In Short:
– Aaron Tait joined the Australian Navy at 17, following a family military tradition and participating in the Navy diver program.
– Now a father and writer, Tait plans to travel the world with his family and promote his memoir, Far Horizons.

Aaron Tait joined the Australian Navy at 17, continuing a family tradition of military service. Following his officer training, he was selected for the Navy diver program. Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, he was deployed to the Persian Gulf, where he participated in aggressive night raids against smugglers.Tait returned home with post-traumatic stress and moral guilt regarding his missions. A significant interaction with an Iraqi man led him to question the war’s purpose. His research into the siege’s toll on civilians deeply affected him, prompting a desire to make amends.

Humanitarian work

After leaving the military, he spent six months in Spain, where he met his future wife, Caitlyn. They moved to East Africa for humanitarian work before he attended Cambridge University. Tait co-founded YGAP, a nonprofit assisting entrepreneurs globally, impacting over 1.6 million people. He also established an education company, which was sold recently.

Now a father of two, Tait is embarking on a year of travel with his family. His memoir, “Far Horizons,” reflects his journey from combat to compassion. He aims to prioritise fatherhood and hints at writing another book in the future.

In Short:
– Sooshi Mango’s comedy draws inspiration from family experiences and nostalgia.
– They plan a world tour in 2026.

Sooshi Mango, featuring Joe, Carlo, and Andrew, appeared on “In the Driver’s Seat,” hosted by Penny Lane. The group is recognised for blending nostalgia and cultural charm with sharp wit. They draw inspiration from their families, finding comedy in their childhood experiences. The group aims for nostalgic humour rather than mocking their backgrounds, with characters based loosely on family members. However, their families do not recognise their comedic potential.

Their viral success stemmed from a video titled “Italians Versus Greeks,” highlighting the friendly rivalry between the communities, released on November 24th. Joe left his job five years ago to focus on Sooshi Mango full-time, a decision made by all members who traded their stable careers for comedy.

Differing personalities

Fan favourites include their dad and mum characters, with the latter being particularly popular. Group dynamics reveal differing personalities; Andrew is seen as temperamental, while another member is easygoing.

The pressure to maintain high content standards is significant, especially for live shows. Sooshi Mango has achieved the unique feat of selling out an arena three times.

Looking ahead, a world tour is set for April to June, starting in New York, alongside plans for an Australian feature film to begin shooting next year.

In Short:
– Stan Yarramunua, an Aboriginal artist, uses art for healing and advocates for repatriation of ancestral remains.
– He has created artwork for celebrities like Stevie Wonder and Bono while emphasising personal growth through recovery.

Stan Yarramunua is an Aboriginal artist who transformed his life through art, gaining international recognition. Host Penny Lane describes him as a pioneer for Indigenous artists and a storyteller of country and spirit. Yarramunua began painting in a rehabilitation centre, initially using art as a coping mechanism. He sold his first painting for $120 and progressed to sell high-end Aboriginal art in Melbourne. He has since exhibited in New York and operates galleries on the Gold Coast and in Sydney. His recovery journey led him to put down alcohol permanently on 3 August 1993, enabling his growth in various artistic pursuits.

Recently, Yarramunua returned from Germany, where he participated in the repatriation of his great-great-grandfather’s remains, taken over a century ago. He performed cultural ceremonies and advocated for the return of Aboriginal remains held in institutions across Europe.

Yarramunua has created commissioned artwork for celebrities like Stevie Wonder and Bono. He emphasises the importance of humility and self-awareness, stating the best advice he received is to manage ego and resentment. He has published a book titled *A Man Called Yara*, and people can find his art online by searching “Art Yarramunua.”