by Kerrie Atherton | Aug 10, 2026 | Depression, lived experience, Mental Health, Podcasts, Stories of Hope
In this deeply important conversation, I sit down with Ronnie Benbow OAM, Founding Director of The Carers Foundation Australia, to shine a light on the millions of unpaid carers who quietly give so much of themselves to support the people they love.
Ronnie’s passion for carers began when she was just 17 years old and met a young boy named Tom, who was caring for his profoundly unwell mother with almost no support. His story stayed with her and planted the seed for a lifelong mission: to ask the question so many people overlook—who cares for the carers?
Ronnie also shares her own experience of becoming a carer for her husband after a near-fatal accident, while raising four boys, running businesses and supporting other family members through illness and mental health challenges. Her honesty about exhaustion, guilt, compassion fatigue and the isolation carers often experience really touched my heart.
This conversation is a reminder that carers are not only parents looking after children with disabilities or adult children supporting ageing parents. They are husbands, wives, siblings, friends and young people who may not even recognise themselves as carers.
We also speak about Ronnie’s vision to create Australia’s first healing and recovery centre for carers—a safe place where people can rest, feel supported and receive help before they reach crisis point.
Ronnie’s message is beautifully simple: the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. A cup of coffee, a hug or simply asking someone, “How are you?” can remind a person that they matter.
For every carer listening, please know that you are seen, you are valued and you do not have to carry everything alone.
Get in touch with Ronnie Benbow:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronniebenbow/
Website: https://www.thecarersfoundation.org/
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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 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/
***
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 | May 18, 2026 | Mental Health, Podcasts, Stories 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/
Website: 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/.
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 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.
***
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.
***
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 | Oct 20, 2025 | Depression, Mental Health, Podcasts, Stories of Hope, Thoughts, vulnerability
The story of Steve Hodgson burnout recovery mental health first aid coach is a powerful reminder that even when life feels impossible, healing and renewal are possible. Once a top real estate agent, husband, and father of five, Steve’s success masked a hidden struggle with exhaustion, stress, and identity loss. The constant pressure of workaholism, community expectations, and family responsibility eventually drove him into deep burnout. His story shows how courage, honesty, and the willingness to let go can transform the darkest of times.
Childhood and Early Dreams
Raised in a family built on service and care, Steve’s parents instilled in him the value of helping others. That calling guided him into business and community leadership, where he was admired for his work ethic and generosity. But beneath the surface, the endless demands and the need to be everything to everyone began taking their toll.
Burnout and Breakdown
By 2018, Steve was overwhelmed. His memory faltered, his energy collapsed, and his health suffered. Despite doctor’s visits and trial medications, nothing seemed to bring relief. As he battled depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue, Steve wrestled with identity loss: without his career, who was he? The breakdown challenged everything he thought he knew about himself and forced him to confront the hidden cost of saying “yes” to everyone else while saying “no” to his own wellbeing.
Turning Point and Recovery
Through honesty, support, and the difficult choice to step back from real estate, Steve found the space to rebuild. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and eventually the right medication gave him the strength to heal. Most importantly, he discovered the power of presence, gratitude, and connection. By learning to slow down, to say “no” when needed, and to prioritise his health, Steve turned burnout into breakthrough.
A New Life of Purpose
Today, the story of Steve Hodgson burnout recovery mental health first aid coach is a beacon of hope. No longer defined by titles or performance, Steve lives with authenticity and balance. He now works as a coach, podcaster, and certified mental health first aid trainer, helping others recognise the signs of burnout, build resilience, and find recovery. His passion is simple but profound: to remind people that they are not alone, and that healing is always possible.
Why His Story Matters
Steve’s journey speaks to anyone who has ever felt trapped by work, identity, or the pressure to keep going no matter the cost. His voice is a call for men and women alike to step off the treadmill, to seek help, and to believe that life after burnout can be rich with meaning, joy, and connection.
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