On this episode of Holding on to Hope, Rochelle, founder of the fashion label Rocky Rafaela, a brand born from resilience, creativity, and an extraordinary journey of survival. 

From a young age, Rochelle experienced significant trauma and struggled with feeling misunderstood and alone. As a teenager, she faced severe mental health challenges, including addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and multiple suicide attempts, spending long periods in hospital care. 

A turning point came when she reconnected with creativity. Through design, she found a way to express her pain, rebuild her identity, and imagine a different future. 

Today, Rochelle uses her work to transform life’s experiences and emotions into purpose, helping others feel seen, empowered, and confident.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, Rochelle, founder of the fashion label Rocky Rafaela, a brand born from resilience, creativity, and an extraordinary journey of survival. From a young age, Rochelle experienced significant trauma and struggled with feeling misunderstood and alone. As a teenager, she faced severe mental health challenges, including addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and multiple suicide attempts, spending long periods in hospital care. A turning point came when she reconnected with creativity. Through design, she found a way to express her pain, rebuild her identity, and imagine a different future. Today, Rochelle uses her work to transform life&rsquo;s experiences and emotions into purpose, helping others feel seen, empowered, and confident.

Holding on to Hope shares powerful stories from people who have experienced their toughest moments and found a way forward.

Hosted by Lifeline Crisis Supporter Carla, each episode explores the challenges that can lead to emotional distress, the moments that helped someone hold on, and the people, tools and experiences that supported their recovery.

Honest, hopeful and deeply human, these conversations remind us that even in the hardest moments, hope is possible.

Holding on to Hope

The Same Fire Built My Success

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, we’re joined by Michael, an accredited social worker, therapist, and founder of Lived Experience Solutions. 

Michael grew up in Egypt, where from a young age he cared for both of his parents in a culture where suicide was heavily stigmatised and rarely spoken about. 

After the loss of his mother to suicide in Egypt, he later migrated to Australia carrying grief, silence, and the weight of cultural messages about masculinity, suffering, and help-seeking. 


In time, Michael reached a point where he sought support through Lifeline; a moment that helped him begin speaking openly about what he had been carrying. 


In this episode, Michael reflects on caregiving, migration, suicide bereavement, stigma, and what it means to reach out when you have been taught to stay silent. He also shares what hope can look like when life has felt impossible to hold alone.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, we’re joined by Michael, an accredited social worker, therapist, and founder of Lived Experience Solutions. Michael grew up in Egypt, where from a young age he cared for both of his parents in a culture where suicide was heavily stigmatised and rarely spoken about. After the loss of his mother to suicide in Egypt, he later migrated to Australia carrying grief, silence, and the weight of cultural messages about masculinity, suffering, and help-seeking. In time, Michael reached a point where he sought support through Lifeline; a moment that helped him begin speaking openly about what he had been carrying. In this episode, Michael reflects on caregiving, migration, suicide bereavement, stigma, and what it means to reach out when you have been taught to stay silent. He also shares what hope can look like when life has felt impossible to hold alone.

Vulnerability Is Masculine

Rob Mills is a household name in Australia, an actor, singer-songwriter, television host, and entertainer known for his warmth and authenticity. Behind the spotlight, Rob has navigated moments of deep uncertainty, anxiety, and disconnection, and he has been courageous in sharing his journey to inspire others. In recent years, he has become a passionate advocate for mental health and Lifeline’s mission, using his voice to normalise conversations around seeking help and staying connected.

Rob Mills is a household name in Australia, an actor, singer-songwriter, television host, and entertainer known for his warmth and authenticity. Behind the spotlight, Rob has navigated moments of deep uncertainty, anxiety, and disconnection, and he has been courageous in sharing his journey to inspire others. In recent years, he has become a passionate advocate for mental health and Lifeline’s mission, using his voice to normalise conversations around seeking help and staying connected.

Courage grows in the conversations we dare to have

Stella’s story is one of courage, connection, and transformation. From a childhood marked by bullying and self-doubt to facing the challenges of an eating disorder and depression, she’s walked through some of life’s darkest moments. But through boxing, therapy, and genuine friendships, Stella has found strength, purpose, and peace.

In this inspiring conversation, she shares how she turned pain into power, discovering not only resilience, but a deep belief that things can and do get better. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t found overnight, but it’s always within reach.

Stella’s story is one of courage, connection, and transformation. From a childhood marked by bullying and self-doubt to facing the challenges of an eating disorder and depression, she’s walked through some of life’s darkest moments. But through boxing, therapy, and genuine friendships, Stella has found strength, purpose, and peace.In this inspiring conversation, she shares how she turned pain into power, discovering not only resilience, but a deep belief that things can and do get better. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t found overnight, but it’s always within reach.

The Same Fire Built My Success

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