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.

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.

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.