On the Tomorrow’s Not Today podcast, Kingsley interviews Kerrie Atherton—wife, mother, grandmother, jazz musician, mental health advocate, addiction counsellor, author, podcaster, board director with Mentoring Men Australia, and ambassador for Fearless PTSD—about how childhood trauma and addiction shaped her purpose. Kerrie describes growing up with alcoholism, bipolar disorder in her mother, early traumatic events, bullying by a teacher, sexual assault by a pedophile, later rape, substance misuse, suicidality, and a near-fatal overdose. At 18, after planning to end her life and hearing a voice telling her not to, she returned to Alcoholics Anonymous and has been sober for 44 years. She discusses acceptance, delusion/denial in addiction, “54” negative consequences across love, livelihood, liver, and law, and the need for families to detach without enabling. She founded Stories of Hope events, published three books featuring nearly 50 speakers, hosts Inspirational Humans, and offers coaching for burned-out leaders.

00:00 Abuse and Fear

01:12 Meet Kerry Atherton

02:31 Many Hats and Mission

04:49 Family Addiction Roots

08:02 Childhood Trauma Begins

10:05 Assault and No Justice

11:48 Bullying and Breakdown

12:50 Alcohol as Escape

17:10 Spiral Toward Rock Bottom

22:20 Turning Point to AA

25:25 Recovery and New Purpose

30:26 Acceptance and Practical Steps

32:07 Pain Drives Change

33:57 Rock Bottom Varies

34:22 The 54 Consequences

36:09 Four Ls Warning Signs

39:00 Delusion And Denial

40:21 High Functioning Secrets

43:13 Helping Loved Ones

44:27 Detach With Love

48:19 Tough Love Boundaries

52:17 Stories Of Hope Mission

56:40 Leaders Under Pressure

01:02:17 Programs And Resources

01:04:15 Redefining Success