Michael was born blind and grew up in Chicago and California. His early years lacked access to braille, but he learned math in his head and stayed curious about science.

Michael got proper braille education in fourth grade. With his mother’s support and a new resource teacher, he caught up in school, joined the Boy Scouts, and developed skills in leadership.

Michael first learned about guide dogs as a child when he met a blind teacher’s German shepherd named Nola. This experience inspired his own journey to apply for a guide dog.

After eighth grade, Michael received his first guide dog named Squire. He learned responsibility, teamwork, and trust by caring for Squire and continued working with guide dogs throughout his life.

In 2001, Michael led an office in the World Trade Centre. On 9/11, he and his guide dog Roselle calmly evacuated many floors, relying on teamwork and focus to overcome fear.

After 9/11, Michael became a speaker and author, writing three books about his experiences. He teaches others about trust, overcoming adversity, teamwork, and learning to face fear with confidence.

Michael continues to travel, speak, and educate about blindness, inclusion, and guide dogs. He lives with his guide dog Alamo and a cat, using technology to enhance independence and share his story.

*****

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.

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

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.

Steve is an Australia based immigrant who left Indonesia as a child due to risks of persecution.

He is an engineer, business leader, single-dad, passionate conservationist and environmental advocate, lover of music of various genre, arts & culture, avid global backpack adventurer off the beaten-tracks. He is an Australian Survivor, social justice activist and prolific social media political commentator.

Steve takes us on a journey through vivid memories of his situation back in Indonesia and the challenges he's faced due to his ethnicity.

He shares the hardships he tackled as an immigrant, the mindset and values that fuelled his life, and the inspiring advocacy work he's doing to help fellow immigrants.

*****

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.