Danni started her working life as a police officer where she saw death early but rarely spoke about it and learned firsthand about the challenges of facing mortality. Danni also dealt with the deaths of several family members and often became the person responsible for bringing people together and supporting her family through loss.

She experienced strong death anxiety and struggled with her own fears about dying, often avoiding serious conversations about mortality until confronted by personal loss and deep grief.

After caring for her younger brother through illness and death, she trained as an End-of-Life Doula at the Australian Doula College volunteers at Bear Cottage Children’s Hospice. She is a volunteer for the Dying with Dignity NSW Witness Program.

Danni does not flinch at death, soften it with euphemism, or shrink from its presence. She has the steady grace of someone who knows that to live well, we must also learn to die well as it is part of our shared human story, and deserves to be told with honesty, tenderness, and a little humour.

Her former impressive and diverse career led to the meaningful work she does now as a Death and Mortality Doula and Educator. She brings her dedication to managing the national campaign Dying to Know Day.

Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/liminalbeing

https://www.instagram.com/liminalbeing__

https://www.instagram.com/d2kday

https://liminalbeing.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liminalbeing

https://www.dyingtoknowday.com

*****

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

Kat Finnerty grew up as the eldest of five children in a multicultural family. Her upbringing taught her resilience and responsibility, shaping her perspective on life from a young age.

At twelve, Kat lost her mother to cancer. This experience deeply influenced her understanding of impermanence, grief, and the importance of finding meaning during difficult times.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her twenties, Kat faced significant physical and emotional challenges. Her journey with MS motivated her to seek alternative approaches to wellbeing and personal growth. Kat became a mother to three children within three years. Juggling family life while managing a chronic disease, she learned the importance of self-compassion and support from loved ones.

In her thirties, Kat turned to Buddhism for guidance. Buddhist teachings profoundly changed her mindset, helping her manage adversity through perspective, gratitude, and acceptance of life’s constant changes. Kat experienced the end of her marriage through betrayal. By applying the principles she learned, she navigated this transition with grace, focusing on maintaining positivity for her children and herself.

Based in Australia, Canada, and Vanuatu, Kat shares her insights through retreats, courses, and her book. She is committed to helping others overcome suffering and embrace resilience in everyday life. She is the bestselling author of Never Let a Good Disaster Go to Waste, her powerful memoir about making sense of a life of absurdity.

Social Media

https://www.katfinnerty.com/

https://m.facebook.com/katrin.rochford?

https://www.instagram.com/kat_finnerty?igsh=MTg4eTRtNTFheGI2dw%3D%3D&utm_sourc

*****

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.

John grew up in the western suburbs near Parramatta, playing footy, learning a trade as a sparky and always wanting to become a police officer, inspired by his grandfather’s advice.

His early lessons in communication as a sparky on job sites shaped how he approached policing and helped him connect with others.

In 1997, John joined the police. He worked in various roles, including Middle Eastern Crime and property teams, developing his skills further and gaining insight into the complexities of human behaviour through building relationships, even with sources from the criminal world.

Later, he joined the child abuse squad, interviewing children and supporting families through difficult times. He learned the importance of giving children control, building trust, and bringing hope to those affected.

In 2018, while trying to protect a family, John was seriously injured during an arrest. He survived multiple stab wounds, drawing on resilience, his training, and the support of his team to recover.

Today, John is an advocate for blood donation, sharing his story to encourage others. He values service, leadership, and resilience, and continues to help people through conversation, support, and community work. He has also delivered speeches at the Police Academy and schools on his experience and how to build resilience.

*****

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.