Advertise on podcast: Holding on to Hope

Mark is a men's mental health speaker, husband, father of three, and someone who has spent much of his life searching for a sense of belonging. Growing up in New Zealand, Mark struggled with feelings of shame and not being enough. Over the years he looked for answers in sport, alcohol, achievement, relationships, and anything that might fill the gap he felt inside. At 20 years old, a drink-driving crash changed the course of his life. His friend Tao suffered life-changing injuries, and Mark was sent to prison. What followed were years marked by grief, addiction, depression, and periods where life felt increasingly difficult to carry. Mark's life looks very different. Through recovery, fatherhood, running, and learning to understand himself in new ways, he has found a sense of purpose he never thought possible. He joins us to share his story of accountability, resilience, and what it means to keep holding on when hope feels far away. This episode features a guest sharing their personal lived experience. The language they use reflects their own journey and may differ from Lifeline's terminology or current best practice language around suicide. While not all views or language used in this episode reflect those of Lifeline, we believe it's important that people can tell their stories in their own words. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this epsideo of Holding on to Hope, Yasmin, a psychology student, former Lifeline Crisis Supporter and someone who knows firsthand what it means to reach out for help in the middle of the night. From Year 8, Yasmin was quietly dealing with anxiety and depression while trying to keep it together on the outside. For a long time, she felt alone and unsure if what she was going through was even real. Lifeline became a place she could turn to when everything felt too heavy, especially in those late-night moments when no one else was there. Today, Yasmin is studying psychology, has found genuine hope for the first time in her life and wants to share her story so that others know they don't have to face their darkest moments alone. Contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 Kids Helpline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone and online chat counselling service for kids, teens and young people.  www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/national-services/kids-helpline  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen is a husband, father of three, teacher, motorcycle rider, and recently became a published author with his book Under the Helmet. From a young age, Stephen experienced bullying and carried pain that followed him well into adulthood. There were periods where life became incredibly dark, but there were also moments, sometimes small and unexpected ones, that changed the direction of his story. Stephen is sharing his experiences around mental health, masculinity, connection, and hope, and what he’s learnt about the importance of speaking up and letting people in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope we are joined by Tim. Tim is a speaker, mentor, philanthropist, and internationally recognised leader in positive psychology and mental health. From the outside, Tim built a successful career and meaningful life, but privately he was struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts for many years. Tim first noticed changes in his mental health as a teenager, with his distress intensifying after leaving school and continuing through early adulthood, including suicide attempts and periods of profound grief and loss. Despite this, he went on to build a family, a career, and a life of purpose. Today, Tim shares his story to remind others that they’re not alone, that recovery is possible, and that reaching out for support can make all the difference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, Rochelle, founder of the fashion label Rocky Rafaela, a brand born from resilience, creativity, and an extraordinary journey of survival. From a young age, Rochelle experienced significant trauma and struggled with feeling misunderstood and alone. As a teenager, she faced severe mental health challenges, including addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and multiple suicide attempts, spending long periods in hospital care. A turning point came when she reconnected with creativity. Through design, she found a way to express her pain, rebuild her identity, and imagine a different future. Today, Rochelle uses her work to transform life’s experiences and emotions into purpose, helping others feel seen, empowered, and confident. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, we’re joined by Michael, an accredited social worker, therapist, and founder of Lived Experience Solutions. Michael grew up in Egypt, where from a young age he cared for both of his parents in a culture where suicide was heavily stigmatised and rarely spoken about. After the loss of his mother to suicide in Egypt, he later migrated to Australia carrying grief, silence, and the weight of cultural messages about masculinity, suffering, and help-seeking. In time, Michael reached a point where he sought support through Lifeline; a moment that helped him begin speaking openly about what he had been carrying. In this episode, Michael reflects on caregiving, migration, suicide bereavement, stigma, and what it means to reach out when you have been taught to stay silent. He also shares what hope can look like when life has felt impossible to hold alone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Mills is a household name in Australia, an actor, singer-songwriter, television host, and entertainer known for his warmth and authenticity. Behind the spotlight, Rob has navigated moments of deep uncertainty, anxiety, and disconnection, and he has been courageous in sharing his journey to inspire others. In recent years, he has become a passionate advocate for mental health and Lifeline’s mission, using his voice to normalise conversations around seeking help and staying connected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stella’s story is one of courage, connection, and transformation. From a childhood marked by bullying and self-doubt to facing the challenges of an eating disorder and depression, she’s walked through some of life’s darkest moments. But through boxing, therapy, and genuine friendships, Stella has found strength, purpose, and peace. In this inspiring conversation, she shares how she turned pain into power, discovering not only resilience, but a deep belief that things can and do get better. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t found overnight, but it’s always within reach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When life felt overwhelming and hope seemed out of reach, Cristina found comfort in an unexpected place. A phone call to Lifeline at 3am went from a desperate moment to a turning point, showing her the power of connection, validation, and empathy. In this uplifting episode of Holding on to Hope, Cristina shares her journey from exhausted carer to passionate lived-experience advocate. She opens up about learning self-kindness, embracing creativity through art and comedy, and discovering joy in everyday moments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Holding on to Hope, Frances shares her powerful journey of compassion, courage, and community. A former Lifeline crisis supporter, Frances found herself sitting beside a stranger in deep distress, offering comfort, presence, and hope. Through this unexpected encounter, she was reminded of the profound difference we can make when we choose to listen, care, and connect. Frances also reflects on her own family experiences, the importance of self-care, and the role each of us can play in building more compassionate communities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 49, Dominic’s world was shaken by a severe mental health crisis just as he was about to become a father. Overwhelmed by grief, past trauma, and thoughts of suicide, he turned to Lifeline, which these conversations became a vital source of comfort and connection when he needed it most. Through persistence, therapy, meditation, and the discipline of martial arts, Dominic rebuilt his life step by step. Today, he speaks openly about his journey, reminding us that while darkness can feel overwhelming, there is always a path forward.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a teenager in a small country town, Jai felt isolated, unsure where to turn, and burdened by struggles that seemed too heavy to carry alone. One call to Lifeline changed everything - offering safety, validation, and the reminder that she wasn’t alone. From those early moments of reaching out in a phone box, through experiences of homelessness and hardship, Jai discovered resilience, the power of support, and the importance of creating her own toolkit for managing mental health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Holding on to Hope, entertainment journalist Jonathan Moran (JMo) opens up about his journey through life’s toughest moments and the practices that keep him grounded today. From growing up with challenges to embracing honesty, kindness, and self-care, JMo shares how he’s turned pain into purpose and why he proudly calls himself a warrior. His story is a reminder that even the smallest steps, being truthful with ourselves, finding joy in daily rituals, and giving ourselves grace, can create space for healing and hope. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his early 20s, Annas began experiencing suicidal thoughts but didn’t know how to talk about them. Stigma around mental health in his community made it difficult to reach out, so he turned to Lifeline’s text crisis support line. That conversation became a turning point, offering him the space to express himself without fear of judgment. Over time, Annas found support from his family, pursued therapy, and became an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Though he still faces challenges, he’s learned the power of connection and is here to share his journey from struggle to hope. LINKS & RESOURCES Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14 Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114 Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook CREDITS Hosted by Carla Proudly presented by Lifeline A special thanks to Nathida for sharing her story Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognise those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a young age, Nathida struggled to find where she belonged. Moving to Australia from Thailand as a child, she faced cultural challenges and, without knowing she was autistic, felt isolated and misunderstood. With mental health a taboo topic in her culture, she battled suicidal thoughts alone until she reached out to Lifeline. That call became a turning point, offering her the support she needed. Nathida is also part of the Inside Our Minds project. Each year, this initiative works with young people from traditionally underrepresented communities. In 2024, the project spotlighted seven courageous young people navigating mental health challenges and disability, and Nathida’s story is one of them. Now diagnosed and better supported, Nathida manages her mental health with self-care, a strong support network, and advocacy. She’s here to share her journey, from struggle to hope. LINKS & RESOURCES Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14 Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114 Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook CREDITS Hosted by Carla Proudly presented by Lifeline A special thanks to Nathida for sharing her story Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognise those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.