The Wisdom of Indigenous Thinking: Can It Change Your Life? With Dr Paul Callaghan
Why is it Like That?Show Notes
Please note: This episode contains discussions of depression and suicidal thoughts, which may be distressing to some listeners. If you need to reach out for support, you can contact Lifeline 24 hours a day on 13-11-14.
After facing deep personal despair, Dr Paul Callaghan found healing and purpose through Aboriginal law, culture, and connection to Country. In this powerful conversation, Paul shares how Indigenous wisdom reframes life around care, unity, and responsibility rather than rights and competition. Through stories of self-discovery and cultural insight, he reveals that true wellbeing comes when all things (people, nature, and community) are well. Paul reminds us that leadership begins with love, healing begins with connection, and that to live the best story possible, we must first remember who we are and where we come from.
Paul is an Aboriginal man belonging to the land of the Worimi people, now called Port Stephens. He occupies Professor roles at the University of Melbourne, RMIT University and Charles Sturt University. Paul’s best-selling book, The Dreaming Path, received the Australian Book Industry Award for ‘Small Publisher’s Adult Book of the Year’ in 2023, and his children’s book, Adventures on the Dreaming Path, was published on 1 July 2025.
For more information, click here Paul’s Website The Dreaming Path Adventures on the Dreaming Path UnSchools Land recognition
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