Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton

Kerrie Atherton (StoriesOfHope.com.au)
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  • Mental Health
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In times of trauma and adversity, creating space for connection is the only path out of the darkness. And sometimes, we need a little help to triumph over our adversity by sharing a story of hope. On every episode of this podcast, Kerrie Atherton delves into the remarkable journeys of everyday people who have faced extraordinary challenges and emerged to share hope to others. Every week you'll hear a deeply personal experience from someone who has overcome adversity, sharing their struggles and victories and shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit.

  1. 6h ago

    TJ Hendy on Mental Health, Career Setbacks and Finding Hope Beyond the Finish Line

    TJ is the son of legendary Australian Ironman Trevor Hendy, and from a young age he knew what it was like to live close to the spotlight. But behind the achievements, the races and the expectations, TJ has walked through some incredibly hard seasons. Career setbacks, long COVID, physical health challenges and deep emotional pain all brought him to a place where he had to look beyond performance and ask, “Who am I without all of this?” In this episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I sit down with Ironman TJ Hendy for a beautiful and honest conversation about identity, pressure, heartbreak, healing and what it really means to keep going. What touched my heart so much in this conversation was TJ’s wisdom around feelings, fear and learning to stop tying our worth to what we do. He speaks so honestly about the moments that broke his heart, the pressure of being so close to a dream, and the way he has slowly found his way back — not just to Ironman racing, but to himself. This is such a powerful reminder that we are not defined by our titles, our careers, our achievements or even our hardest moments. TJ’s story is one of courage, surrender, resilience and hope. And as he says so beautifully, sometimes giving up is harder than keeping going. Get in touch with TJ Hendy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-hendy-34a3b6191/ Website: https://ironseries.com.au/meet-the-athletes/tj-hendy/ *** Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton. Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/. Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com) Mentioned in this episode: Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today. Book a Session with Kerrie Today Advertise with Stories of Hope Podcast Here at Stories of Hope, Kerrie Atherton's mission is to give people a platform to share their stories of hope with the world and we also want to provide the same chance to businesses that are passionate about mental health and want to support the podcast. If you'd like to partner with Stories of Hope and advertise your services on this podcast, send a message to Kerrie@EmpowerLifeSolutions.com.au with your details.

    44 min

  2. May 31

    Greg Gould on Surviving Sexual Abuse, Addiction and Finding His Voice Again

    In this deeply moving episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I speak with singer-songwriter and advocate Greg Gould about the courage it takes to speak the truth after years of silence. Greg shares his experience of surviving sexual abuse, the shame and confusion he carried for so long, and the way addiction became a place to hide from pain he didn’t yet know how to face. With honesty, warmth and extraordinary bravery, Greg opens up about the moments that helped him begin to heal. From the kindness of a little girl offering him an ice cream on one of the darkest days of his life, to the love of family, friends, and his partner who believed in him when he struggled to believe in himself. This conversation is tender, raw, and full of hope. Greg and I speak openly about trauma, addiction, recovery, music, and the power of giving shame back to where it belongs. Greg’s story is a beautiful reminder that speaking up can set others free, and that even after deep pain, it is possible to come back to life, love, purpose, and joy. Get in touch with Greg Gould: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/greggouldmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greggouldmusic Website: https://www.greggould.com.au/ *** Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton. Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/. Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com) Mentioned in this episode: Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today. Book a Session with Kerrie Today

    48 min

  3. May 17

    Surviving Loss, Resilience and Never Giving Up: Jason Dasey’s Powerful Story of Hope

    In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend Jason Dasey - a broadcaster and journalist who lost his beautiful dad to suicide when he was only 15 years old. His dad was his mentor, his hero, and the person who encouraged him to follow his dream of becoming a journalist. To lose him so suddenly, just before Christmas, was absolutely heartbreaking. But Jason’s story is also one of incredible resilience. Even after being told he would never make it in journalism or broadcasting, he kept going. He built an amazing career across Australia, the UK, America and Asia, interviewing some of the most well-known people in the world. In this conversation, we talk about grief, addiction, men’s mental health, loneliness, connection, purpose and the importance of not giving up. Jason shares so much wisdom about finding joy, serving others, and living each day with meaning. This episode really touched my heart, and I know so many people will resonate with Jason’s story. His message is a beautiful reminder that even through deep pain, healing is possible and anything is possible if we don’t give up. Get in touch with Jason Dasey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondasey/ Website: https://www.abc.net.au/news/jason-dasey/12400644 *** Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton. Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/. Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com) Mentioned in this episode: Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today. Book a Session with Kerrie Today

    54 min

  4. May 3

    Hope After Divorce and Rebuilding Life as a Dad: Brendan Neil on Men’s Mental Health

    In this episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I’m joined by Brendan Neil for a conversation that so many people live through, but far too many suffer through in silence: hope after divorce. Brendan works closely with divorced dads, and what I really appreciate about him is how practical he is, while still holding space for the emotional reality men often carry behind closed doors. We talk about why so many separations can feel like they come “out of nowhere” for men, the grief cycle that can follow, and the deep sense of failure so many men quietly wrestle with when a marriage ends. Brendan shares what he’s learned (personally and professionally) about emotional awareness, communication, and the ways unresolved pain can shape how we show up in relationships. We also speak honestly about loneliness, the pressure of big seasons like Christmas, and how easy it is to get trapped inside your own head when life falls apart. Brendan’s message is simple but powerful: be kind to yourself, reach out, and keep taking the next step, especially when things feel dark. I hope this conversation reminds you that you don’t have to walk that road alone, and that a brighter future can still be waiting on the other side. Get in touch with Brendan Neil: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-neil-6b56b722/ Website: https://www.brendanjneil.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surfyn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brendanjneil4733/videos *** Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton. Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/. Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com) Mentioned in this episode: Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today. Book a Session with Kerrie Today

    49 min

  5. Apr 19

    When Anxiety Took Control: Donna Thistlethwaite on Surviving Suicide, Healing, and Hope

    There are some conversations that stay with you long after they’re finished… and this is one of them. In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly brave Donna Thistlethwaite to explore a story that is as confronting as it is hopeful. Donna shares, with such honesty and courage, how a moment in the workplace triggered a rapid spiral of anxiety, self-doubt, and overwhelming thoughts that led her to believe there was no way forward. Listening to her describe how quickly things unraveled really touched my heart because it’s a reminder that this can happen to any of us, often in ways we don’t expect. What I love about Donna’s story is not just the survival, but what came after. The way she has taken something so painful and turned it into a life of purpose, helping others feel seen, supported, and equipped with the tools to navigate their own mental health. We talk about the beliefs that can quietly shape our inner world, the importance of connection, and the simple but powerful practices that can bring us back to ourselves, even in the hardest moments. This conversation is a gentle but important reminder that everything is temporary. That the thoughts telling us we’re not enough are not the truth. And that even in the darkest moments, there is a path forward. Often one we cannot see yet. If you’re struggling, or if you love someone who is, I hope this episode helps you feel a little less alone. Get in touch with Donna Thistlethwaite: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnathistlethwaite/ Website: https://mentallywellthy.com.au/about/ *** Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton. Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/. Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com) Mentioned in this episode: Advertise with Stories of Hope Podcast Here at Stories of Hope, Kerrie Atherton's mission is to give people a platform to share their stories of hope with the world and we also want to provide the same chance to businesses that are passionate about mental health and want to support the podcast. If you'd like to partner with Stories of Hope and advertise your services on this podcast, send a message to Kerrie@EmpowerLifeSolutions.com.au with your details. Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today. Book a Session with Kerrie Today

    43 min

  6. Apr 5

    Breaking Generational Trauma, Addiction & Violence: Ron Isherwood’s Journey to Responsibility and Recovery

    This episode is brought to you by Rumble Studios: a full service sound design and music composition team in Sydney & Melbourne. For more, head to RumbleStudios.tv and we thank them for their support of Stories of Hope. In this episode, I’m joined by Ron Isherwood for a conversation that is raw, confronting, and ultimately deeply hopeful. Ron shares openly about growing up surrounded by extreme violence, becoming entrenched in crime and addiction at a young age, and the long road he has walked to get to where he is today. There are parts of this story that are incredibly hard to hear, but what really stayed with me is Ron’s honesty, his accountability, and the way he now uses his life to help others. As we talk, we explore not only addiction and recovery, but also the deeper patterns underneath it all—family trauma, learned violence, survival, and what it takes to truly break those cycles. I was really struck by Ron’s reflections on unlearning everything he once believed about being a man, a partner, and a father, and choosing instead to build a life grounded in responsibility, empathy, and service. That kind of change does not happen by accident, and I know so many people will resonate with the courage it takes to do that work. This is a powerful conversation about redemption, lived experience, and the possibility of becoming someone completely different from the environment that shaped you. Get in touch with Ron Isherwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-isherwood-203bb0264/ Website: https://www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au/team/ *** Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton. Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/. Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com)

    48 min

  7. Mar 22

    Long-Term Sobriety, Leadership and Hope After Losing Everything with Justin Lippiatt

    In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Justin Lippiatt to talk about what it means to hold onto hope when life has stripped everything back. Justin shares his journey through alcoholism, long-term sobriety, and the way recovery reshaped not just his personal life, but the way he leads, serves, and sees other people. What touched my heart so much in this conversation is Justin’s willingness to speak openly about the reality of addiction in business spaces, and the quiet courage it takes to keep showing up with truth, dignity, and compassion. Justin also shares about a devastating season where he lost his business, his financial security, and found himself in an incredibly dark place emotionally. It’s a reminder that behind the success people see on the outside, there can be so much pain hidden underneath. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt alone in their struggle, anyone carrying shame, and anyone wondering whether hope is still possible. Justin’s message is simple but so powerful: be kind. Sometimes that kindness can be the very thing that helps someone stay, keep going, and believe that a new chapter is still possible. Get in touch with Justin Lippiatt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinlippiatt/ *** Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton. Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/. Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com) Mentioned in this episode: Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today. Book a Session with Kerrie Today

    41 min

  8. Mar 8

    The State of Mental Health Support in America: Andrew O’Grady on Trauma Support with MHA Dutchess County

    In this episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I’m joined by Andrew O’Grady, CEO of Mental Health America of Dutchess County in New York, and I’m genuinely grateful for the chance to share this conversation with you. Andrew has spent more than two decades building a model of care that meets people where they are — quite literally. Instead of expecting someone in crisis to find their way into an office and “have it all together,” his team goes out into the community, into homes, into hard places, and offers practical, human support that helps people stay housed, stay connected, and stay alive. We talk about why peer support is so powerful, especially for veterans and people living with PTSD, and the life-changing outcomes that can happen when someone who’s “walked the road” is allowed to stand beside another person in their pain. We also speak honestly about the pressures so many people are facing right now. The cost of living, housing instability, and a mental health system that too often adds more red tape at the exact moment someone needs help. Andrew shares what he’s seeing on the ground in the U.S., and I reflect on similar challenges here in Australia — especially the rise in homelessness and the way trauma so often sits underneath what we judge on the surface. Andrew’s closing message is one we all need right now: less judgement, more understanding, and a willingness to find the goodness in one another, because together there is hope for a brighter future where people with trauma or without a home aren’t left behind. Get in touch with Andrew O'Grady: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-o-grady-7923144b/ Website: https://mhadutchess.org/team/andrew-ogrady-lcsw-r/ Email: aogrady@mhadutchess.org *** Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton. Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/. Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com) Mentioned in this episode: Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today. Book a Session with Kerrie Today

    57 min
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In times of trauma and adversity, creating space for connection is the only path out of the darkness. And sometimes, we need a little help to triumph over our adversity by sharing a story of hope. On every episode of this podcast, Kerrie Atherton delves into the remarkable journeys of everyday people who have faced extraordinary challenges and emerged to share hope to others. Every week you'll hear a deeply personal experience from someone who has overcome adversity, sharing their struggles and victories and shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit.

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