Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond
Episodes
"We consider people fighters and warriors": Empowering people affected by dust diseases in WA.
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What support is available in Western Australia for people and families impacted by a dust disease?A lot — and in this episode, host James O’Loghli...
On the frontline: the vital role of the Clinical Nurse Consultant for lung cancer and mesothelioma patients
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Dust Disease Diaries, James O’Loghlin sits down with Amy O’Donnell, Clinical Nurse Consultant and the first lung cancer nurse ...
Living with mesothelioma – an American survivor’s story with Heather Von St. James
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James O’Loghlin sits down with Heather Von St. James – a remarkable 20-year survivor of mesothelioma, research advocate, and auth...
Asbestos. Not Here. Not Anywhere.
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just this week, a new legal battle is taking place in Indonesia. Activists who successfully secured a court ruling for mandatory labelling of asbes...
When the diagnosis is Mesothelioma: How the ADDRI Support Service helps patients and families navigate the journey
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When a person receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, they are often desperately searching for answers. In today’s episode, James O’Loghlin sits down w...
Shane Wormald - a Tunneller’s story
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we speak with Shane Wormald, a road tunnelling and mining worker who has been diagnosed with Progressive Massive Fibrosis, Silicosis,...
How do you create awareness of the hazards you can’t see? The critical role of unions in ensuring a healthy and safe workplace
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Each year, 4,000 Australians lose their lives to asbestos-related diseases—making it the leading killer of workers, not just in Australia but around...
I’ve been diagnosed with silicosis - how do I start the compensation and legal process?
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Walsh, a Principal Lawyer specialising in asbestos, silica, and occupational diseases with Maurice Blackbur...
In conversation with Professor Dean Fennell, international leader in mesothelioma research
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In August 2024, we were thrilled to host UK-based Professor Dean Fennell, a renowned expert in mesothelioma research, in Sydney. He has designed an...
Trailblazing support: the crucial role of Victim Support Groups
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James O’Loghlin sits down with Vicki Hamilton OAM, the CEO/Secretary of the Asbestos Council of Victoria and Gippsland Asbestos Rel...
Triumph and tragedy: the campaign to help ‘Mr Fluffy’ victims. In memory of James ‘Jum’ Wallner
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this very special episode, friends Bruce Wallner and James O’Loghlin catch up to remember Bruce’s younger brother and James’ dear friend Jame...
The challenges of coping with a Mesothelioma diagnosis: the essential role of the ADDRI Support Service
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families. Often, they may not understand what this means, where to start...
Who cares for the carer?
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Caring for a loved one with mesothelioma may be one of the greatest challenges a person may face. The heavy symptom burden of mesothelioma means that ...
What does a diagnosis of silicosis mean?
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this latest episode, James sits down with Professor Deborah Yates – the leading voice on silicosis and dust diseases. Professor Yates is a Respir...
Silicosis: navigating the legal compensation process
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you or someone you care about has received a diagnosis of silicosis or is worried about potential exposure, knowing where to start can feel overwhe...
A medical oncologist’s perspective on mesothelioma management
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when someone receives a diagnosis of mesothelioma and is referred to an oncologist? In this episode, we delve into the world of mesotheli...
Ken’s battle with engineered stone silicosis.
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How would it feel to be able to walk and talk – but not at the same time? Or to feel like you are breathing through a wet towel? Ken Parker is 48 ye...
What do you do if your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma? A carer and lawyer’s perspective.
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is the story of Biaggio Signorelli, a young migrant from Italy who arrived in Pyrmont, NSW, in the mid-1950s. From humble beginnings, Biaggio wen...
Why is the cleanup of the asbestos contaminated sites in Sydney taking so long? Part 2 of the Sydney asbestos exposure crisis
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Episode 9 of our podcast series. Today, we're diving into the lingering issue of asbestos contamination in Sydney, particularly discuss...
Trevor’s Mesothelioma Journey
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Trevor Seaman worked as an apprentice electrician in his hometown of Wagga Wagga. He then spent the next 35 years t...
What do we need to know about the Rozelle Parklands NSW asbestos exposure?
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s early 2024 and bonded asbestos has been found in mulch across Sydney. What do we need to know and should we be worried? In early 2024, bonded...
“I will carry you.” Meet one of the pioneering lawyers of asbestos litigation in Australia
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A young lawyer stumbles on an asbestos litigation case that sets him on a journey to drive legislative changes in NSW – changes that were then adopt...
Kate Cole OAM Certified Occupational Hygienist
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kate Cole OAM Certified Occupational Hygienist The history, hazards and massive health impacts of Silicosis in Australia Today’s conversation shin...
I’ve been diagnosed with a dust disease – how do I start the process for workers compensation?
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic: navigating the workers’ compensation process when diagnosed with a dust disease. In this conversation...
Lisa’s journey with mesothelioma
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A young girl helping her father to build a garden shed would never dream that the shavings she innocently played with would one day lead to a cancer d...
A doctor’s journey in treating mesothelioma patients
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When a patient visits an oncologist, they know they're facing a challenging journey. But what does it look like from the doctor's perspective?...
Dealing with a Cancer Diagnosis: Sandie’s Mesothelioma Journey
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the launch episode of our podcast series that dives into the emotional and challenging experiences of individuals facing asbestos and dust-...