Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton

Matt Towner on Surviving Trauma, PTSD and a Life-Changing Accident

In this powerful episode of Stories of Hope: Worldwide, I sit down with my dear friend and fellow storyteller, Matt Towner, whose life changed forever after a catastrophic motorcycle accident in the jungle of Thailand. Matt broke nearly every bone in his body, suffered a brain haemorrhage, spinal injuries, chronic pain, PTSD, and symptoms similar to Bipolar Disorder. And yet, when he woke from a coma, he heard a message so clear and powerful: this is going to be the best thing that ever happened to you. What followed was not a quick recovery, but a lifelong journey of rebuilding — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In this conversation, Matt shares honestly about trauma, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, the importance of recognising triggers, and why connection and purpose can become lifelines when life feels impossible. This is such an important conversation, especially for anyone who may be sitting alone right now wondering whether they can make it through. Matt’s story is living proof that even after the most devastating moments, there can still be meaning, healing, laughter, purpose, and hope. Get in touch with Matt Towner: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-towner-a288b365/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-towner-a288b365/] *** 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/ [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/ [https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/]. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt [https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/album/pilgrims/6957] (artlist.io [https://artlist.io/referral/ba47afd5-5498-43f2-b81b-7e58836935d6]) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com [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 [https://storiesofhope.captivate.fm/counselling]

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-hendy-34a3b6191/ ] Website: https://ironseries.com.au/meet-the-athletes/tj-hendy/ [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/ [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/ [https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/]. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt [https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/album/pilgrims/6957] (artlist.io [https://artlist.io/referral/ba47afd5-5498-43f2-b81b-7e58836935d6]) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com [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 [https://storiesofhope.captivate.fm/counselling] 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.

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 [https://www.youtube.com/greggouldmusic] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greggouldmusic [https://www.instagram.com/greggouldmusic] Website: https://www.greggould.com.au/ [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/ [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/ [https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/]. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt [https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/album/pilgrims/6957] (artlist.io [https://artlist.io/referral/ba47afd5-5498-43f2-b81b-7e58836935d6]) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com [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 [https://storiesofhope.captivate.fm/counselling]

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondasey/] Website: https://www.abc.net.au/news/jason-dasey/12400644 [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/ [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/ [https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/]. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt [https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/album/pilgrims/6957] (artlist.io [https://artlist.io/referral/ba47afd5-5498-43f2-b81b-7e58836935d6]) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com [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 [https://storiesofhope.captivate.fm/counselling]

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-neil-6b56b722/] Website: https://www.brendanjneil.com/ [https://www.brendanjneil.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surfyn/ [https://www.instagram.com/surfyn/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brendanjneil4733/videos [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/ [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/ [https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/]. With thanks to: Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt [https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/album/pilgrims/6957] (artlist.io [https://artlist.io/referral/ba47afd5-5498-43f2-b81b-7e58836935d6]) Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com [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 [https://storiesofhope.captivate.fm/counselling]