Voices of Unity is a grassroots 'walk and talk' storytelling podcast highlighting everyday practices of peace, care and social connection across Melbourne. Each episode features a short, reflective conversation with an everyday peacebuilder: a community organiser, artist, educator, volunteer, neighbour, carer, faith leader or resident whose actions contribute, often quietly and without recognition, to the social fabric of the city.
From Moral Rearmament to Initiatives of Change with Mike Lowe
Can lasting peace begin with an honest look at ourselves? For more than a century, the movement now known as Initiatives of Change has explored this question, arguing that reconciliation between people, communities and nations begins with invocations of faith and inner transformation. Across cultures and faith traditions, its work has been guided by this enduring conviction, that qualities such as love, honesty, unselfishness and purity of intent can be the practical foundations for peaceand reconciliation.
In this episode, I speak with Mike Lowe at Armagh, the historic Toorak mansion that has served as the home of Initiatives of Change Australia since 1956. As we walk through this remarkable space, Mike shares the story of a movement that began in Europe in the aftermath of World War 1 before evolving into the peacebuilding organisation it is today. From its century-long history of reconciliation and dialogue to its ongoing work in Australia and around the world, we explore how personal reflection can serve as the starting point for social transformation.
27 Jul 2026
When We Change, the World Changes with Mansi Shah
By nurturing inner stillness, compassion and self-awareness, meditation practitioners seek to radiate positive energy into their families, workplaces and communities. Here, meaningful social change begins with individual transformation. It is this philosophy that lies at the heart of the Brahma Kumaris, a global spiritual movement led by women and centred on the practice of Rajyoga Meditation. Through meditation, education and community service, the organisation has established centres around the world that offer spaces for reflection, wellbeing and peaceful living.
In this episode, I visit the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Point Cook, in Melbourne's west, where I meet with meditation teacher, spiritual speaker and peacebuilder Mansi Shah. Together, we explore Mansi's own spiritual journey, the principles and practice of Rajyoga Meditation, and the role the Brahma Kumaris plays in fostering peace and connection within Melbourne's diverse communities. Mansi reflects on what it means to discover peace within ourselves, how this shapes the way we encounter others, and why the quiet work of inner transformation may be one of the most enduring forms of peacebuilding.
20 Jul 2026
A Lifetime in Pursuit of Peace with Masoom Stanekzai
In this episode, I speak with Masoom Stanekzai as we wander through the leafy grounds of the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus, taking in the familiar rhythms of university life while reflecting on a lifetime spent pursuing peace amid extraordinary circumstances. It is a fitting setting to walk alongside someone whose journey has spanned village communities, government institutions, and international negotiating tables, and who now brings that wealth of knowledge and experience to Melbourne.
Masoom is Afghanistan's former Chief Peace Negotiator, a former government minister, and an Affiliate with the Initiative for Peacebuilding at the University of Melbourne. For decades, he has worked across both formal and informal, community-centred peace processes, seeking pathways towards dialogueand reconciliation in one of the world's most protracted conflicts. As we walk, our conversation turns to the experiences that have shaped his life and work: the moral clarity required to pursue peace when violence appears inevitable, the importance of holding onto hope, and the often unseen personal cost of choosing a life dedicated to peacebuilding.
13 Jul 2026
Introducing: Voices of Unity
Voices of Unity is a grassroots 'walk and talk' storytelling podcast highlighting everyday practices of peace, care and social connection across Melbourne. Each episode features a short, reflective conversation with an everyday peacebuilder: a community organiser, artist, educator, volunteer, neighbour, carer, faith leader or resident whose actions contribute, often quietly and without recognition, to the social fabric of the city.
The series is hosted by Dr Mujib Abid.
12 Jul 2026
Faith in Action with Alan Clayton
In this episode, I speak with Alan Clayton at the Victorian Quaker Centre, and from there we wander towards Queen Victoria Market, taking in the sights and sounds, while Alan is busy putting the finishing touches to preparations for an upcoming symposium celebrating refugee peace activists. It was a fitting setting to speak with someone whose life has been shaped by a quiet but unwavering commitment to peace.
Alan is a lifelong peace activist, a member of the Quaker community, President of the Australian chapter of World BEYOND War, a conscientious objector, and a tireless advocate for environmental justice and refugee rights. Trained under Johan Galtung, for decades, Alan has worked across movements for peace, nonviolence and social justice, guided by a belief that lasting change begins with compassion, conscience and collective action. It was a pleasure to join him for this walk-and-talk conversation about activism, faith, hope, and what it means to build peace in an increasingly divided world.
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