The Hope-Makers: Finding Light in Life's Darkest Moments
When life knocks you down, how do you find the strength to rise again? The Hopemakers Podcast brings you extraordinary stories from ordinary people who've discovered hope in the most challenging circumstances imaginable.
Join psychologist and coach Dr Erica Bowen as she sits down with inspiring individuals who've transformed their deepest struggles into powerful sources of hope. From sexual assault survivors who rebuilt their lives, to caregivers who found balance while supporting loved ones with terminal illness, to parents navigating the complexities of special needs – each episode reveals the raw, honest journey from despair to possibility.
What makes The Hope-Makers unique is its blend of personal storytelling, practical wisdom, and actionable strategies. You'll hear from a former lawyer who overcame burnout to help others find serenity, an autism advocate who conquered years of bullying through physical transformation, and a mother who turned the loss of her teenage daughter into a mission of healing others. These aren't just success stories – they're roadmaps for anyone seeking hope in their own life.
Each conversation uncovers specific techniques guests used to rebuild their lives: from morning writing practices and mindfulness techniques to radical self-acceptance and community building. Whether you're facing personal crisis, supporting someone through difficult times, or simply seeking inspiration for life's everyday challenges, The Hope-Makers offers both comfort and concrete tools for creating hope.
Hope isn't just an emotion – it's a skill that can be learned, practiced, and shared. Through intimate conversations that balance vulnerability with practical guidance, The Hope-Makers Podcast proves that no matter how dark the night, dawn is always possible.
Subscribe to The Hope-Makers wherever you listen to podcasts, and discover your own path to hope.
The Hope-Makers: Finding Light in Life's Darkest Moments
Episode 2: Breaking the Sabotage Cycle - From Workaholic to Balanced Entrepreneur
After 17 years of building a successful hospitality business, Michelle Delport realized she had achieved everything she thought she wanted – except happiness. In this revealing episode, Michelle shares her journey from burned-out perfectionist to balanced women's empowerment coach, helping female entrepreneurs overcome the same self-sabotage patterns that nearly destroyed her.
Working 80+ hours a week, struggling with unhealthy relationships, and finding solace at the bottom of a bottle, Michelle had to confront a hard truth: success in one area of life means nothing if everything else is falling apart. Her wake-up call came when she questioned why she became an entrepreneur in the first place – was it to work herself into an early grave, or to actually enjoy the journey?
Through candid self-reflection and the development of practical tools, Michelle transformed her approach to success, finally achieving the work-life balance that had eluded her for decades. Now she helps other strong female entrepreneurs recognize their worth beyond their business achievements.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- Why traditional definitions of success can lead to self-destructive behaviors
- The importance of nurturing self-concept and accepting compliments without deflection
- How keeping a daily "success journal" can rewire negative thought patterns
- Why meditation and mindfulness are essential tools for sustainable entrepreneurship
- The power of measuring where you are versus where you want to be
Michelle's transformation from feeling unworthy of self-care to practicing it guilt-free offers hope to any entrepreneur who's lost themselves in their business. Her message is clear: true success comes when you're empowered in all aspects of life, not just your career.
Essential listening for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone caught in the cycle of perfectionism and overwork.