In this episode of Animals and Us, we’re joined by Michael de Haan – a Certified Money Behaviour Coach, author, and former financial planner – who shares a deeply personal story about finding purpose and healing through the bond with his rescue dog, Missy.

Michael has spent over 25 years in the financial services sector, where he now focuses on coaching, education and advocacy – particularly around financial abuse, coercive control and their links to domestic violence. But behind his professional expertise is a journey marked by personal challenge, vulnerability, and ultimately, the quiet power of companionship.

We talk about how adopting Missy didn’t just give Michael a dog – it gave him a lifeline. Their connection became a catalyst for personal growth, emotional regulation, and renewed clarity of purpose. Michael also speaks to the broader role animals can play in supporting our mental health and recovery – especially during times of emotional distress or life transition.

This conversation explores both the emotional and systemic sides of healing, drawing a link between the human-animal bond and the need for greater awareness around financial dignity and independence.

www.quantumleap-global.com

linkedin.com/in/michael-de-haan

*****

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

In this episode of Animals and Us, we’re joined by Dr Nan Bray – marine scientist turned ethical wool producer – who’s redefining what it means to care for both animals and the land. Based in the Tasmanian highlands, Nan runs White Gum Wool, a farm where sheep are not just livestock but respected members of a social and ecological community.

Nan shares how her science background informs a radically compassionate approach to sheep farming – one that avoids slaughter, mulesing and tail docking, while preserving family groups and supporting healthy, functioning ecosystems. Her sheep graze freely on diverse native pastures, teaching their lambs to forage and live in kinship groups that reflect their natural behaviours.

We talk about the ethical and environmental impact of conventional wool production, what it means to truly listen to animals, and how farming can shift from domination to relationship. For anyone curious about regenerative practices, animal-centred agriculture, or the future of wool, this is a powerful conversation grounded in both data and deep care.

website: whitegumwool.com.au

blog posts: https://www.whitegumwool.com.au/yarns-from-the-farm

instagram: @whitegumwool

*****

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

In this episode of Animals and Us, we’re joined by Nigel Allsopp – military veteran, former police dog handler, historian, author, and President of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation.

Nigel’s career spans more than three decades across New Zealand and Australian military and police forces, with deep expertise in canine operations and animal behaviour. After serving with the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a dog handler and trainer, he continued his work with the Queensland Police and later turned his focus to educating the public on the vital – and often overlooked – role animals have played in times of war.

We speak with Nigel about his mission to commemorate war animals – from donkeys and pigeons to dogs and camels – and the years of advocacy that led to the establishment of Australia’s first National Day for War Animals in 2019. He shares powerful stories of courage, sacrifice, and service, and explains why recognition for these animals is not just about history – it’s about justice, memory, and national identity.

With 14 books to his name and a national ANZAC of the Year award among his many honours, Nigel brings both passion and precision to this conversation about some of the most under-recognised heroes in Australian and global military history.

https://awamo.org.au

*****

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

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd