She Wasn't Born Yesterday

It's been a wild ride!  See you soon, you'll never know where!  SWBYe!Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest: Michael Cooper is a criminal defense lawyer who brings a unique perspective to his legal practice, having been on the other side of the law. At the age of 22, he was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison for assault, ignited by a personal vigilante response to perceived injustices. Cooper used his time in prison as an opportunity for transformation, earning three degrees including applied finance, business management, and law. Today, Cooper is a passionate advocate for justice, leveraging his past experiences to empathetically represent his clients and strive for fairness in the criminal justice system. Key Takeaways: Michael Cooper turned his life around from a convicted felon to a passionate criminal defense lawyer, using his deep understanding of the justice system to advocate for the accused. His personal experiences highlight the challenges and injustices within the legal system, particularly the disparities in resources between defense and prosecution. Cooper's story underscores the transformative power of faith, hope, and education, as he used his time in prison to earn multiple degrees and reintegrate into society. The episode discusses the importance of compassion and empathy in legal representation, revealing how personal experience can enhance professional practice. It raises critical questions about the balance between punishment and rehabilitation, reflecting on the societal and personal impacts of long-term incarceration. Notable Quotes: "The experience matters, I believe, because I have the compassion and empathy and I know that every matter is very different." – Michael Cooper "I just didn't have Jesus at the core of my life… I go about things legally." – Michael Cooper "I remember reading about one of Jacob's sons who went to Egypt… God used him." – Michael Cooper "I always tell clients it's not about fairness, this system isn't about fairness." – Michael Cooper "It's about the hope and faith and love of Jesus Christ. He's been with me every part." – Michael Cooper Resources:  Contact Michael Cooper at Just Law Victoria - Criminal and Family Law Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest Emma Young is the Chief Corporate Services Officer at Orange Sky, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community connections and supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship. With a background in accounting, Emma transitioned from a corporate career to full-time involvement in Orange Sky after initially volunteering. She now leads HR, safety, finance, data, insights, and tech operations. Emma's passion for community service and her commitment to fostering positive connections have been integral to Orange Sky's mission and growth. Key Takeaways: Orange Sky was founded by two young 20-year-olds, Nick and Lucas, aiming to positively connect communities through unique laundry and shower services for the homeless. The organization thrives on innovation, with solar-powered vans and a model emphasizing consistent, reliable service delivery in partnership with local resources. Homelessness is multifaceted, depicted not only by street living but also by couch surfing and temporary accommodations. The rising demographic of concern is women over 55. Volunteers at Orange Sky are not just service providers but are seen as conversationalists who build trust and connections amidst the homelessness community, providing much-needed human interaction. The organization's impact goes beyond providing clean clothes, as embodied by Ros's story, illustrating the deep relationships and connections forged through their services. Notable Quotes: "One friend told me the other day that if he hadn't come down to our shift, he wouldn't have spoken to someone all week." - Emma Young "What we soon realized was that it was actually the connection that people were coming to shift for." - Emma Young "There's a song by Alexi Murdoch, a beautiful song that talks about helping our brothers and sisters under an orange sky." - Emma Young "Homelessness is complex and there's a lot of reasons why someone might be experiencing homelessness or hardship." - Emma Young "Everyone has a story to tell… you just never know what someone's going through in that moment of kindness and connection." - Emma Young Resources: Orange Sky Website: orangesky.org.au  Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justine Waddington is the director of Encounter Travel, a company she founded around her passion for solo travel. With a background in marketing, Justine has led Encounter Travel for nearly 20 years, organizing group tours specifically for solo travelers who prefer not to travel alone. Her extensive travel experiences and knowledge of various worldwide destinations serve as the backbone of her company, making it a leading business in the niche market of solo travel. Key Takeaways: The Evolution of Solo Travel: Justine started as a solo traveler without modern conveniences like the internet and has turned her passion into a thriving business. Group Travel for Solo Adventurers: Encounter Travel offers group tours that connect solo travelers, minimizing the intimidation of traveling alone. Fostering Connections: WhatsApp groups allow travelers to connect before the trip, easing the transition into group dynamics. Women in Solo Travel: The episode notes that solo travel is a rapidly growing trend, particularly among women, providing both empowerment and community. Avoiding the Single Supplement: Justine explains the rationale behind single supplement pricing and ways to approach it as a solo traveler. Notable Quotes: "If you're sitting at home thinking, I can't do this… well, it can just stop you in your tracks." - Justine Waddington "They’re doing trips the way I like them and what I feel is important." - Justine Waddington "You have to leave home alone, but very quickly, you’re going to find your people." - Justine Waddington "Our travelers are in their 40s, 50s, 60s, maybe their 70s or even 80s, but they have that youthful mind." - Justine Waddington "Share and save. But most people don't want to share." - Justine Waddington on addressing single supplements. Resources: Encounter Travel's Website  Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guests: Imelda Brewster is a seasoned apartment owner with extensive experience in navigating the complexities of Strata Committees in Australia. Residing in the "Paris end" of Potts Point, Sydney, Imelda has grown familiar with the dynamics of shared living spaces. Over her 27 years of ownership, she has actively participated in her apartment block’s strata committee, often taking on leadership roles. Her proactive approach in managing building-related challenges highlights her commitment to improving the living standards in her community. Peter Ross is a professional Strata Manager and the principal of CEOstrata. With over 55 buildings under management, Peter brings a wealth of expertise in dealing with the diverse challenges that arise in residential strata schemes. Known for his pragmatic solutions and dedication to client satisfaction, Peter is a respected figure in strata management who emphasises the importance of competent and localised management in improving community living issues. Key Takeaways: Understanding Strata Management: The complexities of managing shared spaces illustrate the importance of having a knowledgeable and experienced strata manager. Community Engagement: Active participation in Strata Committees can help address and resolve common property-related issues. Navigating Legalities: An understanding of strata laws and rights can protect owners from unjust decisions and enhance living standards. Conducting Due Diligence: Thoroughly reviewing strata records before purchasing an apartment can prevent future unforeseen liabilities. Local and Committed Management: Hiring a strata management team familiar with the building and its demographic can lead to reduced costs and increased efficiency. Notable Quotes: “If I'm. If I go off it, it'll either be through age, ill health or assassination.” – Imelda Brewster “Get a good strata manager. It really makes a difference.” – Peter Ross “The biggest little thing in Strata is people who don’t manage the recycling properly. That gets people.” – Peter Ross “It's partly about their size, it's also about whether three bedrooms or two, and it's about whether they get a better view than someone else or a garage.” – Peter Ross “I've gone off the committee and I wasn't allowed to go back on because they thought I was a troublemaker.” – Imelda Brewster Resources: CEOstrata Website: ceostrata.com.au – For information on professional strata management services by Peter Ross. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.