Holding on to Hope

After a successful technology career in the US, Bryan spent almost a decade at Atlassian as a Product Manager and General Manager. From the outside, life looked like it was unfolding exactly as planned.

After deciding to move out of tech and leave Atlassian, Bryan set off on a solo journey along the East Coast of Australia in an RV, imagining it would be the beginning of a new chapter. Instead, it became the start of the most difficult period of his life.

As long-held identities fell away, Bryan found himself facing a mental health crisis he never saw coming. It was through reaching out, accepting support, and rebuilding his sense of self that he found a way forward.

Bryan shares his story to remind others that mental health struggles don't always look the way we expect and that hope often begins with connection.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark is a men's mental health speaker, husband, father of three, and someone who has spent much of his life searching for a sense of belonging.

Growing up in New Zealand, Mark struggled with feelings of shame and not being enough. Over the years he looked for answers in sport, alcohol, achievement, relationships, and anything that might fill the gap he felt inside.

At 20 years old, a drink-driving crash changed the course of his life. His friend Tao suffered life-changing injuries, and Mark was sent to prison. What followed were years marked by grief, addiction, depression, and periods where life felt increasingly difficult to carry.

Mark's life looks very different. Through recovery, fatherhood, running, and learning to understand himself in new ways, he has found a sense of purpose he never thought possible.

He joins us to share his story of accountability, resilience, and what it means to keep holding on when hope feels far away.

This episode features a guest sharing their personal lived experience. The language they use reflects their own journey and may differ from Lifeline's terminology or current best practice language around suicide. While not all views or language used in this episode reflect those of Lifeline, we believe it's important that people can tell their stories in their own words.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this epsideo of Holding on to Hope, Yasmin, a psychology student, former Lifeline Crisis Supporter and someone who knows firsthand what it means to reach out for help in the middle of the night.

From Year 8, Yasmin was quietly dealing with anxiety and depression while trying to keep it together on the outside. For a long time, she felt alone and unsure if what she was going through was even real.

Lifeline became a place she could turn to when everything felt too heavy, especially in those late-night moments when no one else was there.

Today, Yasmin is studying psychology, has found genuine hope for the first time in her life and wants to share her story so that others know they don't have to face their darkest moments alone.

Contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

Kids Helpline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone and online chat counselling service for kids, teens and young people. 

www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/national-services/kids-helpline 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen is a husband, father of three, teacher, motorcycle rider, and recently became a published author with his book Under the Helmet.

From a young age, Stephen experienced bullying and carried pain that followed him well into adulthood. There were periods where life became incredibly dark, but there were also moments, sometimes small and unexpected ones, that changed the direction of his story.

Stephen is sharing his experiences around mental health, masculinity, connection, and hope, and what he’s learnt about the importance of speaking up and letting people in.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope we are joined by Tim. Tim is a speaker, mentor, philanthropist, and internationally recognised leader in positive psychology and mental health. From the outside, Tim built a successful career and meaningful life, but privately he was struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts for many years.

Tim first noticed changes in his mental health as a teenager, with his distress intensifying after leaving school and continuing through early adulthood, including suicide attempts and periods of profound grief and loss. Despite this, he went on to build a family, a career, and a life of purpose.

Today, Tim shares his story to remind others that they’re not alone, that recovery is possible, and that reaching out for support can make all the difference.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, Rochelle, founder of the fashion label Rocky Rafaela, a brand born from resilience, creativity, and an extraordinary journey of survival.

From a young age, Rochelle experienced significant trauma and struggled with feeling misunderstood and alone. As a teenager, she faced severe mental health challenges, including addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and multiple suicide attempts, spending long periods in hospital care.

A turning point came when she reconnected with creativity. Through design, she found a way to express her pain, rebuild her identity, and imagine a different future.

Today, Rochelle uses her work to transform life’s experiences and emotions into purpose, helping others feel seen, empowered, and confident.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, we’re joined by Michael, an accredited social worker, therapist, and founder of Lived Experience Solutions.

Michael grew up in Egypt, where from a young age he cared for both of his parents in a culture where suicide was heavily stigmatised and rarely spoken about.

After the loss of his mother to suicide in Egypt, he later migrated to Australia carrying grief, silence, and the weight of cultural messages about masculinity, suffering, and help-seeking.

In time, Michael reached a point where he sought support through Lifeline; a moment that helped him begin speaking openly about what he had been carrying.

In this episode, Michael reflects on caregiving, migration, suicide bereavement, stigma, and what it means to reach out when you have been taught to stay silent. He also shares what hope can look like when life has felt impossible to hold alone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Mills is a household name in Australia, an actor, singer-songwriter, television host, and entertainer known for his warmth and authenticity. Behind the spotlight, Rob has navigated moments of deep uncertainty, anxiety, and disconnection, and he has been courageous in sharing his journey to inspire others. In recent years, he has become a passionate advocate for mental health and Lifeline’s mission, using his voice to normalise conversations around seeking help and staying connected.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stella’s story is one of courage, connection, and transformation. From a childhood marked by bullying and self-doubt to facing the challenges of an eating disorder and depression, she’s walked through some of life’s darkest moments. But through boxing, therapy, and genuine friendships, Stella has found strength, purpose, and peace.

In this inspiring conversation, she shares how she turned pain into power, discovering not only resilience, but a deep belief that things can and do get better. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t found overnight, but it’s always within reach.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When life felt overwhelming and hope seemed out of reach, Cristina found comfort in an unexpected place. A phone call to Lifeline at 3am went from a desperate moment to a turning point, showing her the power of connection, validation, and empathy. In this uplifting episode of Holding on to Hope, Cristina shares her journey from exhausted carer to passionate lived-experience advocate. She opens up about learning self-kindness, embracing creativity through art and comedy, and discovering joy in everyday moments.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.