Creative Director Lucas Li speaks to the Breakfast Crew at JOY 94.9 about Unbroken and being part of the Midsumma Festival
Teena, a descendant of the Yorta Yorta, Kurnai and Gunditjmara people of Victoria, shares her moving story of race, cultural heritage, miscarriage and motherhood. Recently, Teena started her own art and cultural design and jewellery company to share her Aboriginal ancestry and inspire others within the community and beyond to take pride in the culture. Here, Teena speaks about of importance of connecting with Indigenous culture for her daughter.
Kristian is an audio engineer who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, with a prognosis of only five years. In December 2018, he went into remission.Kristian speaks of meeting other cancer patients and the challenges of their journey.
Sinead went many years with undiagnosed anxiety and depression due to maternal abandonment. Despite being a model, internally Sinead continues to struggle and finds relief through reflective writing and poetry.Sinead dives back into her childhood to explore the possible causes of her anxiety and depression.
Beth was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer when two tumours were discovered in her right breast. She had a mastectomy and a breast reconstruction five weeks later. A third tumour was then found - the cancer had spread to Beth's chest wall and through her lymph nodes, requiring chemotherapy and radiation.Beth recounts having a party to celebrate her imminent mastectomy.
Achala identifies as genderqueer and uses poetry to cope with their depression and anxiety, which they experience daily. Since joining “Unbroken” they are no longer transitioning, but Achala wants to continue bringing awareness to trans issues and highlight that there are more than just one ‘trans narrative’.Achala muses on the challenges of dating when you’re genderqueer.
Prior to his 18th birthday and four weeks after completing his HSC, Guy experienced a severe SCUBA diving accident that caused Cerebral Air Gas Embolism to his heart, brain and spine. Following death (twice) and a coma, Guy was effectively a quadriplegic and told he would never walk again; he rejected that prognosis. Listen to Guy describe the SCUBA accident and the early days of his recovery.
CW: religious abuseFor Lindsey Stillwell participating in “Unbroken” has been an empowering opportunity to share her story through the embodiment of her performance art character Lady Zee: Dragtivist & Queen. It’s allowed her to step beyond her own internal barriers around sharing her story, and speak up on behalf of others like her who’ve experienced violence and sexual assault.Listen to Zee describes how she came out to her family.
CW: Mental illness, suicide, PTSDIn addition to PTSD, Rick has lost brothers to suicide on home soil because of depression. In Unbroken, he describes how difficult it is to adjust to society after leaving the army - there are no longer parameters and no more boundaries. These men become lost.Listen to Rick’s thoughts on veterans and PTSD in Australia.
Roxanne went through a dark period in her life, passing out near a ceramic heater following an overdose on an illegal substance. By the time she woke up her arm had been burnt and subsequently amputated. She barely survived the experience but it did force her to reevaluate her life: Roxanne is now living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle and pursuing a place on the Paralympic Equestrian Team.Listen to Roxanne share her love of horse riding.
Amin was forced to escape Iran as a refugee when his bisexuality made him a target for persecution. After a difficult journey to Australia by boat Amin is finally starting to feel that he can be accepted for who he is.Amin shares the consequences of being caught drinking beer in Iran.
Aurora underwent major spinal surgery in her teenage years to treat her scoliosis. Although the physical aspect of her recovery was challenging, it was regaining her sense of self worth and confidence following it that proved difficult.Towards the end of the interview Lucas unexpectedly discovers a secret that only her family had known about.