by Kerrie Atherton | Dec 2, 2024 | lived experience, Mental Health, Podcasts
On November 13, 2015, the Bataclan theatre in Paris became the site of one of Europe’s deadliest terrorist attacks. Among the survivors was Ferry Zandvliet, whose life was forever changed in those terrifying moments. What followed was not just the struggle of survival, but years of battling PTSD and searching for healing and meaning.
In this gripping episode of Stories of Hope – Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton, Ferry recounts the night of the attack with raw honesty. He describes the chaos, fear, and the long-lasting scars it left on his mental health. But his story does not end with trauma. Through therapy, community, and self-discovery, Ferry has found a way to rebuild his life and transform his pain into purpose.
Today, Ferry is an advocate for resilience and human connection. By sharing his journey publicly, he offers hope to others facing the weight of PTSD, reminding them that recovery is possible even after the darkest of nights. His perspective highlights that trauma can shape us, but it doesn’t have to define us.
Ferry’s story demonstrates the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. From the depths of fear and loss, he has risen with a renewed commitment to life, compassion, and courage. This episode invites listeners to consider how adversity can lead to unexpected strength and how hope can emerge even from tragedy.
by Kerrie Atherton | Nov 25, 2024 | Addiction, Podcasts, Stories of Hope
For years, Dave Stewart lived a double life. On the surface, he appeared to function like everyone else—holding things together, projecting strength. But privately, addiction was slowly unraveling his world. The hidden struggle grew until the façade cracked and everything came crashing down. Hitting rock bottom was painful, but it became the catalyst for lasting change.
In this courageous episode of Stories of Hope – Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton, Dave speaks openly about what it meant to live as a “functional addict.” He describes the deception, denial, and toll his addiction took on relationships and health. Yet in the middle of despair, he chose a different path—one of honesty, accountability, and hope.
Through his story, listeners see that rock bottom doesn’t have to be the end—it can be the beginning. Dave’s recovery journey is not just about leaving substances behind, but about reclaiming authenticity and building a new identity rooted in truth. His openness creates a mirror for others who may be hiding their own struggles, reminding them that they are not alone.
Today, Dave stands as proof that life beyond addiction is possible. His transformation shows that even when addiction convinces you that you can manage on your own, real freedom comes from surrender, support, and the courage to start again. His story is a beacon of hope for anyone caught between two worlds, urging them to believe that healing is always within reach.
by Kerrie Atherton | Nov 18, 2024 | lived experience, Podcasts, Stories of Hope
Jorge Valdes once lived a life of power, wealth, and danger as a central figure in the infamous “Cocaine Cowboys” drug trade of Miami. From the outside, his life appeared glamorous. But beneath the surface, it was built on violence, addiction, and emptiness. His eventual downfall could have been the end of his story—but instead, it became the turning point that transformed him into a beacon of hope.
In this riveting episode of Stories of Hope – Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton, Jorge shares his extraordinary journey from cartel member to inspirational leader. After serving time in prison, he made a radical decision: to change his life, pursue education, and dedicate himself to faith, family, and service. His story reveals the cost of choices, but also the freedom found in redemption.
Today, Jorge Valdes is a speaker, author, and advocate who uses his past as a platform to inspire change. By telling his truth, he breaks the myths of glamorized crime and instead points to the peace that comes with integrity, forgiveness, and hope. His transformation shows that no past is beyond redemption and no person is too far gone to choose a new path.
This episode is more than a story of crime and punishment—it’s a powerful testimony to resilience, grace, and the possibility of transformation. Jorge’s life is proof that the darkest past can give rise to the brightest hope.
