Shows
Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonDrunk Driving sent Zac Jones to Jail, but it Stopped his Addiction & Saved his LifeThis week on Stories of Hope: Worldwide, I sit down with Zac Jones—a young man whose life changed in an instant the night he got behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs. That decision led to a devastating car crash, leaving four of his friends critically injured and Zac facing the consequences in jail for two and a half years.In this deeply honest conversation, Zac shares what led him to that point: early struggles with bullying, addiction, and the spiral of shame that followed the crash. But this is not just a st...2025-07-2737 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonDanny Lloyd on Addiction Recovery, Selfless Support & Becoming a Soldier of HopeIn this incredibly raw and powerful episode, I sit down with Danny Lloyd: a man who has walked through unimaginable pain and turned it into purpose. Danny shares openly about growing up without a father, struggling with addiction, and the devastating loss of his best friend Sarah, whose murder became a pivotal moment in his life.What struck me most about Danny is his unwavering commitment to healing—not just for himself, but for others. From standing on the edge of self-destruction, to standing on top of Mount Kilimanjaro, scattering Sarah’s ashes and finding his ‘why’, Danny’s...2025-07-1345 min
Share with Steve HodgsonThe Real Signs of Addiction: The 4 L’s You Need to Know - Kerrie AthertonJoin us for an unflinching, powerful conversation with Kerrie Atherton as she shares her extraordinary journey through trauma, addiction, and recovery—and how she now helps others rewrite their stories. From teenage substance abuse and a near-death experience to decades of sobriety, Kerrie opens up about the real roots of addiction, the healing power of vulnerability, and the freedom that comes from breaking through shame.In this episode, you’ll learn what it really takes to build lasting recovery, why environment and accountability are key to transformation, and how to replace destructive coping mechanisms with purpose-driven living.2025-07-0721 min
MATES Under Construction - A Mates in Construction PodcastEp 11. Kerrie Atherton - A group of risersOur guest today is Kerry Atherton, a prolific author in the space of mental health and suicide prevention with her books Stories of Hope. Kerry is a Councilor who has made it her mission to help as many people she can in her journey of helping herself. Kerry provides some truly deep and emotional stories of her past that allows space for some great initiatives and advice. For any of Kerry's books or podcasts, head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/2025-07-0237 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonDomestic Violence Advocate & Survivor Jo Mason Breaks the Silence on DVIn this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Jo Mason: an extraordinary woman whose life was once marked by fear, isolation and trauma behind closed doors. To the outside world, she was a successful marketing director and a loving mum but privately, she was surviving an abusive relationship that stripped her of her confidence, safety, and sense of self.Jo bravely shares how she found the courage to leave, the grief and relief that followed, and the slow, courageous steps she took to rebuild her life with her young son. She speaks so powerfully about the...2025-06-2942 minShare with Steve Hodgson96. How to Overcome Addiction and Take Control Of Your Life - Kerrie AthertonThis week on Share, Steve Hodgson is joined by Kerrie Atherton—trauma recovery therapist, speaker, author, and founder of Stories of HOPE—for a raw and powerful conversation on overcoming adversity and transforming personal pain into purpose.Kerrie opens up about her experiences with bullying, addiction, and a suicide attempt that changed her life. From these dark beginnings, she’s gone on to build a national movement of hope, healing, and empowerment through community storytelling, lived experience advocacy, and her trauma-informed work across schools, prisons, and events.If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or like you...2025-06-191h 09Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonRhys Kirk: The Clinician Holding Hope on the Frontlines of Mental HealthSome people fear mental health wards. Others carry trauma from being there. But for many, they’ve been a place of safety, healing, and hope. In this deeply moving conversation, I speak with Rhys Kirk, an occupational therapist and clinician who has worked on both long-term and acute psychiatric units, and whose heart for people absolutely shines through.Rhys and I talk about what it’s really like behind those locked doors. He shares so honestly about the individuals he works with: people who’ve faced immense trauma, addiction, homelessness, and lifelong mental illness. He sees them not as...2025-06-1538 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonPaul Beardmore: A Father's Fight for Truth, Justice & ConnectionIn this raw and courageous conversation, I speak with Paul Beardmore—a father, advocate, and speaker who has walked through unimaginable grief and injustice, yet continues to stand strong in hope.Paul shares the harrowing story of being separated from his children, including the trauma of his son Lane’s life-altering brain injury (an incident Paul believes was never properly investigated), and the heartbreaking murder of his stepdaughter, for which no one has been held accountable to this day.Through it all, Paul has fought tirelessly: for truth, for connection and, most of all, for his...2025-06-0140 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonGoodbye Anna: Jen Hamer’s Journey from Eating Disorder to EmpowermentIn this deeply moving episode, I speak with Jen Hamer—an inspiring young woman who battled a life-threatening eating disorder from the age of 12. Jen opens up about the core beliefs that drove her illness, the pivotal moment she chose recovery over death, and the ongoing journey of healing and rediscovery.Now completing a PhD focused on eating disorders in athletes and preparing to publish her first book Goodbye Anna, Jen is using her lived experience to spark change, foster understanding, and bring hope to others still in the struggle.This conversation is a raw an...2025-05-1837 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonHow AJ Williams Broke the Cycle of Trauma to become a Wellness EntrepreneurAJ Williams grew up in public housing, surrounded by addiction, violence, and fear. By the age of 14, he was forced to leave home, carrying the weight of trauma no child should have to bear. But in this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, AJ shares how he found the courage to rise—not only building a successful business in the wellness space, but also becoming the kind of father, leader, and man he never had as a role model.Kerrie Atherton sits down with AJ to talk about breaking generational cycles, discovering self-worth, and creating spaces—both physical and emot...2025-05-0443 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonDon't Leave Before The Miracle Happens: How Danny Shannon Overcame AddictionIn this profoundly moving episode, Kerrie Atherton sits down with Danny Shannon—recovery coach, founder of Encapsulator, and a man who has defied the odds. After 17 years in the grip of heroin addiction, homelessness, prison, and nearly 50 attempts at rehab, Danny made one courageous decision on Christmas Day 2009 that changed his life forever.Together, Kerrie and Danny explore the emotional and physical toll of addiction, the pain carried by Danny’s loved ones, and the confronting journey of early recovery. But at the heart of this conversation is a message of hope—of what’s possible when we keep...2025-04-2043 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonStolen but not Lost: How Lizbeth Meredith Escaped her Abuser and Saved her ChildrenImagine the heartbreak of having your children kidnapped and taken overseas by an abusive ex-partner—and not knowing if you’ll ever see them again.In this powerful episode, Kerrie Atherton speaks with Lizbeth Meredith, whose two young daughters were abducted and taken to Greece in an act of calculated violence and control. For two agonising years, Lizbeth fought tirelessly to bring them home, navigating broken systems, international borders, and unimaginable emotional pain.But this is not just a story of loss—it’s a story of hope. Lizbeth shares how she rebuilt her life, how she...2025-04-0648 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonFrom Nightclub Bouncer to Ballet Braider: Breaking Parenting Norms with Michael RayIn this episode of "Stories of Hope," Michael Ray shares his journey from a life defined by toughness and masculinity to embracing the profound transformation brought by fatherhood at the age of 49. Michael then went on to be a solo parent at 51, after his daughter's mother chose not to be part of the family. Michael poignantly recounts his battle with a life-threatening illness, which served as a crucial turning point, sparking a newfound appreciation for life and clarity about his priorities. Through candid discussions, he challenges gender stereotypes surrounding parenting roles and emphasizes the importance of emotional...2025-03-2340 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonFormer NRL Star's Addiction and the Hope from Seeking HelpIn this episode of "Stories of Hope," former NRL player (now Super League Player) Liam Knight candidly shares his journey of overcoming addiction to drugs and alcohol. He discusses the private battles he faced as a public figure, the pivotal moments that led him to seek help, and the supportive environment that facilitated his recovery. Liam recounts the challenges he faced, including the mental health struggles exacerbated by injuries and prescription medications. Through his story, he highlights the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health, especially for men, and emphasises the power of seeking help and...2025-03-0928 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonOvercoming PTSD with Vulnerability and Winning at the Invictus Games with Ben FarinazzioBen Farinazzo is a remarkable individual whose life exemplifies resilience, courage, and the transformative power of hope. A returned veteran and Invictus Games gold medalist, Ben has become a fervent advocate for mental health and the healing potential of sports. His journey began over 20 years ago as an army officer in East Timor, unknowingly returning home with the psychological scars of his service, which led to severe struggles with PTSD and depression. These silent battles remained largely unnoticed for over a decade until a severe mountain biking accident, which left him hospitalized with a broken neck and back, forced...2024-12-0834 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonSurviving the Bataclan Terrorist Attack, PTSD and Hope after Recovery with Ferry ZandviletFerry Zandvilet, a resident of the Netherlands, was an attending physical therapist and aspiring entrepreneur, poised to buy into a physiotherapy company before his life took a drastic turn on November 13, 2015. While enjoying a concert by Eagles of Death Metal at the Bataclan Theatre in Paris, Zandvilet became a survivor of a harrowing terrorist attack, an event that claimed 90 lives. This fateful night transformed him from a victim of unimaginable violence into a voice of resilience and hope. Today, Ferry is a professional speaker, sharing his journey and insights on survival, resilience, and mental health, inspiring audiences...2024-12-0135 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonThe Double Life: How a Functional Addict hit Rock-Bottom and found Hope with Dave StewartDave Stewart is an accomplished author and a dedicated advocate for those affected by addiction and homelessness. With a professional background in corporate sales of underground power cables across Asia and Australia, Dave made a dramatic shift in his life when he left the corporate world in 2013 to work with the Wayside Chapel, a notable organization that supports vulnerable communities. Currently, he works with The Nature Conservancy, focusing on land and water conservation. Dave, a man of Wiradjuri heritage, takes pride in his cultural identity, which deeply influences his work and perspective. Having battled with alcoholism and...2024-11-2449 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton"Cocaine Cowboy" becomes a Beacon of Hope with Jorge ValdesDr. Jorge Valdes, famously known for his appearance on Netflix's "Cocaine Cowboys," is a former high-ranking member of the Medellin Cartel and a man who has undergone a profound personal transformation. Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Jorge quickly ascended the ranks of the narcotics world, becoming a multimillionaire involved in high-risk ventures, including the quarter horse business. Despite his wealth and power, Jorge found his life marred by misery, regret, and personal loss, which eventually led him to abandon his criminal past. Today, Jorge prefers to be addressed simply as George and has devoted his...2024-11-1742 min
The Gold DiggersThe Power of StorytellingAng and Beck engage in a heartfelt conversation with Kerrie Atherton, who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming addiction & profound loss.Kerrie discusses her initiative, "Stories of Hope," aimed at fostering connection and purpose for those facing similar struggles. The episode delves into the emotional impact of music, the power of storytelling, and the importance of community in healing.Through Kerrie's experiences and insights, listeners are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of sharing one's story.TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode we talk about...2024-11-1243 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonHealing, Forgiveness & Hope after Teenage Trauma with Madeleine BlackMadeleine Black is a resilient and inspiring author, speaker, and advocate against sexual and childhood violence. Known for her memoir, "Unbroken," Madeleine uses her own harrowing experiences to shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual assault and the long-term trauma it inflicts. At the age of 13, Madeleine survived a vicious attack, a traumatic event that dramatically changed the course of her life. Despite the severe psychological and emotional ramifications, she has emerged as a powerful voice for survivors, encouraging others to break their silence and find healing. Today, Madeleine stands as a beacon of hope, using...2024-11-1026 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonBreaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health with Mike McCarthyMike McCarthy is a seasoned UK journalist who made his mark at the BBC and Sky News, tackling some of the most gripping stories of our time. After the heartbreaking loss of his son Ross to suicide, Mike shifted his focus from journalism to becoming a passionate mental health advocate. He’s now on a mission to raise awareness and support those struggling with mental health issues, drawing from his personal experiences to drive meaningful change.In this episode, Kerrie sits down with Mike for a touching and open conversation about grief, community, and mental health. Mike sh...2024-11-0336 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonResilience after Surviving the 2015 Nepalese Earthquake with Michelle McFadyenMichelle McFadyen is an adventurer and motivational speaker who has dedicated her life to exploring the world's most challenging terrains and sharing her experiences to inspire others. With a background marked by courageous undertakings such as trekking to the Mount Everest base camp, McFadyen's resilience was profoundly tested during the 2015 Nepal earthquake. This catastrophic event, which claimed around 9,000 lives, became a pivotal moment in her life, reshaping her perspective on survival, trauma, and recovery. Following this life-altering earthquake, which occurred while she was en route to Everest base camp, Michelle turned to therapy and writing as mechanisms for healing...2024-10-2743 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonManaging Mental Health through the Highs & Lows of the Music Industry with Tim HickeyTim Hickey is a young musician from Newcastle whose passion and dedication have driven his success in the music industry. With a formative background in church performances, Tim honed his leadership and musicianship early on, playing across genres like country, pop, and rock. Despite the challenges, Tim's perseverance and commitment continue to shape his career, underscoring the importance of constant practice and collaboration.In this episode, Tim discusses the mental health challenges faced by musicians. He shares insight into his journey, from overcoming periods of disillusionment to reigniting his passion for music. Tim stresses the importance of...2024-10-2043 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonThe Grief and Trauma of Losing a Father to Suicide with Hayley LohmeyerHayley Lohmeyer is a dedicated advocate for at-risk youth and families, driven by her personal experience of her father's suicide at the age of twelve. Despite the immense challenges of her early life, Hayley transformed her pain into a mission of hope, working with Youth With A Mission to support vulnerable children around the globe. Her efforts include helping street children, orphans, and trafficking survivors, and creating after-school programs that offer safe, supportive environments. In her late teens, Hayley’s perspective was further broadened through Christian missions in Nepal, which reshaped her understanding of joy and resilience despite adversity....2024-10-1332 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonInfamous Criminal Becomes an Advocate for Transformation & Change with John KillickJohn Killick, known as Australia's greatest escape artist, has a life story marked by dramatic highs and lows. After a troubled early life, Killick turned to crime, eventually escalating from shoplifting to a series of daring bank robberies, culminating in his notorious helicopter escape from a maximum-security prison. Spending 30 out of his 80 years in prison, Killick has since reformed and dedicated his life to helping others. He is now a mentor for individuals with traumatic experiences, an advocate for child abuse survivors, and the author of three books, with proceeds supporting underprivileged and autistic children.In this...2024-10-0635 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonThe Death of a Daughter and How Music Keeps them Connected with Janet GardinerJanet Gardiner is a devoted mother, musician, and writer who faced unimaginable tragedy when her daughter, Sarah, was found dead under suspicious circumstances three years ago. Though Sarah's death was officially ruled as suicide, Janet believes it was murder due to numerous inconsistencies in the case. Using her grief as a catalyst, Janet continues to seek justice for Sarah while also channeling her pain into music and advocacy, founding "I Matter" to support women in crisis.In this episode, Janet shares the heart-wrenching last days of Sarah's life and her relentless pursuit for the truth. She discusses...2024-09-2926 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonFrom Big Brother to beating Addiction & Trauma with Dave GrahamDave Graham, known as "Farmer Dave," is an Australian television personality and farmer who gained popularity on "Big Brother Australia." Beyond his TV fame, Dave is a dedicated advocate for youth and animal welfare, using his platform to break LGBTQ+ stigmas and support at-risk youth through innovative programs involving dogs. His personal history of trauma, neglect, and early struggles with alcoholism deeply informs his compassionate approach to mentorship.In this episode, Dave echoes Kerry Atherton's sentiments on overcoming a victim mentality and finding empowerment. He shares his life experiences, emphasizing the emotional fulfillment he gains from helping...2024-09-221h 12Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonRowing through Grief and Fear to Achieve Greatness with Michelle LeeMichelle Lee is a trailblazing adventurer known as the first Australian woman to solo row the Atlantic Ocean. Despite starting with no rowing experience, Michelle spent two years preparing for this incredible feat, motivated by a desire to escape the predictability of routine life. Her voyage began on the profoundly emotional day of her father’s passing, yet she persevered, driven by resilience and courage in the face of immense physical and emotional challenges.In this episode, Michelle shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey. She discusses her motivations, the preparation involved, and how she faced down fe...2024-09-1539 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonCreating "The Code" for Resilience & Hope with Shaun ThomsonShaun Thomson is a celebrated South African surfer, author, motivational speaker, and environmental activist. He rose to prominence in the surfing world with a career marked by numerous victories, including the prestigious Pipeline Master competition in Hawaii. After retiring from competitive surfing, Shaun launched the innovative surf apparel brand Instinct and transitioned to public speaking. His life took a profound turn following the tragic loss of his son Matthew in 2006, leading him to focus on inspiring others through writing books like "Surfer's Code" and "The Code: The Power of 'I Will'", and sharing his message of resilience and purpose...2024-09-0843 minStories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie AthertonWelcome to Stories Of Hope Worldwide: Resilient People with Kerrie AthertonIn 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....2024-08-2202 min
Kintsugi Heroes: Uncovering our Hidden ValueControlling Addiction and Sharing Stories of Hope with Kerrie AthertonKerrie grew up with alcoholic parents and began her own intense but successful struggle with alcoholism and mental health when she became an instant alcoholic after her first drink at fifteen. At eighteen, she joined Alcoholics Anonymous and has remained clean and sober since that day forty years ago.For thirty years, Kerrie has worked and volunteered in the business and community sector, helping those struggling with life issues find hope. She has a private practice as a trauma and addictions coach/counsellor and mentor, building connections. She has also worked with many young people...2024-04-0946 min
The Mindful Men Podcast107. Stories of Hope with Kerrie AthertonTrigger warning: Addiction, Childhood Abuse, Trauma, Suicide
Welcome to Episode 107 – Stories of Hope with Kerrie Atherton
Losing hope can have us feeling like we’ve got nothing left to give the world. We can feel as though we’re broken, unwanted, unlovable and unworthy of being alive. Our lives can spiral out of control; impacting our mental health, relationships, careers and more.
But amidst the chaos, it’s important to know that we can regain our hope. Life has a way of presenting lightbulb moments that can guide is in ne...2024-01-0854 min
KICK THE SH!T PODCASTHope Unveiled: Kerrie Atherton's Shares Her Recovery WisdomKerrie Atherton Founder of Stories of HOPE Australia/Worldwide and EMPOWER Life Solutions is a Keynote Speaker, Author, Mental Health First Aid Training Presenter, Event Host and Trauma and Addictions Recovery Counsellor. After planning suicide at 18, Kerrie walked through the doors of a 12-step program and since that day 41 years ago, has remained clean and sober. Over the past 30 years, Kerrie has worked in the business and community sector helping those who are struggling with trauma and the issues of life find Hope. Since moving to the Sunshine Coast QLD 20 years ago she has worked in a voluntary capacity...2023-11-281h 08
The Get Down.Se.04 Ep.02 - Kerrie Atherton - Stories of HopeThis week on The Get Down we chat with the lovely Kerrie Atherton. I met Kerrie at a friend's book launch and I knew within minutes that I wanted to have her come on the show and share her story. Kerrie wears a lot of hats in life, but her biggest strength is her desire to help others through sharing stories of hope. Kerrie has three books in publication and facilitates community events that showcase ordinary yet extraordinary people overcoming adversity. This was a free flowing conversation that was only cut short due to time...2023-10-261h 31
The Truth About AddictionEp63. Kerrie Atherton, ‘Stories of HOPE’ and the ‘victor’ mentality“I lived in a victim mentality for so many years that today, I have a victor mentality.”Kerrie Atherton, Founder of ‘EMPOWER Life Solutions’ and Stories of HOPE’, dedicates her life to helping people and sharing stories of HOPE. Kerrie is 42 years in recovery. Getting clean at an early age of 18, it wasn’t an easy journey, but one that was absolutely rewarding. Kerrie’s childhood was traumatic, dealing with long running alcoholism in the family. Kerrie talked about sexual abuse, being in depression at the age of 13, domestic violence, suicide planning, and the fact that she carried the gu...2023-06-241h 02
Get Off The Bench PodcastKerrie Atherton - Sharing Stories of HOPEKerrie Atherton Founder of Stories of HOPE Australia/Worldwide and EMPOWER Life Solutions is a Keynote Speaker, Author, Mental Health First Aid Training Presenter, Event Host, Trauma and Addictions Recovery Counsellor.After planning suicide at 18, Kerrie walked through the doors of a 12 step program and since that day 40 years ago, has remained clean and sober.Over the past 30 years, Kerrie has worked in the business and community sector helping those who are struggling with the issues of life find Hope. Since moving to the Sunshine Coast 17 years ago she has worked in a voluntary capacity...2022-08-041h 02
Wake Up to What MATTERS!'WAKE-UP TO WHAT MATTERS" Episode 36 With Vickie Magic and today's guest Kerrie AthertonWake up to what MATTERS podcast is about inspiring our listener to master their monkey mind (that voice in our head that often sabotages our success, that often tells us LIES and takes us OFF TRACK from our purpose) this voice often leads us to stress, overwhelm, anxiety, fear or worse. Our mission with this podcast is to inspire you to find your voice and to give you tips to help find another way.Today’s guest is one of the most inspirational ladies I know, Kerrie Atherton is the founder of stories of HOPE Australia. Kerrie has...2020-07-3129 min