The Hope Matrix: Recent Episodes
Kathryn Goetzke
The Hope Matrix explores the science of hope, stories of people that put hope in practice, and strategies you can use in your life to maintain a hopeful mindset. The host, Kathryn Goetzke, is also the author of The Biggest Little Book About Hope, and Chief Mood Officer at The Mood Factory. Kathryn, along with her team at her nonprofit iFred, also created Hopeful Minds, the first free global program to teach hope as a skill, available for download at www.hopefulminds.org. Check out all the episodes at www.thehopematrix.com
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 education.
This episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast is a testament to the power of hope and the transformative impact of dance in fostering inclusivity and positive change. Tune in for an enriching conversation that will inspire you to embrace diversity and celebrate the joy of movement.
More about Marissa Hamamoto:
Named 1 of 13 People Magazine “Women Changing the World 2021”, Marisa Hamamoto is a stroke survivor living with PTSD, an invisible disability, speaker, dancer, and a proud 4th Generation Japanese American. After feeling like the “other” throughout her life through anti-Asian discrimination, body shaming, rejection as a dancer, sexual assault by a dance teacher, and stroke, Marisa developed deep empathy towards those who are excluded. This eventually led her to find Infinite Flow in 2015. Since 2015, Marisa has led Infinite Flow’s dancers to perform at over 140 events, from school assemblies to corporate events with Apple, Facebook, Red Bull, Porsche, Farmer’s Insurance, International Monetary Fund, Kaiser Permanente, among others. Her videos have been viewed by over 75 Million people on Facebook alone with Sheryl Sandberg and George Takei being amongst the public figures that have shared her work, and she has been featured on NBC Today, ABC Good Morning America, among other media outlets. Marisa and wheelchair dancer Piotr Iwanicki made history becoming the first dancers to perform at Apple’s Steve Jobs Theater with CEO Tim Cook in the audience. She was also a fellow within the Red Bull Amaphiko and Facebook Community Leadership Program and was named 1 of 13 People Magazine Women Changing the World 2021, InStyle Magazine Badass 50 2021, and 1 of 9 women leaders “reimagining sport" for adidas International Women's Day Campaign 2020. Most recently during the 2020 pandemic, Marisa was featured on Marie TV / Marie Forleo Podcast, and along with Infinite Flow, launched Scoops of Inclusion, a 47 min short film celebrating diversity and empowering kids to take an active role in creating a more inclusive world where we each feel we belong. Marisa is a leader, artist, and speaker on the rise looking to empower people through dance and storytelling, to think outside the box, disable bias, build new connections, and create breakthrough innovations.
Check Out Infinite Flow Dance:
https://www.infiniteflowdance.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InfiniteFlowDance/
Instagram: @InfiniteFlowDance
Twitter: @InfiniteFlowOrg
In this episode, podcast host Kathryn Goetzke engages in an inspiring conversation with Bradly Johnson, the Chief Community Officer at Build Inc. They discuss Bradly's personal journey from overcoming bullying and suppressing emotions to becoming a teacher and community leader. Bradly shares insights on self-awareness, empathy, and maintaining a hopeful mindset. He also discusses his vision for empowering young people through the "shine hope" program.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, youth empowerment, and community leadership. Bradly's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of providing support and hope to others. Whether you're a teacher, parent, community leader, or simply someone looking for inspiration, you'll find valuable lessons and motivation in Bradly's story. Don't miss out on this powerful conversation!
Find out more about Bradley Johnson and Build Inc.:
BUILD, Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development, is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, they have worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods.
Their mission is to inspire hope and offer opportunities so youth facing systemic obstacles can achieve positive futures.
Their services reach over 2,500 youth a year helping them build hope, resilience, and a path to a promising future.
Find out more at www.buildchicago.org.
In this episode, host Kathryn Goetzke talks with Dr. Matthew Gallagher, a clinical psychology professor at the University of Houston, about his research on hope and its impact on mental health.
The conversation covers how hope is measured using the Hope Scale, highlighting that it is effective across different groups and can predict mental health outcomes like depression and anxiety. Looking ahead, Dr. Gallagher discusses the future of hope research, including using digital tools to enhance hope and making hope-based therapies more widely available.
Listen to the full episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast.
In this deeply moving episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Host Kathryn Geotzke sits down with Rick Marchetti, a bereaved father who has found a way to rebuild his life after the devastating loss of his daughter. Rick shares his profound journey through grief, emphasizing the importance of Nourishing Networks in the healing process.
From the initial days of despair to discovering a renewed sense of purpose, Rick recounts the pivotal moments that helped him navigate his pain. He highlights how speaking with others who have experienced similar losses provided a vital support network, transforming his sorrow into a powerful catalyst for change.
We delve into Rick's active involvement with organizations like The Compassionate Friends, exploring how he channels his grief into helping others. Rick also discusses the impact of Happiness Habits, like spending time in nature and gardening, on his mental well-being.
This episode is a heartfelt conversation about the enduring strength of the human spirit and the ways we can find hope and meaning even in the darkest times.
Join us for an inspiring discussion that sheds light on the resilience required to overcome profound loss and the importance of cultivating hope in our lives.
In this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, Kathryn Goetzke talks with Will Rucker, a passionate advocate for compassion and hope. Will shares his journey through personal and professional challenges, offering insights into staying positive and resilient.
They discuss the importance of compassion, seeing everyone as complex individuals, and the power of respectful dialogue. Will shares practical tips from the Shine Hope framework for managing stress and boosting happiness, like taking quiet time, creating relaxing spaces, and finding joy in small activities.
Will also highlights the importance of setting goals, building supportive networks, and focusing on what we can change. His message is about giving ourselves and others grace to navigate life's ups and downs.
Tune in for this uplifting conversation and remember that hope and compassion can always guide us through tough times.
Listeners can learn more about Will’s work at:
Winning With Will - https://winningwithwill.com
Compassionate Las Vegas - https://www.compassionatelv.org/
In this episode, podcast host Kathryn Goetzke had an inspiring conversation with Thomas Harris, a US Navy veteran and the Assistant Director of Men’s Guest Services at Nashville Rescue Mission. Thomas is also part of Merging Vets and Players, a transition program for military veterans and former athletes. They discuss the importance of hope, relationships, and community in overcoming challenges and navigating difficult times with intentionality. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by veterans reintegrating into civilian life and the significance of identifying and living in accordance with one's purpose.
Thomas opens up about his struggles with feeling insignificant during childhood, the impact of losing his father to suicide, and the mental health issues faced by veterans. He highlights the need for transparency, supportive communities, and the power of hope to overcome trauma and despair.
Whether you are in the military, an athlete, a parent, or a civilian, you will learn so much from this episode. Don’t miss out!
More about Thomas Harris:
Thomas Harris served in the United States Navy as a Sonar Technician on submarines for 4 years. He has been married for 27 years and has 3 kids, two of which are now adults. He currently works in a homeless ministry in Nashville, TN. He is also a member of Merging Vets and Players, a transition program for military veterans and former athletes. Thomas is passionate about things pertaining to God, family, serving, and storytelling
Check out ‘Just Being Intentional, a podcast hosted by Thomas Harris:
https://www.youtube.com/@JustBeingIntentional
If you haven’t heard, we recently hired Miss Avery Peel to start working on campuses to activate hope. Avery joins me in this episode of The Hope Matrix to share her powerful, transformative Shine Hope Story and how she is taking that story to inspire all the University of Arkansas students on campus.
Tune in to hear insights on managing hopelessness, navigating grief, balancing college life, self-care, nutrition, goal-setting, overcoming obstacles, and finding support. Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation!
Read Avery Peel’s Shine Hope Story here:
https://theshinehopecompany.com/our-team/avery-peel/
Find out more on activating hope on college campus:
https://theshinehopecompany.com/activate/college/
In this episode, podcast host Kathryn Goetzke engages in a profound conversation with Kristi Kandel, the CEO and Founder of I&D Consulting. They discuss the impacts of natural disasters on individuals and communities, focusing on resilience, hope, and the importance of community support. Kristi shares personal experiences of navigating through hurricanes and wildfires, highlighting the emotional turmoil and uncertainty faced during these events. The duo explores challenges and potential solutions for rebuilding, including the use of modular construction and proactive measures for insurance coverage.
Kristi emphasizes the power of small steps, goal setting, and sharing personal experiences to overcome adversity. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster, seeking inspiration for personal growth, or looking for community leadership insights, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and motivation. Don't miss out on this powerful conversation!
Find out more about Kristi Kandel and her work:
Kristi Kandel is the CEO and Founder of I&D Consulting, redefining real estate development by mentoring emerging developers on projects that not only promise financial returns but also add valuable assets to communities. With over 17 years of experience in real estate development and investing, Kristi manages over $100 million in development projects annually and owns a diverse real estate portfolio.
Her community in Fort Myers Beach, FL, was devastated by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Kristi’s team played a crucial role in disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts, providing free resources and guidance to resilient community members. She is developing a disaster recovery framework to assist other communities affected by natural disasters, launching a proof of concept in FMB in 2025.
Connect with Kristi Kandel:
- Restore FMB
- I&D Consulting
- Local Real Estate Developers
In this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, host Kathryn Goetzke talks with Robin Cogan, a Nationally Certified School Nurse entering her 24th year in the Camden City School District of New Jersey. Robin also serves as the New Jersey Director of the National Association of School Nurses.
Robin shares her experiences working during the Covid-19 pandemic and discusses the crucial role of school nurses in promoting resilience, self-care, and hope. Kathryn and Robin talk about the need for mental health support, education, and resources to prevent gun violence and manage feelings of hopelessness. They also explore the challenges school nurses face and the need for solutions and a supportive community.
Robin highlights her efforts during the pandemic, including her blog "The Relentless School Nurse," and her upcoming visit to the White House as part of a group focused on preventing gun violence.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, hope, and the vital role of school nurses in keeping our schools safe, healthy, and hopeful.
About Robin Cogan:
Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN is a Nationally Certified School Nurse, entering her 24th year as a New Jersey school nurse in the Camden City School District. Robin is the New Jersey Director of the National Association of School Nurses. She is proud to be a Johnson & Johnson School Health Leadership Fellow and past program mentor. Robin has been honored by multiple awards for her work in school nursing and population health. She serves as faculty in the School Nurse Certificate Program at Rutgers University-Camden School of Nursing. Robin writes The Relentless School Nurse, a popular blog. Her extensive work in school nursing was included as a case study in the National Academies of Medicine Future of Nursing 2030 report. You can follow Robin on Twitter at @RobinCogan.
Check out Robin Cogan’s Hope Story, and be inspired to write your own!
In this episode host Kathryn Goetzke, sits down with Kamala Poudel, as she shares her journey from being trafficked by her father at the age of five to becoming a global advocate.Kamala talks about how she managed to escape and survive on her own, overcoming immense challenges, including her struggles with mental health and her time in prison. Kamala discovered the Hope Story template through the Hopebeat Weekly newsletter and it inspired her to share her own Shine Hope story, which she shares along with how she used the Shine Hope skills to navigate her challenges.
Find out more about Kamala’s Work:
https://koshish.org.np/
In this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, we sit down with Leslie Weirich, a suicide prevention advocate and the author of "The Gifts of Grief," to explore the journey of grief and hope. Leslie shares her deeply personal experiences with loss, including the tragic loss of her son, and how these experiences have shaped her perspective on life and hope.
We delve into the importance of building resilience in young people, addressing topics such as social media's impact on self-worth and the necessity of allowing children to experience failure.
Leslie's insights offer a profound understanding of grief's intricacies and the transformative power of hope. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons for navigating grief and fostering hope in the face of challenges.
Find out more about Leslie Wierich and her work: https://leslieshope.org
Get a copy of Leslie’s book: https://amzn.to/3xGIWsn
Join us for an inspiring conversation with film producer, entrepreneur, and managing partner of Level 2 Partners LLC, Jonathan Bogner. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of hope on mental well-being and practical ways to foster positivity through Jonathan's incredible story. He has applied the Shine Hope framework to recover from his journey, demonstrating Shine Hope in action.
Kathryn and Jonathan discuss the importance of hope, resilience, and optimism in overcoming personal challenges. Jonathan shares his remarkable recovery journey after a health crisis, emphasizing the need to manage negative emotions like anger and depression. They also highlight the power of personal stories for teaching and learning.
You'll discover how mindset and self-awareness contribute to personal growth, and explore the significance of community and connections in building resilience. Get actionable tips on integrating hope into your life, including strategies for building supportive social networks and managing stress effectively.
Jonathan Bogner is a remarkable individual with a heroic and inspirational life story. He was a successful reality TV and feature film producer and an entrepreneur with multiple businesses www.bognerentertainmentinc.com.In 2008, he suffered heart failure, two massive strokes, and lost the ability to speak (a condition referred to as aphasia).
Jonathan's resilience and determination helped him recover, along with a cardio defibrillator (ICD) implanted in his chest. At a moment's notice, that will SHOCK him back to life, all the while producing reality shows and movies. But the journey didn't stop there, for he had to face another life-altering moment in 2022 when he had a heart transplant. His tenacity and sense of humor carried him through these extraordinary experiences.
Join us as we delve into Jonathan's journey—from its impact on his mental health to his rehabilitation and reinvention—and explore his philosophy on surviving life's challenges with a positive outlook.
Check out his work:
- www.bognerentertainmentinc.com
- www.personalstories.net
Join host Kathryn Goetzke for an inspiring conversation with Damian Wąsowicz, the incredible author behind "The Bicycle Test: Finding Belief, Purpose, and Hope after a Traumatic Brain Injury."
In this deeply moving episode, Damian courageously shares his journey of navigating life after a traumatic brain injury, shedding light on the challenges of rebuilding shattered dreams and reclaiming a sense of self. Through the power of storytelling, Damian unveils the unexpected gift that emerged from his darkest hour: writing.
As Kathryn and Damian delve into the emotional depths of his experience, listeners are invited to witness the profound interplay between trauma, resilience, and the enduring spark of hope. Damian's candid reflections serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that even in our most trying moments, hope keeps us moving forward.
You can find Damian's book here:
https://amzn.to/4aibk2g
**In this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, host Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Elad Talmor, a cognitive behavioral psychologist based in Israel, to discuss his work in empowering and teaching teens about Hope amidst challenging circumstances, like war. Elad shares insights from his experience working with teenagers in Israel, who are grappling with the aftermath of the October service massacre and ongoing tensions in the region.
Through his workshops and counseling sessions, Elad helps these young people cultivate hope by teaching them practical skills to navigate stress and adversity. He emphasizes the importance of personalized goal-setting and resilience-building techniques, highlighting the positive impact it has on the teenagers he works with,
Join Kathryn and Elad as they explore the power of hope in the face of adversity and the transformative potential of empowering youth to create change in their own lives and communities.
Learn about the Hopeful Minds Program at https://hopefulminds.org/****.
Get a copy of the Hopeful Minds Teen Hopeguide: https://theshinehopecompany.com/teen-hopeguide/**
This is a special episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast featuring Zoya Awan, Director of Public Affairs at Walmart. Zoya Awan directs the strategic outreach and engagement strategy for Walmart’s strategic partnerships within multicultural and minority communities including People with Disabilities, Native Americans, and Emerging Generations across communities.
In this episode, Zoya and Kathryn Goetkze had a Chai Chat, and shared the progress of the International Day Of Hope and discussed its significance in promoting mental well-being. They also discussed how to Shine Hope, and why it is important to activate in diverse communities.
This recording was done in partnership with Walmart's #CreateSparks, which is a platform imagined by Walmart to inspire leaders to take action.
Recorded at the Sam’s Club Home Office Studio, we extend our gratitude to Sam’s Club for making this episode possible, along with our appreciation to Zoya and Walmart for their invaluable contributions to activating hope, both within their workplace and on the International Day of Hope.
More about Zoya Awan:
Prior to Zoya’s work at Walmart, Zoya worked at Microsoft in Government Affairs, in the State Department’s office of the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and various non-profits. Zoya has an MBA from Georgetown University and her B.A. in International Affairs and Communication Studies from American University.
Zoya is a proud Pakistani-American Muslim woman and an explorer who loves to travel and explore all things in the world. Zoya is passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless and building partnerships to work across sectors to make an impact in communities. Born and Raised in Long Island, New York a longtime Washingtonian Zoya currently resides with her family in New York.
Discover more about Walmart and Sam's Clubhouse initiatives:
- Walmart: corporate.walmart.com
- Sam's Clubhouse: corporate.walmart.com/about/samsclub/clubhouse
Join the movement and activate hope with the International Day of Hope:
- https://internationaldayofhope.org/
In this episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast, we explore the inspiring journey of Grace Ramirez, a chef, dedicated humanitarian, educator, author, and TV personality.
Chef Grace Ramirez takes us on a captivating journey from her humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in higher education representation with Latina Cuisine. She shares her experiences, highlighting the importance of trust, perseverance, and seizing unexpected opportunities. Emphasizing mentorship, divine inspiration, and inclusivity, Chef Grace reveals how she creates space at the table for others.
Discover Chef Grace's remarkable story of hope, determination, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Through her work, she not only transforms recipes but also lives, empowering individuals to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.
Host Kathryn Goetzke reflects on the significance of Chef Grace's narrative in activating hope and empowering individuals, particularly young Latina women. Tune in to uncover the transformative power of passion, purpose, and unwavering belief in making a positive impact on the world.
Chef Grace was part of the production team behind the first-of-its kind Day of the Dead celebration at Times Square, and was awarded the “Excellence in Philanthropy” recognition at the Grace Awards 2023 by St. Anne’s Corner of Harm Reduction. She was also featured by CherryBombe's 100 most Influential Women in Hospitality, People En Español’s Most Powerful Latina in 2021, recognized as a Covid-19 Hero by the City of New York, and honored by the Puerto Rican Bar Association with the Distinguished Latina Star Award for volunteer efforts with World Central Kitchen.
Find out more about Chef Grace Ramirez: www.chefgraceramirez.com
Get a copy of her Cookbook: https://amzn.to/4d19iFA
Learn more about World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/
Join host Kathryn Goetzke as she explores the profound areas of hope and empathy in this latest episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast.
Joining Kathryn is Dr. Crystal Bryce, the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine and the Director of Research at The Shine Hope Company.
Dr. Crystal Bryce is a distinguished expert in hope, whose insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of hope and empathy.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Bryce masterfully dissects the nuances of empathy, and compassion, and their profound implications across various facets of life. Drawing from her extensive background in empathy training, she highlights the critical importance of self-empathy and navigating the challenges of sustaining empathy, particularly in the demanding landscape of the medical field.
Listeners gain invaluable insights into the significance of normalizing empathy and hope, especially in medical education, where emotional resilience is critical. Dr. Bryce and Kathryn delve into practical strategies for replenishing our "empathy tanks" and nurturing a culture of empathy and hope in our daily lives.
Tune in to The Hope Matrix Podcast for a thought-provoking discourse on empathy, hope, and their transformative potential, featuring the invaluable wisdom of Dr. Crystal Bryce, Ph.D.
Learn more about Dr. Crystal Bryce, Ph.D., and her work:
https://medicine.uttyler.edu/student-affairs/faculty-and-staff/c-bryce/
https://theshinehopecompany.com/our-team/crystal-bryce/
Join host Kathryn Goetzke in a thought-provoking conversation with esteemed psychologist, professor, speaker, and the author of the book ‘Learned Hopefulness’ and ‘The Positivity Effect’, Dr. Dan Tomasulo, as they explore the transformative power of hope in personal growth and societal change.
In this enlightening podcast episode, Dr. Dan Tomasulo draws from his extensive expertise and credentials, including a PhD in psychology, an MFA in writing, and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. As the Academic Director at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, Teachers College, Columbia University, Dr. Tomasulo shares insights gleaned from his work in alleviating depression with positive psychology and hope, inspiring audiences worldwide.
The discussion delves into the role of hope in therapy, where Dr. Tomasulo reveals the surprising finding that a therapist's hope for the patient can be more influential than the patient's hope. They discuss practical strategies for cultivating hope, such as gratitude, forgiveness, and mindfulness, which can empower individuals to face adversity with resilience.
Dr. Tomasulo and Kathryn discuss the broader societal implications of fostering hope, particularly in times of difficulty. They emphasize the teachability of hope and the importance of intentional practice in building resilience and fostering positive change. By sharing insights from his books, Dr. Tomasulo invites listeners to explore practical ways to infuse hope into their lives and contribute to a more hopeful world.
Listeners are encouraged to engage with Dr. Tomasulo's work and incorporate hope-promoting practices into their daily lives, recognizing hope as a powerful force for personal and collective transformation.
More about Dan Tomasulo:
https://www.dantomasulo.com/
Dan Tomasulo’s new book here:
https://amzn.to/3IPIASw
In this compelling episode of the Hope Matrix Podcast, host Kathryn Goetzke sits down with Scarlett Lewis, the inspiring founder of the Choose Love Movement. Scarlett shares her deeply personal journey and the transformative power of choosing love in the face of tragedy.
Scarlett Lewis founded the nonprofit Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement in honor of her son, Jesse, who tragically lost his life during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012.
Scarlett's profound grief led her to become a beacon of hope, turning her pain into purpose by dedicating herself to building a culture of love, resilience, forgiveness, and connection in communities worldwide.
As the Chief Movement Officer of the Choose Love Movement, Scarlett is a passionate advocate for character social-emotional development (CSED) in schools and beyond. She created the Choose Love For Schools program, a comprehensive, no-cost initiative designed to teach children how to respond thoughtfully with love in any situation, using the Choose Love Formula: Courage + Gratitude + Forgiveness + Compassion-in-Action.
Throughout the episode, Scarlett and Kathryn discuss the impact of the Choose Love Movement, which extends far beyond the classroom into homes, communities, athletics, and workplaces. With programs accessible in all 50 states and 120 countries, the Choose Love Movement has reached over 3 million children, empowering them to navigate adversity, engage in courageous conversations, and respond with love.
Listeners will be inspired by Scarlett's resilience and her unwavering commitment to creating positive change in the world. Join Kathryn and Scarlett on the Hope Matrix Podcast as they explore how choosing love can spark a global movement of compassion and kindness.
To learn more about Scarlett Lewis and the Choose Love Movement, visit chooselovemovement.org.
With an undeniable, unique perspective on Hope, this week’s episode of the Hope Matrix features Luis Gallardo. As a true wealth of knowledge and wisdom, Luis provides an enthralling viewpoint on Happiness and Hope.
Luis is a social innovator and entrepreneur with the higher purpose of elevating the vibration of the planet by developing ideas, connecting thought leaders, activists, and communities, and increasing awareness on the science of happiness, holistic education, and smart innovation. For Luis, Happiness is a human right and a life choice, an enabler of human development and social innovation.
In this episode of The Hope Matrix, Luis speaks about his experience with Happiness and Hope. In sharing the importance of contemplation, he gives us an understanding of one of his Stress Skills. He discusses using his Stress Skills and Happiness Habits to remain in a place where Happiness and Hopefulness are abundant, providing insight into staying calm, collected, and in your upstairs brain.
Luis is a true innovator and his philosophical, calm interview on this week’s episode provides great wisdom in approaching the confusion of the world. He and Kathryn talk about different mindsets and states and how to approach these. To hear more about Luis and his perspectives on Hope and Happiness, and hear his advice, view the full episode of this week’s podcast at thehopematrix.com, or on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
To find out more about the World Happiness Foundation, visit: https://worldhappiness.foundation/
To find out more about projects being done by the International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression, visit: https://www.ifred.org/
Given his history, he should be dead. Or incarcerated. He grew up in Las Vegas in a broken family of eight. In a true story of Hopelessness to Hope, Grant Denton is this week’s guest on The Hope Matrix.
Grant Denton burned through jobs. He became addicted to heroin and crystal meth. He married and divorced twice, having two sons. Because of his addiction, he lost his job and his family, intermittently living on the street from 2007 to 2013.
In 2013, Grant was arrested on burglary charges that could have sent him to prison for five to seven years. The judge gave him a choice: enter drug court and rehab or go to prison. On Dec. 28, 2014, Grant used illegal drugs for the last time. He moved to Reno for a sober living fresh start, working in a homeless shelter, for the Downtown Reno Business Improvement District, and in an addiction treatment center, where he formed a crew of community volunteers that lead to the Karma Box Project.
Today, Karma Box has grown from its namesake mission to become an umbrella organization that “partners with homeless people, meeting them where they are,” Grant says.
This partnership ranges from safe restrooms to counselors in emergency rooms, from secure and sanitary tent communities to helping people obtain identification documents so they can access social services on their journey from homelessness.
In this episode of The Hope Matrix, Grant speaks about his unique experience dealing with Hope and Hopelessness. Kathryn and Grant discuss the stress response, skills, and weaknesses when coming out of the stress response, and how one cannot possibly access their higher-order thinking when in a stressful situation. Coming from a place of such extreme Hopelessness, Grant came into a new place where he activates Hope in those same communities from which he came. His work with the Karma Box Project helps to make Reno the first-ever Hopeful City as part of the Hopeful Cities Project.
You can learn more about Hopeful Cities at https://hopefulcities.org/.
On this week’s episode of the Hope Matrix, our host Kathryn Goetzke meets with Craig Kramer and Katharine and Peter Lee-Kramer to explore the importance of hope and hope skills within a family dynamic. Craig Kramer currently serves as the Mental Health Ambassador, and Chair of the Global Campaign on Mental Health, for Johnson and Johnson. He has traveled the world in pursuit of mental health advocacy, programming, and the continued expansion of initiatives focused on spaces that address mental health. Peter, Craig’s son, is currently attending the Doctor of Psychology program at the University of Denver, and has been a vocal advocate for mental health. Katharine, Craig’s daughter, is completing her master’s degree in Social Work while interning at a psychiatric hospital. Katharine also contributed to the Hopeful Minds curriculums.
In Episode 19 of the Hope Matrix, Kathryn and the Lee-Kramer family talk about both their personal and professional experiences with mental health. They speak about how their personal and professional journeys have impacted their ability to become advocates for, be open about, and recognize their own mental health. As the Lee-Kramer family shows in this week’s episode, family connections can be strengthened by recognizing flaws, opening up to each other, and maintaining nonjudgmental relationships. The Lee-Kramer family provides valuable insights into implementing hope skills at the family level, and perfectly show how our relationships and Nourishing Networks can impact our mental health and hope.
You can learn more about Hopeful Minds at https://hopefulminds.org/.
Now, more than ever, one is able to see how important it is to manage hopelessness on the college campus. This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Max Hennessy. Max grew up in Norfolk, Virginia and graduated from UVA’s College of Arts and Science this past August with a degree in Religious Studies. He started his first side hustle at 14 years old, reselling vintage video games throughout high school. Then, he created his first company, Icy Threads LLC, where he drop-shipped movie and TV show jerseys to a niche audience across the US. In 2018, he created TMH Business Solutions, a web design and social media marketing company for small businesses and non-profits, which he is still running today. Now, he is in the process of getting his real estate license and wrapping up his first manuscript for Ad Infinitum, which will be released next year with New Degree Press.
In Episode 18 of the Hope Matrix, Kathryn and Max delve into how Max utilizes his own Stress Skills and Nourishing Networks to SHINE. He additionally speaks on his own experiences with mental health, managing his mindset, and how his transition to college was supported in different ways. He expresses his thoughts on finding ways to start goals, especially when it comes to being in the moment.
Max and Kathryn delve into how different relationships and resources provide support to those who are feeling despair or helplessness, the two components of hopelessness. Max also speaks on how gratitude has allowed him to realize the importance of always reaching out, and being kind and generous to everyone.
Max provides insights on how important it is to have support and resources for hopelessness for students on the college campus. If you are interested in connecting with him about mental health, business projects or anything else, Max can be contacted at https://www.tmh.business/pages/contact-us .
You can learn more about Hopeful Mindsets on the College Campus at https://hopefulmindsets.com/college-campus/
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Malia Pruyn. Malia has had her own struggles with mental health throughout high school and leading into college. She is the Panhellenic President at the University of Nevada, Reno, and is greatly involved in her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. She worked for Crisis Support Services of Nevada to help populations in crisis. However, she left to find a role that would allow for preventative mental healthcare, and now works with iFred helping to facilitate Hopeful Mindsets on the College Campus. To her, the keys to mental healthcare are the preventative tools that Hope teaches.
In Episode 17 of the Hope Matrix, Kathryn and Malia delve into how they have used and seen hope in their communities. Malia discusses how she has seen it affect life and community on the college campus. In response, Kathryn and Malia talk about the importance of having support and lessons that teach hope skills on college campuses. Knowing the resources available to each college student, how to connect with peers, and having these hope skills in your toolbox are the keys to eliminating challenges to a hopeful mindset. Malia also discusses her own tactics and skills that she uses to maintain a hopeful mindset.
You can learn more about Hopeful Mindsets on the College Campus at https://hopefulmindsets.com/college-campus/
The Hope Matrix can be streamed through:
Website - www.thehopematrix.com
Apple Podcast - https://apple.co/2T6WbLo
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3dF61h9
Youtube - https://bit.ly/2IFM524
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This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Matthew Jackman. Matthew lives with Bipolar Affective Disorder and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (defined by DSM/Psychiatry), is a sibling caregiver to his younger brother and sister who live with enduring psychosocial diverse abilities, and has lost his mother to suicide, and consequently his grandparents due to stigma. His experiences of distress and service use drive his passion for global social change in mental health. He is a global mental health advocate promoting human rights, social justice and lived experience as an academic science from public health and MAD STUDIES disciplines. You can learn more about Matthew below.
In Episode 16 of the Hope Matrix, Kathryn and Matt discuss their journey from hopelessness towards cultivating communities of hope, support, and compassion. They examine the different ways of understanding suffering and vulnerability as sites of knowledge production on the self. Matthew describes the MAD Movement, which challenges the epistemological primacy of biomedicine in representing and informing global mental health.
Through the Australian Centre for Lived Experience (TACFLE), Matthew aims to expand the literacy around mental health to include and prioritize lived experience as a vital source of knowledge. Overall, Kathryn and Matthew remark on the hope found by holding space for others and by participating in a community motivated towards change and support.
More about Matthew
Matthew qualified in Social Work undertaking counseling, case management, group therapy, community development, social research, social policy, and personal/systems-level advocacy across diverse intersectionalities. Matthew's advocacy and research reflect alternatives to biological approaches to wellbeing. He mobilizes MAD STUDIES as the scientific foundation for peer/lived experience work in mental health. Matthew represented the Western Pacific Region on the Global Mental Health Peer Network and was a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum. He has represented lived experience perspectives on the National Advisory Panel (mental health) for the Australian Association of Social Workers. Matthew is a Global Lived Experience Ambassador for Generation Mental Health. He consults the World Health Organisation in mental health. Matthew is trained internationally in certified peer specialist practice and is a visiting scholar in Psychiatry at Yale PRCH.
Matthew’s vision is to utilize personal power and privilege and mobilize vulnerabilities as strength and resilience, to make space for those with less power. Through giving voice to those silenced in achieving an equitable world justice is strived toward. Matthew instructs Mad Studies co-designing/producing a lived experience-focused critical mental health unit in Social Work. Matthew is proudly Mad, Neurodiverse, and Queer, utilizing his intersectional experiences of oppression and privilege in systemic advocacy.
You can learn more about Matthew by visiting:
https://hopefulminds.org/matthew-jackman/
https://globalhealth.harvard.edu/lived-experience-profile-matthew-jackman/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-jackman-he-him-57b28951/
More About The Australian Centre for Lived Experience (TACFLE)
TACFLE is an institute for lived experience leadership in global mental health. The Center was founded to challenge the industrial complex around the biomedicalization of human suffering and establish a discipline of lived knowledge for global mental health care.
Website: www.tacfle.com
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Abbey Johnson. Abbey is the Founder of Live Without Apologies, LLC. She is a child of God, a daughter, sister, friend, Naija, a Mental Health Advocate, passionate public servant and so much more. She created Live Without Apologies to inspire everyone to—“Live life unapologetically on YOUR terms, without judgment or validation from others. She had the idea for Live Without Apologies for over five years, however perfection paralysis prevented her from acting on it. Everything changed in October 2020. Abbey quit her dream job after battling depression, anxiety and feeling a lost sense of identity. Quitting was her freedom. When Abbey quit, she was ashamed and felt guilty, but she gave herself grace to step into the uncertainty of not knowing what came next. She was unemployed for four months. That period of stillness, reflection and listening to God allowed Abbey to rest, re-center, and rediscover her own voice, passions and aspirations. With that said, Live Without Apologies was birthed.
In Episode 15 of the Hope Matrix, Kathryn and Abbey discuss how life experiences, such as breakups, loss of identify, new jobs, and the pandemic can impact both hope levels and your hope journey. Abbey shares how navigating the intersectionalities of her own identity, including race and gender (as a Black Woman), culture (Nigerian-American), generational stereotypes & lived experience (Millennial), and personality (self-proclaimed introvert), helped her to return to a hopeful mindset. She also expands on how grace, living unapologetically, and God all helped her find herself and her hope in times of helplessness and despair (the two ingredients of hopelessness). Kathryn and Abbey also examine how the mental health movement differs in various countries around the world, and debate how we can continue to make mental health a global priority in the wake of COVID-19.
More About Live Without Apologies:
Live Without Apologies is more than a t-shirt brand. We promote a mindset shift. We are a lifestyle/education/advocacy brand that is working hard to encourage everyone to live life unapologetically, AND we are super passionate about raising awareness about the current “epidemic within a pandemic”—the mental health crisis globally!
Website:
https://www.livewithoutapologies.com
https://linktr.ee/Abbey_Perelador
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Charlene Sunkel. Charlene was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1991 and her journey since then has exposed her to the challenges experienced by persons with mental disorders within and outside of the mental health sector. This encouraged her to commit herself to fighting the cause for mental health and human rights. She has worked in the field since 2003. Charlene is the Founder/CEO of the Global Mental Health Peer Network (www.gmhpn.org). She serves on a number of international boards and committees. She previously served on the South African Presidential Working Group on Disability and Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health. Charlene is the former Principal Coordinator for the Movement for Global Mental Health.
In Episode 14 of the Hope Matrix, Kathryn and Charlene examine their lived experience of mental health and the unique hope skills that each person develops to manage their stress response and maintain a hopeful mindset. Charlene delves into her own schizophrenia diagnosis, and discusses the hopelessness, stigmas, and obstacles that she has worked to overcome since 1991.
Kathryn and Charlene then step back to explore mental health on a global scale. They highlight how people with mental disorders are treated in different countries, and Charlene presents the work the Global Mental Health Peer Network is doing to remove stigmas and provide support for people around the world.
You can learn more about the Global Mental Health Peer Network at www.gmhpn.org.
More About Charlene:
Charlene has written and produced theatre plays on life stories of persons living with mental disorders (including one on her life with schizophrenia), and written and produced a short feature film based on the storylines of the theatre plays – to raise public awareness. Charlene had been involved in the review/ drafting of various policies and legislation in South Africa and provided technical assistance to national and international mental health related reports and documents. She annually guest lectures at the Stellenbosch University in South Africa and the Indian Law College's International Diploma on Mental Health, Human Rights and Law in Pune in India.
She has published widely on issues related to mental health and human rights, stigma and the needs of people with mental illness in low- and middle-income countries, and she served as a Commissioner on the Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development and on the WPA-Lancet Psychiatry Commission on the Future of Psychiatry. She currently is co-editor of the Lancet Commission on Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination, and a Commissioner on the Lancet Commission on Psychosis.
She received a number of national and international awards for her work.
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Dr. Zachary Burton. Zack co-founded and leads The Manic Monologues, a play and film honoring true stories of mental health and illness to disrupt stigma. The Manic Monologues has drawn accolades from NPR, The Washington Post, Broadway World, Modern Healthcare, and others, and in just a few days, will see a unique pandemic-era virtual premiere with full Broadway and Hollywood cast.
In Episode 13 of the Hope Matrix, Kathryn and Zack address the stigma and feelings of hopelessness sometimes associated with mental health conditions. Zack opens up about living with bipolar disorder, and they discuss the hope tools that they both use to minimize triggers, manage their stress responses, and stay in their upstairs brains.
Zack also shares the motivation and inspiration behind The Manic Monologues. Created by Zack following his own psychotic break in 2017, The Manic Monologues uses twenty stories to represent the diverse experiences of living with mental health conditions, and strives to find stories of hope amidst the obstacles. The Manic Monologues can be viewed for free, virtually on February 18th.
To watch The Manic Monologues, visit https://www.mccarter.org/manicmonologues
More About Zack:
Zack earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University and A.B. from Bowdoin College, and lives with bipolar disorder. He is Board Member to the Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, Advisory Committee Member to Generation Mental Health, and a founding Board Director to the Coalition for Action for Preventive Mental Health in Kenya. He is a past Advisory Council Member to Bring Change to Mind, and is a Stability Leader with The Stability Network. As Managing Editor of the nonprofit The Better Because Collective, he helps individuals publish stories of post-traumatic growth, while his own work has been published by International Bipolar Foundation, Devex, United Nations, The Wall Street Journal, and numerous scientific journals. He has been invited to speak for TEDx, California Hospital Association, Stanford School of Medicine, Project Happiness, the U.S. Department of State, and others.
You can follow Zack and The Manic Monologues on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The Hope Matrix can be streamed through:
Website - www.thehopematrix.com
Apple Podcast - https://apple.co/2T6WbLo
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3dF61h9
Youtube - https://bit.ly/2IFM524
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @ifredorg
www.ifred.org
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Luis Gallardo. Luis is a social innovator and entrepreneur who is dedicated to increasing awareness on the science of happiness, holistic education, and smart innovation. Luis is the Founder of World Happiness Fest, author of The Exponentials of Happiness, and the President of the World Happiness Foundation.
In Episode 12 of the Hope Matrix, Kathryn and Luis explore the connection between happiness and hope. Luis explains how eastern wisdom and western science are giving a holistic solution to hopelessness, and explores the many ways we can manage our stress response and return to a hopeful, happy mindset. Kathryn and Luis additionally discuss the power of contemplation and meditation, and the benefits that these acts of active surrender have on our wellbeing.
For more information about understanding suffering, happiness, and hope, you can see Kathryn and Luis at the virtual World Happiness Event, March 18-23, 2021.
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Shamash Alidina. Shamash has been practicing mindfulness since 1998 and runs an international mindfulness teacher training organization. He is the international bestselling author of Mindfulness for Dummies, The Mindful Way through Stress and 7 other books. He’s currently also passionate about offering daily live meditation classes and creating a friendly mindful community, and has been offering a mindfulness class every day for the last 200 days through the pandemic (7.30am UK time).
Mindfulness, or the act of being present, is an important hope skill that can increase happiness and decrease stress and anxiety. In Episode 11 of the Hope Matrix, Kathryn and Shamash delve into the importance of mindfulness. With the Five Keys to Hope as their guide, Kathryn and Shamash examine how the components of mindfulness- kindness, curiosity, acceptance, and stepping back to view the larger picture- can dramatically affect hope, happiness, and health. Shamash even puts his words into action by taking listeners on a two-minute introductory mindfulness session.
For more information on the Five Keys to Hope, visit https://hopefulcities.org/. To learn more about mindfulness and Shamash’s books and courses, visit https://www.shamashalidina.com/ and https://linktr.ee/shamashalidina.
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Tarun Galagali. Tarun is a Mental Health Advocate and the Director of Business Strategy & Operations at Talkspace. He is currently heading the Talkspace and Hopeful Cities initiative in Reno, which is providing free, unlimited messaging therapy to all Reno residents.
Talkspace was founded eight years ago with the goal to provide more people with convenient access to licensed therapists around the clock. Talkspace works with a user’s schedule (and social distancing procedures) by providing users with unlimited access to therapists via text message, audio message, and online text-based chat room. The Talkspace App also provides additional therapy, mental health, and wellness resources for users.
In this week’s episode, Tarun and Kathryn discuss the resources offered at Talkspace, and analyze the negative reputation sometimes associated with therapy. Tarun and Kathryn open up about their own mental health journeys, and reveal the benefits that you can gain from having a therapist at your disposal.
For more information about Talkspace and the Hopeful Cities campaign, visit https://www.talkspace.com/reno and https://hopefulcities.org/. If you are an employer or city official interested in providing Talkspace services for your employees or residents, visit https://www.talkspace.com/reno or contact Tarun at Tarun.galagali@talkspace.com.
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Lian Zeitz, Co-Founder and Global Director of Love and Compassion for Youth RISE, a company mobilizing youth to be engaged in full spectrum harm reduction and drug policy reform to promote health and human rights. Lian has also worked as the Director of Youth Engagement and Advocacy for Cities RISE.
In this week’s episode, Kathryn and Lian explore the complex relationship between hope and spirituality, and examine the importance of spirituality in adolescent mental health. Lian shares his own journey as a “mental health groupie,” and explains how his experiences within the system sparked a lifelong passion for global mental health advocacy.
To learn more about Lian’s work, visit Youth RISE and Cities RISE.
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Neli Vazquez Rowland. Neli is the Co-Founder and President of A Safe Haven (ASH), an award-winning vertically integrated social and economic development model that rebuilds the lives of individuals impacted by poverty, substance abuse, prison reentry, and homelessness. The ASH model uses a holistic, integrated, and individualized multi-disciplinary approach to offer addiction treatment, education, healthcare, job training/placement, and supportive and affordable housing development. ASH has served over 10,000 people since 1994, and is currently serving over 5,000 individuals each year.
In this week’s episode, Kathryn and Neli discuss the effect of the pandemic-related lockdowns and layoffs on American homelessness. They examine the helplessness and despair (the two ingredients of hopelessness) that many Americans experience when facing the homelessness issue, and review the hope tools, such as Stress Skills, that we can use to return to a hopeful, critical-thinking mindset. Neli also presents inspired actions that we can take to help address the root cause of homelessness.
To learn more about Neli’s work, visit https://www.asafehaven.org/ and http://nelivr.com/.
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Dr. Raouf Gharbo, DO. Dr. Gharbo is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist, and HRV Subject Matter Expert for pragmatic solutions. He has over 20 years of experience using hope methodologies to address chronic pain.
In this week’s episode, Kathryn and Dr. Gharbo discuss the benefit of using hope skills to help foster resilience against the pain, hopelessness, and fatigue associated with chronic pain. Dr. Gharbo shares how Stress Skills, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, can help people with chronic pain release the energy associated with their worries about the future and focus on maintaining a trusting and hopeful mindset. He also addresses how Happy Habits, such as purpose and passion, can positively impact long term health, happiness, and physical success.
To learn more about Dr. Gharbo’s research, you can visit his ANShealth Biography, or read his published studies here: Autonomic Rehabilitation: Adapting to Change, Untangling Chronic Pain and Hyperarousal with Heart Rate Variability: A Case Report, and HRV Biofeedback in Pain Patients (HRVB-PP).
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Taylor Steed. Taylor is the author of the Hopeful Minds Overview and Hopeful Minds Deep Dive Educator Guides, as well as many of the Hopeful Minds and iFred resources for parents, educators, and children.
In this week’s episode, Taylor and Kathryn discuss the importance of hope in the classroom, and how Hopeful Minds is striving to make hope “cool” for kids. They reflect on their favorite aspects of the new curriculums, and reveal how current events have inspired them to make the curriculums classroom or remote-learning adaptive.
For more information about the Hopeful Minds curriculums or to download them for free, visit www.hopefulminds.org.
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Sandy Marshall. Sandy is the founder, CEO, and visionary of Project Scientist, a national nonprofit that turns girls age 4 to 12 onto science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). She is passionate about igniting girls’ confidence that a STEM career is obtainable for any girl.
In the nine years since it was created, Project Scientist has served more than 10,000 girls. More than half have attended the Project Scientist summer STEM camps on scholarship, representing low-income households near college campuses. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Project Scientist has also offered virtual STEM camps nationwide.
In this week’s episode, Sandy and Kathryn discuss how to use hope tools to inspire young girls to aspire to careers in STEM. From the importance of role models and support networks, to understanding how to handle failure, to using negative emotions to energize positive feelings and inspired actions, Kathryn and Sandy chat about the complex obstacles that young women in STEM face from an early age, and identify how a hopeful mindset can help women overcome them.
For more information about Project Scientist or to donate to the Project Scientist scholarship fund, visit https://projectscientist.org. For more resources for young girls interested in STEM careers, visit https://pbskids.org/scigirls/ or https://www.youtube.com/user/ProjectScientist/featured.
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Jamie Kelly, Strategic Advisor and Vice President Omnichannel for Isomr Group. Jamie is a mom of two brilliant, dyslexic children (Landon and Camryn), and a founder of Support Dyslexia. In addition to her successful career in retail merchandising, product content development, and digital shelf management, she has dedicated her life to raising awareness about dyslexia, and helping parents, educators, and children connect with dyslexia resources.
In this week’s episode, Jamie and Kathryn discuss the challenges that children with dyslexia face, and how these hardships can lead to helplessness and despair. Jamie provides valuable insight into the creative outlets that students with dyslexia can use to remain hopeful, and the skills that children and parents can focus on to help them achieve their dreams.
For more information on resources for children with dyslexia, visit www.supportdyslexia.org, www.madebydyslexia.org, www.childmindinstitute.org, and www.accesslearningacademy.com.
This week’s special guest on the Hope Matrix is Mandy Bird. Mandy has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for almost 30 years, delivering hope and heart-centered therapy for individuals, couples, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. In light of current events, Mandy offers both in person and virtual therapy sessions. Mandy is also the host of the podcast Finding Hope, where guests share stories of loss, growth, joy, and leadership.
In this week’s episode, Mandy and Kathryn discuss grief, and the importance of bringing dignity back to the process of grieving. Mandy provides valuable insights into the importance of delving into the feelings associated with your grief, finding a positive support network, and embracing the things you learn about yourself during the grieving process. Kathryn and Mandy share their own stories, and discuss how hope can help lead us through our grief and into a more positive mindset on the other side.
For more information about the important work that Mandy is doing, visit www.mandybird.com and listen to Finding Hope at https://findinghopepodcast.com/.
This week's episode of the Hope Matrix follows Martin Rafferty, Executive Director of Youth Era, as he discusses how youth are stepping up and creating change during these challenging times.
Martin Rafferty is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Youth Era, a national non-profit that is revolutionizing how we view youth engagement. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center highlighted Martin Rafferty as one of eight global changemakers. He was awarded the "2010 Oregon Mental Health Award of Excellence," "Advocate of the Year" by the Oregon Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2013, and was named one of the "20 Under 40 Rising Business Stars" in 2018. Most recently, Martin was awarded the "2020 Henry J. Grass MD Access Award" by the Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association.
Perhaps his most remarkable achievement is the creation of Youth Era, which came out of the chaos of Rafferty's childhood. At the age of 12, Rafferty came home to find a note on the door from his mother that read, "This isn't your home anymore." Finding himself homeless with nowhere to go, he sheltered in a wooded area next to a freeway near his former home. This wasn't Martin's first brush with trauma - the place Rafferty had once called home was one marked by domestic violence, abuse, and neglect. Homelessness exasperated the difficulties he was already facing. However, by 22, his life had dramatically changed; not only had he been adopted and moved across the country, he also launched Youth MOVE Oregon (the predecessor of Youth Era) based on his own experience accessing services as a homeless/foster youth.
Rafferty and his team at Youth Era have taken their experience nationwide to provide technical assistance and training to over 26,000 people in 24 states. They specialize in training in the areas of peer support, positive youth development, prevention, and postvention for crises, including youth suicide and school shootings.
www.youthera.org
www.youthempowerment.com
www.upliftpeers.com
Episode 2 of The Hope Matrix can be streamed through:
Website - www.thehopematrix.com
Apple Podcast - https://apple.co/2T6WbLo
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3dF61h9
Youtube - https://bit.ly/2IFM524
Matthew W. Gallagher, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Texas Institute of Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics at the University of Houston. He has studied the impact of hope on all life outcomes, and is currently researching how to assess and promote hope across individuals of all backgrounds. In this episode, Kathryn and Matthew discuss the importance of hope in the context of current events, and examine how an education in hope skills at an early age can positively influence future successes.
See more in Matthew's bio: https://www.uh.edu/class/psychology/about/people/matthew-gallagher/