Kintsugi Heroes: Uncovering our Hidden Value

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 an...

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 invo...

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 ...

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...

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, w...

As a curious and big-dreaming kid, Scott aspired to be a doctor, inspired by a strong drive to help others and make a difference in the world.  

Scott navigated life's complexities, including neurodivergence, which shaped his unique perspective and relentless determination to explore nontraditional pathways to success and self-understanding.  

Guided by supportive figures like his soccer coach and school principal...

Tessa grew up on a South Australian farm, enjoying a childhood filled with outdoor adventures and tight-knit family bonds, which shaped her early years with resilience and joy.  

At 16, Tessa faced the sudden passing of her younger brother Nathan, a heartbreaking loss that left an enduring impact on her and her family.  Also at 16 Tessa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite early struggles, she learned to ada...

Greg grew up in a family of six, surrounded by love and support. This big family environment shaped his inclusive and communal mindset.

Successful in various sports, including swimming and basketball, Greg achieved an elite level. His curiosity drove him to explore multiple sporting disciplines.

Greg's career began in education, progressed into architecture, and eventually led him to counselling. His diverse job roles included teachi...

Born in Brighton, England, Sean moved to Australia at age seven. His dad’s Irish heritage led them to Fremantle, beginning a life of adventure in Perth.

At 15, Sean's navy dream ended due to colourblindness. He joined the Western Australian Police Academy in 1978, quickly finding his passion in policing.

Sean served 15 years in the police, including the Tactical Response Group in 1985, fulfilling a lifelong ambition with thrilling, h...

Judith was the youngest of eight in a Catholic family. Despite a comfortable life, she faced traumatic experiences, including sexual abuse by priests from an early age.

The abuse and violence she suffered profoundly shaping her programming and she developed beliefs of unworthiness and self-punishment. In secondary school, Judith endured further abuse, by a nun. Her suffering attracted more harmful relationships as she grew older.

She...

Born and raised in Queensland, Tynan was a painting apprentice, living a typical young man’s life, when a tragic accident at 19 caused serious injuries, including a brain injury and coma. Doctors doubted his recovery, setting the stage for a long, tough journey ahead.

Despite predictions, Tynan endured relentless medical appointments and rehab sessions. He fought through pain, defied expectations, and relearned basic physical and me...

Growing up in Adelaide, Robyn was a fiercely curious child, devouring books from the library and mastering puns, all while driving her parents mad with endless questions.

Bored with school, Robyn discovered a love for adventure by exploring forbidden coffee clubs and later worked for the weapons research establishment, becoming a steno secretary for a top-secret project.

Leaving a stable but uneventful marriage, Robyn built a fishing...

Diagnosed with severe asthma and later Addison’s disease, Martin faced numerous health scares, including pancreatitis and septic shock, early in life.

Growing up in the late '80s, Martin dealt with being gay during the HIV/AIDS crisis, influenced by negative media. He came out as gay at 27, despite fears and societal stereotypes, marking a significant milestone in his personal journey.

Overcoming personal health battles and social pr...

Asher feels a deep connection to Byron Bay where he grew up. His father's complex history, shaped Asher's upbringing and their challenging relationship led to an early estrangement, but Asher is now committed to healing and reconnecting with his father.

Initially he pursued a successful corporate career Asher found himself dissatisfied despite others perceiving him as successful.

The loss of his sister was a pivotal turning point, le...

Luke Cook, an only child raised by his extroverted mother, developed a knack for socialising early. His father's passing at age 4 deeply influenced his life's perspective.

Engaging in drama and public speaking during his school years, Luke showed a passion for storytelling and captivating audiences with his charisma and humour.

At 19, he started his radio career, earning the nickname "Lightning Luke" while handing out promotional ite...

Born in Melbourne, Jamie faced adoption and an early ADHD diagnosis, but found solace and focus through sports, especially tennis and soccer.

When he was six, Jamie moved to Alice Springs with his adoptive mother. Despite a rough environment, sports remained his constant anchor. He excelled in tennis, earning a sports scholarship and turning pro at 16. However, intense pressure led to burnout and eventual withdrawal at 18. Jamie’s f...

Ben’s passion for music was sparked early, paving the way to his musical journey. He was inspired by childhood road trips, family music collections blending classical and popular tunes. Ben’s academic path intertwined with creative pursuits of music and theatre when he attended ANU in Canberra before furthering his studies at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.

In 2004, Ben jumped into the music scene, playing with various bands....

Gary grew up curious and spirited, always eager to solve problems. He discovered his innate passion for helping others early on in his life.

He studied business and economics and combined academic rigor with practical insights, eventually earning a doctorate. Gary entered the automotive industry, quickly rising through the ranks and became known for his strategic mind and empathy.

He met and married Leanne, a partnership built on lo...

This month, Kintsugi Heroes is sharing episodes from other podcasts we've created to address different stages of adversity. You may not realise, but Kintsugi Heroes is a podcast network with many stories to listen to, watch and share.

This week, you'll hear a preview of the "Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton". With the support of Kintsugi Heroes, Kerrie chats to people from every background and country about the...