The Hope Matrix

In this inspiring episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Christopher Hodges, a faith coordinator and special events employee for the Mayor of Chicago. Christopher shares his powerful journey of overcoming adversity—including surviving a life-changing car accident, battling depression, and losing over 300 pounds—all while maintaining an unwavering belief in hope.

Together, Kathryn and Christopher discuss the importance of faith, community, and resilience in navigating life's challenges. Christopher opens up about his work in mentoring at-risk youth, his role in Mayor Brandon Johnson's faith initiatives, and his personal connection to Reverend Jesse Jackson’s call to "Keep Hope Alive." They also explore the role of hope in mental and physical health, the power of positive thinking, and the need for seeking support during difficult times.

This episode is a testament to the transformative power of hope, reminding us all that no matter the challenges we face, we can rise above them and inspire change in our communities.

About Chris Hodges:

Christopher Hodges is currently the Policy Analyst at the Office of the Mayor in Chicago.

Christopher Hodges was born and raised in Chicago, IL to Pastor Jeffrey D. and Evangelist Virgie M. Hodges.  

Christopher’s employment began with the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office. Where he served for the past 15 years in the capacity of Assistant Chief Deputy Clerk. He currently serves as the Policy Analyst for the City of Chicago. 

Christopher is most famous for his work in the political movement with Faith Leaders across Cook County. He served on serval campaigns such as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Marianna Spyropoulis Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.  

Christopher has been a motivational speaker and a mentor for over 16 years. While being a mentor, he has become very active in his community and church.  

He also served as a music choir director and add to Reverend Jesse Jackson and Rainbow Push Coalition. This environment has fired up his passion for community activism. Since his partnership with Rev. Jackson, he has participated in various protests, jail ministry and various community outreach events. 

In this episode, Podcast Host Kathryn sits down with Dr. Angela Lorbeck, an expert in integrative medicine with over two decades of experience. Together, they delve into the healing power of acupuncture, the challenges and rewards of a career in integrative oncology, and the importance of fostering hope in patient care. Dr. Lorbeck shares how integrative practices like acupuncture can reduce stress, boost the immune system, and complement cancer treatments.

The conversation also explores stress management, self-compassion, and emotional resilience, with personal stories highlighting the value of mindfulness, social connection, and proactive healthcare. They discuss overcoming despair, setting SMART goals, and visualizing success to navigate life’s challenges. 

Whether you’re seeking insights into integrative medicine or tools for a more hopeful and balanced life, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom.

More about Dr. Angela Lorbeck:

Dr. Angela Lorbeck is an integrative medicine practitioner and Founder/CEO of In:Sight Wellness Solutions. With over 22 years of experience at Rush University Medical Center, including 17 years specializing in integrative oncology, Dr. Lorbeck has worked with thousands of patients, gaining invaluable insight into the complexities of health and chronic conditions. Through this ongoing clinical practice, she has come to understand a powerful truth: when individuals actively engage in their own health and well-being, a shift occurs—creating space for healing and transformation. This profound understanding, honed through her years at Rush, inspired Dr. Lorbeck to launch In:Sight Wellness Solutions, where she now helps others unlock their full potential and experience lasting changes in their health, mindset, and overall life satisfaction.

With a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Master's degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Public Health, and certifications in mindfulness and functional medicine health coaching, Dr. Lorbeck brings a diverse and comprehensive approach to her work. Through In:Sight Wellness Solutions, she leads dynamic, interactive workshops that inspire individuals and organizations to take ownership of their health. These workshops offer practical tools for managing stress, building resilience, and creating sustainable change. For those looking to take a deeper dive into developing lasting healthy habits, Dr. Lorbeck also offers personalized coaching, guiding clients through customized strategies to integrate these changes into their daily lives—empowering them to perform at their best in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world.

Find out more about In-Sight Solutions:

• https://www.in-sight.solutions/

#IntegrativeMedicine #Acupuncture #HealthAndWellness #Mindfulness #StressManagement #Resilience #HopeInHealing #TheHopeMatrixPodcast

In this heartfelt episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Kathryn Goetzke talks with Dr. Christy Oaks, Clinic Director of the Community Counseling Clinic (CCC) and Clinical Instructor in the Counseling Program at the Department of Counseling & Human Services. Christy shares her inspiring journey of resilience, from navigating a severe bleeding disorder, experiencing a medical bankruptcy, and overcoming other life struggles.

This episode also explores strategies for managing anxiety, the impact of systematic marginalization, and the importance of self-care and seeking professional help. Christy shares simple ways she cultivates hope, such as mindfulness, spending time in nature, crocheting, and connecting with others. Christy’s strength and story will inspire you to find hope even in the toughest times.

More about Christy Oaks:

Dr. Christy Oaks (she/they) is a counselor, clinic director, counselor educator, and advocate whose life has been shaped by resilience, hope, and transformation. She recognizes and reflects on the profound impact of challenges she has faced, including experiencing childhood homelessness, living with a severe bleeding disorder, navigating the impacts of an ACES score of 6, and coming out as LGBTQIA+ in her late 20s. As a counselor educator and clinic director, Christy is dedicated to fostering spaces for healing and growth while mentoring future generations of counselors. Grounded by a deep love for nature, she embraces the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world as a source of healing and inspiration.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-oaks-528233213/

Etsy: The Liminal Nook

#TheHopeMatrix #Podcast #MentalHealth #Hope #MentalHealth #Hope #Resilience #SelfCare #Inspiration #BleedingDisorder #Healing

In this enlightening episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Diane Dreher, Ph.D., a positive psychology coach, researcher, and author, to explore the transformative power of hope. Diane shares her groundbreaking research on hope interventions, her personal journey of overcoming challenges, and the practical tools she uses to help others cultivate resilience and purpose.

Together, they discuss the teachability of hope, goal-setting strategies, visualization techniques, and the impact of hope on mental well-being, academic success, and personal growth. Diane also shares highlights from her latest work, Pathways to Inner Peace, and her commitment to promoting hope within communities and through collaboration.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights to help you build your "hope muscle" and create a life of purpose and possibility.

About Diane Dreher:
Diane Dreher, PhD, PCC, is an author, positive psychology coach, researcher, professor emeritus at Santa Clara University, and senior research scholar at the Positive Psychology Guild in the UK.  Her books include The Tao of Inner Peace, The Tao of Personal Leadership, The Tao of Womanhood, Inner Gardening, and Your Personal Renaissance. Diane’s work explores the convergence of Eastern Philosophy with positive psychology, leadership, and hope.

Find out more about Diane Dreher and her work: https://www.dianedreher.com/

In this inspiring episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, host Kathryn Goetzke talks with Michelle Moffitt, MA LMHC, about her journey of overcoming trauma and building resilience. Michelle shares her experiences of leaving a toxic environment, starting over, and finding strength through community and self-awareness.

They discuss the power of naming emotions, the role of hope in healing, and practical steps for navigating life's challenges. Michelle also previews her upcoming book, Cracked Open: A Journey with a Resilient and Independent Mindset, and shares insights from her work as a leadership coach.

Listen in for an uplifting conversation about resilience, growth, and the transformative power of hope.

About Michelle Moffitt:
Michelle Moffitt Rogers is a dynamic leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of the book Cracked Open. With a focus on empowering individuals to lead through change, Michelle works with high-achievers to foster authenticity, resilience, and growth. Through her engaging workshops and keynote presentations, she provides actionable insights for navigating transformation, setting boundaries, and enhancing self-awareness. Michelle’s passion for personal development and leadership has inspired countless individuals to discover their true potential and lead with purpose.

Find out more about Michelle Moffitt and her work:

• michellemoffitt.com
• fiveoakscounseling.com

In this inspiring episode of The Hope Matrix, Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Travis Davis, a passionate advocate for disability awareness and host of the podcast "Off the Crutch." Born with cerebral palsy, Travis shares his personal journey of overcoming numerous medical challenges and the pivotal role that hope has played in his life. He emphasizes the importance of positive thinking, mental health awareness, and the support of his family in fostering resilience.

Travis also discusses his entrepreneurial ventures and the need for greater inclusion in society, advocating for youth dealing with disabilities and bullying. Through candid conversations about therapy, stress management, and the power of community, Travis encourages listeners to cultivate hope and embrace their unique journeys. Join us for an uplifting dialogue that highlights the strength found in adversity and the transformative power of hope.

About Travis Davis:
Travis Davis is a disability advocate, consultant, and podcaster in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His "Off The Crutch" podcast includes personal experiences living with CP and interviews with others in the disability community. He was also born with cerebral palsy, which he has used to make an impact. His TEDx talk on social inclusion in education has helped educators not be afraid to ask questions about disabilities in the classroom. He enjoys helping others in the community by organizing adaptive sports events and through his podcast.

Find out more about Travis Davis and his work:

• https://www.offthecrutch.com/

In this powerful episode of The Hope Matrix, Kathryn Goetzke talks with Robert Chelsea, the first African-American full face transplant recipient. Robert shares his journey of recovery after a life-threatening accident, emphasizing the importance of faith, trust in God’s plan, and letting go of anger. With deep insights on resilience, forgiveness, and the power of surrender, Robert’s story offers inspiration and hope to anyone facing adversity. His remarkable perspective reminds us all of the strength that comes from love, faith, and perseverance.

About Robert Chelsea:
Robert “The Stamp Man” Chelsea, a devout Christian and a native Angeleno, was raised on the south side of Los Angeles. He is a graduate of Manuel High School and is one of four children. He enjoys Track & Field, meeting new people and has a daughter, Ebony 30.

Robert, 68, became the first black patient, and the oldest, to receive a full face transplant in a procedure at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in July 2019. 

Find out more about Robert Chelsea and his work:

• https://www.robertchelsea.org/

In this episode of The Hope Matrix, Kathryn Goetzke is joined by Ciara Byrne, co-founder of Green Our Planet and a resilient breast cancer survivor. Together, they discuss the power of hope in the face of personal and global challenges. Ciara shares her inspiring journey of overcoming stage 2 breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset, self-care, and community support. She opens up about her work with Green Our Planet, a non-profit organization connecting students to nature through school gardens and hydroponics labs, currently reaching over 1,100 schools across 42 states.

About Ciara Byrne:

Ciara Byrne is a documentary filmmaker and social impact entrepreneur. In 2013 Ciara and Kim MacQuarrie founded Green Our Planet and together with their team they helped create one of the largest and most comprehensive school garden and hydroponics programs in the United States. Currently, Green Our Planet is operating in 10 states and impacting over 140,000 students. In 2019 Ciara was selected from 5,000 applications along with 19 other nonprofit leaders to be a 2019 Obama Fellow. The Obama Foundation is supporting Ciara and the team at Green Our Planet to scale their program across the United States and beyond. In 2001, Ciara set up and ran a film production company, Lion Television, with offices in LA and New York. During that time, she managed over 60 employees and produced hundreds of films a year for PBS, The Discovery Channel, National Geographic, PBS, BBC, Fox, and E! Ciara uses her background in television to include educational films as a core part of the Green Our Planet offerings to schools.

Find out more about Ciara and Green Our Planet:

• https://www.greenourplanet.org

Join us for an inspiring episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast featuring MaCherie Dunbar, Air Force Veteran, Advocate, and Entrepreneur.

In this episode, MaCherie reflects on her experiences transitioning from military service, navigating post-deployment challenges, and advocating for vital support services for veterans. She sheds light on the profound challenges faced by veterans entering civilian life, particularly concerning mental health, and emphasizes the importance of accessing available resources and destigmatizing seeking help.

This conversation offers valuable insights into resilience, the impact of community support, and navigating major life transitions. Tune in to gain inspiration and practical wisdom for eliminating challenges with compassion and hope.

More about MaCherie Dunbar:

MaCherie is an entrepreneur, public speaker, advocate, lobbyist, and artist whose purpose is to lead with compassion and integrity with the hopes of inspiring others to be courageous agents of change. She is a veteran of the Air Force Reserve, having served for 12 years to include two deployments as an operator with RED HORSE, the Air Force’s combat engineering squadron. MaCherie served the majority of her career during Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, a discriminatory policy that banned LGBT+ personnel from serving openly in the armed forces. In the almost 10 years since transitioning from the military, she has been a staunch and aggressive advocate and ally for all underserved communities, especially veterans and members of the LGTBQIA+ community. Her work has included serving as a board member for an LGBT center in Pennsylvania, executive director for political organizations, a lobbyist for the largest veteran organization in the country, and a subject matter expert for a Member of the US House of

Representatives.

Join us in this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Erwin Valencia, founder of Gratitude Gang, and Former Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer of New York Knicks. From his humble beginnings to becoming a leader in mental health advocacy, Erwin shares his story of hope and the power of gratitude.

As the founder of Gratitude Gang, a mental health foundation focused on supporting children in the Philippines, Erwin discusses the importance of fostering hope and resilience, especially in underserved communities.

Through heartfelt conversations and personal anecdotes, Erwin and host Kathryn Goetzke explore the transformative impact of gratitude and the role it plays in creating a brighter future for all.

The Podcast host, Kathryn, emphasizes, "Gratitude is an intention. We've got to learn how to be grateful. We've gotta learn how to incorporate these strategies into our lives and into the lives of others, because we do have so much to be grateful for."

Tune in to discover how Erwin's message of hope is changing lives and inspiring others to embrace gratitude as a powerful tool for personal and societal change.

Erwin Benedict Valencia served as the Team Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer of the New York Knicks. He also acts as the team’s Wellness Lead, initiating the team’s mindfulness program, including the first-ever daily in-season breathwork program in the NBA, a passion he’s been personally practicing for more than 30 years. He brings a truly “whole-listic” approach to athlete wellness and performance, combining his knowledge in sports science and rehabilitation, manual and movement therapies, mindfulness, positive psychology, biohacking, and well-being coaching.

He begins every day in GRATITUDE and has found it his duty and responsibility to truly live life zestfully– with the purpose of inspiring young Filipinos (and non-Filipinos) to pursue their dreams, be in service of others, and bring global impact, in whatever field they’re passionate about.

Find out more about Erwin Valencia and the Gratitude Gang: https://gratitudegang.org/