Joanna Nell is a British/Australian author, former GP and advocate for positive ageing. Her journey began with a deep curiosity about people. As a doctor, she listened closely to her patients and cared for them with empathy and understanding every day.

Leaving a successful medical career, Joanna followed her passion for writing. She shows us it’s possible to change direction in life and start something new at any age.

Storytelling is Joanna’s superpower. Drawing from her experience of working with older people in aged care, she shares uplifting stories about aging, friendship, and hope, bringing light and laughter to topics that are often neglected or misunderstood.

Her stories highlight their wisdom, spark, and humour, inspiring readers to recognize the true value of seniors in our lives. Joanna encourages us to see aging with optimism. Her life and writing prove it’s never too late to grow, connect, and make a difference, no matter what stage of life you are in.

Joanna’s essays and short fiction have won multiple awards and been widely published in magazines, journals and literary anthologies. Her first five novels, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village, The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home, The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital and Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year, were national bestsellers.

Social Media Links

Website: www.joannanell.com

Instagram: @joanna_nell_writer

Facebook page: Joanna Nell Author

Threads: joanna_nell_writer

*****

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.

Ros Knight began her journey as a good listener among friends during high school, soon realizing her interest in how people think and grow. Her first career path did not quite fit, but Ros found her true calling as a psychologist, driven by her desire to help others.

Over the years, she has built a strong foundation in clinical practice, always focusing on understanding both the brain and the person.

Ros became a respected advocate, taking on senior leadership positions in community organisations and supporting mental health policy. She values ongoing learning, blending scientific knowledge with a caring approach for every individual. Ros highlights the importance of self-care and boundaries while supporting people through tough times.

Today, she remains passionate about connection, emphasising exercise, hope and engagement at every age. She continues to inspire others by sharing her insight, warmth, and belief in the power of community.

Ros is an Endorsed Clinical and Counselling Psychologist with 35 years’ experience. She runs a Private Practice in Chatswood focused on Adults and Adolescents with a broad range of mental health and coaching issues, as well as providing supervision to psychologists in the field.

She is the Chair of the Sydney North Health Network (PHN) and is also on the NSW Psychology Council as a Practitioner member.

She was previously the Clinic Director at Macquarie University's Psychology Clinic - a training Clinic for Clinical, Clinical Neuropsychology and Organisational Provisional Psychologists.

She is a past President of the APS. She has a broad understanding of the psychology workforce and the current issues it faces.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ros-knight-516238106/

*****

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.

Jill Nash overcame early family tragedy and loss, showing remarkable strength. Her experiences shaped a determined outlook, helping her guide her family and herself through life’s most challenging moments with courage.

Now 86 years old, UK born Jill champions dignified aging and end-of-life choices and is involved in voluntary assisted dying initiatives including creating creates seminars to encourage open, supportive conversations on death, dying, and planning.

Jill passionately serves in health councils and community groups, developing programs to reduce loneliness, support healthy aging, and spark connections. She designs resources and courses to empower and inform older Australians.

Jill values nurturing relationships, both within her family and the wider community. Through active mentorship and intergenerational programs, she fosters meaningful connections, sharing experiences and promoting growth for people of all ages.

A passionate traveller and learner, Jill believes curiosity keeps life vibrant. She encourages others to embrace new opportunities, stay engaged in their communities, and approach each stage of life with curiosity and openness.

*****

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

This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.