In this deeply moving episode of Your Neighborhood Show, Carolyn sits down with Julie, a participant-turned-volunteer at Sailability, to explore the remarkable journey of a woman who has quietly survived isolation, emotional abuse, neurodivergence, and chronic illness—and emerged with strength, creativity, and purpose. From early childhood mornings spent alone in convent gardens, to rediscovering joy on a sailboat in Townsville, Julie opens up about the challenges of being autistic in a world that often misunderstands, the long silence of an abusive marriage, and the radical act of reclaiming her voice through music, writing, and community. This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and the healing power of connection.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction
Carolyn introduces the theme of connection and disconnection, and welcomes Julie from the inclusive sailing organization, Sailability.

02:30 – A Childhood in Solitude
Julie recounts her early years spent alone in convent and school gardens, reflecting on how solitude shaped her comfort with being alone and her hesitancy around connection.

08:00 – Autism, Observation, and Self-Sufficiency
She shares how her autism likely contributed to her isolation and her affinity for quiet, creative exploration through nature and books.

12:30 – Music as a Lifeline
By age four, Julie was playing piano. Through school, travel, and cruise ships, music became her sanctuary and mode of expression.

18:15 – Growing Up Different
Julie discusses the disconnect she felt with peers due to her family's extensive travel and her mature worldview, often keeping her experiences to herself.

22:00 – The Pen Pal That Changed Her Life
A French pen pal led to a lifelong friendship, a solo trip to France at 17, and a safe space to build connection at her own pace.

28:00 – The Marriage That Silenced Her
Julie opens up about her 25-year marriage where emotional abuse and coercive control silenced her music and joy, until she found the strength to leave.

33:30 – Homeschooling, Healing, and Motherhood
Julie reflects on channeling her energy into homeschooling her two children, using music and travel to help them thrive where she once felt limited.

39:00 – Rediscovery Through Travel and Culture
She shares adventures from Panama to Costa Rica, instilling in her children a love for the world and resilience through experience.

42:00 – From Breakdown to Breakthrough
After her divorce, Julie spent years unraveling chronic health issues and rediscovering who she was outside her roles.

45:00 – Sailing into Selfhood
A single ride with Sailability reconnected Julie with the ocean and community. Volunteering led her back to creativity through music and social media, reinventing how she gives back.

49:00 – Owning Her Story
Julie shares her greatest life lesson: that courage comes from leaning into community and vulnerability. “These are happy tears,” she says, as she embraces a new chapter with grace.🎧 For more stories of reinvention, resilience, and connection, listen to Your Neighbourhood Show.

📱 Available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | ubuntufoundation.com.au/your-neighbourhood-show

In this deeply moving conversation, Julian Jakobs opens up about a life marked by sweeping transitions, heartfelt connections, and painful disconnections — and how each of these shaped the man he is today. From a childhood spent across Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to the isolation of boarding school in Sydney, Julian shares moments of joy, loss, resilience, and reflection. His journey through marriage, fatherhood, estrangement, and rediscovery — including a letter to his estranged children — reveals the raw emotional terrain of what it means to be human. Carolyn holds the space beautifully, allowing Julian’s quiet wisdom and emotional generosity to shine. This is a powerful, authentic conversation about love, memory, and the hope that connection can be restored.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
Carolyn sets the tone for the show, introducing Julian Jacobs and the theme of connection vs. disconnection.

03:00 – Early Childhood Across Continents
Julian recalls his nomadic early life in Sumatra, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Vivid memories of playing in creeks and bonding with local children show his early affinity for connection.

10:00 – Boarding School and Emotional Isolation
At age nine, Julian is sent to boarding school. He shares his pain of separation, homesickness, and how he coped — from letter writing to friendships that spanned decades.

20:30 – The Power of Lifelong Friendships
Reconnecting with childhood friends like Conrad and a beloved teacher 45 years later, Julian reflects on why reconnection matters more as we age.

27:00 – Complex Parental Dynamics
Julian discusses his distant relationship with his father and the painful memories of sailing together — a missed opportunity for bonding.

35:00 – Love, Marriage, and Divorce
Julian details his two marriages — the first ending in heartbreak, the second in emotional estrangement. He reflects honestly on red flags he ignored and how longing for stability shaped his choices.

42:00 – Estrangement from His Children
In a heartbreaking segment, Julian opens up about the 12-year estrangement from his daughter and more recent distancing from his son. He reads a letter to them — raw, loving, and hopeful.

50:00 – Coping with Grief and Loss
Julian shares the tools that have helped him cope: compartmentalizing pain, staying active, and receiving counseling.

53:00 – A New Chapter with Judy
Finding true connection later in life, Julian speaks joyfully about his partner Judy and the authentic love they now share.

57:00 – Reflections on Life and Legacy
Julian offers powerful insights on making the most of each day, living honestly, and the healing power of human connection.

60:00 – Closing Thoughts
Carolyn reflects on the emotional depth of Julian’s story, expressing gratitude for his openness and courage.

🎧 For more stories of reinvention, resilience, and connection, listen to Your Neighbourhood Show.
📱 Available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | ubuntufoundation.com.au/your-neighbourhood-show

In this heart-warming and deeply reflective episode, host Carolyn Vincent welcomes Colombian-born creative Caterin Castro, whose journey from Medellín to Brisbane is as rich in spirit as it is in resilience. A former English teacher turned Zumba instructor, circus performer, and cooking class leader, Caterin shares the challenges and joys of adapting to a new culture while staying true to her passions. Together, they explore the nuanced layers of connection and disconnection, childhood memories that shape us, and what it means to build community from the ground up. This episode is a celebration of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the quiet power of starting over.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Welcome & Show Intro
Carolyn introduces the podcast’s theme—navigating connection and disconnection—and warmly welcomes Caterin Castro.

02:30 – First Impressions & Background
Carolyn recounts meeting Caterin shortly after her move to Australia and shares admiration for her energy and positivity.

04:00 – Childhood in Colombia
Caterin shares vivid memories of her creative mother and studious father, including a delightful story about doing laundry with music—by stomping in soapy buckets like grape pressing!

10:45 – School Struggles & Emotional Growth
Caterin opens up about being bullied, excluded, and labelled "too much" as a high-achieving student—and how her brother's tough-love advice helped her reshape her approach to connection.

20:30 – Shifting Relationships
A reflective conversation on changing dynamics with family members and how emotional closeness evolves over time and distance.

24:15 – Circus & Self-Funding University
Caterin reveals how joining a circus helped her pay for university, all without her parents knowing. She shares her mother’s initial concerns and how performance art helped her grow in confidence and independence.

32:00 – Teaching Transformation
Her teaching journey—from students rejecting her methods to becoming one of the most sought-after instructors thanks to injecting fun, emotional connection, and creativity into her classrooms.

39:00 – Emotional Learning & The Joy of Movement
Caterin discusses her belief that emotional connection fuels better learning—whether in school, the kitchen, or the dance studio.

44:00 – Zumba, Community & Smiling Through Movement
Now teaching Zumba in Brisbane, Caterin reflects on creating joy and connection through eye contact, rhythm, and warmth.

47:30 – Being Held Back & Proving Herself Through Joy
From being told she’d “never be a belly dancer” to launching cooking classes despite being labelled “not qualified,” Caterin reveals how joy—not credentials—drives her forward.

52:00 – Migration, Faith & Full-Circle Generosity
Caterin and Carolyn revisit the emotional story of her arrival in Australia—no furniture, no history—and the beautiful chain of community generosity that helped her rebuild.

54:30 – Looking Forward: Dreams of a Movement & Healing Space
Caterin shares her vision for a dance, circus, and healing retreat space—rooted in joy, community, and holistic well-being.

🎧 For more stories of reinvention, resilience, and connection, listen to Your Neighbourhood Show.

📱 Available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | ubuntufoundation.com.au/your-neighbourhood-show