“Cocaine Cowboy” Becomes a Beacon of Hope – Jorge Valdes
Jorge Valdes, once a “Cocaine Cowboy” drug cartel member, shares his powerful transformation story. After prison, he chose faith, education, and service, turning a life of crime into a legacy of hope. His journey reveals that redemption is always possible and that no past is too dark to be rewritten with courage and forgiveness.
Healing, Forgiveness & Hope after Teenage Trauma – Madeleine Black
Madeleine Black speaks openly about surviving teenage trauma and her journey toward healing and forgiveness. In this inspiring episode, she reveals how reclaiming her voice transformed her pain into hope, and how forgiveness became her pathway to freedom. Her story is a powerful reminder that resilience and compassion can grow from even the darkest experiences.
Breaking the Silence on Men’s Mental Health – Mike McCarthy
Mike McCarthy shares his story of confronting stigma around men’s mental health. In this episode, he explains how breaking the silence reshaped his life and inspired him to help others. His journey proves that vulnerability is not weakness but courage—and that healing begins when men speak openly and support each other.
Resilience after Surviving the 2015 Nepalese Earthquake – Michelle McFadyen
Michelle McFadyen recounts her harrowing survival during the 2015 Nepal earthquake. In this powerful conversation, she shares the fear, trauma, and transformation that followed. Her resilience and gratitude show how tragedy can shape strength and inspire hope. This episode is a reminder of the human spirit’s power to endure and rebuild.
Managing Mental Health in the Music Industry – Tim Hickey’s Story
Musician Tim Hickey reveals the unseen mental health struggles behind the music industry’s bright lights. In this heartfelt episode, he shares the challenges of balancing passion with wellbeing, and how resilience, community, and openness helped him find hope. His story inspires others to speak out and embrace recovery.
The Grief and Trauma of Losing a Father
Losing a father is a profound experience that leaves lasting ripples of grief and trauma. In this heartfelt episode, we hear the raw and honest reflections of someone navigating life after the loss of their dad. The conversation is deeply personal yet universally...
Infamous Criminal John Killick – Advocate for Transformation & Change
John Killick, once infamous for his daring helicopter prison escape, has transformed his life into one of purpose and advocacy. In this episode, he shares how thirty years behind bars became the foundation for mentoring trauma survivors, writing books, and giving back to children in need. A true story of resilience and hope.
The Death of a Daughter and How Music Keeps them Connected with Janet Gardiner
Janet Gardiner shares her heartbreaking story of losing her daughter Sarah under suspicious circumstances. Believing it was not suicide, she founded I Matter to support women in crisis. Through music and advocacy, she transforms grief into hope, offering resilience and purpose to others navigating domestic violence, addiction, and homelessness.
From Big Brother to Beating Addiction & Trauma with Dave Graham
Dave Graham—formerly known as Farmer Dave on Big Brother Australia—turns his experiences with trauma and addiction into a mission. By pairing at-risk youth with healing dogs and offering unwavering support, he transforms pain into purpose, paving pathways of hope through empathy, advocacy, and genuine connection.
Rowing through Grief and Fear to Achieve Greatness with Michelle Lee
Michelle Lee, the first Australian woman to solo-row the Atlantic, turns grief and fear into a courageous odyssey. Launching on the day of her father’s passing, she trained for two years, powered by community support and nature’s solace. Her journey reveals the enduring strength found in tenacity, gratitude, and overcoming regret.
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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