PODCAST · education
Holding on to Hope
by Lifeline
Holding on to Hope takes the listener on a journey of personal stories about the lived experience of suicidality. Through authentic storytelling and connection, the podcast provides inspiration and support to those looking to find hope. Please note that suicidality and its contributing factors are discussed and may have a triggering effect. If you experience emotional distress as a result of listening, please reach out to someone you trust and/or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time. If life is in danger, please call 000
Episodes
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Your Story Can Still Change
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…
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You Don’t Have to Face It Alone
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…
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You Don’t Have to Ride Alone
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...
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Distress and Success Can Exist Together
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…
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The Same Fire Built My Success
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...
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Vulnerability Is Masculine
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...
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Courage grows in the conversations we dare to have
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...
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Hope isn’t found overnight, but it’s always within reach
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...
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Discover the joy in everyday moments
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,...
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We can make a difference through connection
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...
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Use hope to move forward, even in our toughest moments
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...
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No matter where you are, hope and healing is always possible
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…
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Every step forward counts
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...
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Challenge the stigma, one conversation at a time
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…
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You can find strength in your differences
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...
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You’ve got worth, even if you can’t see it yet
In the first episode of the season, we meet Michael, whose early life was marked by neglect, abuse, and profound emotional pain. After hitting rock bottom following the end of a meaningful relationship, Michael made a life-saving call to Lifeline, a decision that sparked a journey of healing,...
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You can make it through the darkness
In this episode we're honoured to have Joanna as our guest, sharing her journey of resilience from teenage struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts to finding hope and healing in her 50s. Joanna's story began with challenges in her early teens, including the loss of her mother…
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The daily battles with the inner demons
In this episode we're honoured to introduce Andrew, a Yamatji Man from Western Australia's Murchison Gascoyne region. Andrew has walked a challenging path, grappling with depression and anxiety for over a decade. He vividly describes his journey as having the 'black dog' visit him frequently,...
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Don’t let them win
On today’s episode we are joined by Paul. Paul is a resilient soul who embarked on a profound transformation after four decades of living behind a façade of "existences." Around 14 years ago, Paul's world collapsed, becoming the genesis of an ongoing journey of personal evolution. Despite…
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Other people who understand
Single mum Nicole was inspired to become a Lifeline crisis support worker after her own experience with suicidal ideation. Having experienced an elongated battle with workplace bullying and victimisation after reporting a string of incidents of alleged sexual harassment and assault. Nicole says…
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Turning on the headlights of hope
On today's episode, we are joined by Grant on the 31st of October 1994. Grant took on what he thought was the biggest challenge of his life getting sober. Along his journey he learned the power of talking therapy, prioritising mental and emotional well-being and setting crystal clear boundaries....
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Things can only get better
In today’s episode we are joined by Grace. Grace’s journey, marked by the challenges of mental health, began with suicidal thoughts that emerged in childhood. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety during her teenage years, Grace's journey has been a testament to perseverance in the face of...
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Getting past the shame and the guilt
Matthew dedicated 24 years to his career. A sudden shift left him feeling discarded, leading to a dark moment during the intense pressures of the pandemic. Matt's journey, marked by hospitalisation and guilt, took a positive turn during a year off work. Now, Matt is a mental health advocate, a...
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Reinvent yourself
In this episode we are joined by Martina. As a cisgender lesbian, Australian Army veteran, and dedicated PhD Candidate, she thrives amid adversity, facing challenges of various kinds with unwavering determination. Her focus on human connection and social healing, born from personal struggles,...
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Fighting against the stigma
In this episode, we are joined by Will, a 29-year-old electrician. Growing up in Eltham, a town northeast of Melbourne, Will had a fairly standard childhood. However, beneath the surface of normalcy lay a profound struggle that began at a young age. At just five years old, Will's life was touched...
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Finding the joy
Meet Davina, a talented journalist and devoted mother of two daughters, Rose and Hope. On the surface, her life appears to be a compelling narrative of success, from a joyful childhood to becoming a respected news presenter for the Nine Network on both regional and national television. Yet…
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Prioritise yourself
Maddie, who had a turning point in year 10 that led her to address cultural taboos surrounding mental health, shares her story. She went from seeking help to becoming an advocate through mental health seminars and university challenges. Maddie discusses her journey, the role of family support…
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We are all drops in the ocean and together we make waves
In this episode, we're honoured to have Uncle Monwell, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man, whose inspirational journey from personal hardships to talented musician embodies courage, hope, and a passion for change. Uncle Monwell faced adversity, dealing with ADHD, PTSD, and self-harm in...
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Seeking hope and connection
At 27, Amanda was trapped in the pursuit of career success, leading to burnout and depression. Diagnosed with depression, she hit rock bottom and contemplated suicide, feeling isolated due to the stigma. But Amanda didn't give up. Instead, she transformed from self-loathing to self-love. She...
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Testaments to the power of human spirit
In this episode, we delve into the narratives of two extraordinary individuals who've navigated the depths of darkness, only to emerge as beacons of strength and resilience. Imbi Pyman, a mother of three, carries with her a lived and living experience of the impact of suicide. Her youngest son...
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The strength within us all
On World Suicide Prevention Day, we bring you a two-part series shedding light on a topic often cloaked in silence. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring stories of two individuals who battled despair and emerged as beacons of strength. Meet Emily, a 27-year-old who faced diverse…
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My heroin habit
Andrew's life has been marked by immense challenges. As a forced adoptee, he endured a difficult start, followed by psychological and physical abuse at school, leaving him deeply affected by complex trauma. At 15, Andrew turned to alcohol, and by 20, he reached a point of despair, owing a...
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I was certain I was unlovable
Said grew up with a mum battling schizophrenia and parents who didn’t know how to speak into mental health. He has done a lot of work healing childhood trauma and openly talks about falling into the wounded caregiver role. Said held on to hope through his own struggles with substance abuse and...
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I was living a lie
Having found out in the most awful fashion at 6 years old she was adopted, Lea struggled with challenges throughout high school. Faced with crippling depression and societal stigma, she grappled with finding her place in the world. As a mother of two boys, she wore a mask and struggled alone. She...
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It all seemed so logical
Despite having a loving mother and maternal family, Ian’s early years saw him experience serious Domestic and Family abuse. As a young teenager, Ian says he was convinced his future contained a repetition of his difficult childhood and adolescence. This was a fate he was determined to avoid.…
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There has to be more to life
On today’s episode we are joined by Anwyn. Anwyn has struggled with depression and anxiety since early childhood - growing up in a dysfunctional and unsafe environment. As she entered early adulthood, all at the same time she moved from a small town to a big city, began unravelling her sexuality,...
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I thought I was the most unique individual on earth
In 2013, at the age of 18, Tom Boyd was undeniably the best junior footballer in Australia and was first pick in the AFL National Draft. After the beginning of an illustrious career in the game, however, things began to become unstitched. Tom ultimately made the tough decision mid-way through the...
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I felt like half a man
Matt is a suicide survivor, mental fitness facilitator, and humanitarian. After suffering with depression and anxiety from the age of 12, Matt attempted suicide in 2016 - which in turn, left him wheelchair bound. After sustaining his injury - Matt managed to shift his frame of mind completely and...
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I want to be able to heal from this
These days, Lizzie describes herself as feeling completely free and like she’s thriving. But she didn’t always feel that way. In this episode, Lizzie opens up to Ruben Mackellar about her childhood, her journey to finding hope, and the turning point that completely changed the course of her life....
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Eno's story of holding on to hope after battles with suicidal ideation and using his experiences to help others throughout the trucking industry.
This is the story of Ian ‘Eno’ Taylor. After battles with suicidal ideation, he learned the value of reaching out for help. When two friends didn’t do the same, he found himself asking why. That simple act might have saved their lives. Eno decided to take action - in a, literally, traffic…
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Isabella's story of holding on to hope in regional NSW through school, family and mental health issues by finding the Lifeline Eclipse group.
Some of us wonder why your schooldays are said to be the happiest days of your life. Many find them a struggle – including Isabella who experienced all the usual teenage angsts along with family issues and mental health concerns. But although she was so down on herself, others recognised what a...
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Lachie Samuel's story of Holding on to Hope after life as a FIFO worker where suicide and mental health issues are a major concern.
Lachie Samuel is a former FIFO mining worker, flying in and out of some of the most remote, desolate places in Australia, places where male suicide and mental health issues are a major concern. In his Holding on to hope podcast, Lachie explains how he also became one of its victims and how he…
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Wes Herring’s story of holding onto hope after his dreams for farming and family were shattered.
Wes Herring reckoned he had life all mapped out. He would take over the family farm, continue the tradition of raising merino sheep and, with wife Kate, bring up a family who would continue the succession. But nothing went to plan. Wes was hit by one blow after another until the physical and...
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Ingrid Ozols talks about her battle with suicide ideation since childhood and how she now helps others by sharing what she has learned on her journey of recovery.
Welcome to lifelines, holding onto hope. A podcast series in which people who've reached a dark place in their lives share their stories.As part of the Out of the Shadows program we talk with Ingrid Ozols about how she has battled with suicide ideation since childhood. Now she helps others by...
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Ian Roberts talks about being the first male professional athlete to openly come out in Australia, and his ongoing support of the LBGTI+ community
Welcome to lifelines, holding onto hope. A podcast series in which people who've reached a dark place in their lives share their stories.As part of the Out of the Shadows program we’re talking with international Rugby League icon Ian Roberts. In a stellar career, Ian was renowned for being a hard...
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Kate's story of holding on to hope through a gambling addiction
Welcome to Lifeline’s Holding onto Hope, a podcast in which people who’ve attempted suicide explain how they found joy in life again.Australians are the biggest gamblers – and the biggest losers in the world and nowhere do we lose more than on the pokies. Every year, it is estimated 400 people...
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Amanda and Matt's story of holding on to hope after the trauma of parent alienation
Parental alienation is said to affect at least 10 per cent of children affected by divorce and it happens when one parent seeks to undermine their children’s relationship with the other. Victimised mums, dads and children can suffer terribly as a result. Here Matt and Amanda share their stories…
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Anthony Hart's story of holding on to hope after depression snuck up on him, taking him and everyone who knew him by surprise.
Anthony Hart's slide into depression snuck up on him, taking him and everyone who knew him by surprise. It’s actually a miracle Anthony’s still alive and what he’s achieved since is no less astonishing – a system to help everyone spot their own warning signs and get help. See...
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Oliver Liyou story of holding on to hope as a vet struggling under the weight of stress, financial pressure, long hours and massive emotional dilemmas
Many of us who’ve had dealings with a vet probably think it’s a pretty nice life – dealing with animals, charging big bills. As equestrian dental specialist Oliver Liyou explains, they forget there’s no Medicare for pets and that vets are struggling under the weight of stress, financial pressure,...
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Oliver Heywoods story of holding on to hope through his slide into darkness by staying connected with his friends
Oliver Heywood is 23, popular, funny, smart and caring - the last person anyone ever imagined would suffer depression. But at 14, he began a slide into darkness that gradually got worseHere Oliver and his friends, Liam and Connor Holliday, Melissa Baker and Ashleigh McBride share their journey of...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Holding on to Hope takes the listener on a journey of personal stories about the lived experience of suicidality. Through authentic storytelling and connection, the podcast provides inspiration and support to those looking to find hope. Please note that suicidality and its contributing factors are discussed and may have a triggering effect. If you experience emotional distress as a result of listening, please reach out to someone you trust and/or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time. If life is in danger, please call 000
HOSTED BY
Lifeline
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Holding on to Hope have?
Holding on to Hope currently has 62 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Holding on to Hope about?
Holding on to Hope takes the listener on a journey of personal stories about the lived experience of suicidality. Through authentic storytelling and connection, the podcast provides inspiration and support to those looking to find hope. Please note that suicidality and its contributing factors are...
How often does Holding on to Hope release new episodes?
Holding on to Hope has 62 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Holding on to Hope?
You can listen to Holding on to Hope on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Holding on to Hope?
Holding on to Hope is created and hosted by Lifeline.
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