When tragedy struck, H. Reese Butler II transformed his grief into action, founding 1-800-SUICIDE, the nation’s first networked suicide prevention hotline. More than twenty years later, his vision has connected millions to life-saving help and Hope. In this moving conversation, Reese shares the light-bulb moment that began it all, the obstacles he faced building a lifeline before “mental health awareness” was mainstream, and the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime dedicated to saving others....
Reese returns alongside Frank Warren, founder of the global storytelling phenomenon PostSecret, and Kathryn Goetzke,who started a Global Movement to ensure all know ‘how’ to Hope. Together, they reflect on how vulnerability and creativity can transform despair into purpose. PostSecret, home to over one million anonymous secrets and a 1.6 million-strong community, has shown how sharing our truths can connect us in our most human moments. This heartfelt reunion reveals what happens when three a...
In this episode of The Hope Matrix on Campus, host Kathryn Goetzke sits down with award-winning journalist and filmmaker Allison Norlian to discuss the power of storytelling in advocating for mental health and disability rights. Allison shares her journey from television reporting to launching her own production company, Bird Mine, and how her documentaries shed light on underrepresented voices. She opens up about her personal struggles with anxiety, the importance of maintaining mental and p...
In this episode of The Hope Matrix, host Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Christina Vela, Chief Executive Director of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, to explore the power of hope in transforming the lives of children and young people from hard places. Christina shares her personal story of overcoming adversity, finding resilience, and achieving her goals despite early challenges. She and Kathryn discuss the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can dream again, the role of ...
In this episode of The Hope Matrix, host Kathryn Goetzke welcomes back Elad Talmor for a powerful follow-up conversation on supporting teenagers in Israel through times of crisis. Elad shares insights from his work with youth facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the challenges of growing up amid uncertainty. Together, they explore the role of purpose, gratitude, compassion, and self-care in fostering resilience. Through inspiring stories of young individuals overcoming adversity, Kathr...
In this episode of The Hope Matrix, host Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Michelle Cooper to explore her powerful journey from engineering to coaching, navigating profound grief, and finding Hope in adversity. Michelle opens up about the loss of her husband, the challenges of self-advocacy in healthcare, and how she transformed personal hardships into a mission to empower others. She shares strategies for managing stress, embracing resilience, and rewriting personal narratives, offering valuabl...
In this powerful episode of The Hope Matrix, Kathryn Goetzke speaks with Adam Meyers, a police captain and mental health advocate, about his journey through trauma and Shine Hope Story. Adam opens up about his childhood dream of becoming a police officer, the challenges he faced with learning disabilities, and his eventual success in law enforcement. He shares his deeply personal experience of a critical incident where he was forced to use deadly force against an individual struggling with me...
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Podcast Host Kathryn sits down with Rayne Clarkson to explore personal experiences with mental health, hope, and overcoming life’s challenges. Rayne, a commodity manager in the semiconductor industry and avid athlete, shares her journey of navigating hopelessness, finding resilience, and prioritizing connection. The conversation highlights Rayne’s “RayneChats” project, where she connects with 365 strangers to learn from diverse perspectives, as well as...
In this powerful episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Lawanda Jackson, an entertainer, advocate, and coach, to discuss her remarkable journey of overcoming childhood abuse, homelessness, and a stroke diagnosis. Lawanda shares deeply personal experiences, including her navigation of the entertainment industry as a drag performer, the dangers of substance abuse, and her resilience through life-altering health challenges. Together, Kathryn and Lawanda explore the po...
In this inspiring episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Christopher Hodges, a faith coordinator and special events employee for the Mayor of Chicago. Christopher shares his powerful journey of overcoming adversity—including surviving a life-changing car accident, battling depression, and losing over 300 pounds—all while maintaining an unwavering belief in hope. Together, Kathryn and Christopher discuss the importance of faith, community, and resilience in navigati...
In this episode, Podcast Host Kathryn sits down with Dr. Angela Lorbeck, an expert in integrative medicine with over two decades of experience. Together, they delve into the healing power of acupuncture, the challenges and rewards of a career in integrative oncology, and the importance of fostering hope in patient care. Dr. Lorbeck shares how integrative practices like acupuncture can reduce stress, boost the immune system, and complement cancer treatments. The conversation also explores stre...
In this heartfelt episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Kathryn Goetzke talks with Dr. Christy Oaks, Clinic Director of the Community Counseling Clinic (CCC) and Clinical Instructor in the Counseling Program at the Department of Counseling & Human Services. Christy shares her inspiring journey of resilience, from navigating a severe bleeding disorder, experiencing a medical bankruptcy, and overcoming other life struggles. This episode also explores strategies for managing anxiety, the impac...
In this enlightening episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Diane Dreher, Ph.D., a positive psychology coach, researcher, and author, to explore the transformative power of hope. Diane shares her groundbreaking research on hope interventions, her personal journey of overcoming challenges, and the practical tools she uses to help others cultivate resilience and purpose. Together, they discuss the teachability of hope, goal-setting strategies, visualization technique...
In this inspiring episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, host Kathryn Goetzke talks with Michelle Moffitt, MA LMHC, about her journey of overcoming trauma and building resilience. Michelle shares her experiences of leaving a toxic environment, starting over, and finding strength through community and self-awareness. They discuss the power of naming emotions, the role of hope in healing, and practical steps for navigating life's challenges. Michelle also previews her upcoming book, Cracked Open: ...
In this inspiring episode of The Hope Matrix, Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Travis Davis, a passionate advocate for disability awareness and host of the podcast "Off the Crutch." Born with cerebral palsy, Travis shares his personal journey of overcoming numerous medical challenges and the pivotal role that hope has played in his life. He emphasizes the importance of positive thinking, mental health awareness, and the support of his family in fostering resilience. Travis also discusses his en...
In this powerful episode of The Hope Matrix, Kathryn Goetzke talks with Robert Chelsea, the first African-American full face transplant recipient. Robert shares his journey of recovery after a life-threatening accident, emphasizing the importance of faith, trust in God’s plan, and letting go of anger. With deep insights on resilience, forgiveness, and the power of surrender, Robert’s story offers inspiration and hope to anyone facing adversity. His remarkable perspective reminds us all of the...
In this episode of The Hope Matrix, Kathryn Goetzke is joined by Ciara Byrne, co-founder of Green Our Planet and a resilient breast cancer survivor. Together, they discuss the power of hope in the face of personal and global challenges. Ciara shares her inspiring journey of overcoming stage 2 breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset, self-care, and community support. She opens up about her work with Green Our Planet, a non-profit organization connecting students to natu...
Join us for an inspiring episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast featuring MaCherie Dunbar, Air Force Veteran, Advocate, and Entrepreneur. In this episode, MaCherie reflects on her experiences transitioning from military service, navigating post-deployment challenges, and advocating for vital support services for veterans. She sheds light on the profound challenges faced by veterans entering civilian life, particularly concerning mental health, and emphasizes the importance of accessing available ...
Join us in this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Erwin Valencia, founder of Gratitude Gang, and Former Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer of New York Knicks. From his humble beginnings to becoming a leader in mental health advocacy, Erwin shares his story of hope and the power of gratitude. As the founder of Gratitude Gang, a mental health foundation focused on supporting children in the Philippines, Erwin discusses the importance o...
In this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Host Kathryn Goetzke had an inspiring conversation with Marissa Hamamoto, the Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director of Infinite Flow, an inclusive dance company. Marissa shares her journey of overcoming challenges, including a spinal cord infarction that changed her life and career. Marissa emphasizes the power of movement, particularly dance, in promoting emotional positivity and well-being, and the importance of inclusive language in dance ed...