Kintsugi Heroes

Ros Knight began her journey as a good listener among friends during high school, soon realizing her interest in how people think and grow. Her first career path did not quite fit, but Ros found her true calling as a psychologist, driven by her desire to help others.

Over the years, she has built a strong foundation in clinical practice, always focusing on understanding both the brain and the person.

Ros became a respected advocate, taking on senior leadership positions in community organisations and supporting mental health policy. She values ongoing learning, blending scientific knowledge with a caring approach for every individual. Ros highlights the importance of self-care and boundaries while supporting people through tough times.

Today, she remains passionate about connection, emphasising exercise, hope and engagement at every age. She continues to inspire others by sharing her insight, warmth, and belief in the power of community.

Ros is an Endorsed Clinical and Counselling Psychologist with 35 years’ experience. She runs a Private Practice in Chatswood focused on Adults and Adolescents with a broad range of mental health and coaching issues, as well as providing supervision to psychologists in the field.

She is the Chair of the Sydney North Health Network (PHN) and is also on the NSW Psychology Council as a Practitioner member.

She was previously the Clinic Director at Macquarie University's Psychology Clinic - a training Clinic for Clinical, Clinical Neuropsychology and Organisational Provisional Psychologists.

She is a past President of the APS. She has a broad understanding of the psychology workforce and the current issues it faces.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ros-knight-516238106/

*****

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.

Jill Nash overcame early family tragedy and loss, showing remarkable strength. Her experiences shaped a determined outlook, helping her guide her family and herself through life’s most challenging moments with courage.

Now 86 years old, UK born Jill champions dignified aging and end-of-life choices and is involved in voluntary assisted dying initiatives including creating creates seminars to encourage open, supportive conversations on death, dying, and planning.

Jill passionately serves in health councils and community groups, developing programs to reduce loneliness, support healthy aging, and spark connections. She designs resources and courses to empower and inform older Australians.

Jill values nurturing relationships, both within her family and the wider community. Through active mentorship and intergenerational programs, she fosters meaningful connections, sharing experiences and promoting growth for people of all ages.

A passionate traveller and learner, Jill believes curiosity keeps life vibrant. She encourages others to embrace new opportunities, stay engaged in their communities, and approach each stage of life with curiosity and openness.

*****

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.

Peter Donnell grew up in Sydney’s northern suburbs. His career began strongly but the early 2000s brought unexpected hurdles, including workplace changes and the closure of his office. He also faced tough commutes and job stress.

His wife’s health after childbirth brought extra challenges at home. Managing a newborn and household demands grew more difficult and pressures continually increased during this period.

After changing jobs Peter was deeply affected by workplace bullying and exclusion. He noticed the early warning signs of anxiety and self-doubt but did not fully understand their impact at the time.

Peter self-diagnosed with anxiety and depression after searching online. Initially reluctant he eventually reached out for professional help, meeting with doctors and specialists. Family support began playing a bigger role in his recovery.

A move to the country was both adventure and challenge for Peter’s family. He tried new roles including farm work, learned resilience during setbacks, and discovered how important self-care and supportive routines are to wellbeing.

Returning to Sydney brought new insights. Peter committed to regular exercise and ongoing counselling. He learned to recognise and manage anxiety and depression, focusing on openness, resilience, and finding contentment in everyday 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

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.

Margot was born in 1962 in Australia, the daughter of Dutch immigrant parents. She left school in year 11 and went to art school in the Netherlands for a little while.

On her return she secured an apprenticeship the pre-press printing industry as a 'retoucher and dot etcher'. She worked in that trade until opening her Apple Computer store, Mac & Me in Avalon, Sydney in 1999. Her two daughters were born in the 90's. 

She closed the computer business during COVID and moved to the country where she completed a Diploma of Family History at UTAS.

Links: myfamilytreeandme.com.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

From war zones to slums, Aaron Tait has travelled to and worked in more than 70 countries across the globe as a military officer, humanitarian and social entrepreneur, and now writes to help people live deliberate lives filled with purpose. 

Aaron was thrust into the frontline of international crisis at a young age, deploying to Iraq immediately after 9/11 as a 17-year-old military officer. A move to East Africa at 25, saw him leading aid projects in crisis zones and urban slums. As a co-founder of the impact organisations ygap and Education Changemakers, Aaron has helped to improve the lives of more than a million people living in poverty. 

He is a geography graduate of the University of Cambridge and holds three master's degrees in international affairs. As an entrepreneur, sold his business EC to the technology unicorn Go1 in 2023. Aaron lives with his wife, Kaitlin, and his two sons, Atlas and Finn, and moves between his home in Byron Bay and global travels.

Social Media

Website: aaronjtait.com

Instagram: @aaronjtait

Linkedin: @aaronjtait

Facebook: @aaronjtait

*****

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.

Michael describes how leaving Africa for Australia brought him both emptiness and relief. Building a new life meant loss of networks and family upheaval, including divorce, yet the safety, law and order in Australia provided comfort.

Michael’s passion for high-risk activities like kayaking, skydiving, and micro-lighting was driven by adrenaline and the thrill of adventure, helping him stay present. These pursuits became an alternative to addiction after war.

Over decades, Michael survived multiple accidents, including a microlight crash, car collision, kayaking mishaps, and waterfall incidents. These experiences involved physical trauma but did not deter him from continuing adventurous activities.

Michael wrestled with PTSD and depression post-accident. His recovery involved therapy, medication, rehabilitation, and personal action. He returned to Africa to confront past traumas which proved therapeutic and helped resolve recurring nightmares from his earlier life.

Michael’s approach to struggle emphasises taking action and maintaining hope. He explains that changing circumstances and environments, even simple walks, can ignite improvement and it is vital to step beyond our comfort zones.

*****

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

Michal’s childhood was filled with outdoor adventure and freedom in Rhodesia, growing up on a hobby farm, fishing and riding, but also navigating a complex relationship with his Scottish father’s temper.

Being sent to boarding school at a young age shaped Michael’s sense of independence and self-reliance but also led to feelings of abandonment and questions about his own self-worth over many years.

He recalls a safe, respectful community where race was not a dividing factor in his friendships, but witnessed the country’s shift to war, deeply affecting everyone and bringing trauma and loss.

Taking on a leadership role at just 18 in a support unit, Michael shares both responsibility and connection with his troops, facing fear, violence, and witnessing the stark realities of guerrilla warfare.

Exposure to war atrocities led Michael to develop coping strategies and seek adrenaline activities afterwards. His faith and belief in God became a source of strength for healing and perspective.

He moved first to South Africa, navigating strict apartheid-era laws, and later emigrated to Australia.

*****

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

John had a tough childhood, surviving mental and physical abuse. Living on the streets at fourteen shaped his empathy, wisdom, and understanding of the challenges facing many men today.

From truck driver to mindfulness coach, John’s story includes surviving a catastrophic accident, experiencing a spiritual awakening, and transforming years of darkness into clarity. He teaches simple practices that bring peace and connection.

John’s life was changed by spiritual prompts, powerful stories, and unwavering respect. He found meaning by pausing, connecting, and letting the universe move the furniture, continually seeking clarity, peace, and authentic connection.

Years spent in mental health units and overcoming diagnoses of incurable psychosis taught John the power of lived experience. His mentorship highlights the importance of sharing stories and inspiring hope through mindfulness.

He champions transformative mentoring, deep respect, and unconditional positive regard. John believes wisdom comes from lived experience and that becoming authentic means taking off masks, letting go of damaging beliefs, and embracing self-love.

John is an Australian Mindfulness Master, Lived Experience Trauma Coach, Spiritual Life Coach and founder of: mindfullyMAD.org (mindfully Making A Difference). 

 John is an outspoken advocate for mental health, suicide prevention   and sharing personal stories. He is passionate about his purpose which is helping a         world in crisis to awaken. John has reached millions of people through live talks,     documentaries, radio, podcasts, print and online. His signature saying is: 

Be Mindful… Pause… Connect!

Links

https://linktr.ee/johnshearer

https://mindfulnesscoach.com.au

https://johnshearer.xyz/my-book

https://facebook.com/mindful99

https://instagram.com/johnshearer.herveybay

*****

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

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.

Petrina Barson grew up as the youngest of five girls in a loving family, surrounded by compassion and kindness. Her early life set the foundations for her caring nature. She attended a church school, learning about Christian principles and compassion. The experience shaped her guiding light, even though she did not fully embrace all its teachings.

Medicine was not an obvious path for Petrina. She found medical education challenging and often felt her natural compassion was unwelcome or overlooked during her training.

A mother of four Petrina faced the sudden loss of her young daughter Maya to sepsis. She learned about the importance of accepting compassion from others and the value of self- compassion in healing.

Petrina made compassion central in her work as a GP, valuing deep connections with patients and holding space for their stories, pain and healing throughout their lives.

Petrina discovered compassion cultivation training at Stanford and became a certified Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) teacher. She founded the Centre for a Compassionate Society, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building community around the universal human value of compassion.  She became a practitioner of the Richards Trauma Process and found new ways to support healing. 

Petrina now combines clinical work, teaching and community action to foster a more compassionate society. She is also a poet and an activist for refugee rights. The thread that runs through all these domains of her life is her passion for compassion, and her deep conviction that we have more in common than divides us.

https://centreforacompassionatesociety.net

https://petrinabarson.net

*****

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

Daniel had a fairly normal upbringing with a supportive family, a love of nature, and a Catholic faith. He loves family, friends, community, and his dog. 

Daniel says his Catholic upbringing is very important to him. He holds faith sacred, has a strong sense of values, and appreciates opportunities to reflect and understand what truly matters in life.

He loves connecting and is most comfortable when others share their stories. He found out how much good friends matter, and believes in the power of genuine, unscripted, human connection.

Daniel faced tests, transitions, and rites of passage. He shares how he moved from being focused on his identity as a brother, to discovering how to be his own person.

Daniel has gone through anxiety, depression, and a crisis of faith. He calls unconditional, nonjudgmental support from friends and his wifer Jenna crucial for helping him through tough times and giving him hope.

Daniel wants to help people genuinely connect by sharing their stories. He believes storytelling can be powerful and is excited about building connections as part of the Kintsugi Heroes team.

Over the past 17 years, he dedicated himself to supporting people with disability in the workplace after he was introduced to the incredible hidden value they possess which benefits them, their surroundings and society as a whole. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-p-dougherty

*****

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

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.