Russell Manser

Tom's life changed dramatically when at nineteen, he contracted meningococcal disease and lost both hands and legs. Finding a calling in music, and kitted up with astonishing hooks for hands, Tom became a mainstay of Sydney's club scene as DJ Hookie, before going on to become an internationally recognised keynote speaker, and newly published author.Tom's book, Hook, Line & Sinner, is out now.https://www.penguin.com.au/books/hook-line-and-sinner-9781761340734

With a future as a pro surfer looking almost certain, Brett's life changed forever when three quarters of his left quad was bitten off by a shark. After miraculously surviving, Brett began to realise that it wasn't just flesh that the shark had taken, but also a major chunk of his identity.  Brett shares his story of beating the odds,  resilience, and self-discovery.https://www.brettconnellan.com/

Born in Brazil but raised in Australia, Pedro fell into addiction and debt which led to him spending time behind bars for robbing a Sydney golf club. Later, Pedro was sent to Villawood Detention Centre after his visa was cancelled, and Pedro mounted his own legal challenge to stay in Australia with his family. Pedro shares his story of redemption and the cloud that continues to hang over him today.You can donate to Pedro's fundraiser here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/xxz4x-fighting-for-a-fighter?member=27578345&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

Born and raised in South Africa, Craig moved with his wife and children to Australia to start a new life. Years later, Craig's life began to unravel as his declining sense of self-worth and unresolved childhood trauma led him to attempt suicide. Warning: This episode discusses child sexual abuse and suicide.Need help? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Andrew talks about his road from four years in prison for drugs to turning his life around as founder of One Out Training, and through his role as a youth mentor with Confit Pathways. 

Comedian Mitch Garling shares his story of his father being diagnosed with terminal cancer and the race against time for him to make it to Mitch’s wedding.

Comedian Shad Wicka talks about landing his dream job on radio, only for him to be fired while driving interstate to start the new gig. Why? He'd suggested that then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison is a c-word. 

Based in Oregon, USA, Gayle is a former Southern Baptist who left her faith when her children began asking questions she could not answer.  Gayle is the Executive Director of Recovering From Religion, an international non-profit organisation that helps people who have left religion.

Musical comedian Sarah Gaul chats about her experiences with intrusive thoughts. Then Andrew and Sarah get into a super niche chat about Melbourne Comedy Festival that they're both currently appearing in.

Russell is the founder of Voice of a Survivor, an organisation that supports and seeks compensation for victims of institutional abuse. A victim of sexual abuse himself, both in prison and juvenile detention, Russell's life spiralled into addiction and crime which led to him spending 23 years in prison.