Episodes

  • The Power of Time -- Slowing Down to Save Lives in Suicide Prevention with Gergö Hadlaczky | Ep. 151

    The Power of Time -- Slowing Down to Save Lives in Suicide Prevention with Gergö Hadlaczky | Ep. 151
    Jul 8 2025
    What if the most powerful suicide prevention tool we have… is time?In this groundbreaking episode, suicide prevention expert Dr. Gergö Hadlaczky shares insights from science, strategy, and lived experience about how creating time—even just a few minutes—can change the trajectory of a suicidal crisis.We explore the rapidity of suicidal crises, how emotional intensity and suicidal thoughts often pass with time, and why time-buying can often help people win the internal debate around living or dying.Time gives people a second chance at life and a fighting chance to survive. For mre information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/151
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    44 mins
  • Technology of Survival -- How Emotions Like Fear, Grief, Anger, and Guilt Keep Us Alive with Russell Peterson | Ep 150

    Technology of Survival -- How Emotions Like Fear, Grief, Anger, and Guilt Keep Us Alive with Russell Peterson | Ep 150
    Jun 24 2025
    Why do we fear emotions, particularly in cultures where strength is defined by stoicism? What if we reframed emotions not as liabilities, but as essential survival systems?When are get stuck in our emotions like fear, grief, anger, and guilt, we’re not failing. Our emotions are over-functioning. Emotional systems have evolved "fail-safe" systems; they won’t stop to help us survive. And while that keeps us alive, it can also overwhelm us. In this powerful episode of Hope Illuminated, I sit down with Russell Peterson, a counselor, military mental health specialist, and wilderness survivalist. Russell introduces his compelling “Technology of Survival” framework, illustrating how emotions such as fear, grief, anger, and guilt have evolved to keep us alive.When emotions are seen through a survival lens, we begin to understand their purpose, reduce shame, and reclaim our humanity.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/150
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    49 mins
  • Time to Get Noisy -- What Construction Can Teach Us About Suicide Prevention in Every Industry with Sebastian Ison-Jacques: Ep. 149

    Time to Get Noisy -- What Construction Can Teach Us About Suicide Prevention in Every Industry with Sebastian Ison-Jacques: Ep. 149
    Jun 10 2025
    In this episode, we explore one of the most urgent yet often overlooked crises facing high-risk industries: suicide in construction. Our guest, Sebastian Ison-Jacques, brings a powerful blend of personal experience, academic research, and sector insight to this critical conversation. From digital construction to workplace mental health, Seb’s mission is to expose what’s broken and help build something better. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/149
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    44 mins
  • Uncovering Hidden Stories: Psychological Autopsies and Suicide Prevention in Middle Aged Adults with Dr. Eva De Jaegere | Ep. 148

    Uncovering Hidden Stories: Psychological Autopsies and Suicide Prevention in Middle Aged Adults with Dr. Eva De Jaegere | Ep. 148
    May 27 2025
    In this episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sits down with Dr. Eva De Jaegere from Belgium to explore the stories behind suicide through the lens of psychological autopsy. Together, they discuss Dr. Eva’s research on suicide risk in middle-aged adults, revealing surprising findings about the role of work stress, financial worries, and the importance of open conversations about suicide and mental health. Discover how listening to the stories of both survivors and those left behind can bring healing, challenge stigma, and shape more effective prevention strategies. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in suicide prevention, lived experience research, and the power of storytelling to spark change.
    Follow Dr. Sally at www.sallyspencerthomas.com
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    45 mins
  • Meeting People Where They Are: A Global Vision for Suicide Prevention with Dr. Sandersan Onie | Ep. 147

    Meeting People Where They Are: A Global Vision for Suicide Prevention with Dr. Sandersan Onie | Ep. 147
    May 20 2025
    In this inspiring episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sits down with Sandersan Onie, a global leader in mental health promotion and suicide prevention, for a powerful conversation about the importance of intellectual humility and meeting people where they are. Listen as Dr. Onie shares personal stories of overcoming trauma, highlights the critical role of religion and culture in suicide prevention, and reveals how he helped spark transformative policy change in Indonesia. The episode also explores using technology and empathic messaging to reach those in crisis, emphasizing community-based strategies that honor local beliefs and language. Tune in for practical insights, heartfelt storytelling, and actionable lessons for anyone passionate about mental health and saving lives.
    Follow Dr. Sally at www.sallyspencerthomas.com
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    48 mins
  • From Grief to Advocacy: Young Voices Changing Mental Health Conversations with Alex Bush | Ep. 146

    From Grief to Advocacy: Young Voices Changing Mental Health Conversations with Alex Bush | Ep. 146
    May 13 2025
    In this powerful episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sits down with Alex Bush, a resilient young advocate who began sharing her story after losing her father to suicide at 16. Together, they discuss the vital role of personal storytelling in suicide prevention, the impact of youth voices on mental health advocacy, and actionable strategies for engaging with both traditional and social media. Alex shares her journey from grief to national speaker, offering insights on making a real difference in communities and supporting others who have experienced loss. Tune in to hear inspiring advice for storytellers, mental health leaders, and anyone seeking hope and connection in challenging times.
    Follow Dr. Sally at www.sallyspencerthomas.com
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    45 mins
  • Surviving and Thriving: Intersection of Identity, Mental Health, and Trans Resilience with Lyseria Kursave | Ep. 145

    Surviving and Thriving: Intersection of Identity, Mental Health, and Trans Resilience with Lyseria Kursave | Ep. 145
    Apr 29 2025
    Join Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas as she sits down with Lyseria Kursave, a resilient trans woman and union electrician, for an honest conversation about living authentically, navigating personal and professional challenges, and the intersection of gender identity and mental health. From overcoming isolation and workplace discrimination to the importance of community and allyship, this powerful episode of Hope Illuminated sheds light on the lived experiences and hope-filled advocacy of the trans community. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration, education, or a deeper understanding of how solidarity and compassion make a difference in the fight for mental well-being and equality. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/surviving-and-thriving-intersection-of-identity-mental-health-and-trans-resilience-with-lyseria-kursave-ep-145
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Unlocking Agency in Suicide Prevention with Dr. Selma Gaily-Luoma | Episode 144

    Unlocking Agency in Suicide Prevention with Dr. Selma Gaily-Luoma | Episode 144
    Apr 22 2025
    In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr. Selma Gaily-Luoma to explore the transformative role of agency in suicide prevention. Agency, defined as the sense of control and capacity to influence your thoughts, behaviors, and circumstances, is a cornerstone of psychological resilience. We delve into how fostering a sense of agency can be a powerful antidote to feelings of entrapment and despair that often accompany suicidal crises.For mor information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/unlocking-agency-in-suicide-prevention-with-dr-selma-gaily-luoma-episode-144
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    58 mins