What does it take to help a young person become 'all they can be'? Join much-loved journalist and radio broadcaster Sarah Macdonald as she uncovers the deeply personal journeys of young Australians and well-known figures who've risen from tough beginnings – their stories intertwining through the challenges they’ve faced and the turning points that changed their lives.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
6. My Hope For The Future: What I Want People To Know
In our final episode, we return to Faith, Tabitha and Josh to find out where life has taken them and hear their hopes for the future.
Then past guests join us to share powerful insights on the hidden truths they wish more people knew.
The series finale is also a rallying cry, a reminder how any one of us can help open the door to a better future and create a society where all children have the chance to thrive and be all they can be.
CREDITS
Narrator: Sarah Macdonald
Audio production: Mylk Media (https://www.mylkmedia.com.au/)
Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne
Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz
To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au (https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
15 Feb 2026
5. Raising Aspirations: A Village Of Support To Help Kids Thrive
We visit a school that's setting its students up to dream big, work hard and become ‘all they can be’, with a village of support behind them.
Principal Alison Forthuber is determined to ensure every child feels seen and valued, sharing why high expectations, early intervention and holistic support matter.
Meanwhile, Kate, a mother of three, opens up about how wider community support ensures her children can shine at school – and the programs that make a big difference to their education.
CREDITS
Narrator: Sarah Macdonald
Audio production: Mylk Media (https://www.mylkmedia.com.au/)
Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne
Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz
To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au (https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
8 Feb 2026
4. From Detention To Degree: A Chance For Every Child
As a nine-year-old, George was facing expulsion from primary school. Now he's a university leader, opening doors for students of all backgrounds.
Distinguished Professor George Williams AO shares his journey from "juvenile delinquent" to Vice-Chancellor, starting with one teacher who changed his life trajectory.
Plus, demographer Dr Liz Allen returns to talk about the educators and moments that transformed her path – from homeless at 16 to completing a PhD.
Together, they make the case for why Australia needs a fairer education system and better support for students, no matter their life circumstances.
CREDITS
Narrator: Sarah Macdonald
Audio production: Mylk Media (https://www.mylkmedia.com.au/)
Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne
Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz
To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au (https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 Feb 2026
3. The Boy Who Never Gave Up: Grit, Courage And The Right Support
At 12, Josh was told he was “the man of the house”. His life began amid instability – frequent moves, a turbulent home life and adult responsibilities thrust on him far too young.
Josh reveals how grit, courage and the right support helped him escape disadvantage and create a life and career he never could have imagined.
We also hear from Robyn, the Smith Family support worker who backed him for more than a decade, and from his parents and partner – underscoring the crucial need to have people in your corner.
CREDITS
Narrator: Sarah Macdonald
Audio production: Mylk Media (https://www.mylkmedia.com.au/)
Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne
Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz
To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au (https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 Feb 2026
2. The Place Where I Escaped: Finding Hope In Hard Times
For Tabitha, it was hard to see a better future when she was a child. She found escape in the library shelves, when life outside felt impossibly heavy.
Now a young mum and successful business owner, she talks about what it took to rise above the challenges and how she's become the strong person she is today.
And demographer Dr Liz Allen, who knows poverty firsthand, speaks powerfully about her own experiences and how we can help more young people like Tabitha to not just survive, but thrive.
CREDITS
Narrator: Sarah Macdonald
Audio production: Mylk Media (https://www.mylkmedia.com.au/)
Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne
Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz
To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au (https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 Feb 2026
1. When A Lyric Hits You: The Power Of Self-Belief
Faith is a talented singer-songwriter who spent much of her childhood juggling school, work and caring for her mum. Music became her lifeline – and her launchpad.
In this episode, Faith takes us inside her world as a young carer, the struggles that go unseen and how one person believing in you can change everything.
Plus, journalist and TV presenter Sarah Harris – who, like Faith, was raised in a home where money was tight – reflects on the tough times in her childhood and the teachers who saw a spark in her and nurtured it.
CREDITS
Narrator: Sarah Macdonald
Audio production: Mylk Media (https://www.mylkmedia.com.au/)
Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne
Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz
To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au (https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
22 Jan 2026
Introducing: All I Can Be
Introducing All I Can Be... a six-part series about big dreams, hidden struggles and the moments that make all the difference in a young person's life.
Through raw and heartfelt storytelling, you'll meet Australians who've had tough starts in life, but went on to thrive, achieving goals and dreams that once felt impossible.
These are stories of grit, courage and determination, and support when it mattered most, to strive towards a better future – proving where you begin doesn't have to define where you go.
The series starts on Monday 2 February. Follow now to catch the first episodes.
CREDITS
Narrator: Sarah Macdonald
Audio production: Mylk Media (https://www.mylkmedia.com.au/)
Series producers: Jacqui Ooi, Carla Horton, Kim Batchelor, Kristina Warne
Theme music written and performed by Faith Kayrooz
To learn how you can help young Australians realise their potential, visit thesmithfamily.com.au (https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Contact All I Can Be
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
