20th Anniversary Collection: Mic's way out of the woods

Aug 21, 2025

Mic Whitty, a former RAAF apprentice and IT professional, shares his remarkable journey from homelessness to purpose. After a tumultuous career and a struggle with gambling that led to financial ruin, Mic found redemption while cycling to visit war cemeteries, inspired by his grandfather's diary. He reflects on the challenges of addiction, the importance of vulnerability, and the unique connections he uncovered through his cycling adventures. Mic’s resilience and newfound mission create a touching narrative of hope and exploration.

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ANECDOTE

Gambling Led To Theft And Rent Arrears

Mic Whitty spiralled into spread betting after paying a year's rent up front and chasing early wins that vanished.
Losses led him to falsify till records and fall 18 months behind in rent before admitting the theft.

ANECDOTE

Confession, Resignation and Repayment

Mic admitted to his manager from a McDonald's in tears and resigned to avoid being sacked for gross misconduct.
He borrowed money from a friend to repay the organisation and then took a lower-paid hostel job.

INSIGHT

Shame Preceded Deep Depression

Mic distinguishes cause and effect: he says depression followed his actions rather than caused them.
He recognises his poor decisions then induced a deeper depression and suicidal thoughts.

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Deeply ashamed of something he had done, Mic Whitty retreated into the Welsh wilderness until an unexpected goal pulled him out of homelessness and back into the world.

Mic had entered the workforce at the tender age of 15, joining the RAAF as an apprentice, before taking on a series of highly paid jobs in Saudi Arabia and New Zealand.

But feeling stressed out and burnt out, Mic decided to take a simpler job at a youth hostel in the United Kingdom.

Mic, however, couldn't financially acclimatise to a simpler way of life. He began gambling on the stock market and then stealing money from his employer to make up for his smaller pay-cheque.

Month after month went by, and no one discovered Mic's transgressions, until finally they did.

Deeply ashamed, Mic paid off his debts before deciding to go off grid, going from town to town in Wales, sleeping rough.

With some help from the local Salvos and then re-discovering a family heirloom, Mic started thinking about re-entering the world again, and he came up with an extraordinary project.

Content warning: this episode of Conversations contains discussion about depression and suicidal ideation. Please take care when listening.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890
ReachOut at au.reachout.com
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Further information

First broadcast in March, 2024.

2025 update: Mic has now cycled another 12,600 kilometres, visiting more than 350 cemeteries where WW1 or WW2 casualties are buried along the way.

You can read more about Mic Whitty's extraordinary project, and keep up to date with his progress at his website.

Standout story – Jimmy Webb

You can hear Sarah’s full conversation with Jimmy Webb on the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can also read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.

This episode of Conversations explores homelessness, rough sleeping, unemployment, shame, making amends, gambling, journalling, diary, mental health, men's mental health, World War One, World War Two, family history, veterans, the military, post-war life, family history, military history, travel, cycling, illegal camping, Wales, Salvation Army.

To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.