WARNING: This episode directly addresses the event, nature and effects of suicide.

In this episode of Stories of Hope Worldwide, I have the privilege of sitting down with the beautiful and incredibly brave Tes Cruz. Tes is sharing her story publicly for the very first time, and it is one that touched me deeply.

Tes takes us back to her childhood, growing up in an environment of domestic violence, and then to the heartbreaking day in 2012 when she lost her husband Emmanuel to suicide. She speaks so openly about the ripple effect his death had—not only on her as a wife but on their daughter, their relationships, and in the years that followed.

What I love about Tes’s story is that even through unimaginable pain, she has found strength in herself and her faith, and a renewed sense of purpose. Today she uses her journey to advocate for mental health and to remind others, especially men, that their families need them here and that there is always another way forward.

This is a powerful and tender conversation filled with messages of healing and hope. Tes’s words will encourage anyone who has been touched by suicide or who is struggling in silence.

If you or someone you love is doing it tough right now, please reach out. There is help, and there is hope.

📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14

📞 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

🌐 Black Dog Institute: blackdoginstitute.org.au

You are not alone, and your life matters.

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

Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. 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/.

With thanks to:

Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io)

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

Advertise with Stories of Hope Podcast

Here at Stories of Hope, Kerrie Atherton's mission is to give people a platform to share their stories of hope with the world and we also want to provide the same chance to businesses that are passionate about mental health and want to support the podcast. If you'd like to partner with Stories of Hope and advertise your services on this podcast, send a message to Kerrie@EmpowerLifeSolutions.com.au with your details.

This week on Stories of Hope: Worldwide, I sit down with Zac Jones—a young man whose life changed in an instant the night he got behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs. That decision led to a devastating car crash, leaving four of his friends critically injured and Zac facing the consequences in jail for two and a half years.

In this deeply honest conversation, Zac shares what led him to that point: early struggles with bullying, addiction, and the spiral of shame that followed the crash. But this is not just a story of tragedy. It’s a story of ownership, growth, and transformation. From the hardest of places, Zac found purpose. Today, he’s using his voice to speak truth to young people, hoping to stop others from walking the same path.

We talk about addiction, emotional growth, accountability, and the power of self-forgiveness. Zac’s raw vulnerability is a powerful reminder that while our past may shape us, it doesn’t have to define us.

If you’ve ever believed that it’s too late to change, this conversation will shift something in you.

***

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

Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. 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/.

With thanks to:

Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io)

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

Advertise with Stories of Hope Podcast

Here at Stories of Hope, Kerrie Atherton's mission is to give people a platform to share their stories of hope with the world and we also want to provide the same chance to businesses that are passionate about mental health and want to support the podcast. If you'd like to partner with Stories of Hope and advertise your services on this podcast, send a message to Kerrie@EmpowerLifeSolutions.com.au with your details.

In this incredibly raw and powerful episode, I sit down with Danny Lloyd: a man who has walked through unimaginable pain and turned it into purpose. Danny shares openly about growing up without a father, struggling with addiction, and the devastating loss of his best friend Sarah, whose murder became a pivotal moment in his life.

What struck me most about Danny is his unwavering commitment to healing—not just for himself, but for others. From standing on the edge of self-destruction, to standing on top of Mount Kilimanjaro, scattering Sarah’s ashes and finding his ‘why’, Danny’s journey is one of courage, service, and legacy. He speaks with such conviction about breaking the stigma of addiction, the power of specificity in recovery, and how the world needs to give back with a bit of kindness.

Danny went from being a broken man with a meth addiction to leading one of the most successful non-clinical recovery programs in Australia. He's now pushing even harder to leave a legacy of generosity, support and hope for those who follow in his footsteps.

Thank you, Danny, for your honesty, heart, and unshakable hope.

***

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

Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. 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/.

With thanks to:

Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io)

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support You

If the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.

Book a Session with Kerrie Today

Advertise with Stories of Hope Podcast

Here at Stories of Hope, Kerrie Atherton's mission is to give people a platform to share their stories of hope with the world and we also want to provide the same chance to businesses that are passionate about mental health and want to support the podcast. If you'd like to partner with Stories of Hope and advertise your services on this podcast, send a message to Kerrie@EmpowerLifeSolutions.com.au with your details.