Best Kintsugi Heroes Podcasts (2025)

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Farming with respect for animals and land with Nan Bray • Connecting Seniors 58:02

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2d ago58:02

58:02

Nan is the owner, manager, and shepherd for White Gum Wool, which is the name of her farm and the yarn made from fibre grown by her sheep. White Gum Wool sheep are raised on a single farm, in the high midlands of Tasmania. They graze in mostly native pastures where they can find the plants they need to keep healthy. Mamas teach their babies how to …

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Discovering the power of storytelling, faith, and family with Daniel Dougherty 58:14

10h ago58:14

58:14

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 lif…

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How a donkey changed my life with Ron King • Animals & Us E20 54:07

9h ago54:07

54:07

Ron King used to be a highly successful media executive. Then, after COVID he began a search for joy which led him to rescuing donkeys and creating Oscar’s Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary This Vimeo link sums up his journey: https://vimeo.com/monument/dk Through his love of donkeys, he found his path to joy and the difference between things he en…

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Being a Brown Female Doctor with Sarah Arachchi 1:03:24

5d ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Dr. Sarah Aratchi brings a powerful and heartfelt account of migrating to Australia as a child, reflecting on the everyday realities being “othered” due to her surname and skin colour. She unpacks the lasting impact of being “the brown kid” in school and the constant questioning about where she’s “really from” that followed her into adulthood. The …

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Using sport, meditation, and community to move from trauma to joy with Greg Boerma • Connecting Seniors 1:00:22

12d ago1:00:22

1:00:22

Greg grew up in a family of six, surrounded by love and support. This big family environment shaped his inclusive and communal mindset. Successful in various sports, including swimming and basketball, Greg achieved an elite level. His curiosity drove him to explore multiple sporting disciplines. Greg's career began in education, progressed into arc…

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A Cultural Psychology Conversation with Deborah Ko 1:22:52

2d ago1:22:52

1:22:52

In this episode, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd sits down with cultural psychologist Deborah Ko for an eye-opening conversation on identity, belonging, and adaptation across cultures. Deborah shares her personal experiences growing up at the intersection of American and Hong Kong backgrounds, and reveals how cultural psychology became a lens for understand…

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Overcoming trauma through storytelling & drama therapy with Catherine Maguire-Donvito • Connecting Seniors 44:19

20d ago44:19

44:19

In this conversation, Catherine Maguire-Donvito, Co-founder and Director of Treehouse Theatre, shares the program’s unique approach to supporting refugee adolescents through storytelling and theatrical performance. The initiative is designed to facilitate trauma recovery and raise awareness about the refugee experience among high school students. C…

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Dancing amongst life's chaos and adventures with Robyn Catchlove • Connecting Seniors 1:01:30

27d ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Growing up in Adelaide, Robyn was a fiercely curious child, devouring books from the library and mastering puns, all while driving her parents mad with endless questions. Bored with school, Robyn discovered a love for adventure by exploring forbidden coffee clubs and later worked for the weapons research establishment, becoming a steno secretary fo…

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Creating a holistic healing sanctuary for people who've experienced trauma with Sharna Teresa Bowers 55:40

9d ago55:40

55:40

Sharna is the Founder of Kindred Spirits a not-for-profit organisation with the vision to create a holistic healing sanctuary for children who've experienced trauma. As a transformation coach she helps people overcome anxiety, self-doubt, and people-pleasing through her signature Reclamation process, holistically reclaiming the mind, body, emotions…

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Why every dog deserves to be loved with Lya Battle • Animals & Us E19 1:04:50

23d ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Lya Battle Bonilla is the Founder of Territorio de Zaguates, a sanctuary in Costa Rica with over 15 years of experience. More than 1,800 rescued dogs now live in freedom, safety, and love. What started as a small rescue effort from her own home slowly grew into a lifelong mission, to give every dog, no matter their story, a chance to heal and to be…

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From Shame to Strength: Owning Your Migrant Story with Fabiola Campbell 1:07:23

1M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

In this conversation, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd speaks with Fabiola Campbell, founder and CEO of Professional Migrant Women and author of the upcoming book “Own it”. Fabiola shares her deeply personal migration story - born in Australia but raised in Venezuela, Fabiola returned as an adult expecting to feel at home, only to confront the reality of bei…

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Learning to live a life free of limits with Michael Hingson • Connecting Seniors 52:08

1M ago52:08

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Michael was born blind and grew up in Chicago and California. His early years lacked access to braille, but he learned math in his head and stayed curious about science. Michael got proper braille education in fourth grade. With his mother’s support and a new resource teacher, he caught up in school, joined the Boy Scouts, and developed skills in l…

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A life of resilience, rhythm and recovery with Bob Eden 55:58

1M ago55:58

55:58

Born in the UK in 1952, Bob's early life was tough. He was premature, had a volatile relationship with his mother and was often bullied at school, he shares these formative experiences. He began as an engineering apprentice but found his true calling in music. Bob played music on boats during pub nights, entertaining the passengers. Moving to Austr…

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Understanding emotion and finding freedom with Sherrie Laryse 1:10:03

1M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Sherrie Laryse is an Emotional Intelligence Consultant with a degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and a background in human behaviour, trauma, psychosomatics, mental illness, yoga, and meditation. She has authored two books about overcoming challenges—"On Path” and “The Body Talks Back”—and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Psychological …

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Vets Beyond Borders: global care for animals with Dr Ian Douglas • Animals & Us E18 53:37

1M ago53:37

53:37

In this episode of Animals and Us, we meet Dr Ian Douglas, a pioneering veterinarian whose career spans five decades, continents, and countless animal lives improved through his dedication to welfare and education. From his beginnings in Scotland to his long-standing leadership with Vets Beyond Borders, Ian’s work has shaped international animal he…

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Let’s Talk About It: Loneliness, Racism, and Finding Belonging with Ochan Aba 49:01

2M ago49:01

49:01

In this episode, Ochan shares his multifaceted journey as someone of South Sudanese and Ugandan heritage, born in Ethiopia to migrant parents, whose family later moved to Kenya before eventually resettling in Australia. He opens up about the challenges he faced after arriving, including experiences of loneliness, racism, and racial profiling. Ochan…

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From conflict to embracing change and freedom with Steve Khouw 36:07

2M ago36:07

36:07

Steve is an Australia based immigrant who left Indonesia as a child due to risks of persecution. He is an engineer, business leader, single-dad, passionate conservationist and environmental advocate, lover of music of various genre, arts & culture, avid global backpack adventurer off the beaten-tracks. He is an Australian Survivor, social justice a…

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Healing trauma by rewiring the unconscious mind with Judith Richards 48:28

2M ago48:28

48:28

Judith was the youngest of eight in a Catholic family. Despite a comfortable life, she faced traumatic experiences, including sexual abuse by priests from an early age. The abuse and violence she suffered profoundly shaping her programming and she developed beliefs of unworthiness and self-punishment. In secondary school, Judith endured further abu…

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Generational grief and self-discovery with Michelle Scheibner 1:07:27

2M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

Michelle grew up as an only child in Melbourne, surrounded by adults, in a quiet home shaped by grief, missed connections and a sense of being different from other children. Her early childhood was defined by few friends, no pets and a risk-averse environment, where independence grew from a lack of emotional nurturing and encouragement to play. Mic…

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Protecting the wild and self-healing with Alison Papas • Animals & Us E17 43:25

2M ago43:25

43:25

Alison grew up in a big Mauritian family in Australia, always surrounded by cousins, sleepovers, warmth and laughter, with family playing a central role throughout her childhood. When she was ten, abuse by a family member changed her sense of safety and shaped her early years, bringing complexity and hardship that affected her growth and identity. …

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Surviving the Impossible: Yaser Naseri’s Journey from Iran to Australia 1:31:05

2M ago1:31:05

1:31:05

In this episode of From There to Here, Emma Bellamy-Dodd speaks with Yaser Naseri, who fled Iran after political activism made staying impossible. Yaser describes life in Tehran, the dangers of protesting, and tough decisions that led him to Indonesia - where multiple failed escape attempts and a deadly boat disaster profoundly shaped him. He recal…

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From the Police to First Responder PTSD Advocate with Sean Haran 50:31

2M ago50:31

50:31

Born in Brighton, England, Sean moved to Australia at age seven. His dad’s Irish heritage led them to Fremantle, beginning a life of adventure in Perth. At 15, Sean's navy dream ended due to colour blindness. He joined the Western Australian Police Academy in 1978, quickly finding his passion in policing. Sean served 15 years in the police, includi…

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Trailer • Connecting Seniors 2025 0:51

2M ago0:51

0:51

We’re back for season two of Connecting Seniors! This special series shines a light on the stories of ageing Australians – moments of wisdom, laughter, challenge and connection. It’s all about celebrating life at every stage and bringing communities closer together. Tune in every Thursday for new episodes Find out more about this series and our oth…

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Facing ADHD, anger, and finding strength in helping others with Lance Burdett 1:02:31

2M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

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, taki…

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The path to healing and self-empowerment with Caroline Brunne • Animals & Us E16 1:10:50

2M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

Caroline Brunne grew up in a large, fun-loving, close-knit Mauritian family in Australia. At age ten, she experienced four years of abuse by a family member, learning early about trauma responses like fawning and shrinking herself to stay safe in her own home. During her teens, Caroline struggled to cope and kept her secret for years. At 16, she di…

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The Power of Sport to Rebuild: How Roman Abasy Champions Refugee Integration Through Sport 32:33

2M ago32:33

32:33

In this podcast episode, Roman Abasy shares his inspiring journey from Afghanistan to Australia as a refugee and human rights advocate. He discusses his background as a Taekwondo champion, his transition to advocating for women's rights in sports, and the challenges he faced adapting to a new culture. Roman emphasizes the importance of sports in he…

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Finding strength after setbacks with Mark Berridge 1:29:12

3M ago1:29:12

1:29:12

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 Tint…

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Navigating love, loss, and mental health through faith, determination, and strength with Nicole Peterson 1:49:35

3M ago1:49:35

1:49:35

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 he…

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Learning to live a life free of limits with Michael Hingson • Animals & Us E15 51:02

3M ago51:02

51:02

Michael was born blind and grew up in Chicago and California. His early years lacked access to braille, but he learned math in his head and stayed curious about science. Michael got proper braille education in fourth grade. With his mother’s support and a new resource teacher, he caught up in school, joined the Boy Scouts, and developed skills in l…

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Becoming My Self: Rugare Gomo on Owning Identity, Creating Safe Spaces, Asking for Help, and Pursuing Freedom 1:11:46

3M ago1:11:46

1:11:46

In this episode, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd speaks with Rugare Gomo, author, leadership coach, and Zimbabwean-born migrant, about his journey toward embracing his authentic self in Australia. Rugare discusses growing up under strict societal and cultural expectations, navigating identity as a gay Black African man, and overcoming years of statelessness…

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From saddle making to global tech leadership with John Dwyer 1:10:46

3M ago1:10:46

1:10:46

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 s…

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Breaking free from abuse and hardship, a journey of courage, growth, and hope unfolds with David Lee 58:42

3M ago58:42

58:42

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 upbringin…

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Building awareness and advocating for wildlife with Sandy Steers • Animals & Us E14 33:52

3M ago33:52

33:52

Sandy Steers is a biologist, energy healer, writer, and entrepreneur. With a degree in biology, she has led 14 trips to the Galapagos Islands; run the environmental educational nonprofit, Friends of Big Bear Valley, for 24 years; and written hundreds of high-engagement educational social media posts describing the lives of the local bald eagles. Du…

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Navigating Mental Health in Refugee Populations: A Conversation with Nooria Mehraby 1:10:13

3M ago1:10:13

1:10:13

In this conversation, Nooria Mehraby shares her profound journey from being a refugee to becoming a clinician and advocate for mental health among refugees. She discusses the traumatic experiences of fleeing Afghanistan, her life in refugee camps in Pakistan, and the challenges of resettling in Australia. Drawing on her personal and professional ex…

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From grief to purpose and creating change with Craig Goozee OAM 54:31

3M ago54:31

54:31

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-Th…

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Embracing vulnerability and supporting men's mental health with John Broadbent 1:17:09

4M ago1:17:09

1:17:09

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 t…

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Finding hope through adopting a pet with Michael de Haan • Animals & Us E13 30:25

4M ago30:25

30:25

In this episode of Animals and Us, we’re joined by Michael de Haan – a Certified Money Behaviour Coach, author, and former financial planner – who shares a deeply personal story about finding purpose and healing through the bond with his rescue dog, Missy. Michael has spent over 25 years in the financial services sector, where he now focuses on coa…

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Navigating Code-Switching, Empathy Limitations, the Pressure to Be Grateful and the Complexities of Belonging: Mish Kumar-Jonson on Migrant Healing 1:16:04

4M ago1:16:04

1:16:04

In this episode of From There to Here, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd sits down with Mish Kumar-Jonson - a queer, non-binary, neurodivergent South Indian migrant who has called India, Oman, France, the US, New Zealand, and Australia home. Mish shares a deeply personal and insightful journey through multiple migrations, exploring how cultural identity is sh…

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Breaking generational cycles, healing anxiety, and reshaping masculinity with Gunter Swaboda 59:59

4M ago59:59

59:59

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 …

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How to Navigate Migration as an Introvert: Embrace Your Quiet Strenghts with Serena Low 41:25

4M ago41:25

41:25

In this episode, Serena Lowe shares her journey as an introverted migrant from Singapore to Australia. She discusses the challenges and strengths of being an introvert in a new culture, the importance of community, and how to embrace one's introverted nature. Serena emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and the value of quiet strengths in a world…

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Raising standards in swim education and therapy with Ruth Smith 43:36

4M ago43:36

43:36

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 li…

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Farming with respect for animals and land with Dr Nan Bray • Animals & Us E12 57:14

4M ago57:14

57:14

In this episode of Animals and Us, we’re joined by Dr Nan Bray – marine scientist turned ethical wool producer – who’s redefining what it means to care for both animals and the land. Based in the Tasmanian highlands, Nan runs White Gum Wool, a farm where sheep are not just livestock but respected members of a social and ecological community. Nan sh…

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Thriving through disaster thanks to community support with Mark Leigh • River Murray Recovery Stories E16 44:22

4M ago44:22

44:22

Mark grew up visiting the river and eventually moved with his family to the banks of the Murray for a relaxed country lifestyle. He became part of a small, friendly community where people help each other, and boating is part of everyday life for locals and visitors alike. Mark’s kids thrived in a tiny school, and the family enjoyed close ties, with…

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The Power of Bilingualism: A Conversation with Antonella Sorace 47:33

4M ago47:33

47:33

In this episode, Antonella Sorace, Director of Bilingualism Matters, joins the host to share her personal journey and dispel common myths about bilingualism. Together, they explore how bilingualism shapes identity and fosters adaptability, with Antonella explaining that while bilinguals often feel “in between” cultures, this very adaptability is a …

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Finding purpose during adversity thanks to community support with Adrian 'Moose' Skeggs 38:16

4M ago38:16

38:16

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 of…

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Building a home on the Murray River with Adele Johnson • River Murray Recovery Stories E15 40:07

4M ago40:07

40:07

As a child, Adele visited the Pyatt river settlement with family friends, creating lasting memories of carefree days spent exploring the land and water, deeply connecting to the Murray River. In 2015, Adele and her family purchased the property, transforming it into their home. Embracing the rural lifestyle, she balanced work as a baker with life o…

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From Somalia to Australia: Abdi Aden’s Lessons in Resilience as a Former Refugee 47:43

5M ago47:43

47:43

In this episode, Abdi Aden shares his incredible journey from Somalia to Australia, detailing the impact of the civil war on his life and the challenges he faced as a refugee. He discusses how he found purpose through motivational speaking, the challenges he faced due to societal expectations and discrimination, and how he overcame them by embracin…

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Danni’s Story: From Grief to Supporting Others as an End-of-Life Doula 1:13:50

5M ago1:13:50

1:13:50

Danni started her working life as a police officer where she saw death early but rarely spoke about it and learned firsthand about the challenges of facing mortality. Danni also dealt with the deaths of several family members and often became the person responsible for bringing people together and supporting her family through loss. She experienced…

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Recognising the importance of animals in war with Nigel Allsopp • Animals & Us E11 44:16

5M ago44:16

44:16

In this episode of Animals and Us, we’re joined by Nigel Allsopp – military veteran, former police dog handler, historian, author, and President of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation. Nigel’s career spans more than three decades across New Zealand and Australian military and police forces, with deep expertise in canine operations and a…

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Conveying calm communications amid rising waters with Stephanie Brookes • River Murray Recovery Stories E14 54:53

5M ago54:53

54:53

Stephanie grew up in Dublin, Ireland, where she explored her interest in consumer behaviour and marketing. She studied wine and its emotional connections, learning the importance of storytelling in people’s lives. She moved to the Riverland in 2012 and fell in love with the region especially the River Murray. She is married to a local wine maker wi…