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 physical well-being, and how she manages stress through proactive self-care. They also discuss Allison’s short film THIRTEEN, inspired by her family’s experience navigating tradition and disability, and her incredible journey of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about resilience, Hope, and using storytelling to drive social change.

Find out more: https://birdmine.com/

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 compassionate cities in fostering change, and how setting personal non-negotiables can help maintain a positive mindset. Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation on hope, healing, and making a lasting impact in the lives of others.

Find out more about Christina’s work: https://stjudesranch.org/

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, Kathryn and Elad highlight practical strategies to navigate mental health struggles, emphasizing the power of hope in transforming lives.

More about Elad Talmor

Elad Talmor is a dedicated educator and mental health advocate working closely with youth in Israel. With a passion for fostering resilience, he helps teenagers navigate mental health challenges through hope-based strategies, self-awareness, and meaningful goal-setting. Elad has been instrumental in guiding young individuals toward personal growth, self-acceptance, and emotional well-being.

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 valuable insights for anyone facing life’s uncertainties. Join us for a heartfelt conversation on the power of self-care and human connection.

More about Michelle Cooper:

After a 33-year career in the Chemical and High-Tech industries, Michelle exited corporate America to embrace her purpose of helping others go further faster and achieve their full potential. Her new firm, The Mapp Co provides professional coaching services for all. This new work is aligned with her values of authenticity, gratitude, inclusive leadership and sharing her wisdom.

Michelle started her career as a Polymer Chemical Engineer at Eastman Chemical company traveling the globe providing technical service. After 9 years and multiple assignments both technical and in the business, Michelle moved to Applied Materials.

A results-driven collaborator, she spent her career at Applied Materials working in and/or leading virtually every operations function: supply chain, planning, and manufacturing across multiple business units. While leading a large manufacturing organization she obtained her MBA. Michelle left Applied in 2013 and returned in 2016 to lead the largest business segment through an ERP Software change. Following on she created and led the Central Operations organization with a continuous improvement vision.

While away she joined SunPower Corporation as Vice President of Supply Chain managing indirect and direct supply chains, developing global planning, briefly leading Logistics, and creating a Sales and Operations Planning process from scratch. Michelle won awards for her work.

Michelle closed her career at Applied as Vice President of Culture of Inclusion. Under her leadership, Applied has set forth the strategy and momentum in building a connected and courageous culture that is inclusive for all. She developed a strong team and influenced so many who are leading inclusively – engaging everyone across the enterprise.

Throughout her career she amplified diverse voices and spent significant time coaching executives, employees and teams. She was the founding president for Applied’s first Women’s Professional Development Network and continued her involvement in Employee Resource Groups throughout her career.

Find out more at https://themappco.com/.

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 mental health issues, an event that profoundly impacted his own well-being. Adam discusses the emotional toll of trauma, his battles with major depressive disorder, PTSD, and dissociation, as well as his struggles with unhealthy coping mechanisms. Through therapy, self-care, and an unwavering commitment to healing, he found a way forward—and now advocates for mental health awareness in first responders and beyond.

This episode is a candid and heartfelt conversation on the importance of seeking help, breaking the stigma around mental health, and Shining Hope even in the darkest moments.

More about Adam Meyers:

Adam Meyers is a police captain and mental health advocate dedicated to supporting first responders and those struggling with trauma. With over two decades in law enforcement, he has firsthand experience with the emotional challenges of the job and is passionate about normalizing conversations around mental health.

Find out more: https://stopthethreatstopthestigma.org/

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 her achievements in running marathons, triathlons, and a century bike ride despite setbacks like a car accident and heart condition. Rayne and Kathryn discuss goal-setting strategies, the impact of healthy habits like exercise and time in nature, and reframing grief as an expression of deep love.

They also delve into breaking free from negative thought patterns, the role of a supportive network, and the importance of hope in mental health and suicide prevention. Rayne shares her experiences witnessing loved ones struggle with hopelessness, as well as her own journey, and how therapy and connection helped with healing.

With candid stories and actionable insights, this episode is a testament to the power of resilience, connection, and hope in navigating life’s difficulties.

More about Rayne Clarkson:

Rayne Clarkson is a storyteller, adventurer, and advocate for the power of human connection in overcoming life’s challenges. Based in Austin, Texas, and the youngest of six sisters, she learned early on that connection is where hope grows. After discovering a hole in her heart earlier this year, Rayne chose to embrace the mountains and valleys of life with courage and hope. Her journey has taken her around the globe, running a full marathon, completing a century bike ride, skydiving, and even taking on challenges like Dry 2024.

Rayne’s “Stranger Journey,” documented through her Instagram project RayneChats, began as a tribute to her Mema. While navigating grief, she honored her Mema’s remarkable ability to connect with others, which remains one of her favorite qualities. Through this project, Rayne amplifies hope by sharing the unique and inspiring stories of others, embodying her belief that meaningful connections restore faith, inspire resilience, and counter hopelessness.

With six years of experience in the semiconductor industry and an MBA in finance, Rayne combines professional expertise with a passion for growth and connection. Her story is a testament to the profound strength that comes from human connection and the courage to take on life’s challenges head-on. Whether through her adventures, her professional achievements, or her commitment to amplifying hope, Rayne inspires others to embrace life’s possibilities and find light even in the darkest moments.

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 power of hope, self-acceptance, and community in transforming challenges into strength. The episode also dives into Lawanda’s passion for performing, her advocacy for mental health, and her ongoing mission to inspire others by living authentically.

As a critical takeaway, the episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused, you can report it anonymously. To find your local Child Protective Services (CPS) contact information, visit Child Welfare Information Gateway. By speaking up, you can help protect children and bring hope to their futures.

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 navigating life's challenges. Christopher opens up about his work in mentoring at-risk youth, his role in Mayor Brandon Johnson's faith initiatives, and his personal connection to Reverend Jesse Jackson’s call to "Keep Hope Alive." They also explore the role of hope in mental and physical health, the power of positive thinking, and the need for seeking support during difficult times.

This episode is a testament to the transformative power of hope, reminding us all that no matter the challenges we face, we can rise above them and inspire change in our communities.

About Chris Hodges:

Christopher Hodges is currently the Policy Analyst at the Office of the Mayor in Chicago.

Christopher Hodges was born and raised in Chicago, IL to Pastor Jeffrey D. and Evangelist Virgie M. Hodges.

Christopher’s employment began with the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office. Where he served for the past 15 years in the capacity of Assistant Chief Deputy Clerk. He currently serves as the Policy Analyst for the City of Chicago.

Christopher is most famous for his work in the political movement with Faith Leaders across Cook County. He served on serval campaigns such as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Marianna Spyropoulis Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Christopher has been a motivational speaker and a mentor for over 16 years. While being a mentor, he has become very active in his community and church.

He also served as a music choir director and add to Reverend Jesse Jackson and Rainbow Push Coalition. This environment has fired up his passion for community activism. Since his partnership with Rev. Jackson, he has participated in various protests, jail ministry and various community outreach events.