Stuff That Matters - A New Hope Podcast

New Hope Treatment Centers - Matt Simon, Mike O'Connor, Patrick Puzzo
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Stuff that Matters is an interview-based show centered around important voices in the broader human services space that have something to say about something...that matters. Primarily long-form, occasionally short-form, free flowing interviews. The focus is not only on the guests themselves, but also the issues they represent. Ranging from mental health, childcare, substance abuse, healthcare and various hard-hitting topics. This podcast can truly be a game-changer and great outlet for so many. Hosts: New Hope Treatment Center's (Rock Hill, SC) Matt Simon, Mike O'Connor and Patrick Puzzo.

  1. Hope Grown - Sharmea Cousar, Humble Beginnings, Connections, Influence, Compassion, Education

    FEB 23

    Hope Grown - Sharmea Cousar, Humble Beginnings, Connections, Influence, Compassion, Education

    Sharmea Cousar, known as Ms. Icey at our PRTF in Rock Hill, SC, joined New Hope originally in 2015. She has served multiple roles, but has been part of our education department as a teacher the last few years. Her story of compassion and her commitment to the mission, serving youth at New Hope is inspiring and amazing. She was recognized by her peers at our End of Year event with our first-ever Wanda V. Burris Compassion award. (00:00) - her intro, background, and a typical day and when she first noticed the impact she was having on the kids. (07:25) – what she wants those outside the organization to know about the work that she does and that work that is done at New Hope. (09:55) – what she does after a long or difficult day in her personal life that helps her reset and recharge and the unique opportunities that New Hope has provided her. (22:09) – how teaching at New Hope helps with teaching as a parent and vice versa. (27:46) – receiving the Wanda V. Burris Compassion Award a tour end of year event. Her connection with Mrs. Burris, who we sadly lost last year as a key member of the New Hope family. How she got into Education and teaching. Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE. Check out our WEBSITE to learn more about New Hope.

    42 min

  2. JAN 27

    Stuff that Matters, Ep. 41 - The Lionheart Foundation, Incarcerated Adults, Youth, Staff, Parents

    Building Resilience, Reclaiming Hope – No Exceptions. Since 1992, The Lionheart Foundation has been creating high-impact, evidence-informed programs that empower incarcerated adults, systems-involved youth, adolescent parents, and direct care staff serving trauma-impacted youth. At the core of everything they do is the belief that all human life has inherent worth, dignity, and resiliency – no exceptions. By providing high-impact, evidence-informed social and emotional programming, the non-profit organization helps systems-impacted adults and youth to: rediscover their intrinsic worth, build the capacity for self-regulation, develop the tools needed to build peaceful and productive lives. The programs are used by a wide variety of people who work with their target populations: mental health clinicians, program staff, chaplains, community workers, credible messengers, social workers, direct care staff, volunteers, and many others. Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE. Check out our  WEBSITE to learn more about New Hope.

    1h 3m

  3. JAN 5

    New Hope's "Start with Compassion" Meditation

    Our Mental Health Ambassador, Kiara Grace Nalle takes you through a peaceful journey.

    7 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    Stuff that Matters, Ep. 40 - 2025 Recap

    The show goes back to its roots! No guests, as the hosts recap 2025 for the podcast, as well as New Hope's accomplishments and what to look forward to heading into what should be an exciting 2026.

    46 min

  5. 11/14/2025

    Stuff that Matters, Ep. 39 - Kristy Andrews, HBOT4Heroes, Veterans, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention

    Under the sponsorship of The Steel Network and as a direct result of her relationships and experience at Extivita-RTP, in 2023 Kristy Andrews embraced an opportunity to spearhead a novel and impactful endeavor - HBOT4Heroes, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping our veterans heal naturally. At HBOT4Heroes, the objective is to restore the brain health of our American heroes with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Veterans can receive 40 funded HBOT treatments through HBOT4Heroes’ preferred clinic, Extivita-RTP in Raleigh, NC, allowing them the unique opportunity to increase oxygen levels to a therapeutic level of intense healing through a non-invasive strategic implementation of oxygen and pressure. Kristy is genuinely humbled to be a small part of the great things this nonprofit is achieving to help our American heroes heal, and join the fight against veteran suicide. Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE. Check out our WEBSITE .

    1 hr
  6. Hope Grown - Lorraine Bethea

    11/04/2025

    Hope Grown - Lorraine Bethea

    We speak with our Admissions Coordinator, Lorraine Bethea, to learn all about the intake process, the complexities and challenges, opportunities and successes. The intake process is one of the first steps on a youth's journey at New Hope, and Ms. Lorraine is often one of the first faces that a child will see. It's an uncertain and confusing time for many, but Lorraine's calm demeanor and reassurance is a a vital first step.

    31 min

  7. 10/21/2025

    Stuff that Matters, Ep. 38 - April Simpkins, Suicide Prevention, Mental Health, Author, Book

    April Simpkins is a dynamic HR leader with over 30 years of experience in executive business strategy and multiple HR certifications. After eighteen years, April successfully sold her consulting practice to focus on her career as a professional speaker. Recognized for her expertise, she is a sought-after international keynote speaker who has spoken at many conferences, including Fortune 500 corporate events, and on the campuses of several Ivy League universities. April's leadership extends beyond her professional duties. She has served as the Board Chair for the York County Regional Chamber and is an active member of the South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SCSBDC) board. She is on the Duke Energy Advisory Board in the Upstate of South Carolina and was appointed by the Governor of South Carolina to the York County Natural Gas Board of Directors. April is a passionate mental health advocate, serving as an Ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and a board member of NAMI Piedmont Tri-County. Her dedication to eliminating the stigma around mental illness is deeply personal and meaningful. After losing her daughter, Cheslie Kryst, to suicide in 2022, April has become an even more vocal supporter. Cheslie, who struggled with depression, co-authored the New York Times Bestseller called "By The Time You Read This – The Space Between Cheslie's Smile And Mental Illness - Her Story In Her Own Words" with April. To honor Cheslie's legacy, April founded the Cheslie C. Kryst Foundation. She is also the host of the podcast As I Was Saying, in which she explores the intersection of professional life and mental health with candor, insight, and compassion. (00:02:03-00:11:57) – The process of becoming an author and the completion of her book outlining her daughter’s life. (00:11:58-00:28:07) – What April learned about herself and Cheslie while writing the book and in the immediate aftermath of her passing, as well as some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding suicide and mental health. (00:28:08-00:35:15) – How she approaches her speaking engagements, what she shares with families and individuals depending on the specific cases. (00:37:00-00:43:15) – How she balances telling Cheslie’s story while still healing and protecting her privacy. (00:43:17-00:46:39) – What skillsets she transferred into her speaking, podcasting, book publishing and advocacy from her experience and time as an HR consultant and businesswoman. (00:46:41-00:57:17) – Her partnership with NAMI. (00:57:18-00:59:57) – The legacy her book and Cheslie’s story will hopefully leave. (00:58:58) – The stuff that matters. Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE. Check out our WEBSITE.

    1h 5m
  8. Hope Grown - Sitina Digby

    10/07/2025

    Hope Grown - Sitina Digby

    Sitina Digby has been a part of the New Hope family for almost 30 years!! One of our longest tenured employees and someone that has perhaps the closest connection to the building itself. She has moved around quite a bit in her time with us and is now assisting in the PQI department.

    17 min
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About

Stuff that Matters is an interview-based show centered around important voices in the broader human services space that have something to say about something...that matters. Primarily long-form, occasionally short-form, free flowing interviews. The focus is not only on the guests themselves, but also the issues they represent. Ranging from mental health, childcare, substance abuse, healthcare and various hard-hitting topics. This podcast can truly be a game-changer and great outlet for so many. Hosts: New Hope Treatment Center's (Rock Hill, SC) Matt Simon, Mike O'Connor and Patrick Puzzo.

Information

  • Creator
    New Hope Treatment Centers - Matt Simon, Mike O'Connor, Patrick Puzzo
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © New Hope Treatment Centers - Matt Simon, Mike O'Connor, Patrick Puzzo
  • Show Website
    Stuff That Matters - A New Hope Podcast