Stories of Hope AZ

In this special season finale episode, join us for a heartfelt journey through a year filled with remarkable stories of resilience and hope. Over the past year, we've had the privilege of sharing the incredible journeys of 90 inspiring individuals on this podcast. They've faced adversity head-on and emerged victorious, proving that hope is a powerful force for change.

In these "Hope Chronicles," we revisit some of the most unforg...

This week we’re joined by award-winning vocalist Maurice F. Martin. Maurice shares his transformative journey from battling depression and alcoholism to becoming a beacon of hope to others experiencing the struggles of life through motivational speaking, counseling, and writing. His bestselling book “Your But Is Too Big” emphasizes the power of aligning with one’s authentic self while embracing the present and living in the moment.

In this heartwarming episode, we close out Season 2 with a remarkable story of courage, resilience, and the power of positive thinking in the face of life's toughest challenges. Our returning guest Chuck Keels, a Stage 4 cancer survivor, shares his inspiring journey from diagnosis to founding the Living Hope Cancer Foundation. With poignant reflections on his personal growth, the profound impact of love and loss, and the creation o...

In this profoundly moving episode, we delve into the life of a man who has endured more than his fair share of hardships. Given up multiple times, renamed, and subjected to unspeakable abuse, his story is one of resilience in the face of relentless adversity. From the confusion and pain of childhood trauma to struggling with addiction in the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, our guest reveals how he's navigating the path toward healin...

In this episode, we’re joined by marathon runner Matt Miller as he shares his remarkable story after a life-altering hiking accident at the age of 22. Matt and his father survived a harrowing 4000-foot fall, miraculously saved by tangled ropes just short of the cliffs. They spent a chilling night on the mountain before a helicopter was able to rescue them.

But that's just the beginning. Matt's story takes a heart-rending turn as he...

Join us for a powerful episode as we are joined by Coco Gonzalez and Betty Ramirez from the international award-winning film: Fortis Femina.

Our host, one of the stars of the film, talks with these resilient women about the emotional message behind the film and how it connects with people of all backgrounds and struggles.

Learn about their inspiring stories of challenge, perseverance, but most importantly empowerment and hope for t...

Dive into the emotional challenges of motherhood as we discuss postpartum anxiety, depression, and the personal journey of Natassia, who faced weight gain, depression, and the loss of her daughter Aurora in 2017. Her mission is to empower you with tools for lifelong health changes, helping you manage chronic conditions confidently. Discover primary care insights from a Veteran and Nurse Practitioner-owned primary care office. Join ...

Dive deep into the profound connection that exists between a mother and her child—a bond that transcends time, emotions, and even biology. In this episode, we are honored to have Stephany Luithly share her heartwarming and transformative journey of spending 97 cherished days with her beloved son, William. While their time together was brief, the impact was eternal. Stephany's story has since become a beacon of hope, inspiration, an...

On this week’s episode, we talk with ALT Mental Health founder, Kara Jean, about the importance of breaking stigmas attached to mental health. Kara’s mission is to make mental health services accessible for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, by providing a mobile clinic and barbershop in partnership with Darryl, The Dreaded Barber, to those in need. We explore the challenges of mental health equity and innovative solutions t...

Join us as we explore the profound impact of the Foundation for Blind Children. In this heartfelt conversation, we speak with Max, diagnosed with congenital blindness at just three months old, and his father, Marc Ashton, the CEO of the Foundation for Blind Children. Dive deep into the organization's rich 70-year legacy, its transformative educational programs, and listen to the inspiring journey of a family touched by its mission....

This week we’re joined by Kerwin Brown and Clyde Miller with Tanner Community Development Corporation (TCDC) to discuss their focus on making a positive impact in local communities.

TCDC is a non-profit organization specializing in community outreach, and health and wellness programs for youth, seniors, and entire families. Birthed from the historic Tanner Chapel AME, Arizona's oldest African-American church, TCDC operates independ...

In this week’s episode, we delve into the mysterious world of embalming with renowned mortician, Monica Torres. Monica, also known as Cold Hands, talks with us about being one of the few female morticians in the country and how she uses her platform to enlighten people on the complexities of her work. Discover the art, science, and emotion behind this detail-oriented profession. From cemeteries to mortuaries, we discuss the importa...

Meet Jenn Ortiz a fierce warrior who's a two time survivor over the span of two years of aggressive form of brain cancer, Glioblastoma. From an unexpected seizure during a regular dinner to the life changing diagnosis, Jenn's journey is a testament to her indomitable spirit and determination. She has undergone rigorous treatments and therapy with her husband Matt and their two children always standing by her side. In this video, we...

Our story of hope this week comes from Tara Sundem, co-founder of Hushabye Nursery, a non-profit that provides advanced care for newborns with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is a condition that affects babies that have been exposed to drug use while in the womb and suffer from withdrawal after birth. Hear firsthand how Tara and Hushabye Nursery provide a safe, nurturing environment for these beautiful infants who require t...

Join us in this inspiring conversation with educator, community-builder, and mother, Jane Anderson, about special needs parenting, focusing on raising twins with different abilities. Jane knows all too well that twin pregnancies come with a host of complications and can be a daunting experience for any parent, experienced or new. We delve into the unique and demanding world of parenting children with spe...