Kintsugi Heroes: Uncovering our Hidden Value

Born and raised in the UK, Adam led a relatively routine life, growing up in a close-knit community. He pursued studies in business, where he honed his skills in management and leadership. He then embarked on a successful career in the business sector, becoming known as a reliable and innovative leader.Adam met his future wife, Anna, in a nightclub in the UK, sparking a love that would lead to a nurturing and adventurous partnership. Together, they raised two children, Noah and Manon, balancing family life with their busy professional careers.In 2017, tragedy struck when Anna was diagnosed with bladder cancer, abruptly changing their family dynamics. Anna passed 14 months after her diagnosis, leaving Adam to navigate single parenthood and the emotional toll on their young children.Inspired by Anna, Adam founded Beat Bladder Cancer Australia, focusing on support and awareness for bladder cancer patients.Late, he met Catherine, forming a blended family and learning to balance past grief with newfound joy.At 54, Adam's professional life  has flourished with consulting and charity work, while he embraces personal growth and future adventures.*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Tim started as an IT salesman for Fujitsu, receiving a computer as payment from a cash-strapped client. This unforeseen twist sparked his interest in programming. After getting the computer, Tim self-taught programming and database skills. He used these newfound abilities to develop systems for selling scuba gear.Tim's adventurous spirit led him into the scuba gear business. Despite initial success, a business dispute forced him to exit, demonstrating his resilience.Tim next worked in illegal casinos in South Africa. This unconventional job matched his thrill-seeking nature. Seeking new horizons, Tim transitioned into the music industry before realizing his true passion lay elsewhere, prompting him to pursue formal computing education.Tim met his future wife at a programming college. Their shared ambition eventually took them to Australia in 2001, initially for a short-term experience for Asian exposure but chose to settle permanently in Australia after having children, opting for a stable environment away from South Africa.Compulsory military service during South African conflicts in Angola and Namibia traumatized Tim, affecting his emotional responses for years. Soldiers' dark humour was a coping mechanism.Struggling with old traumas, Tim had a significant emotional breakthrough at his aunt's funeral. This led to a gradual emotional awareness and self-reflection journey.Embracing mindfulness and meditation, Tim learned to live in the present. His aspirations now focus on meaningful relationships and continuing his personal growth with loved ones and living near to the water, providing him with a sense of peace, tranquility, and balance in his life.*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Alex's parents were displaced WWII refugees from Europe, eventually moving to Australia where Alex was born in the 1960s. She faced cultural and language barriers growing up.Because she started school at eight and a half, Alex missed the early formative years. She attended irregularly, faced integration challenges, and was labelled as a slow learner. This led to significant educational hardships.Introduced to narcotics in high school, Alex used substances to cope, which led to deeper addiction issues. Despite this, she completed her secondary education and enrolled in TAFE.Immersed in the drug culture, Alex moved to a communal farm and later Sydney’s Kings Cross, where she faced addiction, crime, and survival struggles. She experienced close bonds as well as significant losses.Alex endured trauma from losing partners to drugs and arrests for criminal activities. A pivotal arrest and subsequent miscarriage marked rock bottom for her and propelled her towards change.Determined to reinvent herself, Alex pursued her education, acquiring degrees in forensic medicine and mental health. She focused on understanding trauma and healing. Alex now travels globally, sharing her story of survival and transformation. She runs a private practice, has written a book, and enjoys her role as a grandmother to her five grandchildren.*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Raised in Brisbane, Filipe’s parents immigrated to Australia from Portugal, driven by the allure of "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo," grounding his understanding of belonging and community from an early age.Filipe’s family, especially his mother, supported him through his dyslexia, teaching him resilience and fostering his self-confidence despite academic challenges.At 17, a formative trip to Cambodia opened Filipe’s eyes to the struggles of an orphanage, igniting his passion for sustainable community service and support models. When he was 19, Filipe founded a non-profit providing medical services in Cambodia and Vietnam, demonstrating his commitment to community service and blending this with his business acumen.Dyslexia forced Filipe to be innovative and persistent. It became a strength, helping him develop self-confidence and comfort in public speaking through creative problem-solving.Early in his career, Filipe worked with the Australian Red Cross in emergency services and in statutory out-of-home care for children, expanding his experience in direct community support. To gain insights from high-performing organizations, Filipe joined Sonder, an Australian startup, learning the importance of planning, communication, and execution in organizational success.Over the past six months, Filipe dedicated himself to listening to mentors, mentees, and community members, understanding their needs and the universal craving for a sense of belonging. As CEO of a small organization, Filipe navigates the heavy responsibility of ensuring operational stability while striving to make a meaningful impact on men's mental health.Filipe’s vision includes redefining societal perceptions of masculinity, promoting vulnerability and emotional honesty, and employing practical mental health strategies like outdoor activities to support well-being.Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filipegamaesilvaWebsite: https://mentoring.men/*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Born in the UK in 1952, Bob's early life was tough. He was premature, had a volatile relationship with his mother and was often bullied at school, he shares these formative experiences.He began as an engineering apprentice but found his true calling in music. Bob played music on boats during pub nights, entertaining the passengers. Moving to Australia in 1989 Bob's music career flourished. Quitting his engineering job marked a pivotal turn, as Australia became a fertile ground for his musical pursuits.Deeply influenced by bands like the Berkshire Ramblers and Kelpie, Bob found his heart truly resonates with folk and Irish music, genres that he passionately embraces to this day.Bob's music career highlights include diverse performances, crowned by a remarkable show for Prince Charles in 1993, showcasing his versatile artistry.A heartfelt song dedicated to his son, an aerospace engineer now. "Sonny's Dream" encapsulates the emotional distance yet profound love in their father-son relationship.For Bob, music isn't just sound but a therapeutic tool. He believes in the healing power of sharing stories and emotions, a simple yet powerful form of recovery. Committed to emotional connection, Bob uses song as a storytelling vehicle, believing “Feelings are healings” and emphasizing simplicity in both life and music.Motivated by deeply personal experiences, Bob’s mission is to eradicate suicide. He challenges conventional views on mental health, advocating for self-awareness and heart-centred healing. After a near-death experience in 2008, leading to profound self-discovery and healing, Bob’s life philosophy revolves around simplicity and integrity. He shares his belief in a collective human evolution and his privilege in witnessing the rise of integrity over power. Despite severe health challenges like depression and prostate cancer, Bob trusts in natural remedies and his body's healing power, demonstrating his resilient and holistic approach to life.*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Gina McClement has a story of resilience and her dedication to healing and helping others. She grew up in a structured, education-centric environment, which fostered critical thinking, but as a child, she experienced a high conflict separation between her parents.Despite a privileged education, Gina grew up with undiagnosed ADHD not receiving a diagnosis until her early forties. Her early challenges influenced her empathy and insight into the neurodiverse experiences of her clients.Gina has undergone over 25 years of therapy which allowed her to connect deeply with herself and recognise the power of healing.Gina achieved significant success in marketing and sports marketing. However, after a 20-year corporate career and the challenges of motherhood she experienced burnout. So Gina flipped and followed her passion, founding Living In Bloom, a private mind therapy practice where her client promise is - "Grow Into You." In her practice Gina focuses on neurodiverse individuals. She emphasises relational healing, attachment theory, and the impact of early childhood experiences. Gina is driven by her belief, that it is everyone's right to love themselves wholeheartedly, and she walks alongside her clients who are on this journey. BiographyGina's holds a Master in Counselling, a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and a Bachelor of Business. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, an Advanced Clinical Resource Therapist and Trainer as well as a Meditation Teacher and member of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association. Primarily she practices psychodynamic psychotherapy with a focus on neurodiversity and is LGBTQIA+ affirming. What truly brings value to her clients' is her commitment to her craft, her Lived Experience and unwavering belief that healing is not only possible but a human right. Gina practices face to face and via telehealth across Australia and New Zealand. She works with people aged 17+ and with parents raising children with ADHD.Social Media:https://livinginbloom.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginamcclement/https://www.facebook.com/livinginbloom.ginamcclement/https://www.instagram.com/gina.mcclement/https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/counselling/gina-mcclement-pagewood-nsw*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || a...

After retiring from rugby, Wes Bending purchased a farm in Bunya in 2006, fulfilling his father's dying wish to retire in the countryside. His father, terminally ill with cancer, passed away the day after the purchase. This period marked the beginning of Wes's journey into farming and a rural lifestyle.In memory of his brother who committed suicide in 2012, Wes and his brother Rob created the Crownback Classic. Held annually from 2013 to 2018, this event provided support to men needing a break and raised over $20,000 for Northern Beaches Lifeline.Following their marriage in 2013 Wes and his wife moved to various rentals before convincing his wife to move near Bunya in 2017. Despite his efforts, Wes went through a tough separation, impacting his relationship with his children. He stresses the importance of support during such challenging times.Wes and his friends honoured their fallen friends through Friday morning surfing. He believes that modern society makes it hard for men to find opportunities for male bonding due to financial pressures and other constraints. Wes credits his understanding of pure love and his spiritual journey to his experiences with plant medicines. These experiences changed his perspective on relationships and connections, advocating for exploration over judgment.Finding strength in daily mindfulness practices, yoga, Wes sees beauty in everyday life, inspired by scenes like a plastic bag floating in the wind. He aims to start a Bunya yoga club and men's retreat to give back to the community.Wes values mentoring young people to help them heal from childhood trauma. He finds genuine gratitude more fulfilling than financial gain. Through reflection and openness to learning from others, he has gained wisdom from life's experiences and the passing of close family members.*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Wayne's early years were filled with rugby union and league, providing him companionship and a mental outlet. Despite personal struggles with depression, sports helped him cope.From a young age, Wayne faced debilitating depression, navigating periods of despair unseen by others. Misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment marked his early experiences with mental health systems but did not define him.Transitioning from sports to the real world, Wayne joined the fire brigade, discovering a renewed purpose. Nevertheless, he encountered setbacks and tough lessons in trust, which impacted his mental health journey.After years of battling treatment-resistant depression, Wayne found substantial help under Dr. Gordon Parker at the Black Dog Institute and his path to mental wellness began taking shape.After his 17 years at Black Dog, Wayne dedicates his life to men's mental health advocacy. His straightforward communication style and personal experiences break stigmas and foster open dialogues, inspiring countless individuals.Wayne champions a new view of masculinity, advocating that seeking help is strength, not weakness. He emphasises emotional health, being a good person, and family bonds over societal standards of material success.Wayne’s transformative journey impacted his family positively, inspiring his son to seek mental health help. Focusing on the present, he stresses self-forgiveness and using life's challenges as growth milestones.BiographyWayne Wigham is a passionate lived experience speaker with 18 years of experience presenting to rural and remote communities, and corporates including keynote and charity presentations to sporting and community groups. He is a consultant on men and youth mental health.SocialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-wigham-19683686*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Born in Sri Lanka with limited career options, Jetha's perfectionist tendencies and cultural isolation triggered mental health challenges early on. His parents' courageous move to Australia provided new opportunities but also difficulties adapting.Jetha battled obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety in silence for years, with the conditions significantly impacting his life. He felt shame about the disorders and suffered alone, without openly seeking help, even as he advanced his corporate career.Grappling with OCD forced Jetha to redefine success beyond corporate achievements. He recognized the importance of building self-worth, not relying only on external validation. Authenticity and self-compassion became key, even as he continued professional advancement.A pivotal moment for Jetha was an encounter with cancer patients sleeping on hospital floors in Sri Lanka. It reignited Jetha's childhood aspiration to help others and he launched a naïve but persistent effort to make a difference through fundraising.Jetha's 20-year philanthropic journey establishing a cancer transit home, lifeline centre, and other initiatives in Sri Lanka gave rise to the Courage, Compassion and Commitment (CCC) Foundation. These three virtues guided his life and work. Jetha's mental health experiences and philanthropy shaped his focus on psychological resilience - the ability to "bounce with and bounce off adversity." He emphasized building self-worth, psychological safety, strong relationships and having realistic expectations for thriving despite challenges.At age 56, Jetha boldly restarted his career to share his insights on mental well-being. His "Let's Talk" program and CCC Foundation aim to foster honest conversations, reduce stigma and help people feel seen, heard and valued."A simple conversation can be the difference between an end or a beginning". My passion is to make it a beginning by enabling everyone to feel SEEN, HEARD and VALUED. Feeling valued fundamental for our emotional wellbeing and our ability to connect, learn and contribute.ContactLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jetha-devapura-576a2a6Website: https://letstalkprogram.org/*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting...

Glenys Reid is the CEO of the Chatty Cafe Foundation in Australia, an initiative focused on addressing loneliness and social isolation through facilitating conversations in coffee shops and cafes. Glenys has a background marked by resilience, shaped by her family's experience, particularly her father's time as a prisoner of war. Her family's attitude towards life and survival has significantly influenced her approach to adversity. Glenys attributes her wisdom and values to the diverse experiences and cultures she encountered through her privileged upbringing, which included education, travel, and scholarships.Before founding Chatty Cafe, Glenys worked in the corporate sector, facing mental health issues and employment challenges, particularly in 2017. She places strong emphasis on the importance of physical fitness and its impact on mental health, advocating for the integration of physical activity and social connections in daily life.She was inspired to start Chatty Cafe in 2019 after her own experiences of loneliness and social isolation led her to notice people sitting alone in cafes. Despite various challenges, including national bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully launched Chatty Cafe and grew it to over 230 venues with more than 70 volunteers across Australia.Glenys values kindness and social connection. She defines kindness as a competency and believes in the power of one person to make a difference, stressing the importance of listening to others' stories and building meaningful relationships. Social Mediahttps://chattycafeaustralia.org.au/https://www.facebook.com/chattycafeaustraliahttps://www.instagram.com/ChattyCafeAUS/https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenys-reid-8385521a/*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Alan's personal experience with homelessness and mental health challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, informs his empathetic approach to peer support work. He transitioned from a career as a financial advisor to a peer worker position in suicide prevention, where he co-designs and implements vital services to support those in crisis.Alan is an inspiring community advocate and leader, known for his contributions to various community initiatives. Some of his notable undertakings include:Founding the Sydney Community Safe Space. This is a safe-haven for individuals in crisis, providing a supportive environment for those in need. Setting up a Men's Space Supper Club which aim to foster camaraderie, support, and open dialogue among men, encouraging them to share their experiences and challenges in a safe and supportive setting.Conversation Cafes which are designed to encourage open, meaningful conversations within the community, helping individuals connect, share, and support one another. Additionally, Alan is actively involved with the Public Interest Advocacy Centres. He strives to bring honest, compassionate support to the community and advocate for tailored, non-clinical approaches to mental health. His focus on vulnerability, patience, and discipline reflects his commitment to making a positive impact and shining a light for others facing similar struggles. Alan's ultimate hope is to see systemic changes that provide appropriate support to prevent individuals from taking their own lives and to foster a world where everyone's unique needs and interests are addressed. On a personal level, he aspires to have a fulfilling life, maintain hope, and improve his relationships with family and friends. He has committed himself to a resourceful lifestyle in recovery. *****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Tracie Eaton is an Internationally-renowned & award winning Australian artist with an artistic career spanning over 17 years. Tracie’s studio is located on the Gold Coast, QLD, Australia. Her personal experiences with burnout propelled Tracie to transition from corporate to creative pursuits, emphasizing the importance of listening to one’s inner needs and embracing purposeful change.With a background in occupational therapy, Tracie explores the emotional impact of colours in her art, using them as a therapeutic tool to unlock and express feelings.Tracie utilises art to inspire and fundraise for Destiny Rescue, highlighting how creativity can drive social and emotional transformation, and uplift exploited communities.Tracie addresses sex trafficking head-on, advocating for societal awareness and action, while illustrating how collective efforts can lead to significant impacts on global and local scales.Tracie’s connections with Hollywood celebrities amplify her mission, using their influence and reach to raise awareness and support for rescuing children from exploitation and trafficking.BiographyTracie is a self-taught artist with a painting style that is expressive & unique, with her creativity knowing no bounds. Her luxurious artworks are bold, textured with loose form & brush strokes, and has been described by curators as ‘passion-art’ – “everyone who sees it loves it.”Tracie specialises in creating original acrylic & mixed media artworks for the luxury art sector. Tracie is often referred to as a ‘Celebrity Artist’ following her exclusive 3-year commissions (2019-2021 and 2023 -2005) to create bespoke artwork for Oscar’s nominees & winners, with an impressive list of Hollywood A-listers, In 2024 Tracie won the international Masterful Minds award by Circle Foundation. She has also been recognised as International Acrylic Artist of the Year Award (Australia) by Lux Life). Tracie has also established the Art for Rescue initiative, an approved fundraiser for the Charity Destiny Rescue, established to eradicate sex trafficking and exploitation of children. In 2023 Tracie was awarded the Best Acrylic Artist – Asia-Pacific by APAC. Additionally, Tracie was the only international artist invited, and participate in a joint digital exhibition in ToDA(Dubai). In 2022, she recognised by Lux Life as the Leading Luxury Art Company - Australia and has been awarded the Leonardo Da Vinci International Artist Award for Outstanding Artistic Merit for her acrylic & mixed media piece ‘Flowers In Bloom.’In 2022 Tracie was recognised by APAC Best Original Painting & Art Studio QLD & Most Creative Australian Arts & Painting Company. In 2021 Tracie Eaton was recognised by GAA as one of the Leading & Investable Contemporary Artists worldwide and included in their Curated publication for distribution to galleries, collectors, art museums & art fairs around the world. She was listed by Herrington Publications as one of the top 25 Global Woman Change Makers of the year. During the last five years Tracie was involved in over 20 live art performances, solo or joint exhibitions. Social MediaART FOR RESCUE:https://artforrescue.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/art.for.rescue/TRACIE EATON:https://www.tracieeaton.com/https://www.facebook.com/TracieEatonArtist

Jas describes her experiences with domestic violence as a young teen, which included she and her mother running through the bush to seek safety and then spending 9 months in a safe house. Jas's experiences with her father’s emotional abuse, led to self-esteem and body image struggles, highlighting the deep impact of non-physical forms of abuse. She lost her abusive Dad to suicide at 18 but was able to rebuild her life and learn to thrive.Jas changed her life to ensure her son’s different upbringing, emphasising the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse and negative patterns.Why non-physical forms of domestic violence (such as gaslighting and coercive control) are just as dangerous as physical violence, and how young people can learn to spot the red flags earlyJas's journey from suffering to becoming an advocate for abuse survivors, stressing the importance of mentorship, especially for men, and its effects on mental health. In her book "The Stories We Carry," Jas emphasises changing one’s perception and narrative to break free from trauma, fostering hope and personal growth. Jas recounts her transition from feeling voiceless to finding strength through drama and theatre, and ultimately becoming a powerful voice for abuse survivors.BiographyJas Rawlinson is an award-winning keynote speaker, advocate and author who empowers survivors and communities to transform shame into strength through the power of storytelling. Combining her lived experience as a domestic/sexual violence survivor, with a bachelors' degree in creative writing and psychology, Jas is highly renowned for her natural ability to break through stigmatized social issues, and has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide. She's the author of the best-selling memoir 'The Stories We Carry', and the suicide prevention series 'Reasons to Live', both of which have been endorsed by names such as Lifeline, ABC, Women's Legal Service QLD & America's National Centre on Sexual Exploitation. Jas is also a proud anti-trafficking ambassador who has spent time with survivors and investigators in SE Asia, and in 2022, swam with sharks on reality TV to end child abuse (before an audience of 100 million) on Channel 7's award-winning TV series 'Adventure All Stars'. Above all, Jas believes that everyone has a story with the power to inspire, impact, and change lives.Social Media Links www.jasrawlinson.com/speakingwww.jasrawlinson.com/thestorieswecarrywww.instagram.com/jas_rawlinsonwww.facebook.com/jasrawlinsonofficial*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube ||

Stacey suffered from childhood trauma due to parental divorce and remarriages. This caused instability, hyper vigilance, and long-term emotional impacts on her self-esteem and behaviours. Her parents divorced and each remarried within a few months so her life changed rapidly. She explains once that trauma responses like Fight, flight, freeze, and appease are understood, it is possible to have deeper insights into adult behaviours stemming from unhealed childhood traumas. Stacey shares that  beliefs like ‘needing to protect everyone’ and ‘having no one reliable’, lead to hyper-independence and emotional breakdowns.   She describes her struggle with chronic fatigue and autoimmune conditions exacerbated anxiety and panic, despite 20 years of therapy and shifting to alternative healing practices.Through inner child work, authors like Brene Brown, and rapid transformational therapy she found a gradual path to peace, reducing anxiety frequencies and intensities. Emphasizing that peace coexists with challenges, Stacey underscores the impact of supportive affirmations, rejecting "brokenness," and maintaining hope amidst recovery from trauma. In her practice Stacey employs rapid transformational therapy to reframe subconscious beliefs, fostering micro shifts that gradually transform thoughts, actions, and behaviours towards peace.BiographyStacey Uhrig, Coach and Trauma Specialist, journeys through some of life's most difficult topics around Mental Health. She has two core beliefs, "There is a gift in every challenge" and "There is purpose in the pain.". Stacey believes that "life is a series of experiences divinely designed for us" and it is her goal to help you flip your mindset and see your life challenges and experiences through a new more relevant lens. Stacey is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, Certified in Hypnosis and a Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner. She is a speaker, podcast host of Flip Your Mindset, and sees clients 1:1 in her private practice.Social Media @staceyuhrigwww.flipyourmindset.comwww.instagram.com/staceyuhrigwww.facebook.com/staceyuhrig*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of...

Chris Edwards is a father of a son who died by suicide in 2021. He has a history of suicide ideation, brought about by domestic violence and abuse in his early life.  His experiences and events like these, drive him to share his story, with the hope that the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide can be minimised, if not diminished.Chris's childhood in a violent home profoundly affected his mental health, leading to struggles with self-identity, self-harm, and substance abuse. After hitting rock bottom, Chris made a life-changing decision to quit drugs at 30, experiencing severe physical withdrawal but beginning his path to recovery.He experienced pseudo seizures linked to anxiety and underwent extensive rehabilitation. This physical struggle mirrored his emotional battles and quest for stability. After his father's death and estrangement from his children, Chris faced deep isolation, prompting a profound need for self-reflection and change.Chris's experience with trauma and recovery inspired him to support mental health initiatives, emphasising the importance of openness and breaking stigmas around mental health.Meeting his wife in 2013 marked a turning point, providing emotional support and stability, helping Chris to overcome many personal challenges and setbacks. Chris's grief after his son Josh’s suicide in 2021 inspired the creation of Walk It Off, fostering a supportive community focused on mental health and resilience.Walk It Off highlights recovery by walking and sharing stories. This creates space for healing and self-reflection. Completing his degree and aiming to become a mental health advocate, Chris seeks to provide education and support, transforming his pain into purpose.Contactwalkitoff.org.aufacebook.com/WalkItOffAustralia*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Helen Ryan's story starts with her describing how she overcame her shocking childhood in Norway and early adult life challenges. She shares her traumatic childhood with an alcoholic mother and facing sexual abuse while detailing her mother's risky behaviour.She recounts living a nomadic lifestyle after working in the district attorney's office during the night stalker murders, fostering her fearlessness. Helen describes her transformative experiences traveling with her children after her youngest graduated, finding resilience and new perspectives abroad. She highlights gaining managing skills and unique opportunities through her job at a Los Angeles online magazine, helping her son meet a band. Helen talks about embracing photography, especially at rock concerts, and learning to seize opportunities fearlessly without perfect conditions.Reflecting on overcoming obesity through spinning and empowerment, Helen discusses her journey of regaining control and finding self-worth. She travelled the world as a middle aged digital nomad, started a walking podcast to inspire people to take small steps toward big changes, and wrote two books. Helen now runs a boutique graphic design and marketing agency.Contact:https://walkingandtalking.showhttps://realhelenmryan*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Mathew Townsend is a neurodiverse social entrepreneur based in Brisbane. Growing up with disabilities he faced discrimination and prejudice finding his pathways into career and passions. Being socially isolated he often had anxiety and depression, causing him to feel low and uncharacteristic. He wasn't confident to speak up about himself to help people to understand his disabilities, and how to compromise. He went to study Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Environmental Management at two universities, but was often put in wrong place and position for finding the right people to befriend.Employers continued to reject him despite his passions and experience. Nature Freedom started from his volunteer experience with Landcare. He had support from young Landcarers who are social entrepreneurs like him.He is passionate and experienced in starting up businesses, public speaking engagements, environmental management, and sustainability. Mathew grew up facing social and employment barriers that lead him to start up Nature Freedom, so he can hire himself and other people with disabilities. Nature Freedom, aims to improve accessibility and inclusion in outdoor adventures and nature-based activitiesHis dream ambitions are focusing on an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable society, especially his passion about protecting nature from destruction, climate change and improving sustainability in our community. ContactWebsite: https://naturefreedom.org.au/*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Mike Armstrong is an award-winning contemporary artist, author and veteran of the Australian Army for 23 years. He served in East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq and was part of the Tactical assault Group East.He did his Master of Arts while deployed in Iraq, and now works in a variety of media from his art studio in Canberra. Mike has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ballarat, Master of Arts in Creative Arts from USQ and a Masters in Cyber Security from UNSW.Mike supports veteran’s health through art, movement and connection. He uses his art to explore his and other veteran experiences after service as they live with PTSD. He offers regular opportunities for people through his projects Voices of Veterans and Rogue BJJ.Mike created Voices of Veterans in 2021. It is an award-winning art photography project that uses molasses as a metaphor for living with PTSD. Since then, Voices of Veterans has influenced countless veterans and their families to get help and created awareness of the veteran health crisis through exhibitions around Australia. Mike facilitates art workshops and is a mentor to artists, works with art galleries, museums and events around Australia.He holds black belts in several martial arts including Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ). His studio, Rogue BJJ supports veterans and first responders to connect them to BJJ as a healing modality. In 2023 Mike was awarded the Uni SQ Alumni community Service award.His companion dog Squish accompanies him everywhere.*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Neil Morley opens up about his incredible journey from a challenging upbringing to finding success and fulfillment in Australia. His story is a powerful reminder of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and following your heart.BiographyI was born in Liverpool UK and raised by my grandmother who had 11 children. She raised me as number 12. My mother has always had mental health issues and still does today, I have never met my father. I grew up in a council flat (Government housing) when I was around 12, we moved to a different government housing estate that was plagued with heroin addicts. While living in this area, I was always worried about going outside and was constantly in flight or flight mode. I was beaten up an a number of occasions. I left school at 16 and did Music and Drama, I did plays/musicals in Europe and I also sing and play guitar. I have done this for a living when I was in my early 20's and played at local pubs and clubs. Just before my 20th birthday I applied for a Working Holiday Visa for Australia and spent 1 year in Australia in 1995-1996, this was the best year of my life up to that point. I have been a camp councilor with African American kids in the USA teaching music and football (Soccer). have worked as a residential social worker at a boarding school with kids who were close to going to kids prison. I also worked with adults and children with Autism and did 3 years at a London High school as a Learning Mentor. I have since gone on to get married, have 2 children and owned a recruitment business for close to 14 years. The last year has been by far the most challenging year I have had.Edit Hero Background*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Dan Grey grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and loves to surf. He had a loving and nurturing childhood with strong familial relationships and connections to nature. He was academically challenged due to ADHD, which required extra support in school and medication during high school that significantly improved his grades. He studied public health and community services, reflecting his interest in community well-being and human connection. Dan’s passion is music, playing the drums, and enjoys entering a flow state through the creative aspects of music. He emphasises the importance of meditation and connecting with nature in his daily routine to maintain mental and emotional health. Dan expresses a strong desire to work in the music industry and make a difference by creating community-based spaces for connection, meditation and healing. Dan describes the challenges of transitioning between tasks and managing distractions, which are significant aspect of his neurodiversity. He also describes the stigma and experiences of neurodiverse individuals.He is determined to create supportive resources and communities to help others facing similar challenges and contribute to the health and well-being of others.‘Music has been such a healing thing for me; singing, live music and listening to music in general. I truly believe if you can get a bunch of people, thousands of people together and have a band play in front of them, and to experience that feeling of seeing live music, people can be healed and we can decrease crime or any sense of, hostility just from the experience of seeing music.’*****We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contactWe hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes teamYouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || WebsiteTheme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.