Connecting Seniors (Kintsugi Heroes)

Kintsugi Heroes
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Welcome to Connecting Seniors — a special series from Kintsugi Heroes, sharing the lived experiences of aging Australians to build understanding, connection, and respect across generations. Through honest, unhurried conversations, we sit down with seniors from across the country to hear the stories that shaped them — the losses, the loves, the lessons learned the hard way, and the wisdom that only comes with time. From navigating grief and reinvention, to staying connected in a rapidly changing world, to the everyday realities of aging in Australia today — every episode is a reminder that our elders are not invisible. They are essential. Connecting Seniors exists to bridge the gap between generations — to combat loneliness, challenge ageism, and celebrate the richness of a life fully lived. Whether you're a senior yourself, a family member, a carer, or someone who simply wants to listen and learn, this series is for you. Kintsugi Heroes is an Australian not-for-profit (DGR endorsed) dedicated to strengthening mental wellbeing through the power of storytelling. We believe lived experience is a gift to be shared, not a scar to be hidden. To find out more about Kintsugi Heroes and our other podcast series, head to KintsugiHeroes.com.au. Connect With Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kintsugiheroes 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintsugi.heroes/ 👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kintsugi-Heroes-100084850387170/ ❤️ Donate (tax-deductible): https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate/#donate

  1. 12/17/2025

    Clinical depression, diagnosis, and advocating for struggling men with Wayne Wigham • Connecting Seniors

    Wayne's early years were filled with rugby union and league, providing him companionship and a mental outlet. Despite personal struggles with depression, sports helped him cope. From a young age, Wayne faced debilitating depression, navigating periods of despair unseen by others. Misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment marked his early experiences with mental health systems but did not define him. Transitioning from sports to the real world, Wayne joined the fire brigade, discovering a renewed purpose. Nevertheless, he encountered setbacks and tough lessons in trust, which impacted his mental health journey. After years of battling treatment-resistant depression, Wayne found substantial help under Dr. Gordon Parker at the Black Dog Institute and his path to mental wellness began taking shape. After his 17 years at Black Dog, Wayne dedicates his life to men's mental health advocacy. His straightforward communication style and personal experiences break stigmas and foster open dialogues, inspiring countless individuals. Wayne champions a new view of masculinity, advocating that seeking help is strength, not weakness. He emphasises emotional health, being a good person, and family bonds over societal standards of material success. Wayne’s transformative journey impacted his family positively, inspiring his son to seek mental health help. Focusing on the present, he stresses self-forgiveness and using life's challenges as growth milestones. ***** 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 Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

    46 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    Building awareness and advocating for wildlife with Sandy Steers • Connecting Seniors

    Sandy Steers is a biologist, energy healer, writer, and entrepreneur. With a degree in biology, she has led 14 trips to the Galapagos Islands; run the environmental educational nonprofit, Friends of Big Bear Valley, for 24 years; and written hundreds of high-engagement educational social media posts describing the lives of the local bald eagles.  During her previous career as a computer systems analyst and software designer, she founded and ran for 13 years a computer consulting company, Lorien Systems, which had over 30 employees and $2 million in annual sales. She was given a Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the state of California.  But her passion and life changed direction after healing stage 4 cancer utilising alternative techniques and learning about the tremendous power, we each have inside of us.  Sandy was drawn to Big Bear and was captivated by its mountains, forests and the sense of calm it brought her. She became fascinated by the local bald eagles, helping watch over their nests and working with the Friends of Big Bear Valley organisation. Through the eagle webcam project, she shared the lives of these birds with the public and sparked a global interest in watching and protecting wildlife. As an energy healer, she has over 30 years of experience in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Shamanic Healing (Inca tradition), and other energy healing modalities, working with hundreds of individual clients and students to guide them toward self-empowerment and mastery.  She has also had over 300 magazine articles and two columns published on a variety of subjects, including animals, nature and healthy living. She optioned two screenplays, was placed highly in multiple screenwriting competitions and ran a national screenwriting competition for 10 years.  She also won 4th place in a Writer’s Digest contest for an as-yet unpublished children’s book called All by the Light of the Shiny, Shiny Moon. Her philosophy is that we are limitless beings, here to express our own uniqueness by simply being the fullness of who we are. Besides being a spokesperson and advocate for bald eagles and nature, she teaches NLP and Shamanic Healing and has developed a new healing modality called Equations of 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 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 Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

    35 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    Living a full life despite its challenges with Karen Sander • Connecting Seniors

    In today’s conversation, Karen shares her private journey with lifelong crippling anxiety - make no mistake - it has never stopped her! Here's just a snippet of what Karen has created over her latter years  Karen is a master of storytelling, founder of The Story Room Global, a platform for people to come together and listen to stories from a diverse range of backgrounds A monthly dose of people coming together to this sold out event to listen, be inspired, entertained and a time to think about life more deeply. Karen is an entrepreneur, founding her podcast and publishing her book Ageing Fearlessly. A marriage celebrant, an global adventurer, a regular swimmer at the famous Bold and the Beautiful swimming crew at Manly. All of this with anxiety, something that many are dealing with.  Please listen in, as Karen shares her journey, her attitude to life, and what really matters. ***** 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 Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

    38 min

  4. 11/26/2025

    The harsh realities of caring for a loved one with Gary Watson • Connecting Seniors

    Gary grew up curious and spirited, always eager to solve problems. He discovered his innate passion for helping others early on in his life. He  studied business and economics  and combined academic rigor with practical insights, eventually earning a doctorate. Gary entered the automotive industry, quickly rising through the ranks and became known for his strategic mind and empathy. He met and married Leanne, a partnership built on love, trust, and mutual support. Their journey soon faced unexpected challenges when Leanne was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. Gary took on caregiving, balancing roles with determination and dedication. He compares caregiving to a marathon and highlighted the emotional, physical, and mental challenges it entails.  Gary was Invited to join Carers Australia's board, eventually becoming vice-president. Where he played a crucial role in policy shaping at the national level. After shifting to senior leadership roles in not-for-profits and academia, he also became an adjunct professorship at Deakin Business School. Gary spearheaded the Carer Gateway initiative, providing essential resources and support for carers across Australia. He believes in honesty, readiness to ask for help, and the power of education and advocates for the intrinsic value and recognition of carers. ***** 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 Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

    39 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    Farming with respect for animals and land with Nan Bray • Connecting Seniors

    Nan is the owner, manager, and shepherd for White Gum Wool, which is the name of her farm and the yarn made from fibre grown by her sheep. White Gum Wool sheep are raised on a single farm, in the high midlands of Tasmania. They graze in mostly native pastures where they can find the plants they need to keep healthy.  Mamas teach their babies how to forage in this landscape, hanging out in family groups of grandmas, mamas and lambkins. Sheep are highly social animals, and keeping families together means the sheep are just plain happier.  The abundant, diverse landscapes are healthy, too—they are real ecosystems doing what ecosystems do best—turning sunlight and water into energy through a squillion different animal and plant pathways. No herbicides, fertilisers, pesticides or fungicides are used in growing White Gum Wool.”  Social Media whitegumwool.com.au blog posts: https://www.whitegumwool.com.au/yarns-from-the-farm instagram: @whitegumwool, #wgwshepherding,#whitegumwool ***** 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 Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

    58 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    Using sport, meditation, and community to move from trauma to joy with Greg Boerma • Connecting Seniors

    Greg grew up in a family of six, surrounded by love and support. This big family environment shaped his inclusive and communal mindset. Successful in various sports, including swimming and basketball, Greg achieved an elite level. His curiosity drove him to explore multiple sporting disciplines. Greg's career began in education, progressed into architecture, and eventually led him to counselling. His diverse job roles included teaching, cleaning, and coaching. With extensive training and education, Greg found his true calling in counselling. He specifically helps men through their bereavement and loss journeys. Adopting meditation and embracing joy, Greg evolved from a shy individual to a person full of life and curiosity. Happiness is a transient emotion, but joy is everlasting for him. The loss of his daughter, Tabitha Rose, profoundly impacted Greg. It inspired him to work with Bears of Hope, supporting grieving parents through their healing journey. Greg channels his love for music into therapeutic drumming. He conducts workshops that build community and connection, helping others find their rhythm in 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 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 Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

    1 hr

  7. 11/05/2025

    Overcoming trauma through storytelling & drama therapy with Catherine Maguire-Donvito • Connecting Seniors

    In this conversation, Catherine Maguire-Donvito, Co-founder and Director of Treehouse Theatre, shares the program’s unique approach to supporting refugee adolescents through storytelling and theatrical performance. The initiative is designed to facilitate trauma recovery and raise awareness about the refugee experience among high school students. Catherine emphasizes the importance of building trust and connection among participants before delving into their trauma stories. She explains how narrative exposure therapy helps them develop new cognitive networks and process their traumatic experiences effectively. Catherine also recounts memorable performances and the ripple effect of these performances on both participants and viewers, underscoring the need for empathy and understanding in addressing the refugee crisis. ***** 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 Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

    44 min

  8. 10/29/2025

    Dancing amongst life's chaos and adventures with Robyn Catchlove • Connecting Seniors

    Growing up in Adelaide, Robyn was a fiercely curious child, devouring books from the library and mastering puns, all while driving her parents mad with endless questions. Bored with school, Robyn discovered a love for adventure by exploring forbidden coffee clubs and later worked for the weapons research establishment, becoming a steno secretary for a top-secret project. Leaving a stable but uneventful marriage, Robyn built a fishing vessel and spent ten years professionally fishing, tackling cyclones, crocodiles, and men, while cruising between New Guinea and Queensland. Robyn lived in the wild, mingling closely with Aboriginal elders and communities, respecting and sharing their profound knowledge and traditions. After an unexpected spiritual awakening, Robyn immersed herself in Buddhism, and teachings that resonate deeply with her adventurous spirit. Currently based in Katoomba, Robyn shares her vibrant life stories and wisdom through community radio. She is a beloved local figure, an official "witty public nuisance of Katoomba." ***** 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 Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.

    1h 2m
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About

Welcome to Connecting Seniors — a special series from Kintsugi Heroes, sharing the lived experiences of aging Australians to build understanding, connection, and respect across generations. Through honest, unhurried conversations, we sit down with seniors from across the country to hear the stories that shaped them — the losses, the loves, the lessons learned the hard way, and the wisdom that only comes with time. From navigating grief and reinvention, to staying connected in a rapidly changing world, to the everyday realities of aging in Australia today — every episode is a reminder that our elders are not invisible. They are essential. Connecting Seniors exists to bridge the gap between generations — to combat loneliness, challenge ageism, and celebrate the richness of a life fully lived. Whether you're a senior yourself, a family member, a carer, or someone who simply wants to listen and learn, this series is for you. Kintsugi Heroes is an Australian not-for-profit (DGR endorsed) dedicated to strengthening mental wellbeing through the power of storytelling. We believe lived experience is a gift to be shared, not a scar to be hidden. To find out more about Kintsugi Heroes and our other podcast series, head to KintsugiHeroes.com.au. Connect With Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kintsugiheroes 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintsugi.heroes/ 👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kintsugi-Heroes-100084850387170/ ❤️ Donate (tax-deductible): https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate/#donate

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