Stories Of Us LiSTNR

In this episode of Stories of Us, Brendan Cullen shares his upbringing on a sheep station in regional Australia with host Sarah Grynberg.

Growing up on Mount Westwood near Broken Hill, Brendan fondly recalls carefree days exploring the vast outdoors with his younger brother.

He describes the daily routines of farm life, including stock work and maintenance tasks on the expansive 150,000-acre property he currently works on.

Brendan candidly discusses the challenges of rural isolation and the toll it took on his mental health, leading to a struggle with depression exacerbated by self-medication with alcohol. However, through self-awareness and seeking professional help, Brendan found the courage to confront his issues and adopt healthier coping mechanisms.

He emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed. Brendan's journey highlights the resilience and strength found in rural communities, even in the face of adversity like droughts, which he also discusses.

If  anything  in  this  podcast  has  brought  up  difficult  feelings  please  reach  out  to  someone  you  trust  for  support  alternatively  you  can  call  LifeLine  anytime  at  13  11  14  for  assistance.

If you  would  like  to  hear  about  another  story  of  resilience,  check  out  our  episode  with  former  NRL  player  Alex  McKinnon  who  faced  a  life  changing  injury  on  the  field. You can find his episode here… https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/alex-mckinnon-forgives-the-player-who-made-him-par?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3Bb918973f-1345-4747-9bfa-b0ba009b195e
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In this episode of Stories of Us, Dr. Dinesh Palipana shares his remarkable journey with host Sarah Grynberg, revealing the twists and turns that led him to pursue a career in medicine despite facing significant challenges along the way.

Dinesh reflects on his early years growing up in Byron Bay, Australia, recalling fond memories of the idyllic coastal town where he spent his formative years. From bike rides to flying lessons, Byron Bay was a place of joy and discovery for him.

However, his path to medicine wasn't straightforward. Initially considering a career in law, Dinesh's life took a different turn when he experienced depression during his time in law school. Inspired by the doctor who helped him through this challenging period, Dinesh found his calling in medicine, driven by a desire to support others in the way he had been supported.

His journey took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a devastating car accident that left him paralysed. Despite the immense challenges he faced, Dinesh persevered and continued his medical studies, eventually becoming an emergency department doctor at Gold Coast University Hospital.

Through his work, he found a way to give back to others, drawing on his own experiences to provide compassionate care to those in need.

And if you’ve enjoyed hearing Dinesh’s story and would like to hear about another Gold Coast legend - check out our episode with the footballer and Matilda Tameka Yallop. You can find her episode here: https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/tameka-yallop-on-coping-with-the-highs-and-lows-of?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3B52085d84-0c54-43b1-8697-b1080160458e
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In this episode of Stories of Us, host Sarah Grynberg interviews Paul Litherland, a former police officer from Western Australia who has transitioned into a role as a Cybersecurity Advocate.

Paul's upbringing in Albany, Western Australia, exposed him to the harsh realities of domestic violence within his own family. His life took a significant turn after a severe car accident, resulting in profound injuries that reshaped his life trajectory. This event compelled Paul to confront his physical limitations and reassess his life's direction, eventually leading him to find purpose in the field of cybersecurity.

Through his journey, Paul has become a vocal advocate for societal change, particularly in addressing issues of online abuse, especially among vulnerable children. Drawing from personal experiences and professional expertise, he highlights the prevalence of cyberbullying, online scams, and sextortion targeting young individuals. Paul stresses the importance of parental guidance and digital literacy in protecting children from digital threats and advocates for proactive measures in both familial and educational settings to create a safer online environment.

Paul's candid reflections and passionate advocacy offer valuable insights into the intersection of technology, society, and personal resilience.

If you want to hear another inspiring story from Western Australia - the remarkable Curtis McGrath, a former soldier who will be captaining Australia at the Paris Paralympic games this year. You can find his episode of Stories of Us here... https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/paralympian-curtis-mcgrath-on-the-explosion-that-l?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3Bed240b88-28f1-43b4-ac4f-b10d016ffdc9
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In this episode of Stories of Us, join Sarah Grynberg as she chats with Jane Cay, founder of Bird's Nest, about her journey from Cooma's high street to building one of Australia's top online retailers.

Jane shares how her small Cooma clothing store blossomed into a nationwide platform, offering women a unique shopping experience. Despite initially leaving Cooma, she returned, fell in love, and discovered her passion for entrepreneurship.

Through Bird's Nest, Jane redefined fashion as empowerment for women, focusing on inclusivity and personalized styling. Join Sarah and Jane as they explore the Bird's Nest story—a testament to community, resilience, and pursuing one's passion.

If you’ve enjoyed hearing Jane’s story today and would like to hear about the growth of another iconic Australian franchise – listen to our episode of Stories of Us with Murray Cook, The red-skivvy Wiggle. You can find his episode here: https://listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/murray-cook-on-the-young-wiggles-fan-who-left-a-la?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6%3B8e74707c-a9d2-4116-be05-b0f0017e81b4
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In this heartfelt episode of Stories of Us, Sarah Grynberg sits down with the legendary Don Spencer OAM for a candid conversation about his remarkable life journey.

Growing up in Tamworth, NSW, Don shares poignant memories of his childhood marked by challenges and resilience. Raised by a single mother in a time when divorce was stigmatized, Spencer reflects on the hardships his family faced and the lack of community support.

Unexpectedly drawn into the world of music during his travels, Don recounts his serendipitous encounter with singer Roger Whitaker in Nairobi, Kenya, which sparked his passion for songwriting. Despite his initial reluctance, he  found himself immersed in the music industry, eventually touring with iconic bands like the Rolling Stones.

Reflecting on his experiences, Don candidly discusses his decision to abstain from drugs and his frustration with their glamorization in the music industry. He shares insights into his enduring career, from his iconic role on PlaySchool to his founding of the Australian Children's Music Foundation, a testament to his commitment to providing music education to disadvantaged youth.

Through his engaging anecdotes and reflections, listeners gain a deeper understanding of his enduring legacy as a musician, advocate for children's education, and champion of resilience and hope. Join Sarah Grynberg and Don Spencer on this inspiring journey through the life and music of a true Australian icon..

And if you’ve enjoyed hearing Don’s story today and want to hear from some another Aussie music legend, may I suggest our brilliant episode of Stories of Us with Ben Gilles from Silverchair. https://www.listnr.com/podcasts/stories-of-us/episodes/ben-gillies-on-silverchairs-inception-in-newcastle?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=e77edba2-7502-4255-a196-adf8016555fb%3B69a56795-5292-4234-9f27-b0b1015baaee?utm_source=listnr&utm_medium=episode_player&utm_campaign=internal_share&utm_content=f7657954-164a-4388-b6ef-e53c17109df6;69a56795-5292-4234-9f27-b0b1015baaee
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In this episode of Stories of Us, host Sarah Grynberg explores the extraordinary resilience of Brett Connellan, a surfer from Kiama, NSW.

Brett's life changed forever when he survived a shark attack while surfing at Bombo Beach.

Despite losing three-quarters of his left quad, Brett's determination and the support of his friend helped him make it to shore.

His journey of recovery, marked by challenges and triumphs, showcases the power of perseverance and the human spirit.

Through sharing his story, Brett inspires others to overcome adversity and embrace the possibility of transformation.

Tune in to witness Brett Connellan's inspiring tale of resilience and triumph against all odds.
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