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...
The State of Mental Health Support in America: Andrew O’Grady on Trauma Support
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...
Podcast Producer Matthew Bliss on Finding Your Mission, Podfade, and Sustainable Podcasting
In this special behind-the-scenes episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I’m joined by someone you usually hear through the podcast, not on it—my producer and editor, Matthew Bliss. Matt shares how he found his way into podcasting, what he’s learned from working with...
Fatherhood, Separation and how Stephen Hirst Created the Dads Community Group
In this episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I’m joined by Stephen Hirst: founder of the Dads Community Group and a passionate advocate for men and fathers walking through trauma, loneliness, and relationship breakdown. Stephen shares, with so much honesty, what it...
Why Our Mental Health System Needs Change Dr. Jim Lagopoulos on a New Model of Care
This episode was recorded just after the tragedy on Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025, and mentions the massacre in the context of trauma. If the topic is still raw for you, please save the episode for another day. Our hearts are with the victims, survivors, and...
Ice Addiction, Psychosis and Second Chances: How Andrea Simmons Found Hope and Freedom
The Story of Andrea Simmons Ice Addiction Recovery Hope Transformation is a powerful reminder that no life is beyond repair. Once a successful businesswoman with a loving family, Andrea’s life spiralled into darkness after trying ice for the first time at 40. In just...
How Brenton Casson is Rebuilding his Life after Addiction
The Story of Brenton Casson Addiction Recovery Faith Trauma Transformation is a powerful reminder that no one is ever too far gone. From a loving childhood to the dark world of ice addiction, crime, and near-death experiences, Brenton’s journey shows that redemption...
Undercover with PTSD: How Todd Maguire became Donny (Part 2)
In this second part of my conversation with former undercover cop Todd Maguire, we go deeper into the double life he led as “Donny”: the persona he created to escape the unbearable grief after Karen’s suicide. Todd takes us inside the hidden world of drugs, bikie...
Passing On the Black Dog: When Todd McGuire’s World Broke
In this first part of my conversation with Todd McGuire, we go back to what seemed like a pretty ordinary Aussie life. Todd grew up a Brisbane boy who loved his footy, his family and the freedom of riding his bike from sunup to sundown. He never set out to be a cop,...
Jennifer Heng: Safe Place Singapore, domestic violence, faith & hope
The story of Jennifer Heng Safe Place Singapore abortion recovery domestic violence faith hope is a moving reminder that no matter how deep the shame or how dark the past, redemption and healing are possible. Jennifer’s journey from secrecy and trauma to purpose and...
Testimonials
“Stories of Hope is one of the best community events on the Sunshine Coast, it’s monthly gathering at The Sands Tavern Maroochydore is free and it brings the local community together in a safe environment where people get to share their stories of hope such as overcoming tragedy, family loss, addiction, mental illness, overcoming serious injury or sickness to name a few.
The host/creator of Stories of Hope Kerrie Atherton does an amazing job, do yourself a favour and come to the next event.”
I’m so glad I was introduced to Stories of Hope and last night was so inspirational to hear two different stories of resilience and hope. I’m sure everyone who attended went home with a message of hope and understanding that no matter how difficult life can get for us, there is always hope we can hang onto. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.
The message that “you are not alone” is a cry from Kerrie Atherton’s heart. By hearing the stories, one can feel secure in the knowledge that there are others out there who have overcome challenging circumstances. A marvellous divinely inspired imitative that ignites hope and courage to press on in life. Potentially life changing!”
“I first went to Stories of HOPE in March 2017 after coming through a serious illness. It was so good to feel a part of something so special – ordinary people sharing extraordinary life experiences & how they overcame the difficulties they faced. It is wonderful to see how the event has grown in the last year, the stories are inspiring & connect people on so many levels.
It truly shows what happens when someone finds their passion & purpose in life through their own suffering. Awesome 
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