Deeply ashamed of something he had done, Mic Whitty retreated into the Welsh wilderness until an unexpected goal pulled him out of homelessness and back into the world.

Mic had entered the workforce at the tender age of 15, joining the RAAF as an apprentice, before taking on a series of highly paid jobs in Saudi Arabia and New Zealand. 

But feeling stressed out and burnt out, Mic decided to take a simpler job at a youth hostel in the United Kingdom.

Mic, however, couldn't financially acclimatise to a simpler way of life. He began gambling on the stock market and then stealing money from his employer to make up for his smaller pay-cheque.

Month after month went by, and no one discovered Mic's transgressions, until finally they did.

Deeply ashamed, Mic paid off his debts before deciding to go off grid, going from town to town in Wales, sleeping rough.

With some help from the local Salvos and then re-discovering a family heirloom, Mic started thinking about re-entering the world again, and he came up with an extraordinary project. 

Content warning: this episode of Conversations contains discussion about depression and suicidal ideation. Please take care when listening.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• ReachOut at au.reachout.com
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Further information

First broadcast in March, 2024.

2025 update: Mic has now cycled another 12,600 kilometres, visiting more than 350 cemeteries where WW1 or WW2 casualties are buried along the way.

You can read more about Mic Whitty's extraordinary project, and keep up to date with his progress at his website.

Standout story – Jimmy Webb

You can hear Sarah’s full conversation with Jimmy Webb on the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can also read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.

This episode of Conversations explores homelessness, rough sleeping, unemployment, shame, making amends, gambling, journalling, diary, mental health, men's mental health, World War One, World War Two, family history, veterans, the military, post-war life, family history, military history, travel, cycling, illegal camping, Wales, Salvation Army.

To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.