by Kerrie Atherton | Oct 14, 2024 | Family, lived experience, Podcasts
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 relatable—reminding us that grief, though unique to each person, connects us all in its depth.
The episode explores the painful reality of losing a loved one, especially a parent who shaped one’s earliest sense of safety and belonging. It shines a light on the trauma that lingers after such a loss and the courage it takes to carry forward. Listeners will resonate with the difficult emotions of sadness, anger, and longing, while also finding inspiration in the resilience and love that remain.
Importantly, this discussion emphasizes that healing is not about “getting over” loss but about finding ways to live with it. By sharing lived experiences openly, the guest offers comfort to others who may feel isolated in their grief. The episode stands as a reminder that vulnerability fosters connection and that speaking our truth helps us move toward hope and meaning.
This is a story of pain, remembrance, and the quiet strength of continuing on when the heart feels broken. For anyone coping with loss, it provides a space of recognition and gentle encouragement.
by Kerrie Atherton | Oct 6, 2024 | Podcasts, Stories of Hope
John Killick’s name once made headlines across Australia as a notorious escape artist and bank robber. Spending three decades behind bars, Killick’s life was defined by crime, risk, and one of the country’s most dramatic helicopter prison escapes. But today, he is known for something entirely different—his commitment to helping others find redemption and resilience.
In this episode of Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton, Killick shares the raw truth of his journey from shame and notoriety to purpose and advocacy. Through his lived experience, he highlights the failures of a punitive-only justice system and the power of second chances. Rather than being consumed by regret, he channels his energy into mentoring people from traumatic backgrounds and giving a voice to survivors of child abuse.
Beyond his advocacy, Killick has written three books, using the proceeds to support disadvantaged and autistic children. His story demonstrates how the most infamous chapters of a person’s past do not have to define their future. Instead, they can become the foundation for transformation, empathy, and service to others.
This powerful conversation is more than just a tale of crime and consequence. It is a message of resilience and hope—that even the darkest past can be reshaped into a future that heals and inspires.
by Kerrie Atherton | Sep 29, 2024 | Family, Podcasts, Stories of Hope
In this emotional episode of Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton, musician, writer, and advocate Janet Gardiner courageously shares her story of unimaginable loss. Three years ago, Janet’s daughter Sarah was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Although her death was officially ruled as suicide, Janet believes otherwise and continues to pursue justice for Sarah.
Through her grief, Janet founded I Matter, an initiative supporting women facing crisis situations such as domestic violence, addiction, and homelessness. Music has become both her healing force and her advocacy tool, allowing her to transform sorrow into songs that inspire others. She opens up about the last days of Sarah’s life, their shared struggles with addiction, and Sarah’s battles with homelessness and violence.
Janet emphasizes that while grief may never fully subside, it can be transformed into resilience and purpose. By channeling her pain into action, she ensures Sarah’s legacy continues to impact lives. Listeners will be touched by her honesty, strength, and unwavering determination to help others, proving that tragedy can spark powerful change.
Her story serves as a beacon for anyone experiencing grief, reminding us that love, music, and advocacy can bridge the gap between loss and hope.
by Kerrie Atherton | Sep 22, 2024 | Empower, Podcasts, Stories of Hope
In this powerful episode of Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton, former reality TV star and dog-loving country farmer Dave Graham—known to many as “Farmer Dave”—shares his journey of overcoming early trauma, neglect, and alcoholism. Gaining international recognition through Big Brother Australia, Dave consciously transformed his fame into a force for good. He now uses his platform to break down LGBTQ+ stigmas, support at-risk youth, and lead mentorship programs that pair vulnerable teens with dogs, offering compassion, stability, and hope.
Dave’s own story isn’t sugar-coated: he reflects on years of untreated trauma and addiction and how these shaped his empathy and resilience. Rather than allow this hardship to define him, he chose to use it to uplift others—turning pain into purpose. Through vulnerability, consistent support, and heartfelt action, Dave models the powerful impact one person can have when they choose to lead with compassion instead of shame.
by Kerrie Atherton | Sep 16, 2024 | Empower, Focus, Podcasts
In Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton, adventurer Michelle Lee shares her extraordinary journey as the first Australian woman to solo-row the Atlantic Ocean. With no prior rowing experience, she dedicated two years to intense preparation—fueled by a desire to break free from a life of routine. On the day her father passed away, she set out on this monumental voyage, confronting not only the vastness of the ocean but also the depths of her grief.
Throughout the pursuit, Michelle reflects on how fear can catalyze growth rather than hold us back. She recounts moments of doubt, aches, and uncertainty—but also of connection: the comforting embrace of nature and encouragement from her community. Her story is a powerful reminder that overcoming immense challenges is possible when resilience meets gratitude, and when we refuse to live with regret.
by Kerrie Atherton | Sep 9, 2024 | Empower, Focus, Podcasts
In this compelling episode of Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton, Shaun Thomson, world champion surfer turned author, speaker, and advocate, opens up about transforming profound personal loss into a courageous call to live with purpose. After losing his son Matthew in 2006, Shaun turned toward meaningful pursuits and community service, drawing strength from his mother’s faith and inspired by a student’s powerful desire to “always be myself.” He reflects on his storied surfing career, entrepreneurial ventures, and tireless support for mental health and personal growth. Central to his journey is the power of words: writing one’s own “I Will” code—personal, written commitments—becomes a lifeline for hope, resilience, and positive change. Shaun’s story is a vivid reminder that even in grief, we can craft our path forward, anchored by intention and heartfelt purpose.
