She Survived the Unspeakable

On the Tomorrow’s Not Today podcast, Kingsley interviews Kerrie Atherton—wife, mother, grandmother, jazz musician, mental health advocate, addiction counsellor, author, podcaster, board director with Mentoring Men Australia, and ambassador for Fearless PTSD—about how childhood trauma and addiction shaped her purpose. Kerrie describes growing up with alcoholism, bipolar disorder in her mother, early traumatic events, bullying by a teacher, sexual assault by a pedophile, later rape, substance misuse, suicidality, and a near-fatal overdose. At 18, after planning to end her life and hearing a voice telling her not to, she returned to Alcoholics Anonymous and has been sober for 44 years. She discusses acceptance, delusion/denial in addiction, “54” negative consequences across love, livelihood, liver, and law, and the need for families to detach without enabling. She founded Stories of Hope events, published three books featuring nearly 50 speakers, hosts Inspirational Humans, and offers coaching for burned-out leaders.00:00 Abuse and Fear01:12 Meet Kerry Atherton02:31 Many Hats and Mission04:49 Family Addiction Roots08:02 Childhood Trauma Begins10:05 Assault and No Justice11:48 Bullying and Breakdown12:50 Alcohol as Escape17:10 Spiral Toward Rock Bottom22:20 Turning Point to AA25:25 Recovery and New Purpose30:26 Acceptance and Practical Steps32:07 Pain Drives Change33:57 Rock Bottom Varies34:22 The 54 Consequences36:09 Four Ls Warning Signs39:00 Delusion And Denial40:21 High Functioning Secrets43:13 Helping Loved Ones44:27 Detach With Love48:19 Tough Love Boundaries52:17 Stories Of Hope Mission56:40 Leaders Under Pressure01:02:17 Programs And Resources01:04:15 Redefining Success