Kat Finnerty grew up as the eldest of five children in a multicultural family. Her upbringing taught her resilience and responsibility, shaping her perspective on life from a young age.
At twelve, Kat lost her mother to cancer. This experience deeply influenced her understanding of impermanence, grief, and the importance of finding meaning during difficult times.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her twenties, Kat faced significant physical and emotional challenges. Her journey with MS motivated her to seek alternative approaches to wellbeing and personal growth. Kat became a mother to three children within three years. Juggling family life while managing a chronic disease, she learned the importance of self-compassion and support from loved ones.
In her thirties, Kat turned to Buddhism for guidance. Buddhist teachings profoundly changed her mindset, helping her manage adversity through perspective, gratitude, and acceptance of life’s constant changes. Kat experienced the end of her marriage through betrayal. By applying the principles she learned, she navigated this transition with grace, focusing on maintaining positivity for her children and herself.
Based in Australia, Canada, and Vanuatu, Kat shares her insights through retreats, courses, and her book. She is committed to helping others overcome suffering and embrace resilience in everyday life. She is the bestselling author of Never Let a Good Disaster Go to Waste, her powerful memoir about making sense of a life of absurdity.
Social Media
https://www.katfinnerty.com/
https://m.facebook.com/katrin.rochford?
https://www.instagram.com/kat_finnerty?igsh=MTg4eTRtNTFheGI2dw%3D%3D&utm_sourc
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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.
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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.
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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.
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– Kintsugi Heroes — real stories of resilience | hosted by John Milham
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– Golden Threads — stories of disability & resilience | hosted by Dan Dougherty
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