From paramedic to pilot; a journey of adventure, resilience & creativity with Christian Mortensen
Christian Mortensen grew up in Melbourne with a Jewish mother and an artist dad, weaving his childhood with diverse cultural experiences and unique perspectives. He studied ancient history and anthropology at Melbourne University, then taught first aid courses, laying a foundation for his future in emergency services. Trained as a wilderness EMT in Colorado, Christian […]
A lifelong commitment to working alongside police dogs with David Raymond • Animals & Us E05
From a young age, Dave dreamed of being a policeman, inspired by early experiences and playing with boxes that he labelled “police.” He joined the Queensland Police in 1989, driven by a desire to make a difference, and soon became a respected officer. A chance conversation led Dave to the competitive dog squad, where he […]
Supporting communities in their times of need with John Milham • River Murray Recovery Stories E01
Growing up in Wee Waa, John Milham, a Director of Kintsugi Heroes and host of the River Murray Recovery Stories, experienced the unpredictability of floods. These events taught him about nature’s power and the importance of community support in the face of adversity. John recalls the struggles his community faced during floods, from defending homes […]
From the Blue Mountains to piloting helicopters and public speaking, with Kevin Humphreys
Growing up in the Blue Mountains, Kevin dreamed of adventure, inspired by army training on TV and rescue helicopters above his neighbourhood. He joined the army, overcoming challenges to become a helicopter pilot, mastering intense tasks like low flying, NVG flights, and two-way operational missions. Kevin served in East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, tackling extreme […]
Finding his way from wayward teen to working in the family violence sector with Shannon Miller
As a young boy, Shannon dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, spending his days immersed in sport and camping activities. School life wasn’t ideal for Shannon; he often skipped classes due to bullying and a lack of interest, eventually leading to an ultimatum from his parents. Shannon initially pursued a trade, working as a butcher […]
Creating harmonies between humans and animals with Plume • Animals & Us E04
Plume started his extraordinary musical journey as a young drummer and songwriter, developing his passion for creating melodies and performing. Over two years ago, he moved into singing to cows, discovering their surprising appreciation for music, which encouraged him to continue this unique path. As Plume’s animal-focused performances gained exposure, his gigs shifted from human […]
Scott Baker, the Content Alchemist
As a curious and big-dreaming kid, Scott aspired to be a doctor, inspired by a strong drive to help others and make a difference in the world. Scott navigated life’s complexities, including neurodivergence, which shaped his unique perspective and relentless determination to explore nontraditional pathways to success and self-understanding. Guided by supportive figures like his […]
Tessa’s Path from Grief to Strength and Purpose
Tessa grew up on a South Australian farm, enjoying a childhood filled with outdoor adventures and tight-knit family bonds, which shaped her early years with resilience and joy. At 16, Tessa faced the sudden passing of her younger brother Nathan, a heartbreaking loss that left an enduring impact on her and her family. Also at […]
Greg Boerma’s Path from Trauma to Joy
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 […]
From the Police to First Responder PTSD Advocate – Sean Haran
Born in Brighton, England, Sean moved to Australia at age seven. His dad’s Irish heritage led them to Fremantle, beginning a life of adventure in Perth. At 15, Sean’s navy dream ended due to colourblindness. He joined the Western Australian Police Academy in 1978, quickly finding his passion in policing. Sean served 15 years in […]