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So in this shorter than usual episode I reflect on what hosting The Hope-Makers has given me, and the lessons I've learned. It has been a hugely enriching experience and I have been humbled time and time again by the extraordinary ordinary people I have interviewed.I will be taking some time to consider how best to proceed with season 2, and if you would like to share ideas and thoughts of what you would like, even if it is 'more of the same please' then please let me know your thoughts by emailing erica@thehopemakers.co.uk.

Darren Evans speaks with me about how his work in health care innovation and experience of a family bereavement led to a question from his 11-year old son which would result in the development of an innovative digital platform to help other people memorialise their life story.I don't know about you, but I have family photo albums which contain pictures of people I never met, whose stories have been lost. It was the experience of looking through a family album and not having the stories to contextualise the photos which led Darren's son to ask him if he could create a way to help other families capture their stories, before there is nobody with living memories of them left.This idea is the basis of After Cloud, a digital platform that enables people to memorialise their life by uploading a range of media, videos, photos, pictures etc to help keep the stories alive after they are gone. Not surprisingly the conversation I have with Darren is as ever wide ranging, and we touch on grief, attitudes to death and technology.You can connect with Darren here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-evans-58607415/and find out more about After Cloud here: https://www.aftercloud.co.uk

As a holistic healer, medium, writer, and a speaker, Khristee Rich advocates for women’s health and wellness. With over twenty years researching alternative health and wellness and seventeen years as a healer, she empowers empathic women and creatives to take their power back and live joyful, healthy lives by incorporating a holistic perspective. Khristee overcame her debilitating 15-year chronic illness in one month, 100% naturally, on her own, by addressing the root cause and treating it with natural remedies. In this interview we talk about Khristee's experience of being dismissed by traditional medical professionals, and her tenacity in advocating for herself until the cause of this mysterious illness was identified as well as how this experience led her to re-connect with her purpose. Her amazing story was featured in the Amazon bestseller, Food Heals and her other heart-felt story appeared in Tiny Buddha. Khristee’s specialty is using her skills as holistic healer, clairvoyant, and medium and her knowledge to determine the root cause and then treating the problem with natural remedies for quick and lasting results. She is currently writing her first book about childbirth around the world from a holistic perspective.https://www.thedancingcurtain.com/ https://www.thedancingcurtain.com/free-health-gift www.instagram.com/khristeerich www.facebook.com/thedancingcurtain www.pinterest.com/khristeerich

A complicated and less than ideal upbringing like the one experienced by Elliott Connie can often break a spirit. So, what then, is the reason that some of us gain strength from our shortcomings and trauma? It was this question that initiated Elliott's journey into the world of psychotherapy. Elliott has worked alongside some of the most prominent figures in the solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) field,  and he has lectured all over the US as well as internationally, in places like the United Kingdom, Russia, India, and Australia, and he's the author of four books on the Solution Focused method. In this conversation Elliott talks about how a random event - a bus breaking down, led him on a journey of healing from his past and towards solution focused brief therapy. The concept of hope and best hopes is central to SFBT, and I have to admit to being a little star struck when interviewing Elliott as I have been inspired by so much of his training over the past five years.You can see all that Elliott is doing through his website https://www.elliottconnie.com

Sara Price has more than 20 years experience in PR and communications having worked with brands such as Kelloggs, AirBnB and the royal household. Alongside her continuing PR consultancy, Sara has set up Actually, a communications, mindset and support network which serves to enable purpose-driven consultants, coaches and entrepreneurs to achieve their vision and financially thrive in the process.In this conversation Sara speaks about why she set up Actually, and major life events that have shaped her thinking including a difficult relationship with her mum, and surviving cancer. Website: https://actually.world/  FB: Actually Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/actually.world FB: Actually Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/makingadifferenceactually  LI: Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraactually/ LI: Actually Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/actually-world/  Insta: Actually business profile: https://www.instagram.com/actuallychangingtheworld/ Sara has also provided the 10 Actually Rules of Great Communications to help you take your communications from 'good' to 'great'.   https://actually.world/communications/resources/10-rules/

As this episode is being put out on what has been notionally labelled 'freedom day' in England - where all legal covid restrictions have been removed, it seems apt to have this episode in which I discuss all things anxiety and how to cope with it, with the wonderful Agi Heale.Agi worked in recruitment until after reflecting on her experience of anxiety she decided she needed something more in her life. This book, Generation Panic, published in June, combines Agi's reflections on her own experience of anxiety with more than 100 practical tools and techniques that may be helpful for anyone who experiences it. You can buy the book here.For more information about Agi please visit her LinkedIn profile here.

Parental alienation is the process through which children are turned against one parent, by the other. Definitions do vary, but ultimately this is what happens. Sometimes this process occurs within a wider dynamic of domestic abuse, and this is something that I myself have published on (see HERE). It is not surprising then, that I was honoured to speak with Petra Deeter in this episode. Petra, herself an adult victim of parental alienation, provides a moving account of her experiences, how her mother's behaviour turned her against her father, and the long term impact of this and the realisation that her father was not the man her mother led her to believe.Petra also details the multi-layered approach to healing and support offered by the Victim to Hero Institute that she founded. Petra is a keen political activist and is currently campaigning for legal change in Texas at the time of airing. I am sure this episode will convince you of the need for recognition, increased awareness and legal change surrounding these issues. You can reach Petra in these places: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petradeeterThe Victim to Hero provides resources and support for anyone affected by parental alienation: https://victimtohero.com/

In this episode I speak with Julia Caldwell about her experiences of sexual assault, and how these experiences enabled her to see the need to support men to develop a mindful connection to their masculinity.  ?This is not always easy listening, but Julia provides a frank discussion of how her experiences impacted her own behaviour, in a way that I think may be helpful to others who have had similar experiences. You can find out more about Julia here.

In this episode I interview burnout recovery mentor, Leah Steele. Leah is a former lawyer and barrister who, since experiencing burnout has been working endlessly to help other people within the legal professions understand what burnout is, how to guard against it, and she also works with law firms to help safeguard their workforce against burnout.To find out more about Leah you can look HERE.I am also super excited to announce that the doors are open to my Balanced Empowerment small group coaching programme, which starts June 17th. Across 6 weeks of live coaching, online inspiration, group accountability, a business mastermind and a 121 coaching session with me, you will be introduced to the Balanced Empowerment Wheel which is a blueprint you can use throughout your life whenever something feels out of kilter. You will identify personal goals linked to your values and will make changes that put you in the driving seat of living life on your terms. This progamme will help you prioritise your needs, create impact and thrive. If you sign up before June 8th it is only £297. The price for the next cohort in September will be more than double this.To find out more visit the Balanced Empowerment site HERE.Also! If you like taking quizzes and want to know the extent to which you engage in healthy habits that underpin well-being, success and resilience, you can take find out your Balanced Empowerment score HERE.

In this interview, Tracy Manser, BAFTA and EMMY nominated TV producer describes how she recovered from the trauma of a horrific sexual assault, all thanks to a special birthday and the approach she took to celebrating it.This is an incredibly brave account of the impact of sexual assault, and its long term consequences if left unaddressed. It is also an incredible story of how Tracy  decided to take things into her own hands, force herself well and truly out of her comfort zone, and the remarkable impact this has had.You can find out more about Tracy and the work she is creating alongside her TV production career at www.tracymanser.comI am also super excited to announce that the doors are open to my Balanced Empowerment small group coaching programme, which starts June 17th. Across 6 weeks of live coaching, online inspiration, group accountability, a business mastermind and a 121 coaching session with me, you will be introduced to the Balanced Empowerment Wheel which is a blueprint you can use throughout your life whenever something feels out of kilter. You will identify personal goals linked to your values and will make changes that put you in the driving seat of living life on your terms. This progamme will help you prioritise your needs, create impact and thrive. If you sign up before June 8th it is only £297. The price for the next cohort in September will be more than double this.To find out more visit the Balanced Empowerment site HERE.Also! If you like taking quizzes and want to know the extent to which you engage in healthy habits that underpin well-being, success and resilience, you can take find out your Balanced Empowerment score HERE.

In this episode I interview Anne Fricke, host of 'Walking with Freya' a podcast serving special needs families, about her experiences of raising her daugther Freya who has Prader Willi Syndrome. We speak about the challenges, fears and gifts that this diagnosis brings and Anne provides some sound advice for others who may be facing the same reality.May is also Prader-Willi Awareness month and so if you are keen to find out more you can do so by visiting these websites:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prader-willi-syndrome/Prader-Willi Syndrome Support Association: https://www.pwsa.co.uk/Also! If you like taking quizzes and want to know the extent to which you engage in healthy habits that underpin well-being, success and resilience, you can take find out your Balanced Empowerment score HERE.

Following an emotive experience working as a ‘de-clutterer’ Clouds End founder, Heather Matuozzo, realised there was little or no help available for people affected by hoarding disorder and this spurred her on to form Clouds End CIC in 2009.​The company’s prevailing belief is that the process has to be fun or it won’t succeed. People often start off frightened about what may be asked of them but the idea is to help people slowly change their behaviour at a pace they find comfortable not to compel them to make dramatic, shocking changes. Their services are available to anyone looking to tackle a hoarding situation that is causing a problem.Being a Community Interest Company means Clouds End rely on funding, this can come from a wide range of sources and helps keep their work going.In this episode, I speak with Heather about what hoarding is, the difficulties people who hoard face in practical and emotional terms, and some of the ways Heather works to effectively help people who hoard and other services understand the issues. This is a fabulous chat packed full of take away messages for all of us who at any point have struggled to cope with difficult emotions.You can contact Clouds End HEREAlso! If you like taking quizzes and want to know the extent to which you engage in healthy habits that underpin well-being, success and resilience, you can take find out your Balanced Empowerment score HERE.

In 2020, just after the Covid pandemic started, Janet Fanaki lost her husband to Glioblastoma - incurable brain cancer. However, four years before, just after receiving this devastating diagnosis Janet decided to write a blog about her experience and the lessons she had learned from speaking with others going through difficult times, and has since created a podcast 'Resilient People' in which she interviews ordinary people about how they have coped with challenging times.In this interview, Janet provides an extraordinary account of how she managed herself and other people in order to cope with the diagnosis her family was dealing with, an incredible fundraising success, and how she found and continues to find hope.You can find out more about Janet, and resilient people here: https://www.resilientpeople.cahttps://resilient-people.simplecast.com/Also! If you like taking quizzes and want to know the extent to which you engage in healthy habits that underpin well-being, success and resilience, you can take find out your Balanced Empowerment score HERE.

 Andrea Johnson is a Professional Encourager. Her mission of helping others find true freedom is expressed through coaching, motivational speaking, podcasting and building a global community of women helping women. She is certified by the John Maxwell Team, an international Leadership Coaching organization, and her personal philosophy, Intentional Optimism, is a comprehensive approach to Personal Growth and Leadership Training viewed through the lens of hope. Andrea is dedicated to organizational excellence, process improvement and personnel development, and leverages her administrative and managerial experience in the university medical research setting to motivate, train, coach and mentor business women and entrepreneurs. Andrea’s drive for personal growth and development is evidenced in her 20+ years of professional goal setting and accomplishment for her and her staff; and on a personal level, in successful Gastric Bypass Surgery (down 190 lbs since 2005), and a 3 year private adoption journey from decision to finalization. Resources: ● Website: www.theintentionaloptimist.com ○ Individual Coaching ○ DISC Assessments and Personal Growth Plans: www.theintentionaloptimist.com/DISC ○ Team Training and Development: Andrea Johnson - The John Maxwell Team ● Facebook: ○ Andrea M. Johnson ○ The Intentional Optimist ○ Private Facebook Group - The Intentional Optimist: Building a global community of women helping and mentoring other women. ● Linked In Andrea M. Johnson 

In this episode I speak with professional speaker Archie Messersmith-Bunting about his experiences of and recovery from suicidality, major mental-illness and substance abuse. Adopted at the age of 2 into a highly religious community, Archie struggled to accept and acknowledge his sexuality. A single decision one evening to take drugs for the first time led him into a downward spiral.His story is a very human and moving account of what it takes to really get to grips with your difficulties, and the steps needed to move forward. Archie embodies hope through speaking at college campuses and corporate groups about the importance of feelings - the one focus Archie felt was missing from many of the treatment options offered during his process of recovery.Oh and the other aspect of Archie's story that is unique, was the pivotal role his dog played in all of this.You can connect with Archie and follow his work here: https://www.archiecares.com/

In this interview I speak with marketing coach, Alexandra Ionitta, about how she gave up her dream job and found her passion for coaching people. This interview is packed full of mindset tips that I know will have relevance to all listeners, particularly if you have ever felt that you need something different from life.Alexandra Ionitta is the CEO & Director of CHAINS OFF MEDIA, an out-of-the-box company that combines mindset, strategy and tools to revolutionize your business and help you create your Legacy, no matter the outside circumstances. Besides her Global Marketing & Sales Degree, Alexandra is trained in subconscious reprogramming, the principles of energy, and universal laws, and helps people create quantum leaps in their life and business with ease, flow, and joy.You can find out more here:www.alexandraionitta.com

Helen, based in New Zealand is an Emotion and Body code practitioner. What led her to this path however, was the experience of losing her 18 year old daughter in a tragic and random car accident in 2017.In this interview Helen shares the lessons that her daughter taught her in life and the lessons she has learned since her death. If you would like to connect with Helen, you can do so in these places: Instagram @healing2bu_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helenmorris.nz/If you are interested in knowing more about the Emotion Code, you can find the book by Dr Bradly  Nelson in all good bookstores.

Heather Jean, co-founder of Confidence Through Cabaret, and I discuss how the pandemic both took away and provided huge opportunities for her. After losing most of her executive and team professional development work due to the pandemic, the pandemic and associated lockdowns provided the opportunity for her to create a new professional identity, and also really find herself after experiencing domestic violence in her first marriage, the death of her second husband to early onset Alzheimer's, and her own cancer diagnosis.You can connect further with Heather through: www.confidencethroughcabaret.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkJiPVgL6woSAQ1Wpa4K68wand join the community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/confidencethroughcabaretcommunity

In this episode I interview Heather Rider who was forced to transformed her life from being a high achieving tech exec due to a debilitating autoimmune illness triggered by high functioning anxiety.Now, Heather coaches and heals other women who themselves suffer from high functioning anxiety using a range of holistic methods. If you are a type A personality - always trying to overachieve, to make sure that your work is 'perfect' then the chances are anxiety is playing a role in these behaviours.Heather's story illustrates how our physiology can react to extreme emotional and psychological pressure, and we also talk about the powerful yet simple techniques you can use to move forward with hope. You can connect with Heather in the following ways:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrider/https://www.theenergysynergist.com/

In this episode I interview author, Sam Rose, about her new book 'Gut Feelings: Coping with cancer and living with Lynch Syndrome'. Sam, at the age of 33 has had three cancer diagnoses thanks to the genetic disorder Lynch Syndrome which prevents the body from fighting cancer cells. In her book and this interview, Sam provides an honest and open account of the physical and emotional impact of living through diagnoses and treatment, and the ongoing challenge of living with Lynch Syndrome. The book is an absolute must read and is available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gut-Feelings-Coping-Cancer-Syndrome/dp/B08T6BTJZ3 You can reach out to Sam through her website: https://www.writersam.co.uk For more information about Lynch Syndrome: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors/lynch-syndrome-ls