Ben Farinazzo is a remarkable individual whose life exemplifies resilience, courage, and the transformative power of hope. A returned veteran and Invictus Games gold medalist, Ben has become a fervent advocate for mental health and the healing potential of sports. His journey began over 20 years ago as an army officer in East Timor, unknowingly returning home with the psychological scars of his service, which led to severe struggles with PTSD and depression. These silent battles remained largely unnoticed for over a decade until a severe mountain biking accident, which left him hospitalized with a broken neck and back, forced him to confront his challenges head-on. Farinazzo's recovery was a testament to his indomitable spirit, ultimately leading him to represent Australia in powerlifting and indoor rowing at the Invictus Games.

In this episode, Ben Farinazzo shares his deeply personal journey through adversity. He discusses the emotional impact and profound sense of connection fostered by the Invictus Games, underlining the unconquerable human spirit. Farinazzo recounts his struggles with mental health, his time in a mental health hospital, and his subsequent quest for hope and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of support networks, self-care strategies like proper sleep and exercise, and the courage to embrace vulnerability. Through his story, Ben offers a message of positivity, urging listeners to stay connected with loved ones and seek help when needed, breaking away from societal expectations of stoic masculinity.

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Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. 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/.

If you'd like to donate to the Kintsugi Heroes mission, head to https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate.

With thanks to:

Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (business@mbpod.com)

General Support: Ian Westmoreland (https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au)

Ferry Zandvilet, a resident of the Netherlands, was an attending physical therapist and aspiring entrepreneur, poised to buy into a physiotherapy company before his life took a drastic turn on November 13, 2015. While enjoying a concert by Eagles of Death Metal at the Bataclan Theatre in Paris, Zandvilet became a survivor of a harrowing terrorist attack, an event that claimed 90 lives.

This fateful night transformed him from a victim of unimaginable violence into a voice of resilience and hope. Today, Ferry is a professional speaker, sharing his journey and insights on survival, resilience, and mental health, inspiring audiences worldwide with his humor and positive mindset even amidst discussions of severe adversity.

In this episode, Zandvilet delves into his recovery from the attack and the subsequent journey through PTSD. He discusses the effectiveness of EMDR therapy, which alleviated 60-70% of his PTSD symptoms, and underscores the importance of personal responsibility, sports, and mindfulness in managing mental health. Zandvilet and Atherton examine the power of gratitude and journaling, sharing practices to maintain a balanced life.

Ferry also recounts a transformative encounter with the father of one of the shooters and the ongoing journey of personal growth aided by close friends, shared suffering, and victim support groups. This episode captures the deep connections forged through shared adversity and the unwavering hope that defines Ferry's outlook on life.

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Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. 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/.

If you'd like to donate to the Kintsugi Heroes mission, head to https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate.

With thanks to:

Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (business@mbpod.com)

General Support: Ian Westmoreland (https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au)

Dave Stewart is an accomplished author and a dedicated advocate for those affected by addiction and homelessness. With a professional background in corporate sales of underground power cables across Asia and Australia, Dave made a dramatic shift in his life when he left the corporate world in 2013 to work with the Wayside Chapel, a notable organization that supports vulnerable communities.

Currently, he works with The Nature Conservancy, focusing on land and water conservation. Dave, a man of Wiradjuri heritage, takes pride in his cultural identity, which deeply influences his work and perspective. Having battled with alcoholism and substance abuse for years, Dave has emerged as a voice of hope and resilience, sharing his story to guide others on their path to recovery. He has achieved long-term sobriety since May 7, 1998, and continues to inspire through his writing, including his autobiographical works and his novel "Pilgrim."

In this episode, Dave Stewart joins host Kerrie Atherton to share his journey through addiction, recovery, and personal growth. Dave candidly discusses his lifelong struggles with alcohol, its pervasive impact on Australian society, and the dangerous misconceptions surrounding binge drinking. He reflects on his own rock-bottom moments, including multiple stints in rehabilitation and the drastic measures he took to maintain his sobriety.

The conversation delves deeply into the emotional and psychological toll of addiction, the importance of personal recovery, and the ongoing battle against shame and low self-worth. Throughout the episode, Dave also emphasizes the significance of empathy, human connection, and the power of routine and self-care in sustaining a healthy, sober life.

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Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. 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/.

If you'd like to donate to the Kintsugi Heroes mission, head to https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate.

With thanks to:

Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (business@mbpod.com)

General Support: Ian Westmoreland (https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au)