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 around him.

He struggled with performance anxiety and statistics during his psychology studies but found real progress through therapy, learning that feeling broken was not a permanent state.

Gunter’s journey took him from philosophy into psychology and therapy, helping him better understand both himself and others while continuing to explore what it means to be whole.

Working with Vietnam veterans and clients affected by trauma, he moved away from strictly cognitive therapies, focusing on real human experiences and the deep wounds that shape us.

With his wife as both partner and collaborator, Gunter became a leader in men’s well-being, writing fiction and non-fiction, consulting on scripts, and producing a top men’s psychology podcast. He is passionate about personal growth, cultural change, and empowering others to look inward and question traditional masculine values.

www.GoodMenGreat.com

Instagram: instagram.com/gswoboda

Twitter: x.com/gunterswoboda

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodmengreat/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodmengreat.bsky.social

*****

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.

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 lifesaving, and became the first female Beach Inspector in New South Wales. Since then, she has run swim schools and trained many aquatic professionals.

Her love for water evolved into a meaningful career as a Specialised Aquatic Therapist and Mentor. She now focuses on helping children with additional needs using the unique properties of water. Aquatic therapy supports children’s development in self-regulation, coordination, confidence and more. It reduces anxiety and sensory challenges, and helps families feel more connected and confident.

*****

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

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

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 off the rails, Adrian’s community stepped in, sponsoring him to attend boarding school after recognizing both his struggles and his potential. At boarding school, discipline and routine helped Adrian settle. He quickly stood out in sports, playing cricket and joining the rugby team where he found new purpose and belonging.

Rugby became central to Adrian’s life. He moved to Sydney, joined the Warringah Club, and worked hard to eventually play for New South Wales, Queensland, and represented Australia internationally. After rugby, Adrian faced the challenge of finding his true place beyond the game. He moved into teaching, coaching, and using his connections to help others, giving back wherever possible.

When Adrian moved back to Lord Howe Island with his family, he focuses on community, volunteering at the school and encouraging young people to embrace legacy, make good choices, and help each other.

*****

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.

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 strong death anxiety and struggled with her own fears about dying, often avoiding serious conversations about mortality until confronted by personal loss and deep grief.

After caring for her younger brother through illness and death, she trained as an End-of-Life Doula at the Australian Doula College volunteers at Bear Cottage Children’s Hospice. She is a volunteer for the Dying with Dignity NSW Witness Program.

Danni does not flinch at death, soften it with euphemism, or shrink from its presence. She has the steady grace of someone who knows that to live well, we must also learn to die well as it is part of our shared human story, and deserves to be told with honesty, tenderness, and a little humour.

Her former impressive and diverse career led to the meaningful work she does now as a Death and Mortality Doula and Educator. She brings her dedication to managing the national campaign Dying to Know Day.

Dying to Know Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/dyingtoknow.au/

Dying to Know Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/DyingtoKnow.au/

Website: Dyingtoknow.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

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

Kat Finnerty grew up as the eldest of five children in a multicultural family. Her upbringing taught her resilience and responsibility, shaping her perspective on life from a young age.

At twelve, Kat lost her mother to cancer. This experience deeply influenced her understanding of impermanence, grief, and the importance of finding meaning during difficult times.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her twenties, Kat faced significant physical and emotional challenges. Her journey with MS motivated her to seek alternative approaches to wellbeing and personal growth. Kat became a mother to three children within three years. Juggling family life while managing a chronic disease, she learned the importance of self-compassion and support from loved ones.

In her thirties, Kat turned to Buddhism for guidance. Buddhist teachings profoundly changed her mindset, helping her manage adversity through perspective, gratitude, and acceptance of life’s constant changes. Kat experienced the end of her marriage through betrayal. By applying the principles she learned, she navigated this transition with grace, focusing on maintaining positivity for her children and herself.

Based in Australia, Canada, and Vanuatu, Kat shares her insights through retreats, courses, and her book. She is committed to helping others overcome suffering and embrace resilience in everyday life. She is the bestselling author of Never Let a Good Disaster Go to Waste, her powerful memoir about making sense of a life of absurdity.

Social Media

https://www.katfinnerty.com/

https://m.facebook.com/katrin.rochford?

https://www.instagram.com/kat_finnerty?igsh=MTg4eTRtNTFheGI2dw%3D%3D&utm_sourc

*****

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.

John grew up in the western suburbs near Parramatta, playing footy, learning a trade as a sparky and always wanting to become a police officer, inspired by his grandfather’s advice.

His early lessons in communication as a sparky on job sites shaped how he approached policing and helped him connect with others.

In 1997, John joined the police. He worked in various roles, including Middle Eastern Crime and property teams, developing his skills further and gaining insight into the complexities of human behaviour through building relationships, even with sources from the criminal world.

Later, he joined the child abuse squad, interviewing children and supporting families through difficult times. He learned the importance of giving children control, building trust, and bringing hope to those affected.

In 2018, while trying to protect a family, John was seriously injured during an arrest. He survived multiple stab wounds, drawing on resilience, his training, and the support of his team to recover.

Today, John is an advocate for blood donation, sharing his story to encourage others. He values service, leadership, and resilience, and continues to help people through conversation, support, and community work. He has also delivered speeches at the Police Academy and schools on his experience and how to build resilience.

*****

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.

Serena grew up in Singapore in a home that valued stability, achievement and following a well-planned path. She studied law for its prestige and structure, later working as a lawyer for the government.

After years in a secure career, Serena realised she felt trapped by expectations and began questioning her purpose. Taking time away from work to reflect, she discovered a passion for personal growth and exploring new ideas through books and coaching.

After moving to Australia in 2006, she faced new challenges and started from scratch while raising her children and adapting to a new culture.

Serena began building supportive communities for introverts, using her own experiences to help others connect and grow in confidence. She became an introvert coach who helps quiet achievers grow into Quiet Warriors who speak, sell, and lead without acting extroverted.

She hosts The Quiet Warrior Podcast and is the Amazon bestselling author of The Hero Within: Reinvent Your Life, One New Chapter at a Time.

Serena guides and encourages others on their journey of self-acceptance, focusing on quiet strengths and making room for everyone’s voice.

Website and Social Media

Website: SerenaLow.com.au

Podcast: The Quiet Warrior Podcast with Serena Low

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-low/

*****

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

Lynn grew up in a large, devoted Mormon family, deeply connected to her great great grandfather, Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church, and shaped by strong traditions and high expectations.

As a child, Lynn worked hard in school, followed strict family rules, and tried to live up to the “Mormon royalty” label placed on her by her community.

Then at 19, she left everything and everyone she knew and moved from Utah to Manhattan. I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and journalism and an MBA from NYU.

As she met people from outside her faith and started asking questions about her beliefs and the history she’d always been told.

After discovering new perspectives and truths, Lyn discovered that the church was based on fraud and deception and decided to leave the Mormon Church, knowing it meant she might lose her sense of belonging and family support.

Alone in New York, she struggled with doubt, loneliness, and her own identity, but slowly found support in therapy, self-help, and new friendships. Through self-reflection, Lynn learned to accept herself, heal from old wounds, and build a spiritual life that felt honest and meaningful rather than following rules.

Today, Lynn shares her experience to help others facing religious trauma, family estrangement, and big life changes, believing healing and connection are possible for everyone. She is the author of We Were Smiths: Escaping the Shadow of Joseph Smith’s Mormon Legacy, a memoir seeking publication.

Social Media

Lynsmithgregory.com, @lynsmithgregory on social media, Heretic Survivor: From Mormon to Me blog

*****

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