As young people, we’re limited by the environment we grow up in - our experiences and even the advice we receive are shaped by the worldviews of those around us. But to grow, we need to hear from as many voices and perspectives as possible. Taught, Not Told is a podcast dedicated to doing just that: sharing diverse, sometimes conflicting, viewpoints to help us better understand the complexities of the world, develop critical thinking, and shape our own values.
Hosted by Ivy Sheng, a teenager who loves to read, learn, and connect with others, this podcast brings together guests from different generations, industries, and worldviews. From industry leaders and climate champions to resilient entrepreneurs, guests share invaluable life advice and wisdom while challenging us to think about the world in new ways. Some episodes also feature Ivy's solo reflections on topics she’s been reading about or recent events - always with the goal of sparking curiosity and encouraging deeper thought.
This isn’t a podcast that pushes a single opinion – but one that broadens horizons. By listening to conflicting beliefs and diverse journeys, we can gain a better understanding of our world, improve our critical thinking, and grow into the best versions of ourselves.
Join Ivy as she explores the lessons that truly stick.
Episode 5: Interview with Ms. Victoria McKenzie-McHarg - The Power of Leading Together
Season 2: A World Worth Keeping
Episode 5: Interview with Ms. Victoria McKenzie-McHarg - The Power of Leading Together
Victoria McKenzie-McHarg has spent years at the heart of Australia’s climate movement, helping build a future where women and gender-diverse people lead together - across generations, communities, and causes. As CEO of Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA), she’s focused on what true leadership looks like when it’s shared, not guarded.
In this conversation, we talk about the importance of supporting each other, working across generations, and remembering that none of us can do this alone. Victoria’s honesty and calm strength are a reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about showing up, staying connected, and trusting that we’ll figure it out together.
✨ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
📩 I’d love to hear your thoughts - reach me at taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com (mailto:taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com).
8 Oct 2025
Episode 4: Interview with Ms. Grace Vegesana - Building Youth Power for Climate Action
Season 2: A World Worth Keeping
Episode 4: Interview with Ms. Grace Vegesana - Building Youth Power for Climate Action
It’s been incredible to see the voices of young people leading the fight for our planet - and no one embodies that better than Grace Vegesana, the National Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.
At just 25, Grace has spent nearly a decade building youth power to end fossil fuel expansion. From her time at Future Super, where she launched the Not Business as Usual alliance that united over 3,000 businesses in support of the 2021 Climate Strike, to her current leadership at AYCC, Grace has been at the forefront of Australia’s youth climate movement.
In this conversation, Grace and I explore the strength of youth-led movements, the intersection of identity and leadership, and what it means to stay hopeful - and grounded - in an uphill fight against the climate crisis.
✨ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
📩 You can contact me at taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com (mailto:taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com)
13 Sept 2025
Episode 3: Interview with Prof. David Karoly - Turning Science Into Stories That Matter
Season 2: A World Worth Keeping
Episode 3: Interview with Prof. David Karoly - Turning Science Into Stories That Matter
It’s been a little while since the last episode - between schoolwork and a trip to Canberra lobbying for stronger climate action, life has been busy. Thank you for your patience, and I’m so excited to be back.
And what a way to return: with none other than Professor David Karoly, one of Australia’s most renowned climate scientists and a globally recognized leader in climate change research.
Professor Karoly has shaped international climate science through four landmark IPCC reports, advised the Australian Government on emissions targets, and continues his work as a Professor Emeritus at the University of Melbourne and as a Councilor on the Climate Council.
In this conversation, we dive into the wisdom he’s gathered across decades of science, policy, and advocacy - and explore why protecting our future means building a world worth keeping.
✨ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
📩 You can contact me at taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com (mailto:taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com)
10 Jul 2025
Episode 2: Interview with Ms. Amanda McKenzie - Building Australia's Climate Voice
Season 2: A World Worth Keeping
Episode 2: Interview with Amanda McKenzie - Building Australia's Climate Voice
In this much-anticipated episode of Taught, Not Told, I sit down with Ms. Amanda McKenzie - co-founder and CEO of the Climate Council, trailblazer for youth climate advocacy, and one of Australia’s leading voices on the fight for a livable future.
From starting out in law to co-founding the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, to building Australia’s most trusted independent climate communications body, Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder that real change is a marathon, not a sprint - and that every one of us has a role to play.
We talk about the emotional toll of climate advocacy, what keeps her grounded, and why empowering the next generation is so vital for the road ahead.
Tune in for an honest, hopeful conversation about courage, community, and the wisdom that comes from standing up for what matters.
5 May 2025
Episode 1: Interview with Dr. Gregory Moore OAM
Season 2: A World Worth Keeping
Episode 1: Interview with Dr. Gregory Moore OAM - On Trees, Time, and the Bigger Picture
I'm back - with a brand new season of Taught, Not Told.
This season, we’re exploring climate stories: not just the science or the headlines, but the people. The ones who are shaping the future with their choices, their knowledge, and their quiet persistence.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Greg Moore - arborist, botanist, and former Head of Burnley College at the University of Melbourne. He’s spent decades advocating for urban trees and reminding us why greenery isn’t just nice to have - it’s essential. We spoke about time, perspective, and the quiet power of nature to shape our lives.
We covered everything from the evolutionary pace of trees to why life feels fleeting, and what it means to truly use your time well. We talked about doing work that brings you joy, our place in the web of life, and how reconnecting with nature might just help us reconnect with each other.
A grounding and eye-opening conversation to start the season.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
#TaughtNotTold #GregMoore #ClimateStories #UrbanForests #IntergenerationalWisdom
16 Mar 2025
Episode 9: The World Isn't That Simple And That's the Problem (Reflection on "Divided")
Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who've Led
Episode 9: The World Isn't That Simple And That's the Problem (Reflection on "Divided")
This week, it’s just you and me again, and I want to talk about a book that I genuinely think every young person should read.
You’ve probably noticed how often the world gets reduced to us vs. them. Politics, economics, education - even basic human rights - are framed as a battle between two sides. But the truth? The world is rarely that simple. And when we force complex issues into black-and-white thinking, we don’t just misunderstand them—we make things worse.
Tim Marshall captures this idea perfectly in Divided when he says, “Every story has two sides, and so does every wall. We’re in a new era of tribalism, and the barricades are going up.” This book completely shifted how I see the forces shaping our world, and I want to share why it’s not just a great read, but an essential one.
So, I hope you’ll tune in for this deep dive. And if you’ve read the book, I’d love to hear your take on it too.
And...this actually marks the end of Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led.
When we come back in early April, Season 2 will be all about entrepreneurs - people who had an idea and turned it into something incredible to improve their communities and the world. We’ll hear from younger perspectives, because Taught Not Told is all about sharing diverse viewpoints and life lessons that stick.
I’m so excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Until then, take care, and I’ll be back in April with more stories, insights, and conversations. See you soon on Taught, Not Told!
8 Mar 2025
Episode 8: Interview with Dr. Geoff Raby AO
Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who've Led
Episode 8: Interview with Dr. Geoff Raby AO
This week, I sat down with Dr. Geoff Raby AO, Australia’s former Ambassador to China, whose career has been defined by navigating one of the most complex and consequential relationships of our time.
What struck me most was his ability to find clarity in uncertainty - whether it was learning Mandarin, visiting every province in China, or making high-stakes decisions with incomplete information. His journey is a reminder that growth often happens when we lean into the unfamiliar, embrace curiosity, and build meaningful connections along the way.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to make sense of the bigger picture. Dr. Raby’s unique perspective - shaped by his love for economic history and decades of diplomacy - shows how doing what you’re passionate about can help you see the world in a way that’s both deeper and clearer. It’s a lesson in thinking conceptually, connecting the dots, and finding purpose in the work that matters to you.
#Diplomacy #Curiosity #Adaptability #GlobalPerspectives #TaughtNotTold
22 Feb 2025
Episode 7: Interview With Prof. Gillian Triggs AC
In this episode, I spoke with someone who has dedicated her life to using law as a force for good.
Professor Gillian Triggs AC is one of Australia’s most distinguished international human rights lawyers and advocates. As President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, she led national debates on refugee rights, gender equality, and freedom of speech - standing firm in politically charged environments.
As 2019-2023 Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at UNHCR, she oversaw global refugee protection efforts at a time of unprecedented displacement.
In this episode, she shares her advice for young people finding their way in an uncertain world, the power of teaching, not just telling, and the experiences that taught her what real leadership and resilience look like. It’s exactly what Taught Not Told is about - learning from those who’ve come before us, so we can think for ourselves and shape the future on our own terms.
Share your thoughts with me at taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com
#GillianTriggs #TaughtNotToldPodcast #LifeAdvice #HumanRightsLaw #Leadership #IntergenerationalAdvice
18 Feb 2025
Episode 6: Life is Short – Make it Count
Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led
Episode 6: Life is Short – Make it Count
People have asked me, "Are you doing all of this because your parents are making you?"
And honestly, I get why they might think that. There’s this idea that working hard must come from pressure - whether it’s school, family, or some perfect future we’re supposed to chase.
But for me, that’s never been the reason. I do what I do because I care. Because life is short, and I want to spend my time on things that matter.
This episode is about figuring out what you actually want, setting goals (even if they change), and making sure you’re moving forward - not just drifting through life. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but having direction means you always have something to work toward.
Let’s talk about why waiting for life to happen has never sat right with me - and why it might not sit right with you either.
Share your thoughts with me at: taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com (mailto:taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com)
#TaughtNotTold #Youth #MakeLifetCount #Reflections #Youth #BigQuestions
8 Feb 2025
Episode 5: Interview with Rev. Tim Costello AO
Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led
Episode 5: Interview with Rev. Tim Costello AO
Some people dedicate their lives to a single cause. Mr. Tim Costello AO has spent his life standing up for the people and issues that too many ignore.
As a lawyer, pastor, former mayor, and the longtime CEO of World Vision Australia, Mr. Costello has been on the frontlines of some of the world’s most urgent social challenges - fighting for gambling reform, advocating for refugees, addressing poverty, and leading global humanitarian efforts. He’s worked in war zones, disaster sites, and right here in Australia, challenging powerful industries and policies that put profit over people.
But what makes Mr. Costello’s story so compelling isn’t just the scale of his work - it’s the conviction behind it. In this conversation, we talk about what shaped his journey, the resistance he’s faced, and what it really takes to stand for something, even when it comes at a cost.
If you've ever grappled with hope and fear, this episode is for you.
5 Feb 2025
Episode 4: Thanks, Mum
Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led
Episode 4: Thanks, Mum
This episode is personal.
Turning 16 while my mum turns 50 has made me reflect on our journey together - the lessons she’s taught me, the quiet ways she’s shaped my world, and the things I’m only now beginning to understand.
I reflect on what my mum taught me about working hard with purpose, how passion is something we build, not something we’re born with, and how parents and teens can navigate the gap between them.
But more than anything, this episode is about mums - the people who raise us, guide us, and walk with us through every season of our lives, even when we don’t fully realize it.
This is for my mum, but it’s also for anyone thinking about the people who have shaped them.
Let me know your thoughts at taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com (mailto:taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com)
#Family #Reflections #LessonsFromMum #Generations #TaughtNotTold #Mothers #GrowingUp
25 Jan 2025
Episode 3: Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Carew-Reid OAM
Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led
Episode 3: Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Carew-Reid OAM
Dr. Elizabeth Carew-Reid OAM is a GP who has spent her career balancing deeply meaningful work in paediatric palliative care at Very Special Kids hospice with volunteer medical projects in Pakistan. Her journey has been shaped by moments of uncertainty, growth, and discovery - experiences that feel surprisingly relatable, no matter where you’re at in life.
What struck me most in our conversation were her reflections on finding purpose. As young people, the pressure to figure out exactly what we want to do with our lives can feel overwhelming. Hearing Dr. Carew-Reid share her own struggles with this same uncertainty, and how her path unfolded over time, was a reminder that it’s okay to not have all the answers right now. This episode is full of wisdom for anyone who’s still trying to figure out what “purpose” really means.
#Purpose #FindingYourPath #LifeLessons #HealthcareStories #TaughtNotTold
18 Jan 2025
Episode 2: Why Success Isn't What You Think (Reflection on "Outliers")
Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led
Episode 2: Why Success Isn’t What You Think (Outliers Review & Reflections)
In this solo episode, I dive into Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, a book that challenges everything we think we know about success. From cultural legacies and hidden opportunities to the idea of the “self-made person,” Outliers explores the untold factors that shape extraordinary achievements.
Through stories like the Roseto Mystery, the legacy of rice farming in East Asia, and the surprising influence of birth dates in hockey, I share my reflections on the book’s key lessons and how they’ve made me rethink success in my own life.
This episode is a book review that works alongside the advice of industry professionals to explore new ways of seeing the world, rethink the narratives we’ve grown up with, and discover practical insights to shape your journey. I hope it inspires you to reflect on your own path.
Share your thoughts with me at: taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com (mailto:taughtnottold.pod@gmail.com)
#Success #BookReview #MalcolmGladwell #Reflections #TaughtNotTold #Outliers #Youth
13 Jan 2025
Episode 1: Interview with Owen Hegarty OAM
Season 1: In the Footsteps of Those Who’ve Led
Episode 1: Interview with Owen Hegarty OAM
In this very special episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Owen Hegarty OAM, a distinguished leader with decades of experience and wisdom to share. From his childhood in the countryside to his remarkable career achievements - transforming Oxiana Limited into one of Australia’s top companies and leading as Executive Chairman of EMR Capital - Mr. Hegarty’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
As a young person, I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to hear his reflections on leadership, resilience, and adapting to change across a lifetime of unique experiences. His insights provide a fascinating window into the lessons that come with success and growth.
This episode is packed with advice and stories that are both practical and inspiring, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
#Leadership #Wisdom #LifeLessons #TaughtNotTold
13 Jan 2025
Episode 0: All About This Podcast
Episode 0: Welcome to Taught, Not Told
In this first episode, host Ivy Sheng introduces Taught, Not Told and explains how it’s designed to meet a real need: giving young people practical, lived advice from those who’ve been through life’s challenges and triumphs.
Ivy shares the personal story that inspired this podcast and sets the foundation for what you can expect - authentic conversations with leaders, changemakers, and everyday people who share their wisdom in a way that’s honest, relatable, and actionable.
As the starting point for the series, this episode lays out the podcast’s mission and explains how it can help you navigate the complexities of the world, challenge your perspectives, and build the skills to shape your own path.
If you’re ready to hear advice that’s not just told but truly taught, this is where it all begins.
#PodcastLaunch #LifeLessons #Episode0 #TaughtNotTold
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
4.9 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
17
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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