Australian Adoption Podcast - My Unknown Truth
My Unknown Truth is a podcast sharing the stories and lived experiences of Australians who have been through adoption and foster care.
These stories are often complex, spanning over 50 years and touch on difficult truths, from growing up in an under-resourced system to Australia’s traumatic history of forced adoptions and Stolen Generations.
But within the darkness, there is also light; stories of hope, courage, resilience, and love. Hosted by Nadia Levett, an adoptee born and raised in Australia, this podcast is a deeply personal project.
It’s my wish that by sharing a range of voices and experiences, we can build greater awareness and understanding around adoption and foster care in Australia, spark informed conversations, and encourage others to share their truth, open hearts, minds, and homes to children in need.
Australian Adoption Podcast - My Unknown Truth
Episode 36 - "Empowered Voices: Emily Hikaiti Elevating Youth in Australia's Care System"
Welcome to Season 3 of the Australian Adoption Podcast, with your host, Nadia Levett.
In today’s episode I’m joined by the inspiring Emily Hikaiti. Emily is an Australian-born Māori woman with a powerful story and a deep commitment to youth advocacy. Drawing from her lived experience in Australia’s out-of-home care system, Emily has become a passionate voice for change, working both nationally and internationally to shape policies and improve outcomes for young people in care.
From becoming a mother in high school to representing youth voices at the highest levels—as a director with International Foster Carers Organisation, a board member with CREATE Foundation, brand ambassador and changemaker with Adopt Change—Emily’s impact is extraordinary.
Join us for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation as we explore Emily’s journey, the challenges within the care system, and the vital work being done to create a brighter future for young people.
A special thank you to Emily Hikaiti for sharing her journey, her insights, and the incredible work she’s doing to elevate youth voices in care, I will be continuing to follow Emily and will keep you all updated with the release of her upcoming documentary which is due to come out this August.
If you found this conversation meaningful, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might benefit.
For more episodes and updates, follow us on your favorite podcast platform and connect with us on social media.
Until next time, I’m Nadia Levett—take care, and thank you for being part of this important conversation.
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The Australian Adoption Podcast with host Nadia Levett!
