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.

Michelle learned to craft a polished exterior, which hid the turmoil within. She had two identities, one of which was secret, lonely, childless, heartbroken, morose and yearning belonging.

As a teenager, Michelle found hidden family secrets, including a brother she never knew. She was left with unanswered questions and feelings of abandonment that shaped her sense of self. She discovered more about her family's Jewish roots and uncovered stories of survival, loss and silence through documents found in a suitcase in her attic.

In 2016 the death of a loved one triggered deep systemic grief leading Michelle into therapy. Narrative work helped her understand around the patterns of grief and emotional neglect that had shaped her relationships and choices.

Michelle explored the impact of generational trauma and epigenetics, learning how stories and emotions can be carried in families and influence our own sense of identity. She believes unspoken traumas and patterns can sabotage our health, work, finances and relationships if left unexamined. She guides others to resolve the past and begin healing.

Michelle is an author, TEDx speaker, coach and mentor. She has postgraduate qualifications in Career Development, Education, Personal Branding and Image Management. Her memoir HUSH was published in 2024 and tracks the journey out from isolation.

Links

https://www.michellescheibner.com/

https://www.michellescheibner.com/author

https://www.instagram.com/the_identity_activator/

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

*****

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

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

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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

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!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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

Theme Song: