Michael was born blind and grew up in Chicago and California. His early years lacked access to braille, but he learned math in his head and stayed curious about science.
Michael got proper braille education in fourth grade. With his mother’s support and a new resource teacher, he caught up in school, joined the Boy Scouts, and developed skills in leadership.
Michael first learned about guide dogs as a child when he met a blind teacher’s German shepherd named Nola. This experience inspired his own journey to apply for a guide dog.
After eighth grade, Michael received his first guide dog named Squire. He learned responsibility, teamwork, and trust by caring for Squire and continued working with guide dogs throughout his life.
In 2001, Michael led an office in the World Trade Centre. On 9/11, he and his guide dog Roselle calmly evacuated many floors, relying on teamwork and focus to overcome fear.
After 9/11, Michael became a speaker and author, writing three books about his experiences. He teaches others about trust, overcoming adversity, teamwork, and learning to face fear with confidence.
Michael continues to travel, speak, and educate about blindness, inclusion, and guide dogs. He lives with his guide dog Alamo and a cat, using technology to enhance independence and share his story.
*****
We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (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: “Follow the Sun” by Xavier Rudd
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — the philosophy that what’s been broken can become more beautiful for the mending — every episode honours the cracks, the rebuild, and the human underneath.
We believe every story matters. Every scar has something to say. And every person quietly finding their way through deserves to be heard.
🏷️ Topics we cover: resilience, disability, trauma recovery, mental health, transformation, lived experience, chronic illness, neurodiversity, grief, identity, community, caregiving, refugee stories, animal therapy, ageing, older Australians, wellbeing, invisible illness, inclusion, personal growth, hope, rebuilding, human connection, Australian stories
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– Kintsugi Heroes — real stories of resilience | hosted by John Milham
– Animals & Us | hosted by Natalie Stockdale
– Grit Diaries: from Grit to Grace | hosted by Simone Allan & Maryan Bova
– From There to Here | hosted by Emma Bellamy-Dodd
– Golden Threads — stories of disability & resilience | hosted by Dan Dougherty
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