In this first episode of the Iraq 100 Special Series, host Tim Buxton sits down with long-time friend and award-winning storyteller Matt Willingham to kick off an epic journey—one that’s about far more than running.

Together, they explore what it means to move with purpose—whether it’s running 100 miles through Iraqi mountains or standing in solidarity with people who’ve been forced to flee their homes. With deep reflections on their shared years in Iraq, the courage of the Syrian Kurds, and the often untold stories of refugee resettlement, this conversation lays the emotional and philosophical foundation for the Iraq 100 challenge and the Move 2 Belong campaign.

Expect heart, humour, and hope as they talk about the meaning of resilience, the symbolic power of movement, and the importance of humanising the refugee journey through storytelling.

This isn’t just a run—it’s a movement.

Key Takeaways

• Syrian Kurds are celebrated for their bravery and selflessness during conflict.

• Running becomes a metaphor—a way to honor those forced to flee.

• Displacement reshapes lives, but so does community, courage, and compassion.

• Storytelling humanizes refugee journeys and moves hearts.

• Migration is transformational—a historic force that has shaped people and civilizations.

• The resettlement phase of a refugee’s journey is often just as challenging as the escape.

• Collaborative creativity is essential to inspire change and spark empathy.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Banter, Drones, and Draft Trailers

• 03:06 – Syrian Kurds and Forgotten Heroism

• 05:55 – Iraq, Friendship, and a Deeper Call

• 09:00 – The Chaos and Beauty of Movement

• 11:57 – Running for Those Who Had No Choice

• 14:56 – Storytelling, Empathy & Media Dreams

• 17:46 – Tech, VR, and Getting People to Care

• 21:02 – The Often-Overlooked Struggles of Resettlement

• 23:54 – Final Thoughts and What’s Ahead

Learn More about Move 2 Belong & Matt Willingham

• Move 2 Belong Campaign: move2belong.com

• Support the Iraq 100 Journey: youbelong.org.au/iraq100

• Follow Matt’s work: @matt.willingham or visit mattwillingham.com

  
  

• Follow & Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠.

  Leave a Review: Your feedback helps us grow and reach more people.

  Share the Episode: Know someone who needs inspiration? Send them this episode!

  Learn More: ⁠⁠⁠timothybuxton.com/podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Follow Tim: ⁠⁠⁠@timothykbuxton⁠⁠⁠

  Thanks for tuning in and keep on engaging in the courageous conversations inspiring change!