A proud Wiradjuri woman and First Nations advocate, Cecilia is a dedicated connector and educator who is passionate about self-determination and learning from the past to inform a better future.

Driven by a desire to empower others, Cecilia leans into her lived experience to inspire and inform with stories of recovery and renewal. With a background in counselling and a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, Cecilia is recognised for shining a light on the impact of domestic violence and coercive control, particularly through the lens of regional Aboriginal women.

Through her engagement in government initiatives, she is paving the way for a coalition of voices and action towards delivering more effective services for men and women in regional Australia, and accessible, culturally informed services for First Nations victim survivors.

Cecilia is a classically trained vocalist who has performed on multiple stages across Australia, using the power of story and song to convey hope and share perspectives. When not on stage speaking or performing, Cecilia is living life to the full with her beautiful daughters and partner on their rural property in the Southern Tablelands.

In this episode of The Grit Diaries, we had the pleasure of sitting down in conversation with Jason and Blue Gerber, film directors and producers from the US, on the release of the coveted film Documentary Dawn, Dusk.

A story told through the eyes of Chelli Look, a creative in the luxury leather handbag space. After the sudden murder of her beloved sister through domestic violence, she shares her journey through grief and loss, using her art as a way to process her experience. Moving her journey to a place of forgiveness and healing, and eventually choosing her next path.

Jason and Blue take us behind the curtain and share how their connection with Chelli took place, the decision to make a heartfelt documentary that is so needed in these times. The challenges on a production side, and the ultimate joy of creating film that matters.

Husband and wife duo, Jason & Blue are an award-winning co-directing team working in films and commercials together and individually. They have directed for brands such as Walgreens, 7UP, Scotch-Brite, Meiomi Wine, Chipotle, Intelligentsia, and LOEWE. Their heart for storytelling can be seen in their work for The Boys & Girls Clubs, GE Girls, Athletes Unlimited, Lincoln Park Community Services, which won a Silver Telly, as well as a piece for Chicago Connected, which President Barack Obama shared. Their film, Otis’ Dream, about voter suppression, debuted during the months leading up to the 2020 election and was shared by Oprah as an official Super Soul Sunday short film, gaining attention from major media outlets. Female and male, tactful and feeling, they evoke imagination and authentic human narratives directing as one voice.

jasonandblue.com

@jasonandblue

@buffalo

dawnduskfilm.com

You can view the documentary on Amazon and Hoopla

dawnduskfilm.com/trailer

dawnduskfilm.com/press

tinyurl.com/42ujswjy

In today’s conversation, Karen shares her private journey with lifelong crippling anxiety - make no mistake - it has never stopped her! Here's just a snippet of what Karen has created over her latter years

Karen is a master of storytelling, founder of The Story Room Global, a platform for people to come together and listen to stories from a diverse range of backgrounds A monthly dose of people coming together to this sold out event to listen, be inspired, entertained and a time to think about life more deeply.

Karen is an entrepreneur, founding her podcast and publishing her book Ageing Fearlessly.

A marriage celebrant, an global adventurer, a regular swimmer at the famous Bold and the Beautiful swimming crew at Manly.

All of this with anxiety, something that many are dealing with.

Please listen in, as Karen shares her journey, her attitude to life, and what really matters.

Kate De Jong is the author of the #1 Amazon bestselling memoir Seeds of a Calling — a powerful and cautionary tale about the cost of ignoring your inner truth. With raw honesty, Kate shares her journey of straying from her “inner knowing” and the tragic consequences that followed, ultimately delivering an uplifting message for anyone seeking vocational contentment.

After a 15-year career as a process engineer, Kate followed her entrepreneurial spirit and transitioned in 2012 to building and growing small businesses. Today, as a business growth specialist, she helps entrepreneurial people start, grow, and scale ventures effectively, driven by her passion to see others succeed in doing what they love.

Since 2021, Sonya Lovell has been raising awareness, challenging societal stigmas and taboos, and lobbying for better education and resources for everyone who is transitioning through menopause.

Sonya is the host of the popular podcast Dear Menopause, having interviewed leading local and global experts and commentators in the fields of menopausal health, mental health and government.

In this interview, Sonya shares her deeply personal experience of being diagnosed with aggressive Breast cancer at 47, and navigating

the chaos of a medically induced menopause, Unprepared, unsupported and uneducated she made it her mission to change that experience for others. In 2025 Sonya was announced as the Australian and NZ Ambassador for the global charity, Menopause and Cancer. Sonya has just announced teaming up with Lorai Health as the Communications and community Engagement lead.

A passionate leader in this space that is gaining fast momentum in Australia, for all those dealing with Perimenopause/menopause, you'll want to watch this episode!

https://www.instagram.com/sonyalovell/

sonyalovell.com

https://www.dearmenopause.au/

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

Juliana’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. From her early life in Colombia to becoming a passionate advocate for DFV prevention in Australia, she has dedicated her life to empowering women, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Juliana’s personal experience in a domestic violence relationship fueled her passion for social advocacy, which now drives her work in both the community and policy spaces.

Juliana is a Domestic Violence Advocate committed to create a world without Domestic and Family Violence Workplace Program Manager - Challenge DV Beyond DV Advocate

Join us as Juliana shares her incredible story, from her migrant experience to her mission to create safer communities for women and families. Her talk will inspire, empower, and encourage others to never give up on their dreams, no matter how challenging life may get.

Join us on the premier launch of our show, The Grit Diaries: From Grit to Grace, with your hosts, Mon and Mazz!

On our very first episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with the amazing Anne Gately - Stage IV Melanoma survivor, passionate advocate for sun and skin safety, and changing the way us Aussies view our relationship with the glorified Bronzed Aussie image. Australia is the capital for skin cancer. I am a nurse so I see the effects of Melanoma almost daily, it is truly devastating.

Anne, author of "Sunburnt", Speaker, advocate for Sun Safety, and featured in the Documentary "Conquering Skin Cancer", released in November 2024 is a passionate leader in the education space that is turning the tide on Melanoma rates.

In our conversation, Anne unpacks her childhood beach lifestyle, her diagnosis, gruelling treatment and incredible road back to remission, and what's important to her now.

Enjoy our first episode, here on The Grit Diaries!

Anne's socials and links:

Website: https://www.annegately.com.au/

Purchase the book: https://www.annegately.com.au/collections/sunburnt-collection

The film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33477058/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annegately_author/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-gately/

Introducing Grit Diaries: from Grit to Grace – a brand new podcast from Kintsugi Heroes.

Join your hosts Mon and Mazz as they uncover inspiring stories of local heroes – often unsung, but always extraordinary. These are stories of tenacity, resilience, and the grace that emerges through life’s toughest challenges.

Each fortnight, you’ll hear from remarkable individuals who’ve overcome obstacles, made a difference, and embody the true Aussie pioneering spirit.

The first episode drops Tuesday 24 September on all Kintsugi Heroes platforms, with new episodes every second Wednesday.