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.
Episodes
Episode 13: Intentional Optimism: From Food Addiction to Faith-Based Hope and Women's Leadership with Andrea Johnson
Episode 12: From Crystal Meth to Hope: Choosing What to Do With Your Feelings with Archie Messersmith-Bunting
Episode 11: Quantum Leap: From Corporate Comfort Zone to Transformational Purpose with Alexandra Ionitta
Episode 10: When Angels Guide Us: Transforming Grief into Gratitude and Purpose
Episode 9: Finding Your Voice: From Perfect Personas to Authentic Confidence with Heather Jean
Episode 8: Breaking the Pattern: How Crisis Transformed My Perfectionism into Purpose with Heather Rider
Episode 7 Gut Feelings: Sam Rose on Finding Hope Through Three Cancer Diagnoses
Episode 6: Staying in Your Power: 20 Years of Caregiving Without Losing Hope with Miriam Boldewijn
Episode 5: Hope in Practice: Tools for Cultivating Resilience with Tony Burgess and Julie French
Episode 4: Finding Hope in Every Challenge: Tools for Resilience with Tony Burgess and Julie French
Episode 3: Hope as Fuel: A Cross-Cultural Journey to Authentic Living
Episode 2: Breaking the Sabotage Cycle - From Workaholic to Balanced Entrepreneur
Episode 1: Standing Tall: How An Autism Advocate Found Hope Through Fitness and Confrontation