Best Darren Pearson Podcasts (2025)

1
Lyn Gregory’s Journey from Mormonism to Discovering her True Spirituality 51:42

5d ago51:42

51:42

Lynn grew up in a large, devoted Mormon family, deeply connected to her great great grandfather, Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church, and shaped by strong traditions and high expectations. As a child, Lynn worked hard in school, followed strict family rules, and tried to live up to the “Mormon royalty” label placed on her by her community. T…

1
From Trauma to Healing Through Compassion and honesty with Darren Wagner 1:12:45

12d ago1:12:45

1:12:45

Darren grew up in a military family, moving often as a child and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. As a young man, he dreamed of acting but instead served as a paramedic and police officer, always drawn to helping others. Long years of frontline work took a toll, leading Darren to struggle with depression and eventually be diagnosed…

1
Karen Humphries' Unique Journey Through Chronic Illness 1:05:30

19d ago1:05:30

1:05:30

Karen was born in England to Irish parents and moved to Australia as a baby, growing up with a childhood full of change and learning to adapt to new situations. Early on, she faced undiagnosed medical challenges with clumsiness, gastrointestinal issues and hypermobility, always feeling there was something different and relying on instinct and persi…

1
Steve Rothwell on creating a Meaningful Life with Neurodiversity 1:16:51

26d ago1:16:51

1:16:51

Steve grew up feeling different, always curious and passionate about things his friends didn’t understand. Early on, he developed a love for words and storytelling that set him apart. As a child, Steve struggled with perfectionism and low self-esteem, not knowing he was neurodiverse. He saw the world differently and often felt isolated and misunder…

1
Creating Safe Spaces for First Responders with Nick White 1:21:36

1M ago1:21:36

1:21:36

Nick is a 50-year-old single dad. He always wanted to join the military and dreamed of becoming a helicopter pilot. He decided instead to join the infantry and later trained as a paratrooper in Australia He was based at Holsworthy. He was eventually medically discharged after injuring his spine in a truck accident. After leaving the military, Nick …

1
From chasing promotions to a life built with purpose and authenticity with James Pearson 58:33

1M ago58:33

58:33

James grew up in the north of England, earning a degree in politics and economics, working various jobs to support himself after university. He visited Australia for the Olympics and decided to stay. He started working in recruitment, which led to opportunities and a new life here. He thrived in the corporate world, pursuing promotions and financia…

1
Pushing the boundaries of modern medicine to create change with Ben Bravery 1:11:24

2M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

Ben was raised by a single mother in Southeast Queensland, who instilled ambition and curiosity, setting the foundation for his diverse and driven future journey. After studying zoology, Ben worked in environmental policy with the Australian Government, but he became disillusioned, realising that meaningful environmental impact required more than p…

1
From gambling addiction to finding purpose in helping others with Shay Hare 1:04:52

2M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Shay grew up battling insecurities about his appearance and others' opinions, with family conflicts deepening his feelings of instability and anger. At 13, Shay found gambling through poker, using it to mask inner pain, akin to a drug's euphoric escape, initiating a lifelong struggle. Raised in a family where gambling was common, Shay's early expos…

1
From paramedic to pilot - a journey of adventure, resilience and creative growth with Christian Mortensen 1:05:49

2M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

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…

1
From the Blue Mountains to piloting helicopters and public speaking, with Kevin Humphreys 1:06:31

2M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

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 Afghanista…

1
Finding his way from wayward teen to working in the family violence sector with Shannon Miller 27:50

2M ago27:50

27:50

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 for fiv…

1
Scott Baker, the Content Alchemist 1:00:48

3M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

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 b…

1
Tessa’s Path from Grief to Strength and Purpose 29:40

3M ago29:40

29:40

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 16 Tessa was diagnosed …

1
Greg Boerma’s Path from Trauma to Joy 27:50

3M ago27:50

27:50

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 arc…

1
From the Police to First Responder PTSD Advocate - Sean Haran 50:49

3M ago50:49

50:49

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 the police, includin…

1
Healing Trauma by Rewiring the Unconscious Mind with Judith Richards 48:49

4M ago48:49

48:49

Judith was the youngest of eight in a Catholic family. Despite a comfortable life, she faced traumatic experiences, including sexual abuse by priests from an early age. The abuse and violence she suffered profoundly shaping her programming and she developed beliefs of unworthiness and self-punishment. In secondary school, Judith endured further abu…

1
From Coma to Ironman Glory with Tynan Narywonczyk 58:09

4M ago58:09

58:09

Born and raised in Queensland, Tynan was a painting apprentice, living a typical young man’s life, when a tragic accident at 19 caused serious injuries, including a brain injury and coma. Doctors doubted his recovery, setting the stage for a long, tough journey ahead. Despite predictions, Tynan endured relentless medical appointments and rehab sess…

1
Dancing Amongst Life's Chaos and Adventures with Robyn Catchlove 1:01:10

4M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Growing up in Adelaide, Robyn was a fiercely curious child, devouring books from the library and mastering puns, all while driving her parents mad with endless questions. Bored with school, Robyn discovered a love for adventure by exploring forbidden coffee clubs and later worked for the weapons research establishment, becoming a steno secretary fo…

1
Overcoming Poor Health and Prejudice to Promote LGBTQ+ Rights in Boxing with Martin Stark 49:40

4M ago49:40

49:40

Diagnosed with severe asthma and later Addison’s disease, Martin faced numerous health scares, including pancreatitis and septic shock, early in life. Growing up in the late '80s, Martin dealt with being gay during the HIV/AIDS crisis, influenced by negative media. He came out as gay at 27, despite fears and societal stereotypes, marking a signific…

1
Transforming Illness and Grief through Storytelling with Asher Packman 50:56

5M ago50:56

50:56

Asher feels a deep connection to Byron Bay where he grew up. His father's complex history, shaped Asher's upbringing and their challenging relationship led to an early estrangement, but Asher is now committed to healing and reconnecting with his father. Initially he pursued a successful corporate career Asher found himself dissatisfied despite othe…

1
Lightning Luke's Journey to Positive Change through Storytelling with Luke Cook 47:20

5M ago47:20

47:20

Luke Cook, an only child raised by his extroverted mother, developed a knack for socialising early. His father's passing at age 4 deeply influenced his life's perspective. Engaging in drama and public speaking during his school years, Luke showed a passion for storytelling and captivating audiences with his charisma and humour. At 19, he started hi…

1
On ADHD, Burning Out, Discovering Flow and Forgiving Yourself with Jamie Toyne 58:12

6M ago58:12

58:12

Born in Melbourne, Jamie faced adoption and an early ADHD diagnosis, but found solace and focus through sports, especially tennis and soccer. When he was six, Jamie moved to Alice Springs with his adoptive mother. Despite a rough environment, sports remained his constant anchor. He excelled in tennis, earning a sports scholarship and turning pro at…

1
Storytelling through songwriting and living with ADHD & RSD with Ben Drysdale 40:51

6M ago40:51

40:51

Ben’s passion for music was sparked early, paving the way to his musical journey. He was inspired by childhood road trips, family music collections blending classical and popular tunes. Ben’s academic path intertwined with creative pursuits of music and theatre when he attended ANU in Canberra before furthering his studies at Simon Fraser Universit…

1
Experience the Harsh Realities of Caring for a Loved One with Gary Watson 38:52

6M ago38:52

38:52

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 fo…

1
BONUS: Preview of "Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton" 1:12:39

6M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

This month, Kintsugi Heroes is sharing episodes from other podcasts we've created to address different stages of adversity. You may not realise, but Kintsugi Heroes is a podcast network with many stories to listen to, watch and share. This week, you'll hear a preview of the "Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton". With the support …

1
BONUS: Preview from "Connecting Seniors (Kintsugi Heroes)" 1:03:50

7M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

This month, Kintsugi Heroes is sharing episodes from other podcasts we've created to address different stages of adversity. You may not realise, but Kintsugi Heroes is a podcast network with many stories to listen to, watch and share. This week, you'll hear a preview of the "Connecting Seniors (Kintsugi Heroes)", a Limited Series that focuses on ou…

1
BONUS: Preview from "Australian Carers (Kintsugi Heroes)" 42:18

7M ago42:18

42:18

This month, Kintsugi Heroes is sharing episodes from other podcasts we've created to address different stages of adversity. You may not realise, but Kintsugi Heroes is a podcast network with many stories to listen to, watch and share. This week, you'll hear a preview of the "Australian Carers (Kintsugi Heroes)", a limited podcast series run over Me…

1
BONUS: Preview from "Beyond The Deluge: Flood Resilience Stories from the Hunter Valley" 1:16:41

7M ago1:16:41

1:16:41

This month, Kintsugi Heroes is sharing episodes from other podcasts we've created to address different stages of adversity. You may not realise, but Kintsugi Heroes is a podcast network with many stories to listen to, watch and share. This week, you'll hear a preview of the "Beyond The Deluge: Flood Resilience Stories from the Hunter Valley" podcas…

1
BONUS: Preview from "Kintsugi Heroes - Alpine Series" 50:54

7M ago50:54

50:54

This month, Kintsugi Heroes is sharing episodes from other podcasts we've created to address different stages of adversity. You may not realise, but Kintsugi Heroes is a podcast network with many stories to listen to, watch and share. This week, you'll hear a preview of the "Kintsugi Heroes - Alpine Series" podcast covering stories of resilience du…

1
Losing his Wife to Bladder Cancer and finding a new Purpose in Not-For-Profit with Adam Lynch 1:01:34

8M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

Born and raised in the UK, Adam led a relatively routine life, growing up in a close-knit community. He pursued studies in business, where he honed his skills in management and leadership. He then embarked on a successful career in the business sector, becoming known as a reliable and innovative leader. Adam met his future wife, Anna, in a nightclu…

1
Transforming by Addressing the Emotional Trauma of a Challenging Life with Tim Rubin 1:04:17

8M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Tim started as an IT salesman for Fujitsu, receiving a computer as payment from a cash-strapped client. This unforeseen twist sparked his interest in programming. After getting the computer, Tim self-taught programming and database skills. He used these newfound abilities to develop systems for selling scuba gear. Tim's adventurous spirit led him i…

1
Transformation after Generational Trauma, Abuse and Addiction is possible with Alex Brandt 36:08

8M ago36:08

36:08

Alex's parents were displaced WWII refugees from Europe, eventually moving to Australia where Alex was born in the 1960s. She faced cultural and language barriers growing up. Because she started school at eight and a half, Alex missed the early formative years. She attended irregularly, faced integration challenges, and was labelled as a slow learn…

1
A Generous Life of Advocacy and Community for Men's Mental Health with Filipe Gama e Silva 55:20

8M ago55:20

55:20

Raised in Brisbane, Filipe’s parents immigrated to Australia from Portugal, driven by the allure of "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo," grounding his understanding of belonging and community from an early age. Filipe’s family, especially his mother, supported him through his dyslexia, teaching him resilience and fostering his self-confidence despite academ…

1
Loss & Healing through Music, and Keeping It Simple, Sovereign with Bob Eden 56:34

9M ago56:34

56:34

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 Austr…

1
Working through ADHD, Psychotherapy, and Finding your Power with Gina McClement 1:01:14

9M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

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 di…

1
Navigating Loss and Adversity Through Family, Farming, and Male Bonding with Wes Bending 50:38

9M ago50:38

50:38

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 suicid…

1
Clinical Depression, Diagnosis and Advocating for Struggling Men with Wayne Wigham 45:08

9M ago45:08

45:08

Wayne's early years were filled with rugby union and league, providing him companionship and a mental outlet. Despite personal struggles with depression, sports helped him cope. From a young age, Wayne faced debilitating depression, navigating periods of despair unseen by others. Misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment marked his early experiences wi…

1
Courage, Compassion and Commitment to a Better World with Jetha Devapura 57:18

9M ago57:18

57:18

Born in Sri Lanka with limited career options, Jetha's perfectionist tendencies and cultural isolation triggered mental health challenges early on. His parents' courageous move to Australia provided new opportunities but also difficulties adapting. Jetha battled obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety in silence for years, with the conditions sig…

1
Fighting Loneliness and Separation with The Chatty Cafe with Glenys Reid 49:34

10M ago49:34

49:34

Glenys Reid is the CEO of the Chatty Cafe Foundation in Australia, an initiative focused on addressing loneliness and social isolation through facilitating conversations in coffee shops and cafes. Glenys has a background marked by resilience, shaped by her family's experience, particularly her father's time as a prisoner of war. Her family's attitu…

1
Bringing Irish Community to Australian Mental Health Advocacy with Alan Earls 50:17

10M ago50:17

50:17

Alan's personal experience with homelessness and mental health challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, informs his empathetic approach to peer support work. He transitioned from a career as a financial advisor to a peer worker position in suicide prevention, where he co-designs and implements vital services to support those in crisis…

1
Art, Advocacy, and Ending Child Slavery through Destiny Rescue with Tracie Eaton 29:12

10M ago29:12

29:12

Tracie Eaton is an Internationally-renowned & award winning Australian artist with an artistic career spanning over 17 years. Tracie’s studio is located on the Gold Coast, QLD, Australia. Her personal experiences with burnout propelled Tracie to transition from corporate to creative pursuits, emphasizing the importance of listening to one’s inner n…

1
Domestic Abuse as a Child Empowering her to Advocacy with Jas Rawlinson 36:17

10M ago36:17

36:17

Jas describes her experiences with domestic violence as a young teen, which included she and her mother running through the bush to seek safety and then spending 9 months in a safe house. Jas's experiences with her father’s emotional abuse, led to self-esteem and body image struggles, highlighting the deep impact of non-physical forms of abuse. She…

1
Unmasking Trauma and How Rapid Transformational Therapy Helps with Stacey Uhrig 40:42

11M ago40:42

40:42

Stacey suffered from childhood trauma due to parental divorce and remarriages. This caused instability, hyper vigilance, and long-term emotional impacts on her self-esteem and behaviours. Her parents divorced and each remarried within a few months so her life changed rapidly. She explains once that trauma responses like Fight, flight, freeze, and a…

1
Dame Laura Lee 45:09

11M ago45:09

45:09

In the final episode of this series Darren talks to Dame Laura Lee and her co-commissioner Marcia Blakenham about their working relationships with the architcects and landscape designers that they have worked with over the past 26 years. They explain why landscape became an intrinsic part of each centre and how it facilitates important conversation…

1
Teaching & Mental Health Advocacy after Trauma, Addiction and Loss with Chris Edwards 57:08

11M ago57:08

57:08

Chris Edwards is a father of a son who died by suicide in 2021. He has a history of suicide ideation, brought about by domestic violence and abuse in his early life. His experiences and events like these, drive him to share his story, with the hope that the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide can be minimised, if not diminished. Chris's ch…

1
Piet Oudolf 56:24

11M ago56:24

56:24

Darren travels to Hummelo in the Netherlands to meet Piet Oudolf at his home and studio. Piet talk us through his process, how the work has changed over the years and why he was excited to work with Maggie’s on his garden at The Royal Marsden centre. Check out more of Piet’s work at his website here To find out more about Maggie’s visit their websi…

1
Transformation after Trauma & Abuse and Finding Resilience with Helen Ryan 35:30

11M ago35:30

35:30

Helen Ryan's story starts with her describing how she overcame her shocking childhood in Norway and early adult life challenges. She shares her traumatic childhood with an alcoholic mother and facing sexual abuse while detailing her mother's risky behaviour. She recounts living a nomadic lifestyle after working in the district attorney's office dur…

1
Lily Jencks 42:38

11M ago42:38

42:38

In this episode Darren meets Lily Jencks to talk about the magical landscape that she designed for Maggie’s Glasgow. As the daughter of Maggie Keswick Jencks Lily has a very personal insight to the mission of the charity which we touch on as well as her own approach to design and collaboration. To find out more about her work visit her website here…

1
Using Entrepreneurship to fight Neurodiversity & Disability Prejudice with Mathew Townsend 34:09

11M ago34:09

34:09

Mathew Townsend is a neurodiverse social entrepreneur based in Brisbane. Growing up with disabilities he faced discrimination and prejudice finding his pathways into career and passions. Being socially isolated he often had anxiety and depression, causing him to feel low and uncharacteristic. He wasn't confident to speak up about himself to help pe…

1
Pip Morrison 35:37

12M ago35:37

35:37

Darren talks to Garden designer Pip Morrison about gardening, designing and how the two feed one another in a symbiotic fashion. Pip discusses why he took the plunge to create a garden in the deepest of shade for Maggie’s Oxford. To find out more about Pip’s garden at Maggie's click here To find out more about Maggie’s visit their website here To f…

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