The Hope Matrix

In this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Host Kathryn Goetzke had an inspiring conversation with Marissa Hamamoto, the Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director of Infinite Flow, an inclusive dance company. Marissa shares her journey of overcoming challenges, including a spinal cord infarction that changed her life and career. 

Marissa emphasizes the power of movement, particularly dance, in promoting emotional positivity and well-being, and the importance of inclusive language in dance education.

This episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast is a testament to the power of hope and the transformative impact of dance in fostering inclusivity and positive change. Tune in for an enriching conversation that will inspire you to embrace diversity and celebrate the joy of movement. 


More about Marissa Hamamoto:

Named 1 of 13 People Magazine “Women Changing the World 2021”, Marisa Hamamoto is a stroke survivor living with PTSD, an invisible disability, speaker, dancer, and a proud 4th Generation Japanese American. After feeling like the “other” throughout her life through anti-Asian discrimination, body shaming, rejection as a dancer, sexual assault by a dance teacher, and stroke, Marisa developed deep empathy towards those who are excluded. This eventually led her to find Infinite Flow in 2015. Since 2015, Marisa has led Infinite Flow’s dancers to perform at over 140 events, from school assemblies to corporate events with Apple, Facebook, Red Bull, Porsche, Farmer’s Insurance, International Monetary Fund, Kaiser Permanente, among others.  Her videos have been viewed by over 75 Million people on Facebook alone with Sheryl Sandberg and George Takei being amongst the public figures that have shared her work, and she has been featured on NBC Today, ABC Good Morning America, among other media outlets. Marisa and wheelchair dancer Piotr Iwanicki made history becoming the first dancers to perform at Apple’s Steve Jobs Theater with CEO Tim Cook in the audience.  She was also a fellow within the Red Bull Amaphiko and Facebook Community Leadership Program and was named 1 of 13 People Magazine Women Changing the World 2021, InStyle Magazine Badass 50 2021, and 1 of 9 women leaders “reimagining sport" for adidas International Women's Day Campaign 2020.  Most recently during the 2020 pandemic, Marisa was featured on Marie TV / Marie Forleo Podcast, and along with Infinite Flow, launched Scoops of Inclusion, a 47 min short film celebrating diversity and empowering kids to take an active role in creating a more inclusive world where we each feel we belong. Marisa is a leader, artist, and speaker on the rise looking to empower people through dance and storytelling, to think outside the box, disable bias, build new connections, and create breakthrough innovations.

Check Out Infinite Flow Dance:
https://www.infiniteflowdance.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InfiniteFlowDance/
Instagram: @InfiniteFlowDance
Twitter: @InfiniteFlowOrg

In this episode, podcast host Kathryn Goetzke engages in an inspiring conversation with Bradly Johnson, the Chief Community Officer at Build Inc. They discuss Bradly's personal journey from overcoming bullying and suppressing emotions to becoming a teacher and community leader. Bradly shares insights on self-awareness, empathy, and maintaining a hopeful mindset. He also discusses his vision for empowering young people through the "shine hope" program.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, youth empowerment, and community leadership. Bradly's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of providing support and hope to others. Whether you're a teacher, parent, community leader, or simply someone looking for inspiration, you'll find valuable lessons and motivation in Bradly's story. Don't miss out on this powerful conversation!

Find out more about Bradley Johnson and Build Inc.:

BUILD, Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development, is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, they have worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods.

Their mission is to inspire hope and offer opportunities so youth facing systemic obstacles can achieve positive futures.

Their services reach over 2,500 youth a year helping them build hope, resilience, and a path to a promising future. 

Find out more at www.buildchicago.org.

In this episode, host Kathryn Goetzke talks with Dr. Matthew Gallagher, a clinical psychology professor at the University of Houston, about his research on hope and its impact on mental health.

The conversation covers how hope is measured using the Hope Scale, highlighting that it is effective across different groups and can predict mental health outcomes like depression and anxiety. Looking ahead, Dr. Gallagher discusses the future of hope research, including using digital tools to enhance hope and making hope-based therapies more widely available.

Listen to the full episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast.

In this deeply moving episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Host Kathryn Geotzke sits down with Rick Marchetti, a bereaved father who has found a way to rebuild his life after the devastating loss of his daughter. Rick shares his profound journey through grief, emphasizing the importance of Nourishing Networks in the healing process.

From the initial days of despair to discovering a renewed sense of purpose, Rick recounts the pivotal moments that helped him navigate his pain. He highlights how speaking with others who have experienced similar losses provided a vital support network, transforming his sorrow into a powerful catalyst for change.

We delve into Rick's active involvement with organizations like The Compassionate Friends, exploring how he channels his grief into helping others. Rick also discusses the impact of Happiness Habits, like spending time in nature and gardening, on his mental well-being.

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about the enduring strength of the human spirit and the ways we can find hope and meaning even in the darkest times. 

Join us for an inspiring discussion that sheds light on the resilience required to overcome profound loss and the importance of cultivating hope in our lives.

In this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Kathryn Goetzke talks with Will Rucker, a passionate advocate for compassion and hope. Will shares his journey through personal and professional challenges, offering insights into staying positive and resilient.

They discuss the importance of compassion, seeing everyone as complex individuals, and the power of respectful dialogue. Will shares practical tips from the Shine Hope framework for managing stress and boosting happiness, like taking quiet time, creating relaxing spaces, and finding joy in small activities.

Will also highlights the importance of setting goals, building supportive networks, and focusing on what we can change. His message is about giving ourselves and others grace to navigate life's ups and downs.

Tune in for this uplifting conversation and remember that hope and compassion can always guide us through tough times.

Listeners can learn more about Will’s work at: 

Winning With Will - https://winningwithwill.com

Compassionate Las Vegas - https://www.compassionatelv.org/

In this episode, podcast host Kathryn Goetzke had an inspiring conversation with Thomas Harris, a US Navy veteran and the Assistant Director of Men’s Guest Services at Nashville Rescue Mission. Thomas is also part of Merging Vets and Players, a transition program for military veterans and former athletes. They discuss the importance of hope, relationships, and community in overcoming challenges and navigating difficult times with intentionality. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by veterans reintegrating into civilian life and the significance of identifying and living in accordance with one's purpose.

Thomas opens up about his struggles with feeling insignificant during childhood, the impact of losing his father to suicide, and the mental health issues faced by veterans. He highlights the need for transparency, supportive communities, and the power of hope to overcome trauma and despair.

Whether you are in the military, an athlete, a parent, or a civilian, you will learn so much from this episode. Don’t miss out!

More about Thomas Harris:

Thomas Harris served in the United States Navy as a Sonar Technician on submarines for 4 years. He has been married for 27 years and has 3 kids, two of which are now adults. He currently works in a homeless ministry in Nashville, TN. He is also a member of Merging Vets and Players, a transition program for military veterans and former athletes. Thomas is passionate about things pertaining to God, family, serving, and storytelling

Check out ‘Just Being Intentional, a podcast hosted by Thomas Harris:

https://www.youtube.com/@JustBeingIntentional

If you haven’t heard, we recently hired Miss Avery Peel to start working on campuses to activate hope. Avery joins me in this episode of The Hope Matrix to share her powerful, transformative Shine Hope Story and how she is taking that story to inspire all the University of Arkansas students on campus. 

Tune in to hear insights on managing hopelessness, navigating grief, balancing college life, self-care, nutrition, goal-setting, overcoming obstacles, and finding support. Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation!

Read Avery Peel’s Shine Hope Story here:

https://theshinehopecompany.com/our-team/avery-peel/

Find out more on activating hope on college campus:

https://theshinehopecompany.com/activate/college/

In this episode, podcast host Kathryn Goetzke engages in a profound conversation with Kristi Kandel, the CEO and Founder of I&D Consulting. They discuss the impacts of natural disasters on individuals and communities, focusing on resilience, hope, and the importance of community support. Kristi shares personal experiences of navigating through hurricanes and wildfires, highlighting the emotional turmoil and uncertainty faced during these events. The duo explores challenges and potential solutions for rebuilding, including the use of modular construction and proactive measures for insurance coverage.

Kristi emphasizes the power of small steps, goal setting, and sharing personal experiences to overcome adversity. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster, seeking inspiration for personal growth, or looking for community leadership insights, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and motivation. Don't miss out on this powerful conversation!

Find out more about Kristi Kandel and her work:

Kristi Kandel is the CEO and Founder of I&D Consulting, redefining real estate development by mentoring emerging developers on projects that not only promise financial returns but also add valuable assets to communities. With over 17 years of experience in real estate development and investing, Kristi manages over $100 million in development projects annually and owns a diverse real estate portfolio.

Her community in Fort Myers Beach, FL, was devastated by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Kristi’s team played a crucial role in disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts, providing free resources and guidance to resilient community members. She is developing a disaster recovery framework to assist other communities affected by natural disasters, launching a proof of concept in FMB in 2025.

Connect with Kristi Kandel:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Restore FMB
• I&D Consulting
• Local Real Estate Developers

In this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, host Kathryn Goetzke talks with Robin Cogan, a Nationally Certified School Nurse entering her 24th year in the Camden City School District of New Jersey. Robin also serves as the New Jersey Director of the National Association of School Nurses.

Robin shares her experiences working during the Covid-19 pandemic and discusses the crucial role of school nurses in promoting resilience, self-care, and hope. Kathryn and Robin talk about the need for mental health support, education, and resources to prevent gun violence and manage feelings of hopelessness. They also explore the challenges school nurses face and the need for solutions and a supportive community.

Robin highlights her efforts during the pandemic, including her blog "The Relentless School Nurse," and her upcoming visit to the White House as part of a group focused on preventing gun violence.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, hope, and the vital role of school nurses in keeping our schools safe, healthy, and hopeful.

About Robin Cogan:

Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN is a Nationally Certified School Nurse, entering her 24th year as a New Jersey school nurse in the Camden City School District. Robin is the New Jersey Director of the National Association of School Nurses. She is proud to be a Johnson & Johnson School Health Leadership Fellow and past program mentor. Robin has been honored by multiple awards for her work in school nursing and population health. She serves as faculty in the School Nurse Certificate Program at Rutgers University-Camden School of Nursing. Robin writes The Relentless School Nurse, a popular blog. Her extensive work in school nursing was included as a case study in the National Academies of Medicine Future of Nursing 2030 report. You can follow Robin on Twitter at @RobinCogan.

Join us for a powerful episode with Kamala Poudel, a program officer at Koshish Center, as she shares her inspiring journey from childhood trafficking to becoming an advocate for mental health and hope.

Kamala discovered the Hope Story template through the Hopebeat Weekly newsletter and it inspired her to share her own story. Writing a Hope Story gives everyone an avenue to normalize hopelessness and share their unique experiences by using the Shine Hope framework. 

Kamala talks about her traumatic childhood, being sold into trafficking at the age of five, and how she managed to escape and survive on her own. She also shares her experiences of overcoming immense challenges, including her struggles with mental health and her time in prison.

In this episode, Kathryn and Kamala also discussed initiatives to combat human trafficking and support vulnerable young women, emphasizing the need for education, public awareness, and stronger legislation.

We all experience moments of hopelessness. How we manage these moments matters. Tune in to be inspired to write your own Hope Story and discover actionable steps to shine hope in your life through Kamala's extraordinary journey.

Find out more about Kamala’s Work:

https://koshish.org.np/

Write your own Hope Story:

https://hopefulcities.org/download-my-hope-story-template/