In a world often clouded by mental health challenges, the power of creativity can serve as a beacon of hope. In this episode of Hopeful Conversations, host Kari Eckert speaks with Oliver Stephen, a multi-disciplinary artist from Wrexham, whose work not only captures the essence of his community but also reflects his personal journey with mental health.

Olly’s story is the story of someone who spent years feeling like he did not belong anywhere—too different, too quiet, too misunderstood, and carrying pain he did not yet have the words to explain. As an autistic, queer young person growing up between identities and expectations, he learned to survive by turning inward, hiding his hurt behind unhealthy coping mechanisms, self-destruction, and silence. What makes his story so moving is not just the depth of that loneliness, but the honesty with which he names it now: the slow weight of depression, the isolation of feeling like everyone else was given an instruction manual for life except you, and the long, hard truth that survival sometimes begins with simply realizing you are not okay.

What changed Olly’s life was not a single miracle, but a series of brave acts—art school at age 29, counseling, sobriety, reflection, and the decision to face what had been buried inside him for years. Through photography and art, he found more than a creative outlet; he found a way to make pain visible, hold it in his hands, and begin transforming it. The camera became both shield and bridge, helping him move from being a distant observer of life to an active participant in his community. Over time, the man who once felt broken became someone students lean on, someone others trust, someone “frustratingly optimistic” enough to prove that healing is possible without pretending the wounds never existed.

At the center of Olly’s life now is connection—his hometown of Wrexham, the people around him, the rituals that ground him, and most powerfully, his nephew and niece, who gave him a living reason to keep becoming better. Their presence turned abstract hope into something deeply personal: a promise to live in a way that would show them joy is possible. And that is the heartbeat of everything he shared: it is okay to be scared, okay to feel deeply, okay to need other people. On the other side of fear, difference, and pain, there can still be belonging. There can still be purpose. There can still be love..

Visit Oliver’s website at https://www.oliverstephenphotography.com

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My guest today is Amanda Hardin is a Registered Nurse and nationally certified firearms instructor with over a decade of experience in firearm safety, emergency response, and personal defense education. Her work sits at the intersection of healthcare, public safety, and prevention, with a focus on practical education, ethical decision-making, and real-world application.

As the Executive Director of the Mind & Safety Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education organization, Amanda leads the development of evidence-based education and training programs designed for professionals, institutions and community organizations operating in complex safety environments. Under her leadership, the Institute delivers education across multiple disciplines, including healthcare, public safety, education, and community systems, supporting informed, responsible engagement around safety, risk, and prevention.

Amanda’s professional background bridges clinical healthcare training with extensive experience in firearms education and safety instruction. Her work emphasizes cultural competence, legal awareness, and non-stigmatizing approaches to firearm-related topics, helping organizations strengthen trust, reduce barriers to engagement, and navigate sensitive issues without political framing.

Through her leadership at the Mind & Safety Institute, Amanda is committed to advancing education that supports both public safety and individual responsibility, while creating space for informed, respectful conversations in the communities professionals serve.

Learn more at https://www.mindandsafetyinstitute.org

My guest today is Devin Daniels, the Director of Adolescent Services at Cenikor Foundation in Houston, Texas. More than 2 million teens in the US abuse drugs once every month.

Teen substance use can quickly disrupt dreams before they even begin. The earlier we intervene, the better the outcome. Early intervention services are designed to catch the warning signs of substance use and behavioral concerns before they become lifelong struggles. Through brief interventions, screenings, and family education, it is critical empower teens and their families to take proactive steps toward healing. Whether your teen is starting to experiment with substances or showing changes in behavior, early action can help restore balance at home and at school.

For nearly six decades, Cenikor has been an advocate and ally for a stigmatized class of people and continues to serve those from diverse walks of life. Everyone deserves a chance at recovery. When we remove the barriers and meet people where they are, incredible things can happen. Being able to afford our programs makes getting into treatment easier. So does the ability to see and speak to someone relatable and familiar. Many of our team are in recovery, allowing for deep connection and empathy.

Learn more at https://www.cenikor.org

For additional resources visit us at: https://robbies-hope.com

My guest today is Sarah Frank, an author and founder of the non-profit Simple Studies. Simple Studies was founded in order to combat education inequity, especially in light of virtual learning in the midst of a global pandemic. The idea was, and still is, to provide students with free resources created for and by students.

Lack of resources is one of the main pillars, but education inequity exists everywhere and in so many forms. Beyond lack of resources, problems such as lack of funding, lack of transportation, or an inability to pay for college stop students from being able to succeed in academics. This limits college choices and career opportunities. Education inequity is thus perpetuating cycles of poverty and oppression.

Resources are available for high school and college age students inclusive of writing tips for essays, study tips, and AP class support. “We believe that every individual deserves to have the resources and support they need to succeed in school. An education shouldn't have a price tag and success should not be for sale.”

Learn more at https://simplestudies.org

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My guest today is Stacy Schaffer, an author and therapist, with over twenty years of experience helping children navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. Specializing in both grief and Synergetic Play Therapy, Stacy creates a safe and nurturing place where people can take a deep breath. She also leads youth and family programs at The Refuge, a non-profit community center dedicated to healing community. Knowing children, teens, and young adults can feel heard and empowered energizes her soul and helps redeem all that has been lost. Outside therapy, Stacy loves spending quality time with amazing friends, surfing in the summer, reading at any opportunity, loving her golden retriever, Willow, kickboxing year round, and daydreaming about being a stand-up comedian. She continues to do her own therapeutic work in order to be genuine about her passion for healing. She loves to travel, but one can only escape the real world so many times. Her commitment to ensuring that children, teens, and young adults feel heard and empowered drives her practice, which offers essential support and recovery for those in need..

In With Love from a Children’s Therapist, Stacy takes readers on a deeply personal and professional journey through trauma, resilience, and healing. As a survivor and a therapist with more than twenty years of experience, Schaffer weaves together her story with the lessons she’s learned from working with children, teens, and young adults. She explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the path to recovery, how anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation manifest in young people, and practical ways to create safety, understanding, and healing for ourselves and others.

Learn more about Stacy at https://authorstacyschaffer.com

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My guest today is Lauren Beane, an author, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker and podcast host. Laurent is the mom of two children and a Boston Terrier.

Lauren helps audiences take the leap and believe they are ready enough by offering tools, coaching, and her personal stories so they can embrace and own their unique talents. Too often, she found herself not taking action on her goals unless she felt that she had all the answers. But in 2020, she grew tired of waiting until she felt ready to pursue new opportunities. After taking a huge leap and launching her dream consulting business, she’s now on a mission to empower other women to feel they are ready enough (even with only 50% of the answers) and live out the life they deserve.

Through her podcast, Ready Enough, she is empowering women to take action, build confidence, and chase big goals. No perfect plan required!

Learn more about Lauren at https://www.laurenbeane.com

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My guest today is Amy Bryant, author of Let Them Play and owner of Bryant College Coaching. Amy has spent over 20 years coaching in the NCAA. Amy is a mother of two student athletes and in her free time enjoys hiking and traveling.

Let Them Play offers practical advice for parenting athletes, emphasizing fun, balance, and personal growth over pressure and success. It guides parents to nurture holistic development through youth and high school sports, as well as the college recruitment process.

In the early years of youth sports, the focus should be on fun, exploration, and development. Let Them Play offers practical strategies for parents to help their children build confidence, develop a passion for sports, and navigate challenges like teamwork and competition.

As student-athletes enter their high school years, the dynamic changes, and so do the challenges. Let Them Play explores how to help teenagers balance the increasing demands of academics, athletics, and social pressures.

Learn more about Amy at https://bryantcollegecoaching.com

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My guest today is Bella Wright, co-writer & producer of The Gardening Club, a new pop rock musical that debuts in London this coming Thursday. Bella was the winner of Robbie’s Hope’s Hall of Personal Expression in 2020 as a junior in high school.

Bella is an actress, musician, composer, musical director and producer from Missoula, Montana, now based in Liverpool, England. After completing her high school diploma from the Interlochen Arts Academy, she moved abroad to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, where she founded and fronted her alternative rock band. She has played shows with her band across venues in Liverpool, such as the BBC-hosted night at The Cavern Club, Rough Trade, and The Jacaranda. Wright also has three successful single releases, one with over 100K streams.

In 2022, Wright co-wrote and composed the book, music and lyrics to a new feminist rock musical, called The Gardening Club, with Carleigh McRitchie. This story that debuted onstage with three sold-out shows in Liverpool March 2024, and went on to a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2024, of which she performed in the cast. The Gardening Club has been named by Playbill as Top 20 Shows to See at Edinburgh Fringe, out of 4,000.

A timely tale about life’s bitter pills, The Gardening Club is set in 1960s Georgia, where six girls scheme to illegally distribute the birth control pill with their gardening club as a cover up. The pop-rock soundtrack showcases themes of pleasure, self-discovery, and the power of female friendships.

Read more about The Gardening Club in Playbill at https://playbill.com/article/the-history-of-the-birth-control-pill-blossoms-at-the-edinburgh-festival-fringe

Follow Bella at: https://maestramusic.org/profile/bella-wright/

For additional resources visit us at: https://robbies-hope.com

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