by Kerrie Atherton | Jun 29, 2026 | Depression, lived experience, Mental Health, Podcasts, Stories of Hope
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/
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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)
by Kerrie Atherton | Jun 15, 2026 | Depression, Family, Podcasts, Stories of Hope, vulnerability
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/
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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)
by Kerrie Atherton | Dec 29, 2025 | Addiction, Depression, Podcasts, Stories of Hope
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 two short years, she lost everything — her home, her health, and nearly her life. Yet what could have been the end became the beginning of a remarkable journey of hope, faith, and transformation.
The Descent into Addiction
Andrea Simmons had what many would call the perfect life — family, business success, and financial freedom. But after a painful separation and a chance encounter, she was introduced to ice, unaware of its devastating power. Within weeks, addiction took hold. Her world descended into psychosis, fear, and destruction. She found herself isolated, broken, and consumed by shame — a shell of the woman she once was.
Rock Bottom and a Second Chance
After overdosing and losing consciousness, Andrea cried out for forgiveness, asking, “If there’s a God out there, don’t leave me here.” What followed was a profound spiritual encounter that marked the turning point in her life. With faith as her anchor, she began rebuilding from nothing — healing her mind, body, and spirit. Her Ice Addiction Recovery Hope Transformation journey shows the power of divine intervention, resilience, and a willingness to change.
Rebuilding Through Purpose
Determined to help others avoid the same trap, Andrea founded the Australian Anti Ice Campaign, a national organisation providing education, prevention, and peer support for those affected by addiction. Her lived experience has become a beacon of light for countless others — showing that even from the darkest places, new life can emerge. She now speaks in schools and communities across Australia, breaking the stigma around addiction and inspiring people to seek help without shame.
Why Her Story Matters
The story of Andrea Simmons Ice Addiction Recovery Hope Transformation is not just about survival — it’s about redemption. Andrea’s courage to turn pain into purpose reminds us that every setback can become a setup for healing. Her life stands as a message of unconditional love, second chances, and the truth that we are never too far gone to begin again.
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by Kerrie Atherton | Dec 1, 2025 | Depression, Mental Health, Podcasts, Stories of Hope
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 clubs and constant danger, and shares honestly about the death wish that followed him into every risky situation. Behind the cool exterior was a broken young man who secretly hoped he wouldn’t make it home, because staying alive felt harder than the thought of dying.
Todd also opens up about the heavy cost of that life – the nightmares, PTSD, anger, isolation and the impact on his relationship with Peter, who would later become his wife. A powerful turning point came when he talked a man off a cliff and was suddenly confronted with the ripple effect of suicide and the pain it leaves behind.
Today, Todd is a husband, dad, coach and author, using his story to bring hope and understanding to others. If you or someone you love has been touched by suicide, depression or trauma, I truly believe Todd’s story will speak straight to your heart. He is a living example that even after deep loss, danger and despair, hope and purpose are still possible.
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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)
by Kerrie Atherton | Nov 17, 2025 | Addiction, Depression, Mental Health, Podcasts
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, and he certainly never imagined his life would one day be divided into before 2000 and after 2000.
Todd shares how he found his way from hospitality into the police force, and then into a relationship with Karen – the woman he describes as absolutely mesmerising – and the special bond he formed with her little boy. He speaks honestly about their unexpected pregnancy, the decision to terminate, and the quiet guilt and questions that followed.
Then Todd takes us to New Year’s Day 2000, when he came home from night shift and later walked downstairs to find that Karen had taken her own life. What he describes from that moment on is raw and heartbreaking – the shock, the trauma, the black dog of depression, and feeling like his own life had ended that day too.
This episode is tender and confronting, but it’s also an important part of Todd’s bigger story. In Part 2, we’ll meet “Donnie”, the undercover cop he became to escape his pain, and we’ll talk about how he slowly began to find hope again. If you’re walking through grief or feeling lost in the darkness, I want you to know as you listen: you are not alone, and there is always hope.
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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)
by Kerrie Atherton | Nov 3, 2025 | Counselling, Depression, Domestic Abuse, lived experience, Podcasts, sexual abuse, Stories of 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 compassion reveals the extraordinary power of second chances.
Early Life and Struggles
Growing up in Singapore, Jennifer faced a childhood marked by family turmoil and heartbreak. As a teenager, she longed for love and belonging but instead found herself in an abusive relationship and pregnant at just 17. Terrified and alone, she underwent a late-term abortion, followed by a second one years later under pressure from a violent partner. Her world spiralled into guilt, fear, and self-loathing. For years, she believed she was beyond forgiveness and unworthy of love.
Breaking the Silence
In a culture where shame runs deep and emotions are rarely spoken, Jennifer kept her pain hidden. Yet the weight of those secrets only grew heavier. When she finally began to speak about her experiences, the healing began. Her courage to confront the past became the first step toward a new life. She discovered that shame loses its power when it is brought into the light, and that grace and hope can grow in even the hardest places.
Faith and Transformation
Everything changed when Jennifer left Singapore to study in Melbourne. In a quiet season of reflection, she experienced what she describes as a radical encounter with God’s love—a moment that set her free from guilt and gave her the courage to start again. This awakening became the turning point that redefined her life, leading her to faith, forgiveness, and ultimately, hope.
Safe Place and a New Purpose
Today, Jennifer Heng is the Director of Safe Place Singapore, an organisation dedicated to supporting pregnant women in crisis. Through housing, counselling, and community care, Safe Place empowers women to make life-giving choices and find dignity and strength during vulnerable times. Jennifer has helped hundreds of women rebuild their lives, proving that healing can ripple across generations.
Why Her Story Matters
The story of Jennifer Heng Safe Place Singapore abortion recovery domestic violence faith hope is not only about personal transformation—it’s about the courage to speak truth in a culture of silence and to turn pain into purpose. Jennifer’s life reminds us that where there is life, there is hope, and that our darkest chapters can become the source of someone else’s healing.
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