HopeMakers: Disrupting the legacy of trauma.
Trauma doesn't just harm those who experience it directly—it ripples outward, shaping behaviours, fuelling violence, and creating new victims. But what if we could interrupt that cycle?
In season one of Hopemakers, we celebrated the extraordinary resilience of individuals who transformed their trauma and adversity into purpose—powerful stories of survival, healing, and hope that proved change is possible.
Now, in season two (coming in 2026) we're expanding our mission. Hosted by Dr Erica Bowen, a registered practitioner forensic psychologist, chartered coaching psychologist, somatic trauma-informed coach and trauma-informed practice consultant, Hopemakers now bridges the personal with the systemic, bringing together three vital perspectives: the lived experiences of survivors who've broken cycles of harm, the cutting-edge research of academics working to reduce violent crime perpetration, and the practical insights of those pioneering trauma-informed approaches in communities and organisations.
Through a somatic lens—understanding how trauma lives in our bodies and shapes our actions—we examine both sides of trauma's devastating cycle: how it wounds us, and how unhealed trauma can lead to harm. Each conversation explores the profound connections between individual healing and violence prevention, offering evidence-based insights alongside deeply human stories.
This isn't just another podcast about trauma recovery. It's about understanding that healing personal wounds and preventing collective harm are two sides of the same coin. By disrupting trauma's legacy at every level—individual, systemic, and intergenerational—we create safer, more compassionate communities for everyone.
Whether you're here for the transformative survivor stories that launched season one, or you're ready to explore the research and practice that can prevent violence before it happens, Hopemakers offers thought leadership, evidence, and above all, hope that change is possible.
Because when we stop trauma in its tracks, we don't just heal individuals—we transform entire legacies.
Subscribe to HopeMakers wherever you listen to podcasts, and discover your own path to hope.
HopeMakers: Disrupting the legacy of trauma.
Episode 6: Staying in Your Power: 20 Years of Caregiving Without Losing Hope with Miriam Boldewijn
In this moving episode of the Hope-Makers podcast, Meriam Boldewijn shares her powerful 20-year journey as a caregiver for both her husband and brother. Born in Suriname and now living in the Netherlands, Meriam opens up about the challenges, breakthroughs, and hope she discovered through her caregiving experience.
Meriam details how her husband underwent dialysis, a kidney-pancreas transplant, and multiple surgeries, while her brother suffered a severe stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. Throughout these intense caregiving demands, Meriam initially believed she needed to be a "superhero," refusing help until she experienced complete burnout.
The turning point came during a meeting with a social worker who simply asked, "How are you doing?" - a question that led to fifteen minutes of unexpected tears and the realization that she needed to prioritize self-care. Meriam shares how she took the difficult but necessary step of traveling to her home country for a week of respite while her husband was recovering in the hospital.
Through her experiences, Meriam discovered techniques to stay in her power as a caregiver, including meditation, setting boundaries, asking for help, and maintaining hope even in the darkest moments. She explains how she recently closed her successful plus-size clothing business to pursue her true calling - creating a six-week online program to help other caregivers maintain their power and well-being.
The episode concludes with Meriam's three recommendations for bringing more hope into life: writing for three minutes every morning to generate ideas, never thinking you're too old to start something new (she's 50 and launching a business), and never losing hope, even in the most challenging circumstances.
This inspiring conversation highlights the often-overlooked struggles of caregivers while providing practical wisdom for anyone facing difficult life circumstances.