Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton

In this episode of Stories of Hope: Worldwide, I sit down with the courageous and deeply compassionate Andrea Simmons, founder of the Australian Anti Ice Campaign. Andrea takes us from the “perfect” picture of worldly success into the devastating descent that followed the first time she tried ice at the age of 40. In just two short years, she went from the boardroom to the basement, losing her health, her wealth, her identity and almost her life.

Andrea opens her heart as she shares what ice addiction really looks like behind closed doors – the psychosis, the paranoia, the crime, the shame, the broken relationships and the deep grief of losing connection with her daughters and missing out on years of their lives. She describes a long, honest journey of recovery, and a gradual rebuilding of her mind, body, and soul.

Today, Andrea is one of the “two out of a hundred” who make it through. She has turned her pain into purpose, creating a national movement of lived-experience advocates who are educating schools and communities, walking alongside people trapped in addiction, and breaking down the stigma that keeps so many silent.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, I believe Andrea’s story will speak straight to your heart. Her life is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark it gets, there is always hope, there is always help, and you never have to do this alone.

Get in touch with Andrea Simmons:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-simmons-5068a952/

Website: https://www.australianantiicecampaign.org.au/

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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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

In this episode of Stories of Hope: Worldwide, I sit down with my friend Brenton Casson, who opens his heart about his journey from a loving family and “normal” teenage years into the dark world of ice, needles, bikie clubs and drug-induced psychosis. He shares how one relationship breakdown and the pain of feeling utterly rejected sent him spiralling, and how drugs quickly became his way of not feeling anything at all. We also talk about the silent heartbreak of so many men who don’t know how to express their pain, and how that can lead to addiction – and even suicidal thoughts.

Brenton speaks very honestly about the impact his addiction had on his family, the shame of hurting the people he loved most, and a terrifying near-fatal overdose that became a wake-up call. He also shares about his beautiful wife Crystal, the long-time friend who stood by him, helped him find his way out of addiction, and showed him that he really was worth loving. Together we explore the hard but necessary choices he’s had to make – walking away from old environments, friendships and habits – in order to stay alive and rebuild his life.

Today, Brenton is learning to renew his mind and live differently. He talks about finding faith in Jesus, building a strong daily routine, surrounding himself with positive people, and discovering the incredible power of the mind when it’s used for good rather than self-destruction. His story is raw, real and full of hope. If you’re struggling yourself, or worried about someone you love, I believe Brenton’s courage and his message to “never give up” will really speak to your heart.

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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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

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.

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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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

In this first part of my conversation with Todd Maguire, 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 “Donny”, 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.

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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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

In this heartfelt conversation, I sit with Jennifer Heng—Director of Safe Place in Singapore and author of Walking Out of Secret Shame—to gently walk through a story many carry but few feel safe to speak.

Jennifer shares, with courage and tenderness, how early family trauma, an abusive relationship, and two abortions left her living with crippling shame and the belief that she was beyond forgiveness. That must have been incredibly hard. What moved me so deeply was the turning point: a quiet season in Melbourne, a surprising encounter with faith, and the slow, steady discovery that a second chance was not only possible—it was already waiting.

Today, Jennifer is a wife, a mother, and a leader who has helped hundreds of unsupported pregnant women find safety, dignity, and hope through Safe Place. I love what she said about the power of bringing secrets into the light—how shame loses its grip when we’re met with compassion instead of judgement. This is not just a story about pain; it’s about what can grow from it: purpose, community, and a life that gives back.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, trapped, or alone, please reach out for help. You deserve support. Jennifer reminds us that where there is life, there is hope—and you are not too far gone. To learn more about her work, visit Safe Place (safeplace.org.sg). Thank you, Jennifer. Your bravery will resonate with so many.

Get in touch with Jennifer Heng:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hengjennifer/

Website: http://www.safeplace.org.sg/

***

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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

In this episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I sit down with my friend and fellow mental health first aid trainer, Steve Hodgson. Steve’s story is one that so many will relate to. A successful real estate agent, husband and father of five, Steve found himself caught in the endless cycle of saying “yes” to everything—until one day he simply couldn’t keep going. Burnout stripped away his energy, his identity, and the life he thought he had built.

What I love about Steve’s story is not just the honesty with which he shares those dark days, but the way he found strength on the other side. He speaks openly about his battles with depression, anxiety, and fatigue, and how letting go of ego and redefining success allowed him to heal.

Today, Steve uses his lived experience to help others as a coach, podcaster, and trainer, offering practical wisdom and genuine encouragement to those walking a similar road.

This is a conversation about presence, gratitude, connection, and the courage to say “no” when you need to. It’s about the reality of struggle, but also the incredible hope that can grow from it. Steve’s words are a reminder that burnout doesn’t have to be the end of your story—it can be the beginning of a new and more authentic chapter.

Get in touch with Steve Hodgson:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestevehodgson/

Listen to the "Noise of Life" podcast: https://linktr.ee/thestevehodgson

Subscribe to his YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@stevehodgson7237

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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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

At just 22, Leeson Timms is doing brave, beautiful work with The Man Cave—helping teenage boys find language for their feelings, lean on each other, and choose healthier role models. After appearing on 60 Minutes to talk about toxic masculinity, Leeson joins me to share his own story: the deep loneliness of COVID, the heartbreak of losing a friend to suicide, getting pulled into harmful online narratives, and the healing that came through connection, accountability, and a community of good men.

This is a conversation about permission—permission to grieve, to ask for help, to get it wrong and learn, and to measure success by the strength of your relationships rather than the size of your status. Leeson talks about growing up with a dad who drew a firm line around respect for women, the slow slide into despair when sport, school, and friendship suddenly disappeared, and the life-saving power of one person who offered compassion and asked the right question at the right time. We also explore how charismatic online figures hook boys through humour and status, and how curiosity, conversation, and healthy male role models can unhook them and open better paths.

Inside schools, The Man Cave uses a rite-of-passage framework to create space where boys can speak honestly, expand emotional awareness, and practice accountability without shame. Leeson shares the practical tools that keep him well—therapy, movement, coaching basketball, late-night gym sessions, and most importantly, picking up the phone and leaning on his village. His definition of success has shifted from money and popularity to resilience, community, and the capacity to face hard things with good people beside you.

If this episode speaks to you, please share it with a young person, a parent, a teacher, or a coach. One conversation can change a direction. Our young men have everything they need when we meet them with compassion and offer healthier ways of being.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Man Cave

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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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

In this powerful episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I sit down with Tim Smith: an Aussie who has walked an incredibly tough road yet continues to shine a light of hope for others.

From growing up in a small town in Queensland to living overseas, to the devastating loss of his brother to suicide, and even spending time incarcerated in the United States, Tim has endured more than most could imagine. Yet what inspires me most about him is not the adversity itself, but the way he has chosen to rise above it.

Tim opens his heart about grief, loneliness, resilience, and those pivotal moments when he almost gave up—but didn’t. He shares how connection, counselling, and even the simple love of his dogs helped him rebuild his life. Today, he lives by mantras of kindness and generosity: be good to yourself and be good to each other. His story is a reminder that even when everything seems lost, one small step forward can change everything.

I know Tim’s honesty and courage will resonate deeply with so many of you. This is a story not just about survival, but about choosing to live with purpose, connection, and hope.

Get in touch with Tim Smith:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-smith-52a4202b0

***

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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

Jackie Schatz grew up in privilege in Singapore—fluent in two languages, on TV from thirteen, and modelling by her teens. But behind the polish were hidden battles with an eating disorder, a sexual assault at twenty-three, and the grief of losing her father. What followed was a long descent into drug addiction, culminating in homelessness, violent encounters, and a prison sentence. Jackie also shares the heartbreak of being forced to leave her little boy in Papua New Guinea, and the years of shame and loneliness that followed.

And yet, this is a story of hope. In prison, Jackie found faith, dignity, and a fierce decision to live. She rebuilt, stumbled, and then, on a Mother’s Day five years ago, put the drugs down for good. Today she holds a Bachelor of Theology, serves others through prison chaplaincy, and is using her voice to help people change their mindset around addiction. Best of all, her son is home and thriving, studying to become a paramedic.

In this conversation, we talk about recovery that sticks, practical self-care (the simple, boring things that save us), and why kindness can move mountains. If you’ve ever felt too far gone, Jackie’s courage will remind you that a recovered life is worth living, and that second chances are real.

Get in touch with Jackie Schatz:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackie.schatz/

Chapters:

• (00:00) Introduction & Meet Jackie Schatz
• (02:00) Childhood in Singapore & Early Fame
• (05:31) Sexual Assault, Loss, and Addiction Begins
• (10:43) Motherhood, Marriage Breakdown & Losing Her Son
• (16:04) Meth Addiction, Homelessness & Kidnapping
• (33:17) Prison, Finding Faith & a Turning Point
• (44:03) Relapse, Recovery & Five Years Clean
• (49:45) A Recovered Life Worth Living & The Power of Kindness

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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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

Dinesh Palipana shows us that even in the darkest moments, hope can be found that brings us through the darkness.

In this episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Dinesh Palipana OAM—doctor, lawyer, disability advocate, and 2021 Queensland Australian of the Year. Dinesh’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience. From growing up in war-torn Sri Lanka, to battling depression, to surviving a devastating car accident that left him paralyzed—his story is both heartbreaking and breathtakingly inspiring.

Together we talk about the power of perception, gratitude, and kindness in the face of life’s greatest challenges. Dinesh shares how he rebuilt his life after losing everything, the philosophies that carried him through trauma, and the daily practices that keep him moving forward with hope. His message is clear: we all have it inside of us to keep going, even when we don’t know how.

This conversation will touch your heart and remind you of the strength of the human spirit. Dinesh’s courage and humility shine through every word, and his story offers a beacon of light for anyone walking through loss, displacement, disability, or despair.

Get in touch with Dinesh:

"Stronger" (Book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61113319-stronger

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dineshpalipana/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinesh.palipana/

***

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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today