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!

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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

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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,

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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.

Peter Donnell grew up in Sydney’s northern suburbs. His career began strongly but the early 2000s brought unexpected hurdles, including workplace changes and the closure of his office. He also faced tough commutes and job stress.

His wife’s health after childbirth brought extra challenges at home. Managing a newborn and household demands grew more difficult and pressures continually increased during this period.

After changing jobs Peter was deeply affected by workplace bullying and exclusion. He noticed the early warning signs of anxiety and self-doubt but did not fully understand their impact at the time.

Peter self-diagnosed with anxiety and depression after searching online. Initially reluctant he eventually reached out for professional help, meeting with doctors and specialists. Family support began playing a bigger role in his recovery.

A move to the country was both adventure and challenge for Peter’s family. He tried new roles including farm work, learned resilience during setbacks, and discovered how important self-care and supportive routines are to wellbeing.

Returning to Sydney brought new insights. Peter committed to regular exercise and ongoing counselling. He learned to recognise and manage anxiety and depression, focusing on openness, resilience, and finding contentment in everyday life.

*****

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

Margot was born in 1962 in Australia, the daughter of Dutch immigrant parents. She left school in year 11 and went to art school in the Netherlands for a little while.

On her return she secured an apprenticeship the pre-press printing industry as a 'retoucher and dot etcher'. She worked in that trade until opening her Apple Computer store, Mac & Me in Avalon, Sydney in 1999. Her two daughters were born in the 90's.

She closed the computer business during COVID and moved to the country where she completed a Diploma of Family History at UTAS.

Links: myfamilytreeandme.com.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

From war zones to slums, Aaron Tait has travelled to and worked in more than 70 countries across the globe as a military officer, humanitarian and social entrepreneur, and now writes to help people live deliberate lives filled with purpose.

Aaron was thrust into the frontline of international crisis at a young age, deploying to Iraq immediately after 9/11 as a 17-year-old military officer. A move to East Africa at 25, saw him leading aid projects in crisis zones and urban slums. As a co-founder of the impact organisations ygap and Education Changemakers, Aaron has helped to improve the lives of more than a million people living in poverty.

He is a geography graduate of the University of Cambridge and holds three master's degrees in international affairs. As an entrepreneur, sold his business EC to the technology unicorn Go1 in 2023. Aaron lives with his wife, Kaitlin, and his two sons, Atlas and Finn, and moves between his home in Byron Bay and global travels.

Social Media

Website: aaronjtait.com

Instagram: @aaronjtait

Linkedin: @aaronjtait

Facebook: @aaronjtait

*****

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!

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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.

Michael describes how leaving Africa for Australia brought him both emptiness and relief. Building a new life meant loss of networks and family upheaval, including divorce, yet the safety, law and order in Australia provided comfort.

Michael’s passion for high-risk activities like kayaking, skydiving, and micro-lighting was driven by adrenaline and the thrill of adventure, helping him stay present. These pursuits became an alternative to addiction after war.

Over decades, Michael survived multiple accidents, including a microlight crash, car collision, kayaking mishaps, and waterfall incidents. These experiences involved physical trauma but did not deter him from continuing adventurous activities.

Michael wrestled with PTSD and depression post-accident. His recovery involved therapy, medication, rehabilitation, and personal action. He returned to Africa to confront past traumas which proved therapeutic and helped resolve recurring nightmares from his earlier life.

Michael’s approach to struggle emphasises taking action and maintaining hope. He explains that changing circumstances and environments, even simple walks, can ignite improvement and it is vital to step beyond our comfort zones.

*****

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

Michal’s childhood was filled with outdoor adventure and freedom in Rhodesia, growing up on a hobby farm, fishing and riding, but also navigating a complex relationship with his Scottish father’s temper.

Being sent to boarding school at a young age shaped Michael’s sense of independence and self-reliance but also led to feelings of abandonment and questions about his own self-worth over many years.

He recalls a safe, respectful community where race was not a dividing factor in his friendships, but witnessed the country’s shift to war, deeply affecting everyone and bringing trauma and loss.

Taking on a leadership role at just 18 in a support unit, Michael shares both responsibility and connection with his troops, facing fear, violence, and witnessing the stark realities of guerrilla warfare.

Exposure to war atrocities led Michael to develop coping strategies and seek adrenaline activities afterwards. His faith and belief in God became a source of strength for healing and perspective.

He moved first to South Africa, navigating strict apartheid-era laws, and later emigrated to Australia.

*****

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