Born in the UK in 1952, Bob's early life was tough. He was premature, had a volatile relationship with his mother and was often bullied at school, he shares these formative experiences.

He began as an engineering apprentice but found his true calling in music. Bob played music on boats during pub nights, entertaining the passengers. Moving to Australia in 1989 Bob's music career flourished. Quitting his engineering job marked a pivotal turn, as Australia became a fertile ground for his musical pursuits.

Deeply influenced by bands like the Berkshire Ramblers and Kelpie, Bob found his heart truly resonates with folk and Irish music, genres that he passionately embraces to this day.Bob's music career highlights include diverse performances, crowned by a remarkable show for Prince Charles in 1993, showcasing his versatile artistry.

A heartfelt song dedicated to his son, an aerospace engineer now. "Sonny's Dream" encapsulates the emotional distance yet profound love in their father-son relationship.

For Bob, music isn't just sound but a therapeutic tool. He believes in the healing power of sharing stories and emotions, a simple yet powerful form of recovery. Committed to emotional connection, Bob uses song as a storytelling vehicle, believing “Feelings are healings” and emphasizing simplicity in both life and music.

Motivated by deeply personal experiences, Bob’s mission is to eradicate suicide. He challenges conventional views on mental health, advocating for self-awareness and heart-centred healing.

After a near-death experience in 2008, leading to profound self-discovery and healing, Bob’s life philosophy revolves around simplicity and integrity. He shares his belief in a collective human evolution and his privilege in witnessing the rise of integrity over power.

Despite severe health challenges like depression and prostate cancer, Bob trusts in natural remedies and his body's healing power, demonstrating his resilient and holistic approach to life.

*****

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

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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.

Gina McClement has a story of resilience and her dedication to healing and helping others. She grew up in a structured, education-centric environment, which fostered critical thinking, but as a child, she experienced a high conflict separation between her parents.

Despite a privileged education, Gina grew up with undiagnosed ADHD not receiving a diagnosis until her early forties. Her early challenges influenced her empathy and insight into the neurodiverse experiences of her clients.

Gina has undergone over 25 years of therapy which allowed her to connect deeply with herself and recognise the power of healing.

Gina achieved significant success in marketing and sports marketing. However, after a 20-year corporate career and the challenges of motherhood she experienced burnout. So Gina flipped and followed her passion, founding Living In Bloom, a private mind therapy practice where her client promise is - "Grow Into You."

In her practice Gina focuses on neurodiverse individuals. She emphasises relational healing, attachment theory, and the impact of early childhood experiences. Gina is driven by her belief, that it is everyone's right to love themselves wholeheartedly, and she walks alongside her clients who are on this journey.

Biography

Gina's holds a Master in Counselling, a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and a Bachelor of Business. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, an Advanced Clinical Resource Therapist and Trainer as well as a Meditation Teacher and member of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association.

Primarily she practices psychodynamic psychotherapy with a focus on neurodiversity and is LGBTQIA+ affirming.

What truly brings value to her clients' is her commitment to her craft, her Lived Experience and unwavering belief that healing is not only possible but a human right.

Gina practices face to face and via telehealth across Australia and New Zealand. She works with people aged 17+ and with parents raising children with ADHD.

Social Media:

https://livinginbloom.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginamcclement/

https://www.facebook.com/livinginbloom.ginamcclement/

https://www.instagram.com/gina.mcclement/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/counselling/gina-mcclement-pagewood-nsw

*****

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

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After retiring from rugby, Wes Bending purchased a farm in Bunya in 2006, fulfilling his father's dying wish to retire in the countryside. His father, terminally ill with cancer, passed away the day after the purchase. This period marked the beginning of Wes's journey into farming and a rural lifestyle.

In memory of his brother who committed suicide in 2012, Wes and his brother Rob created the Crownback Classic. Held annually from 2013 to 2018, this event provided support to men needing a break and raised over $20,000 for Northern Beaches Lifeline.

Following their marriage in 2013 Wes and his wife moved to various rentals before convincing his wife to move near Bunya in 2017. Despite his efforts, Wes went through a tough separation, impacting his relationship with his children. He stresses the importance of support during such challenging times.

Wes and his friends honoured their fallen friends through Friday morning surfing. He believes that modern society makes it hard for men to find opportunities for male bonding due to financial pressures and other constraints.

Wes credits his understanding of pure love and his spiritual journey to his experiences with plant medicines. These experiences changed his perspective on relationships and connections, advocating for exploration over judgment.

Finding strength in daily mindfulness practices, yoga, Wes sees beauty in everyday life, inspired by scenes like a plastic bag floating in the wind. He aims to start a Bunya yoga club and men's retreat to give back to the community.

Wes values mentoring young people to help them heal from childhood trauma. He finds genuine gratitude more fulfilling than financial gain. Through reflection and openness to learning from others, he has gained wisdom from life's experiences and the passing of close family members.

*****

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 episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.