Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton

Hayley Lohmeyer is a dedicated advocate for at-risk youth and families, driven by her personal experience of her father's suicide at the age of twelve. Despite the immense challenges of her early life, Hayley transformed her pain into a mission of hope, working with Youth With A Mission to support vulnerable children around the globe. Her efforts include helping street children, orphans, and trafficking survivors, and creating after-school programs that offer safe, supportive environments. In her late teens, Hayley’s perspective was further broadened through Christian missions in Nepal, which reshaped her understanding of joy and resilience despite adversity.

In this episode, Hayley delves into the impacts of her father's suicide, the behavioral changes that preceded it, and the overwhelming grief that followed. She highlights the vital importance of supportive communities and counseling in overcoming trauma and focuses on creating a hopeful future. Hayley also shares her family's current efforts, including her husband Josh's work with indigenous communities on issues like suicide and addiction. The episode underscores the power of moving beyond a victim mentality, the significance of loving support, and the importance of living purposefully and compassionately.

Hayley & Josh's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyNxI52EE5LZJ46X96dFGWg

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Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. 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

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss ([email protected])

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

John Killick, known as Australia's greatest escape artist, has a life story marked by dramatic highs and lows. After a troubled early life, Killick turned to crime, eventually escalating from shoplifting to a series of daring bank robberies, culminating in his notorious helicopter escape from a maximum-security prison. Spending 30 out of his 80 years in prison, Killick has since reformed and dedicated his life to helping others. He is now a mentor for individuals with traumatic experiences, an advocate for child abuse survivors, and the author of three books, with proceeds supporting underprivileged and autistic children.

In this episode, Kerrie Atherton explores John Killick's remarkable journey of transformation. Killick discusses overcoming shame, the joy of helping others, and the importance of empathy. He contrasts harsh punitive measures with effective rehabilitation models, sharing insights from his criminal past and his path to reformation. The conversation also covers systemic issues in the criminal justice system, offering a poignant look at resilience, redemption, and the potential for comebacks from even the toughest situations.

John Killick's Website: https://pentridgevoices.wixsite.com/johnrkillick

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Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. 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

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss ([email protected])

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

Janet Gardner is a devoted mother, musician, and writer who faced unimaginable tragedy when her daughter, Sarah, was found dead under suspicious circumstances three years ago. Though Sarah's death was officially ruled as suicide, Janet believes it was murder due to numerous inconsistencies in the case. Using her grief as a catalyst, Janet continues to seek justice for Sarah while also channeling her pain into music and advocacy, founding "I Matter" to support women in crisis.

In this episode, Janet shares the heart-wrenching last days of Sarah's life and her relentless pursuit for the truth. She discusses her close bond with Sarah, their shared battles with addiction, and Sarah's struggles with domestic violence and homelessness. Highlighting the power of resilience, Janet talks about her healing process through music and her efforts to help other women in difficult circumstances, ensuring Sarah’s legacy inspires and offers hope to others.

Janet's Music:

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@jmg66

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YJRhz2EeOKpCbuhPKGhso

Graeme Crowley's Podcast on Sarah Brown:

https://open.spotify.com/show/3LVjtx5LQWuetOcPx2vqP1

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Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. 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

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss ([email protected])

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

Dave Graham, known as "Farmer Dave," is an Australian television personality and farmer who gained popularity on "Big Brother Australia." Beyond his TV fame, Dave is a dedicated advocate for youth and animal welfare, using his platform to break LGBTQ+ stigmas and support at-risk youth through innovative programs involving dogs. His personal history of trauma, neglect, and early struggles with alcoholism deeply informs his compassionate approach to mentorship.

In this episode, Dave echoes Kerry Atherton's sentiments on overcoming a victim mentality and finding empowerment. He shares his life experiences, emphasizing the emotional fulfillment he gains from helping others and the importance of turning personal pain into purposeful action. Dave discusses his unique mentorship approach, which includes understanding the roots of violent behavior in youth and offering consistent support and compassion. Through his journey and insights, Dave aims to inspire listeners to channel their struggles into positive contributions for others.

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Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. 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

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss ([email protected])

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

Michelle Lee is a trailblazing adventurer known as the first Australian woman to solo row the Atlantic Ocean. Despite starting with no rowing experience, Michelle spent two years preparing for this incredible feat, motivated by a desire to escape the predictability of routine life. Her voyage began on the profoundly emotional day of her father’s passing, yet she persevered, driven by resilience and courage in the face of immense physical and emotional challenges.

In this episode, Michelle shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey. She discusses her motivations, the preparation involved, and how she faced down fear to avoid future regrets. Michelle recounts finding solace in nature and the support she felt from her community, which helped her through her darkest days at sea. Her story is a testament to the power of pursuing one's dreams with tenacity and the transformative impact of gratitude and resilience.

***

Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. 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

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss ([email protected])

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

Shaun Thomson is a celebrated South African surfer, author, motivational speaker, and environmental activist. He rose to prominence in the surfing world with a career marked by numerous victories, including the prestigious Pipeline Master competition in Hawaii. After retiring from competitive surfing, Shaun launched the innovative surf apparel brand Instinct and transitioned to public speaking. His life took a profound turn following the tragic loss of his son Matthew in 2006, leading him to focus on inspiring others through writing books like "Surfer's Code" and "The Code: The Power of 'I Will'", and sharing his message of resilience and purpose worldwide.

In this episode, Shaun Thomson delves into coping with personal loss by engaging in meaningful projects and community service. He highlights the role of his mother's faith in providing comfort and the significance of written personal codes, inspired by a student's resolve to "always be myself". Shaun also recounts his storied surfing career, his transition to entrepreneurship, and his advocacy for mental health and personal growth. He emphasizes the transformative power of words and the importance of fostering hope and resilience, drawing from his own experiences of overcoming adversity.

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Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. 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

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss ([email protected])

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