Kintsugi Heroes

Chris Edwards is a father of a son who died by suicide in 2021. He has a history of suicide ideation, brought about by domestic violence and abuse in his early life.  His experiences and events like these, drive him to share his story, with the hope that the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide can be minimised, if not diminished.

Chris's childhood in a violent home profoundly affected his mental health, leading to struggles with self-identity, self-harm, and substance abuse. After hitting rock bottom, Chris made a life-changing decision to quit drugs at 30, experiencing severe physical withdrawal but beginning his path to recovery.

He experienced pseudo seizures linked to anxiety and underwent extensive rehabilitation. This physical struggle mirrored his emotional battles and quest for stability. After his father's death and estrangement from his children, Chris faced deep isolation, prompting a profound need for self-reflection and change.

Chris's experience with trauma and recovery inspired him to support mental health initiatives, emphasising the importance of openness and breaking stigmas around mental health.

Meeting his wife in 2013 marked a turning point, providing emotional support and stability, helping Chris to overcome many personal challenges and setbacks. Chris's grief after his son Josh’s suicide in 2021 inspired the creation of Walk It Off, fostering a supportive community focused on mental health and resilience.

Walk It Off highlights recovery by walking and sharing stories. This creates space for healing and self-reflection. Completing his degree and aiming to become a mental health advocate, Chris seeks to provide education and support, transforming his pain into purpose.

Contact

walkitoff.org.au

facebook.com/WalkItOffAustralia

*****

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Kintsugi Heroes

Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit, and every story we share is free for the people who need it. If this show has meant something to you, you can help us keep going. Visit kintsugiheroes.com.au and click donate. Every contribution helps us keep telling these stories, and it's tax-deductible.

Thank You For Listening

Follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, or share your own story at kintsugiheroes.com.au. Your story matters.

Helen Ryan's story starts with her describing how she overcame her shocking childhood in Norway and early adult life challenges. She shares her traumatic childhood with an alcoholic mother and facing sexual abuse while detailing her mother's risky behaviour.

She recounts living a nomadic lifestyle after working in the district attorney's office during the night stalker murders, fostering her fearlessness. Helen describes her transformative experiences traveling with her children after her youngest graduated, finding resilience and new perspectives abroad.

She highlights gaining managing skills and unique opportunities through her job at a Los Angeles online magazine, helping her son meet a band. Helen talks about embracing photography, especially at rock concerts, and learning to seize opportunities fearlessly without perfect conditions.

Reflecting on overcoming obesity through spinning and empowerment, Helen discusses her journey of regaining control and finding self-worth. She travelled the world as a middle aged digital nomad, started a walking podcast to inspire people to take small steps toward big changes, and wrote two books.

Helen now runs a boutique graphic design and marketing agency.

Contact:

https://walkingandtalking.show

https://realhelenmryan

*****

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank You For Listening

Follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, or share your own story at kintsugiheroes.com.au. Your story matters.

Support Kintsugi Heroes

Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit, and every story we share is free for the people who need it. If this show has meant something to you, you can help us keep going. Visit kintsugiheroes.com.au and click donate. Every contribution helps us keep telling these stories, and it's tax-deductible.

Mathew Townsend is a neurodiverse social entrepreneur based in Brisbane. Growing up with disabilities he faced discrimination and prejudice finding his pathways into career and passions.

Being socially isolated he often had anxiety and depression, causing him to feel low and uncharacteristic. He wasn't confident to speak up about himself to help people to understand his disabilities, and how to compromise.

He went to study Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Environmental Management at two universities, but was often put in wrong place and position for finding the right people to befriend.

Employers continued to reject him despite his passions and experience. Nature Freedom started from his volunteer experience with Landcare. He had support from young Landcarers who are social entrepreneurs like him.

He is passionate and experienced in starting up businesses, public speaking engagements, environmental management, and sustainability.

Mathew grew up facing social and employment barriers that lead him to start up Nature Freedom, so he can hire himself and other people with disabilities. Nature Freedom, aims to improve accessibility and inclusion in outdoor adventures and nature-based activities

His dream ambitions are focusing on an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable society, especially his passion about protecting nature from destruction, climate change and improving sustainability in our community.

Contact

Website: https://naturefreedom.org.au/

*****

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.

Mike Armstrong is an award-winning contemporary artist, author and veteran of the Australian Army for 23 years. He served in East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq and was part of the Tactical assault Group East.

He did his Master of Arts while deployed in Iraq, and now works in a variety of media from his art studio in Canberra. Mike has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ballarat, Master of Arts in Creative Arts from USQ and a Masters in Cyber Security from UNSW.

Mike supports veteran’s health through art, movement and connection. He uses his art to explore his and other veteran experiences after service as they live with PTSD. He offers regular opportunities for people through his projects Voices of Veterans and Rogue BJJ.

Mike created Voices of Veterans in 2021. It is an award-winning art photography project that uses molasses as a metaphor for living with PTSD. Since then, Voices of Veterans has influenced countless veterans and their families to get help and created awareness of the veteran health crisis through exhibitions around Australia.

Mike facilitates art workshops and is a mentor to artists, works with art galleries, museums and events around Australia.

He holds black belts in several martial arts including Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ). His studio, Rogue BJJ supports veterans and first responders to connect them to BJJ as a healing modality. In 2023 Mike was awarded the Uni SQ Alumni community Service award.

His companion dog Squish accompanies him everywhere.

*****

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.

Neil Morley opens up about his incredible journey from a challenging upbringing to finding success and fulfillment in Australia. His story is a powerful reminder of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and following your heart.

Biography

I was born in Liverpool UK and raised by my grandmother who had 11 children. She raised me as number 12. My mother has always had mental health issues and still does today, I have never met my father.

I grew up in a council flat (Government housing) when I was around 12, we moved to a different government housing estate that was plagued with heroin addicts. While living in this area, I was always worried about going outside and was constantly in flight or flight mode.

I was beaten up an a number of occasions. I left school at 16 and did Music and Drama, I did plays/musicals in Europe and I also sing and play guitar. I have done this for a living when I was in my early 20's and played at local pubs and clubs.

Just before my 20th birthday I applied for a Working Holiday Visa for Australia and spent 1 year in Australia in 1995-1996, this was the best year of my life up to that point. I have been a camp councilor with African American kids in the USA teaching music and football (Soccer). have worked as a residential social worker at a boarding school with kids who were close to going to kids prison.

I also worked with adults and children with Autism and did 3 years at a London High school as a Learning Mentor. I have since gone on to get married, have 2 children and owned a recruitment business for close to 14 years. The last year has been by far the most challenging year I have had.Edit Hero Background

*****

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.

Dan Grey grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and loves to surf. He had a loving and nurturing childhood with strong familial relationships and connections to nature.

He was academically challenged due to ADHD, which required extra support in school and medication during high school that significantly improved his grades. He studied public health and community services, reflecting his interest in community well-being and human connection.

Dan’s passion is music, playing the drums, and enjoys entering a flow state through the creative aspects of music.

He emphasises the importance of meditation and connecting with nature in his daily routine to maintain mental and emotional health. Dan expresses a strong desire to work in the music industry and make a difference by creating community-based spaces for connection, meditation and healing.

Dan describes the challenges of transitioning between tasks and managing distractions, which are significant aspect of his neurodiversity. He also describes the stigma and experiences of neurodiverse individuals.

He is determined to create supportive resources and communities to help others facing similar challenges and contribute to the health and well-being of others.

‘Music has been such a healing thing for me; singing, live music and listening to music in general. I truly believe if you can get a bunch of people, thousands of people together and have a band play in front of them, and to experience that feeling of seeing live music, people can be healed and we can decrease crime or any sense of, hostility just from the experience of seeing music.’

*****

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Kintsugi Heroes

Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit, and every story we share is free for the people who need it. If this show has meant something to you, you can help us keep going. Visit kintsugiheroes.com.au and click donate. Every contribution helps us keep telling these stories, and it's tax-deductible.

Thank You For Listening

Follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, or share your own story at kintsugiheroes.com.au. Your story matters.

Jason’ s mother gave birth to him at a very young age of 15. Because of this he grew up in a challenging, lower socioeconomic environment with difficult family dynamics.

Jason also experienced sexual abuse by a family member, which led to long-lasting effects such as PTSD and flashbacks. These factors, along with his grandfather’s mental health struggles, contributed to the traumas that affected his childhood and later life.

He explains how this early trauma has influenced his adult life, shaping his emotional and mental well-being and his ongoing battle with his mental health, highlighting the effects of PTSD and its triggers.

Jason describes his struggles with suicidal ideation, discussing the importance of recognising and managing these thoughts effectively. He emphasises the importance of therapy in his journey towards understanding himself and fostering personal growth.

The importance of being emotionally open is very significant, particularly in how it affects Jason’s relationships and personal healing and overcoming societal and internalised stigmas surrounding mental health issues.

Jason shares his reflection on his ongoing journey of self-improvement, acknowledging both setbacks and progress in his quest for a healthier mental state.

*****

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank You For Listening

Follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, or share your own story at kintsugiheroes.com.au. Your story matters.

Support Kintsugi Heroes

Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit, and every story we share is free for the people who need it. If this show has meant something to you, you can help us keep going. Visit kintsugiheroes.com.au and click donate. Every contribution helps us keep telling these stories, and it's tax-deductible.

Narelle has a severe vision impairment that means she uses a guide dog to get around. She only started to lose my sight about 16 years ago and has lived with only seeing shapes for the last two years.

She is an advocate for digital accessibility in Australia and work to let people know about the benefits of ensuring that everyone can access the information, understand the information and make informed decisions based on the information.

The benefits of good communication and digital accessibility are important to her. And the benefits of being disabled. We are normal.

Socials:

https://dasat.com.au

https://www.youtube.com/@digitalaccesssolutions

https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-access-solutions-and-assistive-technology

https://www.facebook.com/DIGITALDASAT

*****

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Kintsugi Heroes

Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit, and every story we share is free for the people who need it. If this show has meant something to you, you can help us keep going. Visit kintsugiheroes.com.au and click donate. Every contribution helps us keep telling these stories, and it's tax-deductible.

Thank You For Listening

Follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, or share your own story at kintsugiheroes.com.au. Your story matters.

Paul has had an amazing business career in marketing some of the world's largest consumer brands including McDonalds, Burger King and Snickers. He has had lot of fun in growing large and small organisations even setting up his own business to launch into Australia an amazing soft drink brand from Scotland called Irn-Bru.

While his life has been filled with the ups and downs of life, the real crunch came last year when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few days after his youngest daughter's wedding. From an incredible high of the wedding to a few days later to be told he had suspected prostate cancer certainly gave him and his family quite a hit.

To add to the challenge, his employers decided they felt he could no longer effectively perform his role to the required standards and ended his job. Then began an incredibly challenging year for Paul and his family, including major surgery, the sale of their family home, a beautiful wedding, the birth of their third grandchild and the news of another one on the way.

He has a beautiful family with his wife Janine and two daughters Jordon and Ashlyn and their respective husbands. He has three grandkids with another on the way.

Along with a love of God, these things are what keep him going everyday through the tough times and the amazingly good.

Social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-tredinnick/

*****

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank You For Listening

Follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, or share your own story at kintsugiheroes.com.au. Your story matters.

Support Kintsugi Heroes

Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit, and every story we share is free for the people who need it. If this show has meant something to you, you can help us keep going. Visit kintsugiheroes.com.au and click donate. Every contribution helps us keep telling these stories, and it's tax-deductible.

Justin has had a lifelong battle with Crohn's disease, a crippling bowel condition.

His courageous story is about the consequences of that disease, both physically, emotionally, and psychologically, of chronic illness, including the medical interventions and the setbacks around that.

Justin believes he had got the disease because of his family dynamics as a child, where there was a stigma around going to the toilet. This resulted in the normalising of pain and struggle that defined his childhood, made his school life hell and affected his later life in extremely challenging ways.

He was hospitalised numerous times and had excruciating surgeries but learned coping mechanisms with the support of his mum and by watching SpongeBob SquarePants videos.

"She's like, don't worry, sonny boy. You don't have to worry about working. You don't have to worry about anything in the world. Just be happy and smile."

He made peace with his disease and learned to stop trying to fit in and celebrate his differences. – this transformed his life.

Justin's purpose is now defined by learning how to thrive with a disease, and that's how he defines his mission. For people with disabilities, he suggests focusing on what you can do, not what you can't. He is now helping people with courses and information and by his example. He is writing a book about how to thrive in the workplace.

Contact:

Instagram: @thriving.with.crohns

Udemy course: https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-tackle-chronic-illness-with-a-positive-mindset/

*****

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank You For Listening

Follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, or share your own story at kintsugiheroes.com.au. Your story matters.

Support Kintsugi Heroes

Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit, and every story we share is free for the people who need it. If this show has meant something to you, you can help us keep going. Visit kintsugiheroes.com.au and click donate. Every contribution helps us keep telling these stories, and it's tax-deductible.