This very special episode brings together the full crew behind Iraq 100—a bold, beautiful, and timely endurance project retracing the steps of refugee journeys through Northern Iraq. It’s the first time this diverse team has gathered on a call, and the energy is undeniable.

Host Tim Buxton is joined by filmmaker Kitali Wilson, ultra-runner and coach Mario Buchs, storyteller and humanitarian Matt Willingham, media producer Ihsan, and crew member Troy, each bringing unique passion and purpose to this mission.

Together, they unpack the heart behind Iraq 100: a 100-mile run symbolizing the courage of those forced to flee, and the power of storytelling to humanize conflict and inspire compassion. From frontline realities to hopeful vision, this conversation is rich with purpose, camaraderie, and collective courage.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to the Iraq 100 Crew

02:59 – Personal Stories and Motivations

05:56 – The Role of Storytelling

09:07 – Understanding the Context of Iraq

11:48 – Current Tensions and Hopes for Peace

14:57 – Endurance, Displacement, and Running for Change

21:11 – Why Storytelling Matters Now More Than Ever

34:54 – Refugees, Resilience, and Finding Home

49:53 – Final Reflections and Collective Resolve

Keywords:

Iraq 100, refugees, storytelling, endurance, humanitarian, belonging, running, conflict, displacement, resilience, social impact, filmmaking, human connection, geopolitics, hope, You Belong

• Connect & Learn More: Matt Willingham | Ihsan Ibraheem | Kitali Wilson | Mario Buchs | Troy Jones

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  Learn More: ⁠⁠⁠timothybuxton.com/podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

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!

  
  

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Tim Buxton sits down with Rod Hopping—founder of Heritage Films (aka 'Movies Change People')—to explore the power of story, film, and community to transform lives.

Rod shares how Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ ignited his journey from business into the world of purpose-driven film distribution. From confronting personal grief and disillusionment to redefining inclusion, leadership, and faith, Rod opens up about the beauty found in brokenness—and why he believes that most of us are like the rest of us.

Plus: an inside look at the powerful social justice film Sound of Freedom and Rod’s reflections on story as a vehicle for healing, justice, and belonging.

Episode Takeaways

• How one film (Braveheart) changed Rod’s life and sparked a 20-year mission

• Why story—not sermons—can awaken the soul

• The messy beauty of rebuilding faith and community after loss

• Why Rod believes “if you have deep wells, you don’t need fences”

• The power of inclusive storytelling to foster empathy and change

• Behind the scenes on Sound of Freedom and its impact on viewers

• • How to find purpose in what’s already “in your hands”
  • Why your story matters—and someone needs to hear it

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  Keywords/Tags

  Braveheart, Passion of the Christ, social impact film, movie distribution, Rod Hopping, Heritage Films, Movies Change People, Sound of Freedom, storytelling, healing, social justice, belonging, faith deconstruction, inclusion, purpose, creative leadership, empathy, entrepreneurship, transformation, trauma, grief, cultural narrative, documentary impact, church & identity

  
  

  Connect & Learn More: ⁠Heritage Films | YouTube

  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!

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