Dust Disease Diaries: Real Lives, Real Stories of Asbestos & Beyond

About Dust Disease Diaries: Real Lives, Real Stories of Asbestos & Beyond

What are the challenges facing Australians affected by asbestos and dust-related diseases? Renowned author and broadcaster James O’Loghlin hosts a series of inspiring conversations with patients, carers, health care practitioners and lawyers who share their personal perspectives. Created by ADDRI, we dive into the emotional and challenging experiences of individuals facing asbestos and dust-related diseases, as well as those that treat and care for them. Through these stories, we offer information, understanding and hope.

Publisher

the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI)

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Nov 2023

Latest episode

22 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

35 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Sept 2026

   Silicosis: Care, prevention and hope with Associate Professor Ryan Hoy

   Behind every silicosis diagnosis is a person facing difficult questions about their health, work and family.In this episode of Dust Disease Diaries, respiratory and sleep physician Associate Professor Ryan Hoy sits down with James O’Loghlin to talk about the human impact of this preventable disease – what it actually means for someone who is diagnosed and the impact it has on every facet of their lives.  Ryan reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of the past decade, as silicosis re-emerged as a major health issue and the respiratory and occupational health community came together to raise awareness and push it onto the agenda.  He shares what it is like to see young men in their late 20s and early 30s arrive at the clinic with their partners and young children, and then have to deliver a life-changing diagnosis.  He explains why early psychological support, personalised medical advice and a pathway to safe, meaningful work are so important. And while we all need to learn from the experiences of the stone benchtop industry – and there is still much work to do to strengthen prevention and raise awareness across other high-risk industries - there is also reason for hope. Stronger prevention measures, specialist care and new Australian research are helping to build a better way forward.A silicosis diagnosis can understandably feel very overwhelming, but as Ryan explains - no one has to face it alone. An experienced respiratory specialist can help each person understand what silicosis means for them, plan the safest way forward and provide ongoing care, support and reassurance.In this episode: ·       Why early silicosis can be symptom-free, and what workers should know about exposure and screening ·       How a diagnosis can bring uncertainty about health, income, identity and the ability to support a family ·       Why care must be individual, culturally appropriate and attentive to psychological wellbeing ·       The importance of helping people remain in, return to or retrain for safe and meaningful work ·       Ongoing barriers to screening ·       Where hope lies: better prevention, long-term support and outcomes, and research into future treatments A/Professor Ryan Hoy is a Respiratory and Sleep Physician. He is a Research Fellow at the Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, within the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and a Visiting Medical Officer at the Department of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Respiratory Medicine at The Alfred Hospital. His research interest lie in the area of occupational and environmental causes of respiratory disease. Specialist area – Occupational Lung Disease (OLD), in particular silicosis.  You can find out more about Prof Ryan Hoy here (https://www.cabrini.com.au/find-a-doctor/drryanhoy/). For information and support visit the Silicosis Support Hub silicosis.org.au (https://silicosis.org.au/) To find out more about ADDRI, visit: www.addri.org.au (http://www.addri.org.au/) Thank you to our podcast interviewer and host, James O’Loghlin (https://jamesologhlin.com/), and producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios (https://sydneypodcaststudios.com.au/). If you have any questions or comments, please email info@addri.org.au (mailto:info@addri.org.au)

2. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Understanding Radiation Therapy in Mesothelioma Care

   Radiation therapy doesn’t get talked about as much as chemotherapy or immunotherapy in mesothelioma care - but it can make a real difference. In this episode, James O’Loghlin speaks with Radiation Oncologist A/Prof Susan Harden who brings her extensive experience across the UK and Australia to explain how targeted radiation can help manage pain, what new technologies like proton therapy could mean for the future, and why specialist mesothelioma nurses are so essential for patients and families. And Susan shares an important message for people newly diagnosed – you don’t have to navigate this alone.  Reach out to specialist nurses - whether at your hospital or through ADDRI.  Ask about trials, second opinions and support options – and be assured that there is a growing network of people working to help you live better and longer with mesothelioma. Associate Professor Susan Harden works as a Consultant Radiation Oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. She is Research Lead for the Department of Radiation Oncology and is an honorary Associate Professor for the Cancer Registries Research Programme at Monash University.  Read more about Susan here: https://www.petermac.org/expert-finder/details/susan-harden (https://www.petermac.org/expert-finder/details/susan-harden) Susan is also part of the specialist group that ADDRI has brought together under the Commonwealth Mesothelioma Alliance – a partnership between ADDRI and Mesothelioma UK, funded by the Biaggio Signorelli Foundation.  Mesothelioma UK has a network of trained specialist mesothelioma nurses around the UK  - Australia has none.  The aim is to replicate the UK mesothelioma nurse model in Australia, as well as share research and training. You can read more about the Australian Mesothelioma Registry here (https://mesothelioma-australia.com/home/). To find out more about ADDRI, visit: www.addri.org.au (http://www.addri.org.au/) Thank you to our podcast interviewer and host, James O’Loghlin (https://jamesologhlin.com/) and producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios (https://sydneypodcaststudios.com.au/). If you have any questions or comments, please email info@addri.org.au (mailto:info@addri.org.au).

3. 

   21 Jul 2026

   Keeping Australia focused on preventing the next wave of asbestos and silica disease

   In this episode, James speaks with Jodie Deakes, CEO of the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA), about why asbestos and silica remain critical public health challenges in Australia - and what’s being done to prevent future disease. Although asbestos was banned more than 20 years ago, the problem is far from over. An estimated six million tonnes of asbestos remains embedded in Australia’s built environment, much of it well beyond its intended lifespan. Combined with the increasing impact of natural disasters such as bushfires and floods, the risk of exposure may actually be growing. Recent incidents involving asbestos-contaminated mulch and imported products are reminders that ongoing vigilance is essential. The conversation also explores silica dust exposure. Australia has led the world with its landmark ban on engineered stone, a significant public health achievement. But as Jodie explains, a ban can create a false sense that the problem has been solved. Silica dust continues to pose serious health risks across a range of industries, including mining, tunnelling and construction. Jodie outlines ASSEA’s role in coordinating a national response across governments, regulators, industry and communities. She discusses the National Strategic Plans for Asbestos and Silica (2024–2030), which focus on three key priorities: preventing exposure, supporting people affected by disease, and working with neighbouring countries to build awareness and capability. This is an excellent conversation about the importance of awareness, vigilance and collective action in preventing disease and reducing exposure. As Jodie puts it, the ultimate goal by 2030 is to “do myself out of a job.” Jodie Deakes was appointed as CEO of ASSEA for a five-year term beginning on 19 November 2023 and is responsible for managing the affairs and operations of ASSEA and ensuring the agency carries out its statutory functions. In her own words when taking up the role, Jodie said the agency would play a "central role in coordinating, monitoring and reporting on national efforts to eliminate both asbestos and silica-related diseases in Australia" and would work to build awareness of exposure risks and strengthen protections. Before becoming CEO, Deakes held senior leadership positions with SafeWork NSW and the Queensland Office of Industrial Relations, and had previously served on the agency's advisory council. In practical terms, her role is not to regulate workplaces directly or enforce laws. Instead, she leads the national coordination, policy, research, awareness and strategic planning efforts that help governments and stakeholders reduce asbestos- and silica-related harm across Australia. Find out more about the national response to asbestos and silica, read the National Strategic Plans and find helpful information on the ASSEA site here ( https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/). Read the new 2026 Guidelines and Recommendations for the Management of Pleural Mesothelioma in Australia here ( https://addri.org.au/educate/health-professionals/guidelines-and-recommendations-for-the-management-of-pleural-mesothelioma-in-australia/). To find out more about ADDRI, visit here (www.addri.org.au). Thank you to our podcast interviewer and host, James O’Loghlin , and producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios (https://sydneypodcaststudios.com.au/). If you have any questions or comments, please email info@addri.org.au (mailto:info@addri.org.au)

Who has been a guest on Dust Disease Diaries: Real Lives, Real Stories of Asbestos & Beyond

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Professor Ian Hickie
• Milly Heinnen
• Kirsten Mooney
• Mark Brooke
• Penny Sharpe

Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

47

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

27

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