Michelle grew up as an only child in Melbourne, surrounded by adults, in a quiet home shaped by grief, missed connections and a sense of being different from other children. Her early childhood was defined by few friends, no pets and a risk-averse environment, where independence grew from a lack of emotional nurturing and encouragement to play.Michelle learned to craft a polished exterior, which hid the turmoil within. She had two identities, one of which was secret, lonely, childless, heartbroken, morose and yearning belonging. As a teenager, Michelle found hidden family secrets, including a brother she never knew. She was left with unanswered questions and feelings of abandonment that shaped her sense of self. She discovered more about her family's Jewish roots and uncovered stories of survival, loss and silence through documents found in a suitcase in her attic.In 2016 the death of a loved one triggered deep systemic grief leading Michelle into therapy. Narrative work helped her understand around the patterns of grief and emotional neglect that had shaped her relationships and choices.Michelle explored the impact of generational trauma and epigenetics, learning how stories and emotions can be carried in families and influence our own sense of identity. She believes unspoken traumas and patterns can sabotage our health, work, finances and relationships if left unexamined. She guides others to resolve the past and begin healing.Michelle is an author, TEDx speaker, coach and mentor. She has postgraduate qualifications in Career Development, Education, Personal Branding and Image Management. Her memoir HUSH was published in 2024 and tracks the journey out from isolation. Linkshttps://www.michellescheibner.com/https://www.michellescheibner.com/authorhttps://www.instagram.com/the_identity_activator/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellescheibner/*****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
Lance grew up moving often, with a tough childhood and feelings of not fitting in. He struggled at school, found it hard to make friends and often felt alone. Early on, Lance showed signs of ADHD and anger, feeling out of place and hearing constant criticism which shaped his self-belief and experience at home and school. He started work young, taking on paper rounds and mowing lawns. After working as a builder he felt restless and wanting more. At age 35, he joined the New Zealand police force. He soon discovered different ways to learn, adapting study techniques to fit his unique thinking style. Spending 22 years in the NZ police force, Lance became a detective and then 13 years as a crisis negotiator. He trained in NZ, Australia, the UK and USA with the elite units of police, prisons, emergency services, the military and the FBIHe faced depression and anger head-on during his career, finding strength in support from others. He learned the value of self-care and transformed his challenges into personal growth. Today, Lance is an author and positive psychology advocate, running his own business, helping others learn about themselves and encouraging self-compassion, resilience and human connection.Lance has an MA majoring in Terrorism, Safety & Security, Diplomas in Policing and Business Studies and is completing a Diploma ins Positive Psychology & Wellbeing.He is a published author of the bestselling books – Behind the Tape and Dark Side of the Brain – with a third book on manging anxiety published in August 2024. Lance also makes regular media appearances.Social Mediahttps://www.warninternational.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/warninternational/https://www.youtube.com/@WARNInternational*****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
Mark grew up in Albany in WA, enjoying nature and learning from his schoolteacher parents, who blended creativity, resilience and the support that shaped his values and curiosity. After finishing high school, he went on to university in Perth, where he made lifelong friends. Mark began a corporate career in logistics and sales, working for Rio Tinto across Australia and Asia, learning about business, hard work and balancing career ambition with family life.He valued being a good father and partner, making decisions to maintain family stability, and always tried to balance work progress with home responsibilities, shaped by his own diverse upbringing.Mark shares the life-changing lessons forged in the aftermath of a devastating cycling spinal injury that left him physically and emotionally shattered. His journey forward was shaped by grit, humility, and a deep well of support and it unlocked a new perspective on resilience, performance, and possibility. Mark inspires people and organisations to pursue their potential — even when the path forward is unclear. He helps individuals aim high, undaunted by uncertainty, and achieve the progress they’ve too often put in the ‘too hard’ basket. His message is: ‘That even the biggest goals can be reached through the compounding power of small, deliberate steps — and by strengthening our mindset, one fraction at a time.’An experienced corporate leader turned TEDx speaker and multi award-winning author, Mark is the creator of the FEET framework, a practical, mindset-first approach to navigating setbacks. Mark believes we are all stronger than we think — and that belief, when activated, has the power to transform teams, leaders, and lives. Social Mediahttps://www.markberridge.com.auhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-berridge/https://www.instagram.com/markberridge_author/https://linktr.ee/markberridge_authorTedx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=MUH73fjEwwIBook - A Fraction Stronger*****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:
Nicole grew up in a loving family in Cape Town, South Africa before moving to Australia with her parents and siblings at the end of high school. Nicole met her husband Chris in her early twenties, married young, and together navigated early adventures including running a café and art gallery in Hawk’s Nest. After starting her family, she devoted herself to raising two children. She found joy and perspective in daily life through creativity, coastal walks, and her Christian faith.Nicole’s background as a graphic artist influenced her love for creative expression, while her home life was always focused on strong family ties and nurturing her children’s unique personalities.Nicole’s life as a Sydney mum whose life has been divided into two distinct parts: “before”, when suicide was an unfathomable tragedy that affected other families; and “after”, when the reality and possibility of suicide arrived as an unwelcome guest; one that was unable to be evicted, and who eventually took up permanent residence. After her daughter’s miraculous survival from her first suicide attempt at the tender age of thirteen, Nicole’s world turned upside down and inside out. From caring for a critically injured child back to physical health; navigating the quagmire of our mental health, education and justice systems for a child in subsequent suicidal distress; to ultimately being bereaved by suicide.Nicole’s perspectives, prejudices and priorities from the life “before” have been challenged. With a strong faith in God; the blessings of a wonderful husband and son; a supportive and loving network of family, friends & church community; plus an incredibly adorable Pomeranian; Nicole is trying to navigate life without her precious Emma, who is forever sixteen.She shares her story to offer perspective and compassion, encouraging kindness, gratitude, and understanding in others’ struggles.Social Mediawww.youtube.com/@missing-emmahttps://youtu.be/xEBEKsIUR_4www.facebook.com/EmmasMemorialhttps://www.instagram.com/fizzgig_the_pom*****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
John Dwyer left school at age fourteen and started as an apprentice saddle maker. While working in leather, John became interested in computers. He taught himself basic programming on early computers and helped computerize the factory. This growing interest led to a new direction in technology.John joined the tech industry in the early 1980s. He spent eighteen years at Microsoft. During this time, he held leadership roles and lived in various countries, gaining valuable global business experience.John worked at Nokia and later at Amazon Web Services, where he spent eight years. His roles involved strategic leadership and managing teams across Europe, the United States, Asia, and the Middle East. After returning to Australia in 2014, John gained certifications in coaching and neuro-linguistic programming. He focused on people development and mentoring, helping others find their strengths and achieve personal growth.John values musical theatre and community involvement. He and his family participate in local theatre. His wife directs, and two daughters work in the field, making creativity and performance an important part of his life.Recently, John decided to leave corporate roles to spend more time with family and explore new interests. He now focuses on helping others, studying LGBTQ+ coaching, and developing projects blending his skills and passions. A certified NLP Master Practitioner & Trainer, John’s top skills include infrastructure operations, physical security, business process optimisation, training, public speaking and workshop facilitation. He has his own venture ‘Living my Best Life’https://jdsjournal.buzzsprout.com/*****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
Dave grew up in Maroubra, a tough part of Sydney, raised by a single mother in an environment of poverty and violence, surrounded by people with difficult ideas and constant stress. His early childhood memories include feeling unsafe at home due to a father who left early and a mother who struggled with her own challenges after a troubled upbringing.Dave endured psychological abuse and manipulation from his stepfather and mother, often feeling like a burden and facing daily situations that left him constantly under threat.Despite this, Dave spent time hiding out in the countryside and later tried to fit in at school, forming friendships and throwing himself into rugby and surfing to stay away from home.With little guidance or support, he missed out on opportunities like university and ended up working hands-on jobs, learning the value of finding his own way through information and experience.Dave turned to reading, self-education, and online resources to understand the world, gradually building a sense of justice and wanting to fight against unfairness and mistreatment wherever he saw it.Now, Dave openly shares his story, using what he has learned to help others facing tough journeys, and focuses on creating positive change and standing up for people who need a voice.*****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
Craig Goozee OAM grew up loving sport, always seeing himself as a sprinter and never dreaming he would one day run ultra marathons across some of Australia’s toughest terrains. Craig spent nearly 24 years in the New South Wales police force, choosing proactive roles that kept him out in the field and, later, in covert operations such as the Anti-Theft Squad, Special Operations and the State Major Incident Group. In 1997, Craig joined an elite covert task force, working undercover to gather intelligence on crime syndicates and corrupt officers and keeping his work secret from friends and family. Craig is a father of five children, but sadly lost his eldest, Jessica, after a two-year battle with cancer. To raise funds for children cancer organisations he has endured three ultra marathons raising more than 1.5 million dollars. He faced incredible physical and mental challenges, from battling heat and wild animals in the Australian outback to feeling the isolation of secret police work and the toll of witnessing crime. More recently, Craig has managed his own cancer diagnoses and treatments, started sharing his story through podcasts and writing, and continues to learn from every stage of his journey.https://www.threeringcircus.com.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
John Broadbent grew up in Yorkshire, born into a low working-class family, before moving to Australia at age ten, which marked a big turning point for his life and perspective. He trained as an engineer and fully immersed himself in the world of science and logic, John spent his early career excelling in a technical environment, sometimes missing the deeper emotional side.The early 1990s brought a significant shift, triggered by a relationship challenge and a life-changing trip to Monkey Mia, where an unexpected spiritual journey began to awaken John’s self-awareness.Mentored by Stuart, a uniquely insightful teacher, John embarked on deep inner work, learning to feel, name, and process emotions, and discovering how much he had shut himself off. During the following decade of traveling the world, supporting workshops and doing his own therapeutic work, John developed profound empathy, embraced vulnerability, and grew into a more whole person.Stepping into leadership, John began guiding and supporting men’s groups and retreats, focusing on men’s mental health, emotional development, healing, and facilitating healthy connection among men. Today, John shares his hard-won wisdom through writing, coaching couples, and facilitating men’s work, driven by his mission to help others create more meaningful, connected, and emotionally literate lives. He wrote Man Unplugged: Exploring The Inner Man in 2014*****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
Gunter grew up in a home filled with conflict and the strong influence of a mother who survived complex trauma and a gentle but wounded father, both from Vienna during the Russian invasion. As a teenager, he became fascinated by philosophy and Buddhism, which helped him realize that being a man involves intention and not just reacting to the world around him.He struggled with performance anxiety and statistics during his psychology studies but found real progress through therapy, learning that feeling broken was not a permanent state.Gunter’s journey took him from philosophy into psychology and therapy, helping him better understand both himself and others while continuing to explore what it means to be whole.Working with Vietnam veterans and clients affected by trauma, he moved away from strictly cognitive therapies, focusing on real human experiences and the deep wounds that shape us.With his wife as both partner and collaborator, Gunter became a leader in men’s well-being, writing fiction and non-fiction, consulting on scripts, and producing a top men’s psychology podcast. He is passionate about personal growth, cultural change, and empowering others to look inward and question traditional masculine values.www.GoodMenGreat.comInstagram: instagram.com/gswobodaTwitter: x.com/gunterswobodaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodmengreat/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodmengreat.bsky.social*****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.
Growing up as a farmer’s daughter in rural Australia, Ruth spent her childhood exploring creeks, drinking fresh milk, and roaming the paddocks with my siblings. Life was simple, honest, and deeply connected to the land and community. She developed a passion for water early, competing in state-level swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming and lifesaving, and became the first female Beach Inspector in New South Wales. Since then, she has run swim schools and trained many aquatic professionals. Her love for water evolved into a meaningful career as a Specialised Aquatic Therapist and Mentor. She now focuses on helping children with additional needs using the unique properties of water. Aquatic therapy supports children’s development in self-regulation, coordination, confidence and more. It reduces anxiety and sensory challenges, and helps families feel more connected and confident. *****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
Adrian “Moose” Skeggs was born and raised on Lord Howe Island, a small, close-knit place he calls absolutely idyllic and full of daily adventures and learning. Adrian faced a tough start. His mother was bedridden for years, and he often pushed boundaries, seeking attention and connection from his community. Despite childhood challenges and going off the rails, Adrian’s community stepped in, sponsoring him to attend boarding school after recognizing both his struggles and his potential. At boarding school, discipline and routine helped Adrian settle. He quickly stood out in sports, playing cricket and joining the rugby team where he found new purpose and belonging. Rugby became central to Adrian’s life. He moved to Sydney, joined the Warringah Club, and worked hard to eventually play for New South Wales, Queensland, and represented Australia internationally. After rugby, Adrian faced the challenge of finding his true place beyond the game. He moved into teaching, coaching, and using his connections to help others, giving back wherever possible. When Adrian moved back to Lord Howe Island with his family, he focuses on community, volunteering at the school and encouraging young people to embrace legacy, make good choices, and help each other.*****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.
Danni started her working life as a police officer where she saw death early but rarely spoke about it and learned firsthand about the challenges of facing mortality. Danni also dealt with the deaths of several family members and often became the person responsible for bringing people together and supporting her family through loss. She experienced strong death anxiety and struggled with her own fears about dying, often avoiding serious conversations about mortality until confronted by personal loss and deep grief. After caring for her younger brother through illness and death, she trained as an End-of-Life Doula at the Australian Doula College volunteers at Bear Cottage Children’s Hospice. She is a volunteer for the Dying with Dignity NSW Witness Program.Danni does not flinch at death, soften it with euphemism, or shrink from its presence. She has the steady grace of someone who knows that to live well, we must also learn to die well as it is part of our shared human story, and deserves to be told with honesty, tenderness, and a little humour. Her former impressive and diverse career led to the meaningful work she does now as a Death and Mortality Doula and Educator. She brings her dedication to managing the national campaign Dying to Know Day.Dying to Know Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dyingtoknow.au/Dying to Know Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/DyingtoKnow.au/Website: Dyingtoknow.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
Kat Finnerty grew up as the eldest of five children in a multicultural family. Her upbringing taught her resilience and responsibility, shaping her perspective on life from a young age.At twelve, Kat lost her mother to cancer. This experience deeply influenced her understanding of impermanence, grief, and the importance of finding meaning during difficult times.Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her twenties, Kat faced significant physical and emotional challenges. Her journey with MS motivated her to seek alternative approaches to wellbeing and personal growth. Kat became a mother to three children within three years. Juggling family life while managing a chronic disease, she learned the importance of self-compassion and support from loved ones.In her thirties, Kat turned to Buddhism for guidance. Buddhist teachings profoundly changed her mindset, helping her manage adversity through perspective, gratitude, and acceptance of life’s constant changes. Kat experienced the end of her marriage through betrayal. By applying the principles she learned, she navigated this transition with grace, focusing on maintaining positivity for her children and herself.Based in Australia, Canada, and Vanuatu, Kat shares her insights through retreats, courses, and her book. She is committed to helping others overcome suffering and embrace resilience in everyday life. She is the bestselling author of Never Let a Good Disaster Go to Waste, her powerful memoir about making sense of a life of absurdity.Social Media https://www.katfinnerty.com/https://m.facebook.com/katrin.rochford?https://www.instagram.com/kat_finnerty?igsh=MTg4eTRtNTFheGI2dw%3D%3D&utm_sourc*****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.
John grew up in the western suburbs near Parramatta, playing footy, learning a trade as a sparky and always wanting to become a police officer, inspired by his grandfather’s advice.His early lessons in communication as a sparky on job sites shaped how he approached policing and helped him connect with others.In 1997, John joined the police. He worked in various roles, including Middle Eastern Crime and property teams, developing his skills further and gaining insight into the complexities of human behaviour through building relationships, even with sources from the criminal world. Later, he joined the child abuse squad, interviewing children and supporting families through difficult times. He learned the importance of giving children control, building trust, and bringing hope to those affected.In 2018, while trying to protect a family, John was seriously injured during an arrest. He survived multiple stab wounds, drawing on resilience, his training, and the support of his team to recover.Today, John is an advocate for blood donation, sharing his story to encourage others. He values service, leadership, and resilience, and continues to help people through conversation, support, and community work. He has also delivered speeches at the Police Academy and schools on his experience and how to build resilience.*****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.
Serena grew up in Singapore in a home that valued stability, achievement and following a well-planned path. She studied law for its prestige and structure, later working as a lawyer for the government. After years in a secure career, Serena realised she felt trapped by expectations and began questioning her purpose. Taking time away from work to reflect, she discovered a passion for personal growth and exploring new ideas through books and coaching. After moving to Australia in 2006, she faced new challenges and started from scratch while raising her children and adapting to a new culture. Serena began building supportive communities for introverts, using her own experiences to help others connect and grow in confidence. She became an introvert coach who helps quiet achievers grow into Quiet Warriors who speak, sell, and lead without acting extroverted. She hosts The Quiet Warrior Podcast and is the Amazon bestselling author of The Hero Within: Reinvent Your Life, One New Chapter at a Time. Serena guides and encourages others on their journey of self-acceptance, focusing on quiet strengths and making room for everyone’s voice.Website and Social MediaWebsite: SerenaLow.com.auPodcast: The Quiet Warrior Podcast with Serena LowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-low/*****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
Lynn grew up in a large, devoted Mormon family, deeply connected to her great great grandfather, Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church, and shaped by strong traditions and high expectations. As a child, Lynn worked hard in school, followed strict family rules, and tried to live up to the “Mormon royalty” label placed on her by her community. Then at 19, she left everything and everyone she knew and moved from Utah to Manhattan. I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and journalism and an MBA from NYU.As she met people from outside her faith and started asking questions about her beliefs and the history she’d always been told. After discovering new perspectives and truths, Lyn discovered that the church was based on fraud and deception and decided to leave the Mormon Church, knowing it meant she might lose her sense of belonging and family support. Alone in New York, she struggled with doubt, loneliness, and her own identity, but slowly found support in therapy, self-help, and new friendships. Through self-reflection, Lynn learned to accept herself, heal from old wounds, and build a spiritual life that felt honest and meaningful rather than following rules. Today, Lynn shares her experience to help others facing religious trauma, family estrangement, and big life changes, believing healing and connection are possible for everyone. She is the author of We Were Smiths: Escaping the Shadow of Joseph Smith’s Mormon Legacy, a memoir seeking publication.Social MediaLynsmithgregory.com, @lynsmithgregory on social media, Heretic Survivor: From Mormon to Me blog*****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
Darren grew up in a military family, moving often as a child and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. As a young man, he dreamed of acting but instead served as a paramedic and police officer, always drawn to helping others. Long years of frontline work took a toll, leading Darren to struggle with depression and eventually be diagnosed with PTSD. Life brought further challenges, including living through the Sandy Hook school tragedy, which deeply shaped Darren’s perspective on trauma and community. After a major turning point, Darren decided to leave his policing career behind and start fresh, moving from America to Australia. He saw the power of support by sitting with others through pain, finding meaning for himself and hope for those he helped. In his new role as the suicide prevention peer workforce education lead with Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) he will be utilising his lived/living experience related to suicide and mental health challenges and expertise in peer workforce education to inform the collaborative creation, delivery and evaluation of statewide education and training materials and programs. He uses his story to educate and raise awareness about suicidality, suicide prevention, and mental health challenges. He believes that by sharing our stories, we can break the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage others to seek help. He is currently working a PhD with the University of New England and has received a scholarship from the Manna Institute to research the role of peer workers and how this emerging workforce might be expanded and made more sustainable in rural and regional communities to augment current and future mental health teams. *****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
Karen was born in England to Irish parents and moved to Australia as a baby, growing up with a childhood full of change and learning to adapt to new situations.Early on, she faced undiagnosed medical challenges with clumsiness, gastrointestinal issues and hypermobility, always feeling there was something different and relying on instinct and persistence. She lived in Northern Ireland as a young adult and England in her thirties, which gave her strength and resilience to face the difficulties that life brought her later on.She is a resilient cancer survivor and passionate advocate whose journey with Stage 4 Cholangiocarcinoma and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome has shaped her into a powerful voice for awareness, early detection, and survivorship. Despite enduring multiple surgeries and near-death experiences, she continues to raise awareness and funds through her Socks4Cancer initiative, which has generated over $20,000. Karen supports numerous cancer organizations, speaks at events, and has been recognized with awards and national honours. As National Communications Coordinator for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia, she champions initiatives like "Light Australia Green," making a lasting impact through advocacy, mentorship, and her upcoming book.Karen learned to build a trusted care team and became active in her own treatment by working together with doctors, not against them. She studied counselling and found creative therapies helpful in her journey and gradually became an advocate and motivational speaker, sharing her story to help others living with chronic illness. Social MediaLinkedin-https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-humphries-908922b6/Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/karenhumphrieselevationmentor/Website-Karenhumphries .com.auFacebook-www.facebook.com/socks4cancer*****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
Steve grew up feeling different, always curious and passionate about things his friends didn’t understand. Early on, he developed a love for words and storytelling that set him apart.As a child, Steve struggled with perfectionism and low self-esteem, not knowing he was neurodiverse. He saw the world differently and often felt isolated and misunderstood in social situations. Misdiagnosed and unsupported, Steve’s challenges with OCD and autism led to difficulty holding down jobs. He found everyday routines overwhelming and missed out on helpful guidance for much of his early adulthood.In search of solutions, Steve made a desperate decision that resulted in prison time. The experience was harsh and lonely but also shaped his view of compassion and justice. After prison, Steve rebuilt his life from scratch. He leaned on gratitude, patience, and learned the value of resilience, slowly regaining hope and direction amidst ongoing struggles with mental health.Discovering a passion for travel writing, Steve finally found his voice. Sharing stories became a way to process his experiences, heal, and connect meaningfully with others.Steve has written about a wide range of topics including adventure travel, aviation and motoring - though his greatest passion has come from writing about overcoming trauma, and suicide prevention. Steve's focus is on describing the experience of depression and PTSD in ways that others recognise and then suggesting thinking strategies to better cope with these states of mind.Today, Steve helps people stuck in trauma or exclusion. He uses his insights to support others facing hardship, showing that understanding and lived experience truly matter.The Trauma Timeline Recovery Workbook and Course: www.reliefandhope.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
Nick is a 50-year-old single dad. He always wanted to join the military and dreamed of becoming a helicopter pilot. He decided instead to join the infantry and later trained as a paratrooper in Australia He was based at Holsworthy. He was eventually medically discharged after injuring his spine in a truck accident. After leaving the military, Nick moved to London. He spent five years working in the toy department at Harrods before returning home and managing a friend’s bar in Australia.Encouraged by family, Nick joined the New South Wales Police at age twenty-seven, the same age and first station as his father. He began a long career as a first responder.Nick saw the police force like a family business, with many parallels to his father’s experience. He valued the sense of belonging and the significance of helping others in the job.Nick faced the challenges of mental health, repeated trauma, and the impact on relationships. He saw changes in how mental health was approached, but believed more support and education were needed.After leaving the force, Nick founded Bellator Fortitudinum, a nationwide non-profit which evolved from a Facebook support group. The charity offers support and a safe space to first responders and advocates for better mental health care and understanding.Social MediaClosed Facebook group Bellator Fortitudinem www.bellatorfortitudinem.com*****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.