Best Kintsugi Heroes Podcasts (2025)

1
Karen Humphries' Unique Journey Through Chronic Illness 1:05:30

4d ago1:05:30

1:05:30

Karen was born in England to Irish parents and moved to Australia as a baby, growing up with a childhood full of change and learning to adapt to new situations. Early on, she faced undiagnosed medical challenges with clumsiness, gastrointestinal issues and hypermobility, always feeling there was something different and relying on instinct and persi…

1
Working with horses to turn adversity into purpose with Sue Spence • Animals and Us E08 58:55

5d ago58:55

58:55

Sue grew up in New Zealand loving horses, always asking for a white pony and feeling happiest when spending time riding and caring for her first ponies and her horse, Lady. As a child with autism and ADHD, Sue felt awkward around humans but found peace and confidence with horses, using time in nature to manage her feelings and emotions. Bullied at …

1
Leading a community with empathy, and managing media misinformation with Peter Hunter • River Murray Recovery Stories E09 59:14

8h ago59:14

59:14

Peter Hunter grew up by the sea, developing a lifelong love for water, which later shaped his deep connection to rivers and the natural environment. He began his career in 1977, serving as a teacher and later a school principal, honing his skills in leadership and community engagement. Peter transitioned into public service, joining the Renmark cou…

1
Navigating the Immigrant Job Market: A Conversation with Kahlil Bagatsing 56:21

2d ago56:21

56:21

In this conversation, Khalil Bagatsing shares his journey from working in his family's business in the Philippines to helping immigrants find skill-aligned jobs in the US. He discusses the challenges immigrants face in the job market, including the importance of customizing resumes, recognizing transferable skills, and overcoming credential recogni…

1
Rekindling a spirit of collaboration and keeping the community connected with Shannon Baxter • River Murray Recovery 53:55

6d ago53:55

53:55

Shannon worked initially in business and HR, then transitioned into local government nearly ten years ago, developing a passion for infrastructure while supporting management teams. As an intelligence officer for the Renmark Paringa Council, she coordinated resources, working diligently with her team to prepare for the River Murray flood's impacts …

1
Navigating Identity and Mental Health: A conversation with Niharika Hiremath 53:45

9d ago53:45

53:45

In this insightful episode, Niharika Hiremath OAM, a first-generation immigrant and mental health professional, joins the podcast to share her unique perspective on growing up in Australia after leaving India at a young age. Niharika discusses her lived experiences as a third culture kid, the challenges and conflicts of navigating multiple identiti…

1
Steve Rothwell on creating a Meaningful Life with Neurodiversity 1:16:51

13d ago1:16:51

1:16:51

Steve grew up feeling different, always curious and passionate about things his friends didn’t understand. Early on, he developed a love for words and storytelling that set him apart. As a child, Steve struggled with perfectionism and low self-esteem, not knowing he was neurodiverse. He saw the world differently and often felt isolated and misunder…

1
Rebuilding a sense of purpose and providing mental health support with Shelley Rose • River Murray Recovery Stories E07 59:01

13d ago59:01

59:01

Shelley Rose was the Wellbeing officer for the huge area affected by the 2022 Murray River flood. She is a mental health practitioner and retired financial counsellor who has been deeply rooted in her local Riverland community for over 23 years. Shelley's first task was understanding the varied needs of flood victims, from primary and secondary res…

1
The Power of Perspective and Gratitude: Dinesh’s Path to Making a Difference 48:12

18d ago48:12

48:12

In this episode, the host interviews Dinesh Palipana, an extraordinary individual who has achieved remarkable success as a doctor, lawyer, researcher, and disability advocate. Dinesh shares his life story, starting from his childhood in war-torn Sri Lanka, the challenges he faced after moving to Australia, and how those experiences shaped his outlo…

1
Creating Safe Spaces for First Responders with Nick White 1:21:36

18d ago1:21:36

1:21:36

Nick is a 50-year-old single dad. He always wanted to join the military and dreamed of becoming a helicopter pilot. He decided instead to join the infantry and later trained as a paratrooper in Australia He was based at Holsworthy. He was eventually medically discharged after injuring his spine in a truck accident. After leaving the military, Nick …

1
Healing relationships between humans and dingos with Dr Julie Funnell • Animals and Us E07 45:02

19d ago45:02

45:02

Julie grew up in the bushland of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, where her love for animals began with a rescued kitten at age two and a childhood spent exploring nature. That early connection with the environment led her to study Environmental Biology and complete a PhD on bird migration. After working for years in veterinary and zoo settin…

1
Reuniting the community and fostering resilience with Julie Ahrens • River Murray Recovery Stories E06 56:26

20d ago56:26

56:26

Julie Ahrens began her journey as a bonded student teacher, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities in rural Australia. Drawn by job prospects and adventure, Julie moved from to Berri where her passion for teaching and community blossomed. Julie fully immersed herself in the Riverland lifestyle, cherishing the natural beauty and forming d…

1
From Boat Escape to Refugee Advocate: Mahshid Babzartabi’s Journey to Reclaiming her Next Chapter 37:54

25d ago37:54

37:54

In this episode, we explore the harrowing and inspirational journey of Mahshid Babzartabi, a refugee who fled Iran at age 52, as she was unable to endure the constraints of a society that silenced her voice. Confronted with limited legal options for safe emigration, she ultimately embarked on a perilous boat journey to Australia. Despite facing imm…

1
From chasing promotions to a life built with purpose and authenticity with James Pearson 58:33

25d ago58:33

58:33

James grew up in the north of England, earning a degree in politics and economics, working various jobs to support himself after university. He visited Australia for the Olympics and decided to stay. He started working in recruitment, which led to opportunities and a new life here. He thrived in the corporate world, pursuing promotions and financia…

1
Stepping up to responsibility in a time of crisis with Simone Bailey • River Murray Recovery Stories E05 54:40

28d ago54:40

54:40

After being an accountant with the Mid Murray Council, Simone had just been elected Mayor when she suddenly faced a major flood crisis, shifting quickly into immediate disaster management. Simone rallied the community, organising meetings and delivering flyers to get everyone up to speed on flood risks and emergency plans. Simone helped to successf…

1
From Sri Lanka to Australia: Jetha Devapura’s Journey of Resilience, Philanthropy, and Advocacy 45:51

1M ago45:51

45:51

In this episode, Emma has a heartfelt conversation with Jetha Devapura, an inspiring CEO and philanthropist who immigrated from Sri Lanka to Australia at the age of 12. Together, they discuss Jetha’s memories of his childhood in Colombo and his transition to life in Australia as a teenager. Jetha shares his academic struggles and eventual success, …

1
Pushing the boundaries of modern medicine to create change with Ben Bravery 1:11:24

1M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

Ben was raised by a single mother in Southeast Queensland, who instilled ambition and curiosity, setting the foundation for his diverse and driven future journey. After studying zoology, Ben worked in environmental policy with the Australian Government, but he became disillusioned, realising that meaningful environmental impact required more than p…

1
Strength, creativity, and the magic of animal bonds with Juliette Wells •.Animals and Us E06 30:44

1M ago30:44

30:44

Juliette grew up near Kuringai Chase National Park surrounded by animals. She spent childhood days outside climbing trees, watching wallabies, collecting cicadas, and caring for strays she brought home. She is a creator, artist, author, and all-round joy spreader. Her wonderfully colourful career that includes being a professional clown, a fun mana…

1
Managing emergency communications in a time of need with Ivan Smith • River Murray Recovery Stories E04 46:57

1M ago46:57

46:57

Born and bred in Renmark, Ivan spent over four decades running his own motor mechanic business before retiring. Passionate about radio communications, Ivan pursued electronics and transitioned into the communications field to avoid heavy manual labour. His expertise landed him a role on the South Australian government radio network, working closely…

1
Multiple Migrations: Laura Gutierrez’s Search for a Place to Call Home 56:57

1M ago56:57

56:57

In this episode, Laura Gutierrez shares her experience as an immigrant having migrated multiple times from Colombia to the US, from the US to New Zealand, and from New Zealand to Australia. She discusses her motivations for leaving her country of origin, including a desire to explore other cultures and escape certain aspects of her own culture. Lau…

1
From gambling addiction to finding purpose in helping others with Shay Hare 1:04:52

1M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Shay grew up battling insecurities about his appearance and others' opinions, with family conflicts deepening his feelings of instability and anger. At 13, Shay found gambling through poker, using it to mask inner pain, akin to a drug's euphoric escape, initiating a lifelong struggle. Raised in a family where gambling was common, Shay's early expos…

1
Safeguarding the community and leading a team through natural disaster with Tony Siviour • River Murray Recovery Stories E03 43:34

1M ago43:34

43:34

Tony Sivour is the general manager of the Renmark Paringa Council in South Australia. Born in Barmera, he's a long-term Riverlander who returned after gaining valuable local government experience elsewhere. Tony worked tirelessly to protect Renmark during the major 2022 floods. His efforts focused on managing the levees, coordinating with authoriti…

1
From McDonald’s to Leadership: Yohana Jury’s Immigrant Journey 38:53

2M ago38:53

38:53

Yohana Jury, an Australia-based immigrant from Indonesia, shares her story and insights. She grew up in a small town in Indonesia and moved to Australia on a scholarship to pursue a master's degree in her desired field of study. While there, she met the man who would later become her husband, which led her to stay in the country to start a family. …

1
From paramedic to pilot - a journey of adventure, resilience and creative growth with Christian Mortensen 1:05:49

2M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

Christian Mortensen grew up in Melbourne with a Jewish mother and an artist dad, weaving his childhood with diverse cultural experiences and unique perspectives. He studied ancient history and anthropology at Melbourne University, then taught first aid courses, laying a foundation for his future in emergency services. Trained as a wilderness EMT in…

1
A lifelong commitment to working alongside police dogs with David Raymond • Animals & Us E05 32:21

2M ago32:21

32:21

From a young age, Dave dreamed of being a policeman, inspired by early experiences and playing with boxes that he labelled "police." He joined the Queensland Police in 1989, driven by a desire to make a difference, and soon became a respected officer. A chance conversation led Dave to the competitive dog squad, where he found his calling and passio…

1
Turning disaster into natural beauty through photography with Paul Smith • River Murray Recovery Stories E02 26:02

2M ago26:02

26:02

Paul Smith, known locally as Jubba, took up photography after a motorbike accident in 2008 left him on disability. After moving to Mannum, South Australia, he began photographing the river, discovering its serene beauty During the 2022, floods Jubba documented the water slowly rising in Mannum and the surrounding areas. As the floodwaters rose, loc…

1
From Conflict to Embracing Change and Freedom: The Immigrant Journey of Steve Khouw 36:32

2M ago36:32

36:32

This podcast episode dives into the life story of an Indonesian-born immigrant living in Australia. Steve shares his vivid childhood memories of political conflict and racial discrimination in 1960s Indonesia, the hasty and perilous departure of his family, and their subsequent immigration to Australia. Steve reflects on the cultural shock of adapt…

1
Supporting communities in their times of need with John Milham • River Murray Recovery Stories E01 45:11

2M ago45:11

45:11

Growing up in Wee Waa, John Milham, a Director of Kintsugi Heroes and host of the River Murray Recovery Stories, experienced the unpredictability of floods. These events taught him about nature's power and the importance of community support in the face of adversity. John recalls the struggles his community faced during floods, from defending homes…

1
From the Blue Mountains to piloting helicopters and public speaking, with Kevin Humphreys 1:06:31

2M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Growing up in the Blue Mountains, Kevin dreamed of adventure, inspired by army training on TV and rescue helicopters above his neighbourhood. He joined the army, overcoming challenges to become a helicopter pilot, mastering intense tasks like low flying, NVG flights, and two-way operational missions. Kevin served in East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanista…

1
Trailer - River Murray Recovery Stories 0:58

2M ago0:58

0:58

The 2022 River Murray floods in South Australia were caused by record water inflows from the Murray-Darling Basin due to heavy upstream rainfall. The slowly rising floodwaters inundated homes, businesses, and farmland, causing widespread displacement, infrastructure damage, and agricultural losses. The disaster significantly impacted local economie…

1
Reframing Migration: Katrina James’s Strategies to Support Migrants Through Cultural Transitions 41:24

2M ago41:24

41:24

In this first episode, Emma interviews Katrina James, a registered counsellor who helps migrant professionals thrive in Australia. Katrina shares her professional insights into the complexities of cultural adaptation in the workplace, including during significant life transitions such as career shifts or retirement. She highlights the importance of…

1
Finding his way from wayward teen to working in the family violence sector with Shannon Miller 27:50

2M ago27:50

27:50

As a young boy, Shannon dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, spending his days immersed in sport and camping activities. School life wasn't ideal for Shannon; he often skipped classes due to bullying and a lack of interest, eventually leading to an ultimatum from his parents. Shannon initially pursued a trade, working as a butcher for fiv…

1
The Art of Kintsugi Ceramics: Naoko Fukumaru on Making What’s Broken Beautiful 35:32

2M ago35:32

35:32

Sometimes healing doesn't mean trying to erase the past, but honoring it — cracks and all. In this episode, artist Naoko Fukumaru shares her deeply personal story of transformation through kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery or ceramics with lacquer and gold or silver powder to highlight the fractures and seams. She and host Bria…

1
Creating harmonies between humans and animals with Plume • Animals & Us E04 20:11

2M ago20:11

20:11

Plume started his extraordinary musical journey as a young drummer and songwriter, developing his passion for creating melodies and performing. Over two years ago, he moved into singing to cows, discovering their surprising appreciation for music, which encouraged him to continue this unique path. As Plume's animal-focused performances gained expos…

1
Welcome to From There To Here 0:59

2M ago0:59

0:59

Hello and welcome to the podcast, From There to Here – a podcast I created with Kintsugi Heroes. I’m your host, Emma Bellamy, and each week, we’ll dive into conversations with people who have the courage to leave their home country to rebuild a home away from home.By Kintsugi Heroes

1
Scott Baker, the Content Alchemist 1:00:48

2M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

As a curious and big-dreaming kid, Scott aspired to be a doctor, inspired by a strong drive to help others and make a difference in the world. Scott navigated life's complexities, including neurodivergence, which shaped his unique perspective and relentless determination to explore nontraditional pathways to success and self-understanding. Guided b…

1
Tessa’s Path from Grief to Strength and Purpose 29:40

2M ago29:40

29:40

Tessa grew up on a South Australian farm, enjoying a childhood filled with outdoor adventures and tight-knit family bonds, which shaped her early years with resilience and joy. At 16, Tessa faced the sudden passing of her younger brother Nathan, a heartbreaking loss that left an enduring impact on her and her family. Also at 16 Tessa was diagnosed …

1
From Medieval Love Songs to Modern Hip-Hop: Marisa Galvez on the Power of Poetry 31:35

3M ago31:35

31:35

What do medieval troubadours and modern rappers have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, Stanford professor of French and Italian, Marisa Galvez joins Brian Lowery to explore how poetry—whether in 12th-century love songs or hip-hop lyrics—has long been a way to express love, power, or identity. Together they discuss how lyrical t…

1
Resilience, courage, and caring for others with Andrew Mac Donald • Animals & Us E03 35:54

3M ago35:54

35:54

Andrew grew up in Sydney with a rare bone disorder (XLH), underwent painful surgeries, and experienced contrasting childhoods with his healthy twin brother. Despite physical challenges, Andrew pursued music and sound engineering, then became a Bunnings manager, utilising his organisational and managerial skills. At 24, Andrew confronted robbers at …

1
Greg Boerma’s Path from Trauma to Joy 27:50

3M ago27:50

27:50

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…

1
From the Police to First Responder PTSD Advocate - Sean Haran 50:49

3M ago50:49

50:49

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 colourblindness. He joined the Western Australian Police Academy in 1978, quickly finding his passion in policing. Sean served 15 years in the police, includin…

1
From Lipstick to Loons: Jennifer Sullivan’s Journey into Birding 31:25

3M ago31:25

31:25

Host Brian Lowery talks with journalist Jennifer Sullivan about the parallels between beauty and birding. As someone who has spent years writing about appearance and self-perception, Jenn discovered that watching birds offered a different kind of reflection—one that quiets the mind and expands our sense of place in the world. She and Brian discuss …

1
Dealing with loss and finding purpose with Kobe Steele • Animals & Us E02 48:31

3M ago48:31

48:31

Kobe Steele has always been an animal person in Australia, having lived with dogs and cats her whole life, treating them as beloved family members. After a successful career in media as a TV and radio host and before finding her calling in conservation, Kobe brought her communication skills to important environmental causes. After the sudden and tr…

1
Healing Trauma by Rewiring the Unconscious Mind with Judith Richards 48:49

3M ago48:49

48:49

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…

1
From Coma to Ironman Glory with Tynan Narywonczyk 58:09

3M ago58:09

58:09

Born and raised in Queensland, Tynan was a painting apprentice, living a typical young man’s life, when a tragic accident at 19 caused serious injuries, including a brain injury and coma. Doctors doubted his recovery, setting the stage for a long, tough journey ahead. Despite predictions, Tynan endured relentless medical appointments and rehab sess…

1
Flight of the Monarchs: Jaime Rojo on Beauty and Conservation 31:01

3M ago31:01

31:01

National Geographic photographer and conservationist Jaime Rojo has spent decades capturing the beauty and fragility of the monarch butterfly. Their epic migration is one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles, but their survival is under threat. In this episode, Jaime shares how his passion for photography and conservation led him to document th…

1
An Introduction to Animals and Us - A Heartwarming New Series 24:36

3M ago24:36

24:36

In this introduction to the Kintsugi Heroes Podcast Animals & Us, the host Natalie Stockdale discusses her background as a humane educator and previous head of the Jane Goodall Foundation. She aims to share profound human-animal relationship stories, emphasising love and compassion. Natalie shares personal anecdotes about her early love for animals…

1
Trailer - Animals and Us - New Kintsugi Heroes Podcast Series 2:55

4M ago2:55

2:55

Animals & Us explores and celebrates the transformative power of human-animal connections. Each episode features guests sharing personal stories of how animals have brought healing, connection, and transformation to their lives, alongside insights from experts in eco-psychology, animal therapy, compassion, and animal communication. Rooted in the Bi…

1
Dancing Amongst Life's Chaos and Adventures with Robyn Catchlove 1:01:10

4M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

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…

1
Overcoming Poor Health and Prejudice to Promote LGBTQ+ Rights in Boxing with Martin Stark 49:40

4M ago49:40

49:40

Diagnosed with severe asthma and later Addison’s disease, Martin faced numerous health scares, including pancreatitis and septic shock, early in life. Growing up in the late '80s, Martin dealt with being gay during the HIV/AIDS crisis, influenced by negative media. He came out as gay at 27, despite fears and societal stereotypes, marking a signific…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Kintsugi Heroes Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen