TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses mental health struggles. Please listen with care, and reach out for support if you need it.

In this powerful backstage conversation from Stand Tall Canberra 2025, Joany Badenhorst sits down with Matt Caruana, a young man whose story of resilience will stay with you long after you listen.

At just 12 years old, Matt began to struggle with feelings of worthlessness. At 16, he survived falling 7 stories, waking up in hospital, he was faced with life-altering injuries — and an even bigger choice: would his story end there, or was this the beginning of something new?

A chance encounter on a train changed everything. When a stranger asked him a simple but confronting question, “What are you going to do about it now?”. Matt’s perspective shifted forever. That single moment became the spark for his journey of hope, action, and advocacy.

In this episode, Matt opens up about:

• The dark headspace he lived in as a teenager and what it took to break free.
• The pivotal train conversation that gave him the power to reframe his future.
• How he learned that “hope is hopeless without action.”
• Why surrounding yourself with the right people can unlock your strengths.
• The mantra that guides his life today: “What next?”

This is a raw and honest story about courage, community, and discovering light in the darkest of places. Matt reminds us all that the future is built one decision at a time — and that no matter where you are, you always have a choice to take the next step.

Be encouraged. Be inspired. And above all, don’t lose hope.

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