in and helped her rediscover her inner strength. Lilian found her purpose.  Now, she is a Trauma Counsellor, author of her own book, “Living with Disability”, host of a radio program with the same name, as well as being Runner Up Miss Wheelchair Cameroon.    Lilian is a Disability & Women's Rights Activist, a Peace Advocate, CEO of Lilian Dibo Foundation, Founder of Women and Girls with Disability Peace Advocacy Network, a single mom and so much more.    This interview speaks volumes about the empowering voice that is Lilian Dibo Eyong, who does not allow Polio, disAbility to quieten her passion.   If you believe you can support the Lilian Dibo Foundation financially, or with other resources, please reach out to Lilian:   You can find Lilian via her many social media:  Website: https://liliandibofoundation.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilian-dibo-foundation-2642031b3/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lilian-DIBO-Foundation-105980044406590/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liliandibo.eyong.3 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lilians-Differently-ABLE-World-102799511129449/ Instagram: lilian_dibo  Twitter: @Dibolilian  Skype: Lilian Dibo Eyong  Whatsapp/contact: +237672481630  Email: [email protected]   * * * * The Voice on Fire Interviews hosted by Terri Mitchell are a platform for Change Agents, Action Takers and people making a difference.

In this interview, I have the pleasure of chatting with Michael Earle, an award-winning Wellbeing Consultant, Speaker, & Trainer.    With over 12 years experience, not only is Michael a qualified Children and Families Social Worker, he also works as a Complex Needs Practitioner, for a Mental Health Charity, supporting male clients from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.     Michael knows how difficult life can become, when self-care becomes less of a priority. His own personal and professional life came in to question during his time as a Social Worker, and he soon resigned, commencing his own Consultancy, helping people to discover how they can enhance and improve their well-being, at work and in their personal lives, through self-care.  He inspires people to prioritise themselves, to put their self-care needs at the forefront.    His catch-phrase is: ‘Always Take Your Lunch Break.’  In fact, you can contact Michael via his website: https://alwaystakeyourlunchbreak.com/ Via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.earle.73 Via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-earle-665aa12a/  Terri can be contacted: terri(at)terrimitchell.com.au www.terrimitchell.com.au https://www.facebook.com/TerriMitchellAustralia/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrimitchellaustralia/

Guest: Alexis (Lexi) Stergakis.  In 2018 Alexis founded the Queer Here project. Queer Here is a digital story-recording project produced by a collective of queer activists dedicated to documenting queer cultures, histories, and stories from across the globe.   Lexi is a queer-identifying researcher and multi-media documentarist recording issues that explore the intersection of gender and social justice, documenting and developing advocacy in development and humanitarian emergencies, such as the Ebola epidemic in Liberia, the nutrition crisis in Afghanistan, and community policing in Somalia.    Having travelled to some of the most politically unstable places, Lexi is most interested in digging deeper to surface queer narratives, particularly in countries where the Gender and Sexually Diverse community members are often persecuted, imprisoned, find their rights abused, and often without the supports that we take for granted.    Lexi has completed her Master's degrees in Criminology and Justice, Political Science, and postgraduate qualifications in Human Rights.   To contact Lexi:  website https://www.wearequeerhere.com  email [email protected]  If you are an organization, agency, or partnership you can request a consultation from our diverse network of global advocates by this email: [email protected]  For more information: https://www.wearequeerhere.com/about LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-stergakis/ Twitter @WeAre_QueerHere   Contact Terri: [email protected]  website https://www.terrimitchell.com.au  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrimitchellaustralia/  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TerriMitchellAustralia/

Cameron Brown was introduced to the gift of music as a child, learning to play the piano. Little did he know it would come to feature in his world in a compelling and unique way.   Throughout his life, Cameron has discovered the value in asking "Is it possible?" and discovering that by "getting out of his own way", the question is reframed into, "how can I make that possible?"  He certainly has made amazing projects come to fruition by committing to "what if..."  His life journey has been one of highs and lows, which propelled him to embark on a mission to discover purpose and meaning, helping others through the power of music, song, and healing.  An accomplished Executive Coach and founder of The Thriving Collective, Cameron is also an international speaker, musician and song writer, and finds inspiration in lived experience, travel, family, and history, and utilises technology to bring people together instead of creating disconnect.    A compassionate, driven, deeply insightful human, Cameron has undertaken major projects and collaborations, and aims to create results that are the substance of legacies, still having impact long after he has left the living planet.  A Ted talk speaker, and accomplished musician and recording artist, Cameron gets things done that move his heart and make a difference.    To check out his work, including the collaboration spoken about during the interview:  His Ted Talk in Rome: https://www.ted.com/talks/cameron_brown_what_future_are_we_creating The actual music collaboration video: "There's still time." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaQom6ILR6c Website: https://www.cameronbrown.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronbrownreal/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameronbrownreal/   Cameron has family in Australia, yet works much of the time in the US and out of various countries in Europe and across the globe.    Terri can be reached: [email protected] https://www.terrimitchell.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrimitchellaustralia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerriMitchellAustralia/

As a police officer, Clint Adams had witnessed many troubling acts of humanity.  He knows what it takes to be a member of the Force.    Clint has also studied psychology and rehabilitation, has extensive insights into the psycho-social interactions of individuals in difficult situations, and now heads behavioural and leadership programs for people experiencing PTSD, bullying and harassment and is now an Executive Coach and Consultant.  Clint is the author of a book, called "Lighting the Blue Flame", about youth suicide.   In this interview, we talk extensively about communication, understanding self awareness, and discovering tools, techniques, and tricks for having those at times very difficult conversations about Suicide, and other expressions of mental health issues.    You can find Clint on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clint-adams-40703724/ And his book is available on good online retailers: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/lighting-the-blue-flame-by-clint-adams-9781528913973 Contact Clint via his email: [email protected]   Contact Terri: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrimitchellaustralia/ and her website: www.terrimitchell.com.au

"If not me, who? If not now, when?"  Few people, at age 15, can list in their accomplishments becoming CEO of an organisation they have founded.  Fewer can claim to have established events, programs and online Summits across the three years as CEO.   Wil Massara, now 18 and having only six months ago completed Year 12 (the final year of secondary schooling in Australia) is one such young man. As a self-confessed problem-solver,  Wil was already showing entrepreneurial qualities as a child, so when he attended the Magic Moments Foundation in Sydney, a 5-day event for youth, the seed of possibility was planted.  He founded Youth Leadership Academy Australia, with a mission to help youth realise their potential to contribute as leaders in their communities.  In this interview, I find out more about Wil's inspiring journey; where he started, what he does now, and the future ahead of him.   You can contact Wil:  email: [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wil-massara/  Website: https://www.ylaaus.com/   If you are a young person seeking purpose, to understand what's possible, and to be supported in a youth oriented environment, reach out to Wil and find out more about how you can be part of the solution, and a contributor in your community.    I can be contacted:  email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrimitchellaustralia/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerriMitchellAustralia/  Website: www.terrimitchell.com.au

"Imagine the trickle of a water source, emerging high up on a beautiful green mist coloured mountain top, a fresh water stream commencing its journey, initially taking the path of least resistance, growing, gaining strength, eventually becoming a powerful river carving its own path of invincibility on its way to its marriage with the ocean or sea."   This could easily describe Jason Nelson’s successful careers in the Royal Navy, Cheshire Constabulary (UK) and Western Australian Police service. Sadly, the powerful river turned into a nightmare for Jason, pinning him under his own emotions, drowning in his own senses as mental illness fueled by years of unprocessed trauma began to haunt him.   Police officers are exposed to massive sensory overload.  Seeing human fatalities, attending traumatic scenes, even working in covert high risk situations are but a few dramas.  For Jason, on top of personal trauma, it became too much. Add in health challenges during surgery, and it tipped Jason over the edge.    Now, with appropriate supports, Jason speaks about his Mental Health story to help others on their journey. Jason is a suicide attempt survivor, living with PTSD, Depression and Anxiety. His recovery through treatment, therapy and self-discovery has gifted him a heartfelt passion to share his story as a Corporate and public speaker,  and his healing, recovery and growth strategies to help others.   Founder of The Rogue Runners, and now having retired from running marathons, Jason is working on a new project, to be released late 2020 to help people share their stories.    This interview may contain *triggers* for those with mental health challenges.  Please do not face your challenge alone. Reach out.  Jason can be contacted:   LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-nelson-0209a33b/  Sirens of Silence: *support for First Responders https://www.sirensofsilence.org.au/  Email: [email protected]  Phone:    +61 (0)450909897 *Australian mobile number   Terri can be contacted:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerriMitchellAustralia/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrimitchellaustralia/  Website: www.terrimitchell.com.au Email: [email protected]  Phone: 1300 983641 *Australian number   Do not face your challenge alone. Reach out.   Jason and I are here to support you -- we both have lived-experience, and are appropriately qualified, to help you.

In this interview, my guest is Carly Stanley, CEO and Founder of Deadly Connections - Community and Justice Services Inc, NSW.    As a proud Wiradjuri Woman, Carly was raised in a large Aboriginal family who faced their own difficulties and challenges. Carly experienced trauma during her childhood which effected her throughout her young adult life.    Her personal experience, her professional expertise, and additionally her Masters of Criminology and other academic qualifications in the mental health and criminal justice system are key to the success of Deadly Connections - Community and Justice Services Inc, founded alongside her husband Keenan Mundine.    CEO Carly is passionate about justice, equity, support and responsible care of Indigenous Youth in Australia, and their families, and achieves all of what Deadly Connections achieves with minimal funding.    It is really important that non-Indigenous people in Australia take time to hear, and truly listen - actively listen - to the stories from Indigenous perspective. This interview is a powerful insight into challenges being addressed by Carly and Keenan, through Deadly Connections.    How can YOU be more involved? Learn more about what is happening, become educated, and listen from a place of true compassion.   You can learn more about Deadly Connections - Community and Justice Services Inc here:  Website: https://www.deadlyconnections.org.au/index.html  Explore the website under "deadly ways to get involved" https://www.deadlyconnections.org.au/deadlyway-other.html   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-stanley-9a796710b/   The Facebook link to The Project interview with Keenan Mundine https://www.facebook.com/TheProjectTV/videos/903051686773916/   Facebook: Deadly Connections https://www.facebook.com/deadlyconnections/   The Go Fund Me Link for donations will be available soon -- in the meantime you can also click the DONATE button on the Deadly Connections website.    Terri can be contacted: [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrimitchellaustralia/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerriMitchellAustralia/   website: www.terrimitchell.com.au   Do you know someone with a message, on a mission, who is a passionate Change Maker, Difference Maker, Life Influencer, Action Taker, having impact in their community, nationally or across our Global Village?  Refer them to me for consideration for the Voice on Fire Interview Series.

From New Age Rebirther, to Army Special Forces, and Antarctic Explorer,  Sean McBride's story is a fascinating journey into both self, and the world around him.   He is an evolutionary anthropologist, looking at how our evolution over the last few hundred thousand years affects how we think and act today.  He is also an expert on Antarctica and the impact of climate change upon the Antarctic region. Sean is currently learning to fly and aims to use electric aircraft to travel across Antarctica.   Listen to Sean as he shares how he taught wilderness survival skills all over the world for the past 25 years, and the humorous insights as the survival instructor/Games and Challenges designer for the original Australian Survivor TV programme.     In 2005 on a promise to his daughter he went to Thailand and began rescuing children from sex trafficking.  His organisation, The Grey Man, rescued 176 women and children and prevented the trafficking of another 600.    In 2019 he set up the Mammoth Hunters Club to give men who are feeling isolated, depressed or just looking for a richer life, a fun outlet every month to find purpose, tribe and adventure.    People can contact Sean:  email:     [email protected]  Facebook:  Captain Antarctica Tribe Facebook group to learn about Antarctica, survival and Sean's flying journey to reach the South Pole in an electric aircraft.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/captainantarcticatribe/  Mammoth Hunters Club for men.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/MammothHuntersClub   Captain Antarctica Facebook page that puts up a longer post every second day about some aspect of Antarctica.  https://www.facebook.com/CaptainAntarctica   Instagram - photos and videos about Antarctica.    https://www.instagram.com/captain.antarctica/   Website: About Antarctica       https://www.captainantarctica.com.au     Terri can be contacted on: [email protected]   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerriMitchellAustralia/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrimitchellaustralia/   SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube channel or tune into the podcast: https://anchor.fm/terri-mitchell where all interviews are uploaded.    If you are feeling any triggers regards depression or suicide, you do not have to face it alone. Reach out, contact either Terri or Sean, and be surrounded by people who understand, do not judge and who aspire to support, encourage and inspire, and most of all, give you hope.

If you want to understand "determination", tune into this Voice on Fire conversation with Joshua Pelland.   This pragmatic Canadian athlete knew what life and death was about throughout his military career, as a British Royal Marine Commando, and as part of the Special Operations Units, in some of the most difficult environments.    It was while he was out enjoying his passion for rock climbing, alone and manipulating the ropes himself, that Joshua came face to face with his own near death.  Something went wrong, and Joshua fell...   From a height of 65ft, near 20m or the height of a 5-storey building, Joshua landed badly, suffering dire injuries and after considerable time in hospital and extensive surgery, Joshua had to face life with a spinal cord injury and no use of his lower body.   Four years on, and still learning what his body can and can't yet do, Joshua's pragmatic and problem solving mindset ensures he faces each challenge with acceptance of his fear and a will to just get in and take on risks and new experiences.   Sought after as a Corporate Speaker, and with his first book months from release, Joshua trains regularly on his hand-cycle, a road bike modified for hand pedaling and has competed in various events and marathons.    From the chaos of the battlefield, to the mystery of the open oceans; from the challenges of mountain climbing, to the adaptations of a spinal cord injury; Josh’s experiences have provided him with a unique perspective on facing and embracing adversity.  As a result of these things he has learned to cultivate the mindset needed to perform physically and mentally in the most arduous of environments.   Josh can be contacted:  Instagram  @jos_pell  LinkedIn.  Joshua Pelland  Website: www.joshuapelland.com  And if you would like to book Josh as a Speaker for your next corporate, educational, or private event, booking is easy through his website: https://joshuapelland.com/book-josh-3/   Reach out to Terri:  www.terrimitchell.com.au  LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrimitchellaustralia/  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TerriMitchellAustralia/  Twitter @TerriMAust or @theprofitfrog  email: [email protected]