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

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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

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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

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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.

Ben was raised by a single mother in Southeast Queensland, who instilled ambition and curiosity, setting the foundation for his diverse and driven future journey.

After studying zoology, Ben worked in environmental policy with the Australian Government, but he became disillusioned, realising that meaningful environmental impact required more than policy work.

He moved to China as a youth ambassador, working on conservation efforts and transitioning into science communication, bridging gaps for Chinese researchers post-Olympics.

Ignoring symptoms due to a hectic lifestyle, Ben's world changed with a stage three bowel cancer diagnosis, propelling him to rethink his life's direction.

Ben's cancer experience led him to pursue medicine, driven by a desire to improve patient care through empathy and systemic change.

Transitioning into medicine was challenging, with Ben noticing a gap in empathy and patient connection within medical education, fuelling his advocacy for reform.

Now a doctor, Ben is dedicated to transforming healthcare by advocating for genuine patient-centred care and bridging communication gaps between doctors and patients.

*****

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

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

Shay grew up battling insecurities about his appearance and others' opinions, with family conflicts deepening his feelings of instability and anger.

At 13, Shay found gambling through poker, using it to mask inner pain, akin to a drug's euphoric escape, initiating a lifelong struggle.

Raised in a family where gambling was common, Shay's early exposure fueled his addiction, which intensified despite his awareness of the risks involved.

At 28, after a few months of abstinence, a triggering moment led Shay to gamble impulsively, catalyzing his realization for the need to seek help.

Joining a recovery program highlighted relapse challenges for Shay, leading him to understand that spirituality and addressing the root causes of pain drive healing.

Inspired by a Tony Robbins documentary, Shay redirected his energy towards helping others, viewing self-help as a constructive addiction with a purpose.

Shay encourages open discussions about gambling, mental health, and vulnerability, aiming to reduce stigma and promote healing through sharing personal stories.

*****

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

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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.

Christian Mortensen grew up in Melbourne with a Jewish mother and an artist dad, weaving his childhood with diverse cultural experiences and unique perspectives.

He studied ancient history and anthropology at Melbourne University, then taught first aid courses, laying a foundation for his future in emergency services.

Trained as a wilderness EMT in Colorado, Christian returned to Australia in 1998, joining the ranks of the New South Wales ambulance service.

Passionate about climbing and adventure, he settled in the Blue Mountains, where the blend of nature and community spurred his adventurous spirit.

Over 26 years as a paramedic, Christian witnessed and adapted to immense industry changes while maintaining a profound love for paramedic work and its impact.

A skilled artist and pilot, his creative endeavours provide outlets for expression and reflection, enriching his life as he embraced personal growth.

Christian values open-mindedness, growth through mistakes, and embracing life's uncertainties, believing each day holds potential for new revelations and connections.

*****

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

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

Growing up in the Blue Mountains, Kevin dreamed of adventure, inspired by army training on TV and rescue helicopters above his neighbourhood.

He joined the army, overcoming challenges to become a helicopter pilot, mastering intense tasks like low flying, NVG flights, and two-way operational missions.

Kevin served in East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, tackling extreme environments and pushing the limits of aviation with courage. After leaving the military, Kevin found purpose piloting rescue helicopters, bringing lifesaving camaraderie and operational expertise to the civilian world.

Battling internal struggles, Kevin faced his challenges head-on, seeking to understand and heal from the toll that service and workplace pressures had taken.

Experiencing the pain of veteran suicide, Kevin founded Cor Infinitus Memorials, offering strength and compassion to grieving families and promoting discussion on mental health.

Now, Kevin dedicates his life to inspiring others, coaching leaders, advocating for veterans, and promoting intentional, compassionate action in the service of community and purpose.

*****

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

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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.

As a young boy, Shannon dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, spending his days immersed in sport and camping activities.

School life wasn't ideal for Shannon; he often skipped classes due to bullying and a lack of interest, eventually leading to an ultimatum from his parents.

Shannon initially pursued a trade, working as a butcher for five years before he became attracted to the idea of helping others. He joined the army, where he encountered harsher realities and developed an interest in making a positive difference.

Witnessing the struggles of returning soldiers with PTSD and substance abuse prompted Shannon to support them, igniting his passion for social work.

Transitioning to the civilian sector, Shannon dedicated a decade to child protection, focusing on high-risk adolescents and helping their troubled lives.

Now, as an advocate, Shannon champions an empathetic approach to understanding and assisting men who use violence, seeking holistic community solutions.

*****

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

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie