"I’ve come out from under, from hiding, I suppose."

In this episode, we sit down with Gene Moore, a brilliant scholar, former pastor, and cultural change specialist whose life’s work involves dismantling the very walls he was once forced to live behind. Growing up in a fundamentalist Christian home in Texas, Gene faced the agonising conflict between his identity and his faith.

After a journey that took him from the deep South to the islands of the Pacific and finally to New Zealand, Gene transformed his personal struggle into a global mission. He now consults for international military and police forces, helping shift institutional cultures and saving lives by bringing people "out of the closet" and into their authentic selves.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Weight of the Closet: Growing up in a fundamentalist environment and the psychological toll of hiding one’s true self.
• A Journey of Transformation: From pastoring to becoming a specialist in history, anthropology, and human sexuality.
• Cultural Change in High-Stakes Environments: How Gene’s work with the military and police is redefining leadership and inclusion.
• The Philosophy of Identity: Why "being seen" is a fundamental human need and a catalyst for mental health recovery.
• The Power of Storytelling: Gene’s upcoming book and his mission to destigmatize identity issues for men worldwide.

• Website: www.thegaygene.org
• Topics: Sexual Identity, Cultural Change, Mental Health, Resilience.

If Gene’s story resonated with you, please consider supporting our mission to share stories of resilience:

• Website: kintsugiheroes.com.au
• Donate: Support our storytelling initiatives here.
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Share this episode: If you know someone struggling with identity or seeking the courage to be their authentic self, please share this conversation with them.

Topics Covered:

• Overcoming Religious Trauma and Fundamentalism
• LGBTQ+ Identity and Mental Health
• The Psychological Impact of "The Closet"
• Cultural Change in Military and Police Forces
• Masculinity and Vulnerability
• Trauma-Informed Storytelling and Resilience
• International Human Rights and Sexuality Policy
• The Philosophy of Kintsugi in Personal Identity

Hayley grew up in a privileged family where her parents worked hard and protected her from many hardships. She was a middle child who became skilled at noticing others and managing emotions.

During high school, Hayley faced difficulties processing big emotions and coped with them through an eating disorder. She did not often share her struggles and felt alone with her experiences.

After high school, Hayley tried multiple university courses and jobs, searching for meaning and a sense of purpose. She struggled with mental health and found comfort in helping others.

In her early twenties, Hayley saw an advertisement for a lived experience committee and joined in 2012. This helped her find language for her experiences and begin talking openly about suicide.

Hayley earned a degree in Suicidality and is finishing her PhD about people using their lived experience for suicide prevention. She has focused on changing conversations in the sector through research and advocacy.

*****

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.

Episode Title: From Terminal Diagnosis to the Cockpit: Cameron’s Journey of Repair and Resilience

Episode Summary Cameron faced a terminal cancer diagnosis with the same precision he uses as an airline pilot. In this episode, we explore how he reframed a "broken" prognosis into a life of deeper community connection, spiritual peace, and the successful raising of his two daughters. Cameron’s story is a living example of Kintsugi—where the repairs are made in gold.

Cameron faced terminal cancer with determination. He focused on daily strength and never gave up, taking each challenge head-on and finding ways to stay positive and realistic throughout his journey.

Raising two daughters as a single dad was Cameron’s proudest achievement. He gave his daughters love, guidance, and support, showing how family responsibility shaped his values and strengthened his spirit.

Cameron pursued his passion for aviation later in life. He became an airline pilot, proving that goals can be reached with hard work and persistence, no matter what obstacles stand in the way.

Cameron values his local community. He participates in group activities and service, believing in the power of giving and connection with friends and neighbours, making a positive impact wherever he goes.

Through hardship, Cameron has found comfort in spirituality. He believes in transitions beyond life, coaches his loved ones to stay connected, and accepts fate calmly, while focusing on remaining strong and true to himself.

Episode Pillars

1. Navigating the Storm: Facing terminal cancer with a "never give up" mindset.
2. The Proudest Achievement: The challenges and rewards of raising two daughters as a single father.
3. Taking Flight: Proving it’s never too late to pursue a passion for aviation.
4. Community & Spirit: Finding strength in local service and a calm acceptance of life’s transitions.

The Kintsugi Connection To see the visual story of Cameron's journey and explore more episodes of resilience, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kintsugiheroes/videos

If Cameron’s story moved you, explore these related Hero conversations:

1. Dealing with Illness? Listen to Ian Westmoreland’s story of launching Kintsugi Heroes while facing melanoma.
2. Seeking Resilience? Discover how Daniel Lloyd’s human experience inspires millions to recover.

About Kintsugi Heroes Kintsugi Heroes is an Australian not-for-profit (DGR endorsed) dedicated to strengthening mental wellbeing through the power of storytelling. We believe that lived experience is a gift to be shared, not a scar to be hidden.

Partner with Us Align your organisation with resilience and social responsibility. Help us amplify voices that inspire change. https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/partners/

Donate Your tax-deductible contribution helps us reach over 6 million Australians via community radio and continue sharing these vital stories. https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate/#donate

Connect With Us

1. Website: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kintsugi-heroes/
3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintsugi.heroes/
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kintsugi-Heroes-100084850387170/

Troy grew up in Bendigo, Victoria and studied sports science at university. He developed curiosity and appreciation for learning through diverse life experiences and family challenges.

After university, Troy travelled extensively, living in places like Greece, Iran, and South America. He worked in remote cattle stations, ski field management at Mount Buller, and even spent six months living in a zoo.

Troy built a varied career in banking, marketing, and sales, including roles as an executive and sales director. Corporate experiences taught him about values, leadership, and the realities of organizational identity and hierarchy.

Health and wellbeing became central for Troy after witnessing family tragedies, including his father’s mental health struggles and loss of his mother-in-law and father-in-law. Inspired by these experiences, Troy sought to understand habits and pursue positive change.

Troy founded Wellteam, focusing on building better habits in mind, body, movement, purpose, relationships, and nutrition. He now promotes learning, mateship, humility, and genuine connection to help others improve their lives and wellbeing.

Social Media and Links

Wellteam website https://www.wellteam.me

To run the Wellteam Scorecard tool https://www.wellteam.me/scorecard

https://www.facebook.com/wellteam.me

https://www.instagram.com/wellteam.me

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellteam-me

*****

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.

Catherine Robertson is a highly experienced wellbeing and leadership coach, consultant, and keynote speaker who bridges corporate leadership and personal growth.

With a 20-year career in the pharmaceutical industry and over a decade specialising in wellbeing, mindfulness, and positive psychology, she supports leaders to enhance health, resilience, and performance through evidence-based approaches.

Catherine designs and delivers transformative programs, workshops, coaching, and high-performance team sessions for diverse local and global organisations, providing practical tools that create lasting change.

She specialises in workplace wellbeing facilitation, executive and group coaching, wellbeing strategy, and keynote presentations, and has partnered with organisations including Roche, Bayer, GSK, Novo Nordisk, and Veeva.

Beyond corporate work, Catherine co-facilitates Family Constellation Workshops and Wilderness Retreats, is a published writer, and has presented international research on gratitude and wellbeing. Her grounded, empathetic approach reflects deep personal growth and extensive professional training.

Social Media

Catherine’s website is currently under construction. You can use Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-robertson-54b08277/ or IG@wellbeingwithcatherine

*****

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.

Joanna Nell is a British/Australian author, former GP and advocate for positive ageing. Her journey began with a deep curiosity about people. As a doctor, she listened closely to her patients and cared for them with empathy and understanding every day.

Leaving a successful medical career, Joanna followed her passion for writing. She shows us it’s possible to change direction in life and start something new at any age.

Storytelling is Joanna’s superpower. Drawing from her experience of working with older people in aged care, she shares uplifting stories about aging, friendship, and hope, bringing light and laughter to topics that are often neglected or misunderstood.

Her stories highlight their wisdom, spark, and humour, inspiring readers to recognize the true value of seniors in our lives. Joanna encourages us to see aging with optimism. Her life and writing prove it’s never too late to grow, connect, and make a difference, no matter what stage of life you are in.

Joanna’s essays and short fiction have won multiple awards and been widely published in magazines, journals and literary anthologies. Her first five novels, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village, The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home, The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital and Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year, were national bestsellers.

Social Media Links

Website: www.joannanell.com

Instagram: @joanna_nell_writer

Facebook page: Joanna Nell Author

Threads: joanna_nell_writer

*****

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie