Hopebeat Weekly: Hope in Action: Measuring Wellbeing, Building Community, and Inspiring Change

Special World Mental Health Day Feature: PostSecret, 1-800-SUICIDE and the Power of Community Support, Featuring H. Reese Butler II and Frank Warren

This World Mental Health Day, The Hope Matrix Podcast shares two extraordinary conversations about courage, connection, and the global movement to prevent suicide through Hope.

Fifteen years ago, I met H. Reese Butler II, the visionary founder of 1-800-SUICIDE and the Kristin Brooks Hope Center. In 2012, both Frank Warren, creator of PostSecret, and I received awards from Reese’s organization for our shared work bringing light to mental health through creative expression and human connection. This series marks our reunion and a reflection on how far the movement for Hope has come.

Episode 57: The Beginning of a Journey, Featuring H. Reese Butler II

• Hear the light-bulb moment that led Reese to create 1-800-SUICIDE more than twenty years ago
• Learn how one personal tragedy grew into a national hotline connecting millions to help and Hope
• Explore the lessons he has learned leading a life dedicated to saving lives

Episode 58: Reuniting Through Hope, Featuring Reese Butler II, Frank Warren, and Kathryn Goetzke

• Experience the reunion of three advocates united by a mission to bring compassion to mental health
• Discover how PostSecret became one of the world’s most powerful storytelling movements, receiving more than one million mailed secrets and building a community of 1.6 million followers
• Reflect on how vulnerability, creativity, and collective care can transform despair into purpose

Listen October 10
Celebrate World Mental Health Day by tuning in to these powerful stories of resilience and renewal. Watch the teaser and follow The Hope Matrix Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts to be notified when the episodes go live.

Journey and Work that led me to Hope

With World Mental Health Day approaching, I’ve been reflecting on my journey and the experiences that led me to Hope. I’m deeply grateful to have shared my story at Walmart, a place my dad loved more than anything in the world.

What began as a mission to rebrand depression has become a lifelong commitment to ensure everyone knows how to Hope.

Hope is measurable and teachable. On October 10, you’ll be able to discover your own Hope Score and learn what it means for your wellbeing.

Watch this clip from my talk at Walmart.

Hope is Measurable and Teachable

Did you know that Hope can be measured and taught? On October 10, World Mental Health Day, we invite you to focus on one of the most powerful protective factors: Hope.

Measure your Hope. Share your results. Invite three friends to do the same. And then start learning the skills that help build hope, a known protective factor for anxiety, depression, suicide, addiction, and violence. Let’s Shine Hope, together.

Stay connected through our social pages for updates

Celebrating our advisor, Dr. Edward Barksdale, MD

Join us in congratulating our advisor, Dr. Edward Barksdale, MD, who was recently recognized as one of four Icons of Surgery at the American College of Surgeons’ Annual Clinical Congress in Chicago on October 6.

Dr. Barksdale’s lifelong commitment to healing, mentorship, and advancing pediatric surgery continues to inspire professionals and communities alike. His recognition honors not only his excellence in medicine but also his unwavering dedication to compassion, equity, and Hope in healthcare.

Win Walmart Gift Cards by Joining the Recipe Remix Challenge!

Even during challenging times, we can cultivate joy through everyday moments. Your kitchen can be a place of creativity, connection, and Hope.

Here’s how to join:

1. Choose one of our 10 healthy recipes.

2. Add your personal twist.

3. Share your creation on social media with #ShineHope #RecipeRemixChallenge #CreateSparks, and tag @Walmart @theshinehopecompany @zoya_theexplorer.

Prizes will be awarded on November 30: $100, $50, and four $25 Walmart Gift Cards!

Every meal is an opportunity to Shine Hope. Start your remix today!

Check out this delicious Caprese Salad by Chef Grace Ramirez!

Featured Team Member: Debbie Vinton-Meier

We’re excited to introduce Debbie Vinton-Meier, whose career embodies the optimism and resilience we champion. She is supporting The Shine Hope Company through growth and impact, we are so grateful to have her on this team.

At Microsoft, Debbie led global initiatives as a Business Program Director, driving innovation and collaboration across diverse teams. Her ability to turn bold ideas into meaningful action aligns perfectly with our mission to teach and spread Hope as a skill.

Reach out to Debbie at debbie@theshinehopecompany.com, and learn how you can activate your city, company, or community with Hope.