Where are you now?

About Where are you now?

Where are you now? is the podcast that follows real journeys of graduates from health, pharmacy and medical science into the careers they never expected, and the ones they always dreamed of. Each episode dives into the twists and defining moments that shaped our guests' careers. From unexpected detours and career changing decisions, to lessons learned and words of wisdom, you'll hear honest conversations that go beyond the resume. No matter where you are in your life journey, this podcast will inspire you. Because the path isn't always straight, but it can take you somewhere extraordinary.

Publisher

School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University.

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Jul 2026

Latest episode

27 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Oct 2026

   Episode 10: Organic Chemist - Dr Matt Zunk

   Forklift driver. Taxi driver. Organic chemist. Senior lecturer. Drug discoverer. Most career journeys aren't straight lines, and Matt Zunk's is proof of that. After leaving school and spending years working, travelling, and figuring out what came next, Matt arrived at university as a mature-age student with no clear roadmap and a passion for physics. What followed was an unexpected discovery that chemistry, not physics, was where he truly belonged. In this episode of Where Are You Now?, Matt shares how a career that began with forklifts, factories and yellow cabs evolved into a career in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, research supervision and higher degree research leadership. Along the way, he reflects on overcoming setbacks, surviving the challenges of a PhD, mentoring future scientists, and why success often comes from following opportunities rather than following a plan. Matt also provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of drug discovery, exploring how new medicines are developed, the role of medicinal chemists in designing the next generation of therapeutics, and the complex relationship between university research and Big Pharma. From laboratory break throughs to the realities of bringing a drug to market, he unpacks the science, collaboration and persistence required to turn ideas into life-changing treatments. It's a compelling conversation about curiosity, resilience, science, innovation, and the unexpected paths that can lead to a rewarding career. One message stands out above all others: there is no single pathway to success, but persistence, curiosity and purpose can take you further than you ever imagined. 🎧 An episode you really don't want to miss. 🎧 Where Are You Now? -real people, unexpected paths, and the stories of how they got there. Be a guest on our show: Where are you now?  –Fill in (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/T0qsbZser1)form (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/T0qsbZser1) Nature Briefing (https://mailchi.mp/nature/daily-briefing-13897832?e=39b92c95bb) Created, written, directed and voiced by Dr Barbara Hadley, whose passion for storytelling brings each conversation to life. Executive producer Sarah Elley.

2. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Episode 9: Medical Student - Cristiano Del Giacco

   14 eye surgeries. 100 hospital admissions. A debilitating neurological condition. At 40, he decided to become a doctor. Some people have extraordinary careers.Others have extraordinary stories. Cristiano DelGiacco has both — and his journey is nothing short of inspirational. In this remarkable episode of WhereAre You Now?, we meet a man whose path has taken him from professional fighting and Brazilianjiu-jitsu to music, writing, international marketing, scientific research and, ultimately, medical school. But behind that impressive list of achievements lies a story of extraordinary resilience. After losing much of his vision and developing a debilitating neuromuscular condition that can leave him unable towalk, speak or swallow, Cristiano has spent years navigating serious illness, repeated hospitalisations and an uncertain diagnosis. Yet rather than allowing these challenges to define his future, he found his purpose in the very hospital wards where he was receiving treatment. Inspired by the patients he met and the healthcare professionals who made a difference in his own life, Cristianoreturned to university as a mature-age student, completed a Biomedical Science degree at Griffith University, earned a University Medal for his Honours research, and secured a place in medicine. And in an extraordinary twist, his first day of medical school coincided with his 100th hospital admission. He attended his lectures from a hospital bed while receiving treatment. What makes Cristiano truly remarkable,however, isn't simply what he has overcome. It's his humility, his infectious humour, his determination to give back, and his unwavering belief that life's obstacles don't have to mean the end of our ambitions. This is a conversation about courage, reinvention, invisible disabilities, the power of education, and what it really means to care for others. It's also a reminder that you are never too old to change direction, never too late to discover your purpose, and far more capable than you might believe. Cristiano's message is beautifullysimple: "Just be kind to yourself." Of all the remarkable people we'vewelcomed to Where Are You Now?,Cristiano's story is one that will stay with us for a very long time. This is more than a career journey.It's a lesson in humanity, perseverance and the extraordinary difference one person can make. 🎧 An episode you really don't want tomiss. 🎧 Where Are You Now? - real people, unexpected paths, and the stories of how they got there. Created, written, directed and voiced by Dr Barbara Hadley, whose passion for storytelling brings each conversation tolife. Executive producer Sarah Elley.

3. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Episode 8: Prosthetist and Orthotist - Matisse Ward

   In this episode of Where Are You Now?, Barb sits down with Matisse, a prosthetist and orthotist whose career brings together healthcare, technology, engineering and craftsmanship to help people regain mobility and get back to the lives they want to live. Matisse shares how a high-school teammate with a running blade first introduced her to the world of prosthetics, how studying Prosthetics and Orthotics led her into a career on the Gold Coast, and what actually goes into creating and fitting a prosthetic limb. We talk about the human side of the profession, the emotional highs and lows of working with clients, advances such as 3D printing and scanning, and the satisfaction of watching someone progress from losing a limb to walking out of the clinic with greater independence. Along the way, we also hear about Matisse's unusual high-school experience in Texas, surviving COVID quarantine alone at 18, her appearance on Tipping Point, and why her advice to students is simple: take the opportunities that come your way. And, of course, there’s the clarinet flute. Because apparently helping people walk again wasn't enough of a challenge. 🎶 A fascinating look at a career most of us know very little about - and the young woman who found her way into it. www.custompo.com.au  (https://custompo.com.au/) 🎧 Where Are You Now? -real people, unexpected paths, and the stories of how they got there. Created, written, directed and voiced by Dr Barbara Hadley, whose passion for storytelling brings each conversation to life. Executive producer Sarah Elley.

4. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Episode 7: Veteran Program Coordinator - Jeffrey Langley

   🎖️𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲? For many veterans, leaving the military canfeel like starting again. But the skills developed through years of service - leadership, project management, technology, logistics, problem-solving and working under pressure - 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛. Importantly, 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛. In the next episode of 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙉𝙤𝙬?, I chat with US Navy submarine veteran Jeffrey Langley, now a Veteran Program Coordinator at Griffith University, about howmilitary experience can translate into 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗥𝗣𝗟) and university credit. Jeff knows this from both sides, his own military experience contributed to credit towards his undergraduate studies, and today he helps other veterans understand how the skills and experience they gained while serving can translate into higher education. If you're a veteran who has ever thought 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚 - 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱. Griffith Veterans College (https://www.griffith.edu.au/veterans-college) veterans@griffith.edu.au (mailto:veterans@griffith.edu.au) 🎧 Where Are You Now? -real people, unexpected paths, and the stories of how they got there. Created, written, directed and voiced by Dr Barbara Hadley, whose passion for storytelling brings each conversation to life. Executive producer Sarah Elley.

5. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Episode 6: Public Health Facilitator, Pasifika - Mercedes Semaan (Swann)

   What happens when the career you planned for yourself turns out not to be the life you actually want? Mercedes Semaan (Swann) began a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Griffith University with one very clear goal: become a doctor. But a move overseas, an unexpected introduction to public health, marriage, travel and eventually motherhood slowly rewrote the plan. In this episode of Where Are You Now?, Mercedes joins us from Fiji to talk about choosing a different path and discovering that changing direction didn’t mean giving up on her ambition to improve health in the Pacific. We talk about the identity shift that came with becoming a mother, studying across multiple countries, the mentalhealth struggles she experienced during pregnancy, and how searching for support she couldn’t find led her to create Mama Talanoa - a virtual community now connecting hundreds of Pasifika mothers across Fiji, the Pacific and beyond. There’s also Zumba, a Blue Heeler with questionable walking etiquette, a watermelon strapped to her husband, anunexpectedly beautiful eight seconds of singing, and the difficult question of where exactly you hide a full-sized pig. Mercedes’ journey is a reminder that thedots don’t always make sense while you’re living them. Sometimes they only connect when you look backwards. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact: Online and Phone Support Services Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/)– 13 11 14 Beyond Blue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/)– 1300 224 636 or 24/7 online chat MensLine Australia (https://mensline.org.au/) (https://mensline.org.au/)– 1300 789 978 Kids Helpline (https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/) (https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/)– 1800 55 1800 If you are a Griffith University Student: Griffith (https://student.griffith.edu.au/student-support/health-services) (https://student.griffith.edu.au/student-support/health-services)Health (https://student.griffith.edu.au/student-support/health-services) (https://student.griffith.edu.au/student-support/health-services)Services (https://student.griffith.edu.au/student-support/health-services) Online (https://www.griffith.edu.au/student-mental-health-wellbeing/wellness-centre) Health (https://www.griffith.edu.au/student-mental-health-wellbeing/wellness-centre) and (https://www.griffith.edu.au/student-mental-health-wellbeing/wellness-centre) Wellness (https://www.griffith.edu.au/student-mental-health-wellbeing/wellness-centre) Centr (https://www.griffith.edu.au/student-mental-health-wellbeing/wellness-centre)e (https://www.griffith.edu.au/student-mental-health-wellbeing/wellness-centre) 🎧 Where Are You Now? -real people, unexpected paths, and the stories of how they got there. Created, written, directed and voiced by Dr Barbara Hadley, whose passion for storytelling brings each conversation to life. Executive producer Sarah Elley.

6. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Episode 5: Research Scientist - Despena Vedis

   What if the opportunity that changes your entire career is just one email away? If there is one episode of, Where Are You Now? That students should listen to before — or during — their degree, this is it. Despena Vedis started Biomedical Science at Griffith knowing she wanted to be a scientist, but with very little idea of how to get there. Then she started saying yes. An exchange took her to Hawaii. A networking event led to a summer research scholarship. That became a Master of Medical Research developing peptide-based vaccines for rheumatic heart disease. An email from her supervisor led to a ThinkSwiss scholarship and three months conducting research in Zurich. Now, she’s packing those famous pink suitcases again — this time to move to Arizona and take up a research position at the Mayo Clinic, working in cancer genetics. But this episode isn't really about Hawaii, Switzerland or the Mayo Clinic. It's about how she got there. Despena talks candidly about being shy, feeling overwhelmed, imposter syndrome, experiments that fail, opportunities that don't work out, and learning to push herself out of her comfort zone before she ever feels ready. Her philosophy is beautifully simple: don't be the person who says no to yourself. Apply. Send the email. Go to the networking event. Put your name forward. Let somebody else decide whether you're ready. Because sometimes an entire career really can begin with one email. General website for IBG: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/institute-biomedicine-glycomics (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.griffith.edu.au%2Fresearch%2Finstitute-biomedicine-glycomics&data=05%7C02%7Cs.elley%40griffith.edu.au%7C1949dc9b8f5842ece55f08def908ab29%7C5a7cc8aba4dc4f9bbf6066714049ad62%7C0%7C0%7C639222012791734717%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VmUSbfe2YS3sTcAeKFsDrx%2Fwawwc6fBrkLX2vErdfLc%3D&reserved=0) Study with us at IGB: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/institute-biomedicine-glycomics/study (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.griffith.edu.au%2Fresearch%2Finstitute-biomedicine-glycomics%2Fstudy&data=05%7C02%7Cs.elley%40griffith.edu.au%7C1949dc9b8f5842ece55f08def908ab29%7C5a7cc8aba4dc4f9bbf6066714049ad62%7C0%7C0%7C639222012791793035%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=X49eMXlbZrTFn7xEEXGY%2BytkFur%2BH0jWQfzP4GepXA0%3D&reserved=0) Created, written, directed and voiced by Dr Barbara Hadley, whose passion for storytelling brings each conversation to life. Executive producer Sarah Elley.

7. 

   4 Aug 2026

   Episode 4: Entrepreneur - Adam Daniels

   What if the biggest career move of your life happened 17 years after graduation? Adam Daniels left a successful physiotherapy business, returned to university as a mature-age PhD student, and is now developing wearable technology that could change the future of cricket injury prevention. Along the way, he shares honest insights about entrepreneurship, burnout, taking risks, finding your purpose, and why it's never too late to start again. Whether you're a student, researcher, entrepreneur or simply wondering what's next in your own career, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

8. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Episode 3: Assoc Prof Leanne Kenway. More than Anatomy: a story of science, compassion and legacy.

   Every year, complete strangers make one final gift to the next generation. They donate their bodies so future health professionals can learn anatomy from real human donors. It's an extraordinary act of generosity that most of us never see. In this episode of Where Are You Now?, multi-award-winning Anatomy and Physiology lecturer Assoc Prof Leanne Kenway takes us behind the doors of the anatomy laboratory to reveal how these selfless donors continue teaching long after they've passed away. She shares the moving story behind Griffith University's annual Thanksgiving Service, where students honour the donors and thank the families who made this incredible gift possible. We also explore Leanne's remarkable career - from working with babies in neonatal intensive care and burns units, to practising physiotherapy in the United States, before returning to university as a mature-age student and becoming one of Australia's most respected educators. This is a conversation about science, humanity, gratitude, and the people whose final act of kindness helps educate generations of healthcare professionals. Created, written, directed and voiced by Dr Barbara Hadley, whose passion for storytelling brings each conversation to life. Executive producer Sarah Elley. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

9. 

   10 Jul 2026

   Episode 2: Research Assistant - Rachel Almaw

   Episode 2: Rachel Almaw – Research, Resilience and the Power of Conversation What starts as a dream of becoming a doctor evolves into a passionate career in research, advocacy, and community impact. In this episode, PhD candidate and research assistant Rachel Almaw shares her remarkable journey from Canada to Australia, exploring osteoarthritis, sleep, health equity, and the importance of amplifying voices that are often overlooked. From TEDx (https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?pglt=2081&q=Tedx+talk+Rachel+Almaw&cvid=ac624b2ba6204d398d6b7dc253c5f91a&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMgYIAhAAGEAyBggDEAAYQDIGCAQQABhAMgYIBRAAGEAyBggGEAAYQDIGCAcQABhAMgYICBAAGEAyCAgJEOkHGPxV0gEJMjA0MzFqMGo3qAIAsAIA&PC=U531&ru=%2fsearch%3fpglt%3d2081%26q%3dTedx%2btalk%2bRachel%2bAlmaw%26cvid%3dac624b2ba6204d398d6b7dc253c5f91a%26gs_lcrp%3dEgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMgYIAhAAGEAyBggDEAAYQDIGCAQQABhAMgYIBRAAGEAyBggGEAAYQDIGCAcQABhAMgYICBAAGEAyCAgJEOkHGPxV0gEJMjA0MzFqMGo3qAIAsAIA%26FORM%3dANNAB1%26PC%3dU531&mmscn=vwrc&mid=B0D3CA68D7F2CB33D312B0D3CA68D7F2CB33D312&FORM=WRVORC&ntb=1&msockid=9ee016a47e4d11f1bfbbbdc08af1a6ba) talks, 3 Minute Thesis (https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-graduate-research-school/events/3-minute-thesis) and Stanford presentations to mentoring young people and supporting clean water initiatives in Ethiopia, Rachel reflects on the experiences that shaped her career. Along the way, she offers honest insights into imposter syndrome, networking, saying “yes” (and learning to say “no”), and why meaningful conversations can change lives. An inspiring and refreshingly candid discussion about purpose, people, and finding impact beyond the expected career path. Created, written, directed and voiced by Dr Barbara Hadley, whose passion for storytelling brings each conversation to life. Executive producer Sarah Elley.

10. 

    10 Jul 2026

    Episode 1: PhD Candidate - Claire Chapman

    What happens when your career takes a path you never expected? In the debut episode of Where Are You Now?, Griffith University nutrition and dietetics graduate Claire Chapman shares her extraordinary journey from printer technician and doula—supporting more than 300 births—to becoming a PhD candidate. Along the way, she balanced university with family life, navigated the challenges of COVID, cared for a seriously ill child, discovered a passion for teaching, and unexpectedly fell in love with research. Claire also reveals why her PhD involves collecting blue poo for science, how her research could change the way we understand food energy, and why saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities transformed her career. Honest, funny and inspiring, this episode is a reminder that the most rewarding careers are often the ones you never planned. Link for PASS Leader (https://student.griffith.edu.au/student-support/study-support/learning-study-skills-hub/peer-assisted-study-sessions) Created, written, directed and voiced by Dr Barbara Hadley, whose passion for storytelling brings each conversation to life. Executive producer Sarah Elley.

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.