Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond

What are the challenges facing Australians affected by asbestos and dust-related diseases? Renowned author and broadcaster James O’Loghlin hosts a series of inspiring conversations with patients, carers, health care practitioners and lawyers who share their personal perspectives. Created by ADDRI, we dive into the emotional and challenging experiences of individuals facing asbestos and dust-related diseases, as well as those that treat and care for them. Through these stories, we offer information, understanding and hope.

Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond is a health podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 33 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond, a health show with 33 episodes published.

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  Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond

  Understanding Radiation Therapy in Mesothelioma Care

  Aug 19, 202625 min

  Radiation therapy doesn’t get talked about as much as chemotherapy or immunotherapy in mesothelioma care - but it can make a real difference. In this episode, James O’Loghlin speaks with Radiation Oncologist A/Prof Susan Harden who brings her extensive experience across the UK and Australia to explain how targeted radiation can help manage pain, what new technologies like proton therapy could mean for the future, and why specialist mesothelioma nurses are so essential for patients and families. And Susan shares an important message for people newly diagnosed – you don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out to specialist nurses - whether at your hospital or through ADDRI. Ask about trials, second opinions and support options – and be assured that there is a growing network of people working to help you live better and longer with mesothelioma. Associate Professor Susan Harden works as a Consultant Radiation Oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. She is Research Lead for the Department of Radiation Oncology and is an honorary Associate Professor for the Cancer Registries Research Programme at Monash University. Read more about Susan here: https://www.petermac.org/expert-finder/details/susan-harden Susan is also part of the specialist group that ADDRI has brought together under the Commonwealth Mesothelioma Alliance – a partnership between ADDRI and Mesothelioma UK, funded by the Biaggio Signorelli Foundation. Mesothelioma UK has a network of trained specialist mesothelioma nurses around the UK - Australia has none. The aim is to replicate the UK mesothelioma nurse model in Australia, as well as share research and training. You can read more about the Australian Mesothelioma Registry here . To find out more about ADDRI, visit: www.addri.org.au Thank you to our podcast interviewer and host, James O’Loghlin and producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios . If you have any questions or comments, please email info@addri.org.au .

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  Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond

  Keeping Australia focused on preventing the next wave of asbestos and silica disease

  Jul 20, 202636 min

  In this episode, James speaks with Jodie Deakes, CEO of the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA), about why asbestos and silica remain critical public health challenges in Australia - and what’s being done to prevent future disease. Although asbestos was banned more than 20 years ago, the problem is far from over. An estimated six million tonnes of asbestos remains embedded in Australia’s built environment, much of it well beyond its intended lifespan. Combined with the increasing impact of natural disasters such as bushfires and floods, the risk of exposure may actually be growing. Recent incidents involving asbestos-contaminated mulch and imported products are reminders that ongoing vigilance is essential. The conversation also explores silica dust exposure. Australia has led the world with its landmark ban on engineered stone, a significant public health achievement. But as Jodie explains, a ban can create a false sense that the problem has been solved. Silica dust continues to pose serious health risks across a range of industries, including mining, tunnelling and construction. Jodie outlines ASSEA’s role in coordinating a national response across governments, regulators, industry and communities. She discusses the National Strategic Plans for Asbestos and Silica (2024–2030), which focus on three key priorities: preventing exposure, supporting people affected by disease, and working with neighbouring countries to build awareness and capability. This is an excellent conversation about the importance of awareness, vigilance and collective action in preventing disease and reducing exposure. As Jodie puts it, the ultimate goal by 2030 is to “do myself out of a job.” Jodie Deakes was appointed as CEO of ASSEA for a five-year term beginning on 19 November 2023 and is responsible for managing the affairs and operations of ASSEA and ensuring the agency carries out its statutory functions. In her own words when taking up the role, Jodie said the agency would play a "central role in coordinating, monitoring and reporting on national efforts to eliminate both asbestos and silica-related diseases in Australia" and would work to build awareness of exposure risks and strengthen protections. Before becoming CEO, Deakes held senior leadership positions with SafeWork NSW and the Queensland Office of Industrial Relations, and had previously served on the agency's advisory council. In practical terms, her role is not to regulate workplaces directly or enforce laws. Instead, she leads the national coordination, policy, research, awareness and strategic planning efforts that help governments and stakeholders reduce asbestos- and silica-related harm across Australia. Find out more about the national response to asbestos and silica, read the National Strategic Plans and find helpful information on the ASSEA site here . Read the new 2026 Guidelines and Recommendations for the Management of Pleural Mesothelioma in Australia here . To find out more about ADDRI, visit here . Thank you to our podcast interviewer and host, James O’Loghlin , and producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios . If you have any questions or comments, please email info@addri.org.au

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  Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond

  The psychological impact of a life-limiting diagnosis

  May 19, 202643 minS0

  <p>How do you cope with the shock of a terminal or life-limiting diagnosis?  In this episode of Dust Disease Diaries, James O’Loghlin speaks with psychiatrist and mental health expert Professor Ian Hickie about the psychological impact of a dust disease diagnosis.  </p><p>As co-hosts of the Minding Your Mind podcast that delves into all aspects of mental health, Ian and James are used to tackling the tough topics.  In this conversation they focus on the psychological and emotional impact on people who have received the shocking diagnosis of mesothelioma or silicosis.  They discuss common reactions in the early days...

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  Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond

  On the road to early detection: Inside icare’s Lung Bus and its mission to protect NSW workers

  Apr 21, 202628 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Dust Disease Diaries, we’re joined by Milly Heinnen, Head of Health Screening, Dust Diseases Care at icare, who shares how mobile lung health screening – the icare Lung Bus - is helping protect workers across NSW from asbestos and silica-related diseases. Milly explains the role of the Dust Diseases Care Scheme, how the new state-of-the-art Lung Bus launched in February 2025 is expanding access to free screening, and what workers can expect during the process - from X-rays and lung function tests to specialist review and follow‑up. She discusses why early detection is critical, how data is...

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  Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond

  Supporting Mesothelioma patients across Western Australia: A specialist nurse pers

  Mar 16, 202627 minS0

  <p>In this episode, we speak with Kirsten Mooney about the vital role specialist nurses play in supporting people diagnosed with mesothelioma, and the realities of delivering care across Western Australia. Trained in Edinburgh and now a Thoracic Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant in WA, Kirsten sits down with James O’Loghlin to explain how specialist nurses guide patients from diagnosis through treatment and palliative care, manage complex symptoms, advocate in multidisciplinary meetings, and provide a consistent, trusted point of contact during an overwhelming time. With mesothelioma often carrying significant psychological and social impact, continuity of care can make a significant di...

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