Lance grew up moving often, with a tough childhood and feelings of not fitting in. He struggled at school, found it hard to make friends and often felt alone.  Early on, Lance showed signs of ADHD and anger, feeling out of place and hearing constant criticism which shaped his self-belief and experience at home and school.  

He started work young, taking on paper rounds and mowing lawns. After working as a builder he felt restless and wanting more.  At age 35, he joined the New Zealand police force. He soon discovered different ways to learn, adapting study techniques to fit his unique thinking style.  

Spending 22 years in the NZ police force, Lance became a detective and then 13 years as a crisis negotiator.  He trained in NZ, Australia, the UK and USA with the elite units of police, prisons, emergency services, the military and the FBI

He faced depression and anger head-on during his career, finding strength in support from others. He learned the value of self-care and transformed his challenges into personal growth.  Today, Lance is an author and positive psychology advocate, running his own business, helping others learn about themselves and encouraging self-compassion, resilience and human connection.

Lance has an MA majoring in Terrorism, Safety & Security, Diplomas in Policing and Business Studies and is completing a Diploma ins Positive Psychology & Wellbeing.

He is a published author of the bestselling books – Behind the Tape and Dark Side of the Brain – with a third book on manging anxiety published in August 2024. Lance also makes regular media appearances.

Social Media

https://www.warninternational.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/warninternational/

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

*****

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

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

 Mark grew up in Albany in WA, enjoying nature and learning from his schoolteacher parents, who blended creativity, resilience and the support that shaped his values and curiosity. After finishing high school, he went on to university in Perth, where he made lifelong friends. Mark began a corporate career in logistics and sales, working for Rio Tinto across Australia and Asia, learning about business, hard work and balancing career ambition with family life.

He valued being a good father and partner, making decisions to maintain family stability, and always tried to balance work progress with home responsibilities, shaped by his own diverse upbringing.

Mark shares the life-changing lessons forged in the aftermath of a devastating cycling spinal injury that left him physically and emotionally shattered. His journey forward was shaped by grit, humility, and a deep well of support and it unlocked a new perspective on resilience, performance, and possibility. 

Mark inspires people and organisations to pursue their potential — even when the path forward is unclear. He helps individuals aim high, undaunted by uncertainty, and achieve the progress they’ve too often put in the ‘too hard’ basket. His message is: ‘That even the biggest goals can be reached through the compounding power of small, deliberate steps — and by strengthening our mindset, one fraction at a time.’

An experienced corporate leader turned TEDx speaker and multi award-winning author, Mark is the creator of the FEET framework, a practical, mindset-first approach to navigating setbacks. Mark believes we are all stronger than we think — and that belief, when activated, has the power to transform teams, leaders, and lives.

Social Media

https://www.markberridge.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-berridge/

https://www.instagram.com/markberridge_author/

https://linktr.ee/markberridge_author

Tedx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=MUH73fjEwwI

Book - A Fraction Stronger

*****

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!

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

Nicole grew up in a loving family in Cape Town, South Africa before moving to Australia with her parents and siblings at the end of high school. 

Nicole met her husband Chris in her early twenties, married young, and together navigated early adventures including running a café and art gallery in Hawk’s Nest. After starting her family, she devoted herself to raising two children. She found joy and perspective in daily life through creativity, coastal walks, and her Christian faith.

Nicole’s background as a graphic artist influenced her love for creative expression, while her home life was always focused on strong family ties and nurturing her children’s unique personalities.

Nicole’s life as a Sydney mum whose life has been divided into two distinct parts: “before”, when suicide was an unfathomable tragedy that affected other families; and “after”, when the reality and possibility of suicide arrived as an unwelcome guest; one that was unable to be evicted, and who eventually took up permanent residence. 

After her daughter’s miraculous survival from her first suicide attempt at the tender age of thirteen, Nicole’s world turned upside down and inside out. From caring for a critically injured child back to physical health; navigating the quagmire of our mental health, education and justice systems for a child in subsequent suicidal distress; to ultimately being bereaved by suicide.

Nicole’s perspectives, prejudices and priorities from the life “before” have been challenged. With a strong faith in God; the blessings of a wonderful husband and son; a supportive and loving network of family, friends & church community; plus an incredibly adorable Pomeranian; Nicole is trying to navigate life without her precious Emma, who is forever sixteen.

She shares her story to offer perspective and compassion, encouraging kindness, gratitude, and understanding in others’ struggles.

Social Media

www.youtube.com/@missing-emma

https://youtu.be/xEBEKsIUR_4

www.facebook.com/EmmasMemorial

https://www.instagram.com/fizzgig_the_pom

*****

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

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The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

John Dwyer left school at age fourteen and started as an apprentice saddle maker. While working in leather, John became interested in computers. He taught himself basic programming on early computers and helped computerize the factory. This growing interest led to a new direction in technology.

John joined the tech industry in the early 1980s. He spent eighteen years at Microsoft. During this time, he held leadership roles and lived in various countries, gaining valuable global business experience.

John worked at Nokia and later at Amazon Web Services, where he spent eight years. His roles involved strategic leadership and managing teams across Europe, the United States, Asia, and the Middle East. 

After returning to Australia in 2014, John gained certifications in coaching and neuro-linguistic programming. He focused on people development and mentoring, helping others find their strengths and achieve personal growth.

John values musical theatre and community involvement. He and his family participate in local theatre. His wife directs, and two daughters work in the field, making creativity and performance an important part of his life.

Recently, John decided to leave corporate roles to spend more time with family and explore new interests. He now focuses on helping others, studying LGBTQ+ coaching, and developing projects blending his skills and passions. A certified NLP Master Practitioner & Trainer, John’s top skills include infrastructure operations, physical security, business process optimisation, training, public speaking and workshop facilitation. He has his own venture ‘Living my Best Life’

https://jdsjournal.buzzsprout.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

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

Dave grew up in Maroubra, a tough part of Sydney, raised by a single mother in an environment of poverty and violence, surrounded by people with difficult ideas and constant stress. His early childhood memories include feeling unsafe at home due to a father who left early and a mother who struggled with her own challenges after a troubled upbringing.

Dave endured psychological abuse and manipulation from his stepfather and mother, often feeling like a burden and facing daily situations that left him constantly under threat.

Despite this, Dave spent time hiding out in the countryside and later tried to fit in at school, forming friendships and throwing himself into rugby and surfing to stay away from home.

With little guidance or support, he missed out on opportunities like university and ended up working hands-on jobs, learning the value of finding his own way through information and experience.

Dave turned to reading, self-education, and online resources to understand the world, gradually building a sense of justice and wanting to fight against unfairness and mistreatment wherever he saw it.

Now, Dave openly shares his story, using what he has learned to help others facing tough journeys, and focuses on creating positive change and standing up for people who need a voice.

*****

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

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

Craig Goozee OAM grew up loving sport, always seeing himself as a sprinter and never dreaming he would one day run ultra marathons across some of Australia’s toughest terrains.  

Craig spent nearly 24 years in the New South Wales police force, choosing proactive roles that kept him out in the field and, later, in covert operations such as the Anti-Theft Squad, Special Operations and the State Major Incident Group. In 1997, Craig joined an elite covert task force, working undercover to gather intelligence on crime syndicates and corrupt officers and keeping his work secret from friends and family.  

Craig is a father of five children, but sadly lost his eldest, Jessica, after a two-year battle with cancer. To raise funds for children cancer organisations he has endured three ultra marathons raising more than 1.5 million dollars. 

He faced incredible physical and mental challenges, from battling heat and wild animals in the Australian outback to feeling the isolation of secret police work and the toll of witnessing crime.  

More recently, Craig has managed his own cancer diagnoses and treatments, started sharing his story through podcasts and writing, and continues to learn from every stage of his journey.

https://www.threeringcircus.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

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

John Broadbent grew up in Yorkshire, born into a low working-class family, before moving to Australia at age ten, which marked a big turning point for his life and perspective. He trained as an engineer and fully immersed himself in the world of science and logic, John spent his early career excelling in a technical environment, sometimes missing the deeper emotional side.

The early 1990s brought a significant shift, triggered by a relationship challenge and a life-changing trip to Monkey Mia, where an unexpected spiritual journey began to awaken John’s self-awareness.

Mentored by Stuart, a uniquely insightful teacher, John embarked on deep inner work, learning to feel, name, and process emotions, and discovering how much he had shut himself off.

During the following decade of traveling the world, supporting workshops and doing his own therapeutic work, John developed profound empathy, embraced vulnerability, and grew into a more whole person.

Stepping into leadership, John began guiding and supporting men’s groups and retreats, focusing on men’s mental health, emotional development, healing, and facilitating healthy connection among men.

Today, John shares his hard-won wisdom through writing, coaching couples, and facilitating men’s work, driven by his mission to help others create more meaningful, connected, and emotionally literate lives.

He wrote Man Unplugged: Exploring The Inner Man in 2014

*****

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!

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

Gunter grew up in a home filled with conflict and the strong influence of a mother who survived complex trauma and a gentle but wounded father, both from Vienna during the Russian invasion. As a teenager, he became fascinated by philosophy and Buddhism, which helped him realize that being a man involves intention and not just reacting to the world around him.

He struggled with performance anxiety and statistics during his psychology studies but found real progress through therapy, learning that feeling broken was not a permanent state.

Gunter’s journey took him from philosophy into psychology and therapy, helping him better understand both himself and others while continuing to explore what it means to be whole.

Working with Vietnam veterans and clients affected by trauma, he moved away from strictly cognitive therapies, focusing on real human experiences and the deep wounds that shape us.

With his wife as both partner and collaborator, Gunter became a leader in men’s well-being, writing fiction and non-fiction, consulting on scripts, and producing a top men’s psychology podcast. He is passionate about personal growth, cultural change, and empowering others to look inward and question traditional masculine values.

www.GoodMenGreat.com

Instagram: instagram.com/gswoboda

Twitter: x.com/gunterswoboda

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodmengreat/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodmengreat.bsky.social

*****

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,

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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.

Growing up as a farmer’s daughter in rural Australia, Ruth spent her childhood exploring creeks, drinking fresh milk, and roaming the paddocks with my siblings. Life was simple, honest, and deeply connected to the land and community. 

She developed a passion for water early, competing in state-level swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming and lifesaving, and became the first female Beach Inspector in New South Wales. Since then, she has run swim schools and trained many aquatic professionals. 

Her love for water evolved into a meaningful career as a Specialised Aquatic Therapist and Mentor. She now focuses on helping children with additional needs using the unique properties of water. Aquatic therapy supports children’s development in self-regulation, coordination, confidence and more. It reduces anxiety and sensory challenges, and helps families feel more connected and confident. 

*****

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

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

Adrian “Moose” Skeggs was born and raised on Lord Howe Island, a small, close-knit place he calls absolutely idyllic and full of daily adventures and learning.  Adrian faced a tough start. His mother was bedridden for years, and he often pushed boundaries, seeking attention and connection from his community.  

Despite childhood challenges and going off the rails, Adrian’s community stepped in, sponsoring him to attend boarding school after recognizing both his struggles and his potential.  At boarding school, discipline and routine helped Adrian settle. He quickly stood out in sports, playing cricket and joining the rugby team where he found new purpose and belonging.  

Rugby became central to Adrian’s life. He moved to Sydney, joined the Warringah Club, and worked hard to eventually play for New South Wales, Queensland, and represented Australia internationally.  After rugby, Adrian faced the challenge of finding his true place beyond the game. He moved into teaching, coaching, and using his connections to help others, giving back wherever possible.  

When Adrian moved back to Lord Howe Island with his family, he focuses on community, volunteering at the school and encouraging young people to embrace legacy, make good choices, and help each other.

*****

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.