We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which Moments of Clarity is recorded, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We extend this respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples of all communities.
Episodes
Sunday Nov 01, 2020
Episode 29 - "20 Minute Neighbourhoods" with James Mant
Sunday Nov 01, 2020
Sunday Nov 01, 2020
Today on Moments of Clarity, I speak with James Mant.
James is a town planner and passionate urbanist who has a vision to improve cities to ensure they are more livable, sustainable and equitable. James leads the Victorian Government’s 20-minute neighbourhood policy, a key component of Plan Melbourne 2017-2050. James has worked in the Rural Council Planning Flying Squad providing support to regional councils and also worked to deliver the government planning response to the Bushfire Royal Commission. Originally from Portsmouth in the UK, James trained in the UK and Netherlands and started his career in Dublin, Ireland.
You can follow James on Twitter @jamesmant or follow the link below for more information about the work James is leading. https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-for-melbourne/plan-melbourne/20-minute-neighbourhoods
if you enjoy Moments of Clarity, please share the podcast with family, friends and social networks. It would be brilliant if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe to the podcast too.
Instagram: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Facebook: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Twitter: @BarneyMOC
Email: momentsofclaritypodcast@gmail.com
Podcast by Matthew Sortino
Music by Christian Prochilo
Artwork by Michael Chrisanthopoulos
Time Stamps
Introduction
0:00 - 2:53
Part 1
2:54 - 28:29
James’ early career, a near death experience, recovery and resilience, changing values, nearly joining the army, a heartwarming moment.
Part 2
28:30 - 68:53
Working as a town planner in Ireland and England, defining town planning, Plan Melbourne and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods, making cities more livable. cities for people and not just for cars. Some of the challenges in melbourne.
Part 3
68:54 - 105:26
Covid-19s impact on 20 minute neighbourhoods, the role of the individual in creating better communities, the value of connection, the climate crisis driving the importance of change, the values that underpin James' vision, how to get involved in creating change and a Moment of Clarity.
Outro
145:27 - 145:55
Monday Oct 19, 2020
Episode 28 - “Avoiding Confrontation at all Costs” with Dan Radke
Monday Oct 19, 2020
Monday Oct 19, 2020
Today on Moments of Clarity, I speak to Dan Radke. I first met Dan in Berlin while travelling through Europe. As you will hear, we hit it off and had a great time eating, drinking, exploring and learning as we wandered through the amazing capital of Germany.
Dan is North American, with both a US and Canadian passport, but is currently living and studying in Germany, where he is about to complete his thesis in Computational Geometry. Dan played Ice hockey both professionally and in the US College system and has moved and travelled a lot in his life.
In today’s conversation, Dan and I talk about ice hockey, travel, history, competing in the Maccabi Games, identity, food and culture, US politics, sitting on the fence, Computational Geometry and much more.
As always, please share Moments of Clarity with family, friends and social networks. I would also love it if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the podcast and get in touch with me.
Instagram: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Facebook: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Twitter: @BarneyMOC
Email: momentsofclaritypodcast@gmail.com
Podcast by Matthew Sortino
Music by Christian Prochilo
Artwork by Michael Chrisanthopoulos
Thursday Oct 01, 2020
Episode 27 -“Being an Agent of Change” with Abiola Ajetomobi
Thursday Oct 01, 2020
Thursday Oct 01, 2020
Welcome to Moments of Clarity. Today, I am speaking to Abiola Ajetomobi.
Abiola Ajetomobi is a director at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) and is currently leading a holistic and strength based model of innovation that is driven by working in partnership with people seeking asylum to meet their needs. She is a social innovator who is passionate about forming creative and sustainable solutions to increase the economic and social participation of people that would otherwise be left behind in society. Abiola works to ensure that those seeking asylum have the level of agency required to reach self-actualisation and independence. Her professional background spans across humanitarian organisations, businesses, accounting and financial services, social entrepreneurship, not-for-profit and the public service.
Abiola really inspired me and reaffirmed just how grateful I am to have this platform as a way to have amazing conversations and share them with my community. If you - like me - find yourself captivated by Abiola and her work with the ASRC and would like to contribute to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in any way, please visit www.asrc.org.au.
Time Stamps
Introduction
0.00 - 2.39 (2:39)
Part 1
2.40 - 36.22 (33:42)
Abiola's background and personal and professional overview. Growing up in Nigeria, coming to Australia as an Asylum Seeker, Mental health challenges and the importance of community. Abiolas's leadership, work and purpose.
Part 2
36.23 - 57.03 (20:40)
Local vs global change, black lives matter, framing our contribution, Rebellion pushing action, choosing your attitude, being a curiosity, the danger of a single story, identity politics, cultural intelligence.
Part 3
57.04 - 77.16 (20:12)
Working at the ASRC, The ASRC Dandenong Innovation Hub, The vital role of the organisation and the important input of members.
Part 4
77.17 - 103.31 (26:14)
CEO Kon Karapanagiotidis, The lack of Government support for Asylum Seekers, the plight of asylum seekers, Covid-19 and having perspective, questioning our values, how you can help out at the ASRC and A Moment of Clarity.
Outro
103.32 - 104.12 (00:40)
Recommendations
https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - The danger of a single story
Please visit www.asrc.org.au and contribute in any way you can :)
You can also follow Abiola on LinkedIn, Instagram (@abiola.ajetomobi) and Twitter (@abiolaajetomobi).
As always, please share Moments of Clarity with family, friends and social networks. I would also love it if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the podcast and get in touch with me.
Instagram: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Facebook: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Twitter: @BarneyMOC
Email: momentsofclaritypodcast@gmail.com
Podcast by Matthew Sortino
Music by Christian Prochilo
Artwork by Michael Chrisanthopoulos
Sunday Sep 20, 2020
Episode 26 - "Back to Life" with Danny Bader
Sunday Sep 20, 2020
Sunday Sep 20, 2020
Today on Moments of Clarity, I am speaking to Danny Bader.
Danny Bader is a best-selling author and inspirational coach whose life was transformed by a near death experience more than 20 years ago. Through his journey of struggle and recovery, Danny earned some real life, first hand expertise in turning tragedy into purpose and harnessing the power of vision to live a happier, more productive and more fulfilled life.
In 2007, he created a business that aims to help others truly understand themselves by creating a powerful vision for their futures. Danny has distilled his philosophy for a fulfilling life into 5 principles he calls jckrbbt®. His unique framework helps people craft vision, renew energy, and leverage positive mindsets to get out of the monotony and discouragement they have been stuck in for far too long. Danny has traveled the world speaking and leading thousands of life changing workshops to help individuals manage their focus and leverage their personal vision and goals for a higher rate of success.
Danny has written 4 books; ‘Back From Heaven's Front Porch: 5 Principles To Create A Happy And Fulfilling Life’, ‘Abraham's Diner: Simple Wisdom For More Control, Focus, And Inspiration’, ‘I Met Jesus For A Miller Lite’ and ‘Back To Life, The Path of Resilience’. Danny also has a podcast called “Back to Life” that is available anywhere you listen to podcasts and is well worth subscribing.
Danny and I spoke around the time of RUOK Day in Australia, a day that shines light on the suffering many people go through on a daily basis. Today’s conversation delves into some of the reasons we struggle to find happiness and satisfaction and why many of us despair and dwell when faced with challenges. Danny talks about his journey of coming back from the brink of a deep dark depression and how he developed a vision to be happy and hopeful again. I took so much out of my chat with Danny and believe everyone will walk away from this conversation with some extra tools on the toolbelt as we journey through life.
Thank you for listening to Moments of Clarity.
Links:
https://www.dannybader.com/
https://www.dannybader.com/podcast
https://www.dannybader.com/backtolifepodcast/2018/10/2/identifying-suicide-risk-factors-and-taking-appropriate-action-with-janet-sarkos
Twitter: @_DannyBader
https://www.amazon.com/Danny-Bader/e/B00EV8AKF2%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
https://mainlinetoday.com/life-style/how-danny-bader-turned-a-fatal-tragedy-into-a-life-lesson/
Packing for the Journey | Danny Bader | TEDxYouth@IndependenceSchool - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjEx1S63ncg
https://bronnieware.com/blog/regrets-of-the-dying/
Man’s Search for Meaning By Viktor Frankl
Saturday Sep 12, 2020
Episode 25 - “Using Money for Good” with Stuart Barry
Saturday Sep 12, 2020
Saturday Sep 12, 2020
Today on Moments of Clarity, I speak to Stuart Barry.
Stuart is an environmentalist, philanthropist, and is an award-winning financial adviser. He is a public speaker and owner of a successful Tasmanian business specialised in retirement planning for professionals using ethical and green investments. He has also volunteered his time to serve on seven boards across a range of social and environmental issues.
After many years working in the global financial markets, Stuart realised he was not aligning his values and his actions but actively participating in a system that was causing permanent damage to the environment. Through travel, family and soul searching, Stuart was able to leave the high paying job and life in the fast lane for a more simple life in Hobart. Stuart's journey is incredible and illustrates the power we have as individuals to make choices that make us happy and are not a burden on our planet.
Stuart is the author of “The Rich Greenie”. In this book, he combines his decades of financial expertise with his love of the planet. Stuart Barry is a man on a mission. He is dedicated to educating and empowering people who care about how they can use the power of their finances to live a rich life and continue their great efforts to save the planet, while enjoying a high standard of living.
I am so excited to bring this conversation to you today. Not only is it full of wisdom, insight and storytelling but Stuart unpacks some of the practical actions each and every one of us can take to have a more positive relationship with our planet.
To find out more about Stuart or to start finding ways to ethically invest your money, follow the links below:
https://www.marketforces.org.au/
https://www.leafratings.org/
https://www.tasethical.com.au/
https://richgreenie.com/
Thank you so much for listening to Moments of Clarity. Please leave a review on iTunes or share the podcast with your networks.
You can now follow Moments of Clarity on social media:
Instagram: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Facebook: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Twitter: @BarneyMOC
Podcast by Matthew Barney
Music by Christian Prochilo
Artwork by Michael Chrisanthopoulos
Thursday Sep 03, 2020
Episode 24 - "Taking Responsibility" with Matt Radford
Thursday Sep 03, 2020
Thursday Sep 03, 2020
Today on Moments of Clarity, I speak to Matt Radford.
Matt is a physiotherapist, acupuncturist, Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor and the founder of Centre Of Health, Ivanhoe. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Matt uses his unique range of qualifications, blending eastern and western medicine, to take a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
Matt has worked and studied in China, and has lectured at RMIT University, Melbourne University and Southern School of Natural Therapies. He was one of the first Physios in Australia to incorporate Pilates into treatment, working with the founder of Clinical Pilates Craig Philips at Dance Medicine Australia back in the early 90’s.
More recently, Matt has trained as a Certified Instructor in the ground breaking Wim Hof Method breathing technique which he practices daily and shares with patients.
In today’s conversation, we discuss Matt’s experience of grief, opportunity and recovery after being diagnosed with cancer, what it means to be responsible, some insights and lessons taken from Covid-19, the similarities and differences between western and eastern medicine, diagnosis vs holognosis, travelling the world and Wim Hof.
Thank you for listening to Moments of Clarity. If you enjoy the episode, please follow me on social media, leave a review and share the episode with friends and family.
Visit https://www.centreofhealthivanhoe.com.au/ for more info
Tuesday Aug 25, 2020
Episode 23 - “Where can you be safe in this world?” with Jane Rawson
Tuesday Aug 25, 2020
Tuesday Aug 25, 2020
Today's guest on Moments of Clarity is Jane Rawson.
Jane is a journalist, essayist, author, climate communicator and environmentalist. She has travelled the world as a writer for Lonely Planet, been the Environment Editor for The Conversation, worked for both Government and Not For Profits and is now Communications Coordinator for the Tasmanian Land Conservancy.
Jane and I discuss hope, fear, grief and drive in the face of climate change, trying to communicate with conspiracy theorists, the problems with capitalism, being a hypocrite, writing and creativity, being risk averse, why nature is beautiful, aligning our values and our actions and much more.
Jane Rawson’s latest novel is From the wreck. She is also the author of A wrong turn at the Office of Unmade Lists, a novella, Formaldehyde, and the non-fiction book The Handbook: surviving & living with climate change. You can also find Jane’s short stories online and read her most recent article “Where can you be safe in this world? Maybe we're asking the wrong question” within the essay series Fire, Flood and Plague - essays about 2020 in The Guardian Australia.
Please visit janerawson.com to find out more.
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Episode 22 - “The Power of Story” with Mary Tomaino
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Hello, my name is Matthew Sortino and welcome to Moments of Clarity. Today, I am speaking to Mary Tomaino, or as I know her Miss Mary Tomaino.
Our lives are full of moments. Moments that help shape who we are today and many of these experiences are shaped by people. In most cases we are still connected to these people in one way or another but very occasionally, someone that was involved in your life for only a short amount of time can have a profound effect. This was true of my Primary School italian teacher, Miss Mary.
I cannot express how amazing it was to have had the opportunity to be a student in her class. Even though she left when I was only 9 or 10, I felt a special connection and energy to this person. And I was not the only one. Friends that went to different primary schools but were taught by Miss Mary all have the same experience and fond memories.
What was it that captivated our little minds and hearts? How can a teacher have such an influence? Well, as we will find out in our conversation, Mary made us feel like equals. She valued who we were as people, not as kids or not as students. She has lived her life in this way, exploring the world and treating others as equals. Paying deep attention to everyone she meets and their stories, whether it be the elderly people she works with today or the thousands of students she taught throughout her lifetime.
I recently reached out to Mary and what do you know, she remembers so much about me over twenty years later, which is a testament to her character and values.
In today’s conversation, Mary and I discuss dealing with the impacts of coronavirus, the wisdom of our elders, the power of stories, spirituality, her stint as a nun, being a clown and a mime, being an Italian-Australian, politics, travel, teaching and so much more.
Thank you so much for listening to Moments of Clarity.
You can now follow Moments of Clarity on social media:
Instagram: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Facebook: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Twitter: @BarneyMOC
Podcast by Matthew Barney
Music by Christian Prochilo
Artwork by Michael Chrisanthopoulos
Sunday Aug 09, 2020
Episode 21 - "Attachment, Belonging and Ego" with Lee Watanabe-Crockett
Sunday Aug 09, 2020
Sunday Aug 09, 2020
Hello, my name is Matthew Sortino and welcome to Moments of Clarity. Today, I am speaking to Lee Watanabe-Crockett.
Lee is an author, speaker, designer, inspirational thinker and the creative force behind some of the most exciting transformations in education happening worldwide today. He has cultivated skills in Aikido, studied tea ceremony while living in Japan, and studied painting in Florence. He also studies traditional Zen Buddhist music which he performs on a Shakuhachi, the Japanese bamboo flute.
Lee works with governments, education systems, international agencies, and corporations to help people and organisations connect to their highest purpose and realise their wish for the future.
His several best-selling books including Literacy is not Enough, Growing Global Digital Citizens, and Mindful Assessment, have garnered many awards and are used in schools and universities around the world.
In today’s conversation, Lee and I discuss attachment, belonging, travel, Japan, Zen Buddhism, meditation, judgement, perspective, breathing and history.
If you would like to learn more from Lee you can search Wabisabi Learning, Global Citizen Foundation and Flame of Hope. You can also buy one of Lee’s many books or watch his Tedx Talk on Youtube.
Thank you so much for listening to Moments of Clarity.
You can now follow Moments of Clarity on social media:
Instagram: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Facebook: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Twitter: @BarneyMOC
Podcast by Matthew Barney
Music by Christian Prochilo
Artwork by Michael Chrisanthopoulos
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Episode 20 - "Taking Back Control" with Matty Hill
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Today on Moments of Clarity, I speak to Matty Hill. Matt is a personal trainer and online coach based in Manchester, England.
I first met Matt playing soccer in Melbourne a few years back and we instantly became friends. What came as a shock to many was that Matt, the good looking bloke that always has a smile on his face, had been battling mental health issues for years. This is not uncommon and Matt, who grew up with a negative perception of his health and body as a teenager, has committed himself to providing health and wellbeing advice and support to anyone struggling from similar issues.
In today’s conversation, Matt and I discuss mental health and the characteristics of depression, health, nutrition and fitness, personal training, changing career, travel, building positive habits, being kind to yourself and more.
You can follow Matt on Instagram @MattyAHill or visit his website www.mattyahillfitness.com.
You can now follow Moments of Clarity on social media:
Instagram: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Facebook: @momentsofclaritypodcast
Twitter: @BarneyMOC
Podcast by Matthew Barney
Music by Christian Prochilo
Artwork by Michael Chrisanthopoulos
Moments of Clarity
Moments of Clarity is a podcast hosted by Matthew Sortino and Toby Kent. Through analytical, honest and uplifting conversations, Matt and Toby delve into the personal and professional lives of a diverse range of guests. They garner the vision, expertise, as well as the more everyday qualities of those who align their values and their actions. In cutting through the noise of a world overloaded with information and disinformation, they are also willing to engage with those whose values may not immediately align with their own. It makes for an insightful and entertaining mix.
Matthew Sortino
Matthew Sortino began Moments of Clarity in January 2020 as a way to bring his daily thoughts and innate curiosity to life. Frustrated by the information overload, constant negativity and polarised nature of online communication he decided to create a podcast that cut through that noise and explore, through honest and open conversation, how inspiring individuals come to not only identify their values but make the world a better place by living by them each and every day. Matthew is an educator based in Melbourne, Australia, working across primary and secondary schools for over a decade. He loves to travel, read, exercise and spend time with friends and family. He lives with his wonderful partner, their daughter and they are expecting a second child very soon. After a successful first 50 episodes of Moments of Clarity, Matthew is now joined by former guest, guest-host, friend and now official co-host, Toby Kent.
Toby Kent
Toby Kent is an expert in sustainable development and resilience. Before moving to Australia, Toby spent two decades working across five continents to help major corporate, government, and non-government organisations achieve their commercial and operational objectives in more sustainable ways. He has the distinction of being the first person in Australia to hold the title of Chief Resilience Officer, a position he performed for metropolitan Melbourne for over five years. Moments of Clarity is a way for Toby to explore his passions, challenge his own preconceptions, and make bad jokes.