This episode was recorded just after the tragedy on Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025, and mentions the massacre in the context of trauma. If the topic is still raw for you, please save the episode for another day. Our hearts are with the victims, survivors, and families.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Jim Lagopoulos, CEO and Executive Director of the Brain & Mind Hub and a passionate advocate for mental health reform. Jim helps us understand trauma as something that can touch anyone — not just first responders or veterans — and he speaks with real clarity about why repeated exposure to distressing news and imagery can deepen fear and trigger old wounds.

But what I love about Jim’s work is that he doesn’t stop at naming the problem — he’s focused on changing the system. We talk about why so many people still fall through the cracks in an outdated mental health model, and why simply pouring more money into a broken structure won’t fix what’s hurting people. Jim shares the vision behind a new neuro-innovation precinct being developed on the Sunshine Coast — a place designed to bring research and treatment together, shorten the time it takes for breakthroughs to reach real people, and offer care that feels safe, human, and deeply respectful.

If you’ve ever felt disillusioned by mental health care, or you’ve watched someone you love struggle and thought, there has to be a better way, this episode is for you. It’s a conversation about hope — not the fluffy kind, but the kind built through evidence, compassion, prevention, and meaningful reform.

Get in touch with Jim Lagopoulos:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-lagopoulos-7412b063/

Website: https://www.brainandmindhub.org.au/about-us/meet-the-team/dr-jim-lagopoulos/

***

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 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/

***

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

Advertise with Stories of Hope Podcast

Here at Stories of Hope, Kerrie Atherton's mission is to give people a platform to share their stories of hope with the world and we also want to provide the same chance to businesses that are passionate about mental health and want to support the podcast. If you'd like to partner with Stories of Hope and advertise your services on this podcast, send a message to Kerrie@EmpowerLifeSolutions.com.au with your details.

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.

***

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

Advertise with Stories of Hope Podcast

Here at Stories of Hope, Kerrie Atherton's mission is to give people a platform to share their stories of hope with the world and we also want to provide the same chance to businesses that are passionate about mental health and want to support the podcast. If you'd like to partner with Stories of Hope and advertise your services on this podcast, send a message to Kerrie@EmpowerLifeSolutions.com.au with your details.

In times of trauma and adversity, creating space for connection is the only path out of the darkness. And sometimes, we need a little help to triumph over our adversity by sharing a story of hope.

On every episode of this podcast, Kerrie Atherton delves into the remarkable journeys of everyday people who have faced extraordinary challenges and emerged to share hope to others.

Every week you'll hear a deeply personal experience from someone who has overcome adversity, sharing their struggles and victories and shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit.

Kerrie Atherton, the founder of Stories of HOPE, brings decades of experience in trauma and addiction recovery to each conversation to create space for you to emerge from your.

Connection is vital for the human soul to flourish. Don't walk your path alone: Welcome to Stories of Hope with Kerrie Atherton.

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.

***

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.

***

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:

Advertise with Stories of Hope Podcast

Here at Stories of Hope, Kerrie Atherton's mission is to give people a platform to share their stories of hope with the world and we also want to provide the same chance to businesses that are passionate about mental health and want to support the podcast. If you'd like to partner with Stories of Hope and advertise your services on this podcast, send a message to Kerrie@EmpowerLifeSolutions.com.au with your details.

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

***

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

Advertise with Stories of Hope Podcast

Here at Stories of Hope, Kerrie Atherton's mission is to give people a platform to share their stories of hope with the world and we also want to provide the same chance to businesses that are passionate about mental health and want to support the podcast. If you'd like to partner with Stories of Hope and advertise your services on this podcast, send a message to Kerrie@EmpowerLifeSolutions.com.au with your details.