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/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme 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 Media

Closed 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/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme 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.

James grew up in the north of England, earning a degree in politics and economics, working various jobs to support himself after university.

He visited Australia for the Olympics and decided to stay. He started working in recruitment, which led to opportunities and a new life here.

He thrived in the corporate world, pursuing promotions and financial success, before realising he wasn't fully satisfied or on the right path.

Throughout his life, James faced depression and anxiety, realizing through reflection and support these struggles were opportunities to grow and change.

Becoming a Dad changed James' outlook. Long-term visions of family life inspired him to pursue what truly matters and live with intention.

Finding joy in teaching and helping others, James left the corporate world to focus on coaching, using personal experiences to assist others.

Now committed to personal growth and guiding others, James prioritizes authenticity and self-understanding, creating lasting impact through his coaching and teaching efforts.

*****

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/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme 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.