Share
Hello You Podcast
Hello You - Sophie Wilson Epsiode
Season 2, Ep. 4
•
In this powerful episode of Hello You, we speak with Sophie Wilson, whose life was turned upside down when her close friend, Gareth Huntley, disappeared while volunteering on a remote island in Malaysia.
What began as a missing person appeal quickly became an international campaign. Faced with limited information and growing concern, Sophie took matters into her own hands, coordinating a global effort to find Gareth. Harnessing the power of social media, international news outlets, political influence and public support, she helped transform a local search into a worldwide movement. The campaign drew attention from senior British government figures, including Prime Minister David Cameron and Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, as pressure mounted on authorities to intensify the search efforts.
Behind the headlines was a friend battling her own fears and uncertainty. Sophie shares the emotional toll of leading a high-profile search while desperately clinging to hope, navigating media scrutiny, and carrying the weight of responsibility for keeping Gareth's story alive. As the days passed and the search grew, she found herself confronting every possible outcome, including the one nobody wanted to face. Gareth's body was eventually discovered close to the conservation project where he had been volunteering, bringing a devastating end to the search.
This is a story of friendship, resilience, determination and the extraordinary lengths ordinary people will go to for those they love. Sophie reflects on the lessons learned from tragedy, the strength found in community, and how one person's refusal to give up mobilised people across the world in pursuit of answers.
A moving conversation about hope, loss, courage and the power of human connection when it matters most.
More episodes
View all episodes
7. Hello You Kijaun Amey Epsiode
57:04||Season 2, Ep. 7What happens when your entire life changes in an instant?In this powerful episode of Hello You, we sit down with former U.S. Air Force refuelling specialist Kijaun Amey, whose life was transformed forever following a devastating motorcycle accident.Kijaun woke in hospital one month and one day after the crash with no memory of what had happened. As he slowly regained consciousness, he was faced with the unimaginable reality that he had lost his sight. From that moment, he had to relearn almost everything—how to walk, how to talk, and how to navigate a world he could no longer see.Rather than allowing tragedy to define him, Kijaun chose resilience. His remarkable journey is one of courage, determination, and an unwavering positive mindset. Through immense adversity, he has rebuilt his life, proving that our greatest limitations are often not physical, but the stories we tell ourselves.This is an honest, emotional and deeply inspiring conversation about overcoming trauma, embracing change, and finding purpose after unimaginable loss. Kijaun's story is a powerful reminder that even in life's darkest moments, hope, strength and resilience can light the way forward.This is an episode that will stay with you long after you've finished listening.
6. Hello You Jayne Clayton Episode
01:03:18||Season 2, Ep. 6In this episode of Hello You, Jayne Clayton shares her deeply personal journey through grief, resilience, and rediscovery. Following the devastating loss of both her mum and sister, Jayne speaks candidly about the unhealthy coping mechanisms that gradually became part of her life as she tried to stay strong for those around her.She also opens up about the profound impact menopause had on both her physical and mental wellbeing, describing how it became a turning point that led her to seek understanding, support, and change. Rather than allowing her experiences to define her, Jayne used them as inspiration to help other women navigate the challenges of menopause with greater knowledge, compassion, and confidence.This is an honest, powerful conversation about loss, mental health, the importance of self-care, and finding purpose through helping others.
5. Hello You Shona Hamilton Epsiode
01:00:16||Season 2, Ep. 5In this inspiring episode of the Hello You Podcast, we sit down with Shona Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Lilac HR, to explore the remarkable journey behind building a successful business while navigating some of life’s toughest challenges.Shona shares her personal story of resilience, opening up about the realities of stress, burnout, and divorce, all while growing her company from the ground up. We discuss the lessons she learned along the way, the importance of self-awareness, and how adversity can become a catalyst for growth and success.The conversation also dives into mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, examining the topic from both an individual’s perspective and through the lens of HR. Shona offers valuable insights into creating healthier workplace cultures, supporting employees effectively, and why wellbeing should be a priority for every organisation.This is a powerful episode about determination, leadership, and an independent woman taking control of her career, overcoming obstacles, and building a thriving HR business. Whether you’re a business owner, people leader, or someone navigating your own personal challenges, Shona’s story is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and hope.
3. Hello You - Shazia Ali Episode
44:27||Season 2, Ep. 3In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Shazia Ali, Director of Scarsdale Solicitors, to explore a journey shaped by resilience, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to community.Growing up outside Manchester as one of seven siblings after her parents emigrated from Pakistan, Shazia faced adversity from an early age. From navigating cultural expectations to experiencing racial discrimination, her path was far from easy. Yet through determination, hard work, and strong personal values, she transformed those challenges into fuel for success.Shazia shares how her experiences shaped her leadership style, the importance of creating opportunities for others, and why building a business should always be rooted in integrity and community. This is a story not only about professional achievement, but about inspiring others to rise above hardship, break barriers, and give back along the way.A powerful conversation about perseverance, identity, and using success to uplift others.
2. Hello You - Mental Health Awareness Month Episode
31:39||Season 2, Ep. 2In this special solo episode of Hello You for Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m having an honest conversation about what mental health really looks like behind the scenes.We often hear people talk about awareness, but many still struggle silently while trying to keep up with the pressures of everyday life. In this episode, I open up about stress, burnout, emotional suppression, men’s mental health, social media pressure, and the connection between physical and mental wellbeing.This isn’t about pretending to have all the answers, it’s about having a real conversation that many people can relate to but rarely talk about openly.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed while still trying to function, exhausted while smiling on the outside, or like you’ve had to carry pressure quietly, this episode is for you.A reflective, honest, and grounded discussion about mental health, resilience, and why checking in with yourself matters just as much as checking in with others.
1. Hello You - Shakila Texeira Episode
01:08:03||Season 2, Ep. 1The latest episode of Hello You features a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Shakila Texeira, who opens up about her childhood and the lasting impact of growing up around addiction. She reflects candidly on her relationship with her mother, whose struggles with addiction were something Shakila witnessed first-hand experiences that have significantly shaped her outlook on life, resilience, and parenting.Shakila discusses how these early challenges became a driving force rather than a limitation. She channels her lived experience into meaningful action through her work with NACOA, where she volunteers to support others who have faced similar experiences. Her involvement highlights her commitment to breaking cycles and offering guidance to those navigating the emotional complexities of growing up with addiction in the family.The episode also explores how her past informs her present role as a mother. Shakila shares her determination to create a different environment for her own child one rooted in awareness, emotional openness, and stability. Overall, it’s an honest and inspiring conversation about adversity, growth, and using personal history as a catalyst for positive change.
10. Hello You Dan Darwin End of Season 1 Episode
30:48||Season 1, Ep. 10In this episode of Hello You, the focus shifts inward as you take listeners through your own story and the thinking behind the show, offering a more personal and intentional perspective than previous episodes.Rather than the usual back-and-forth format, this episode feels like a direct conversation with the audience. You open up about your background and the experiences that have shaped how you see the world, gradually connecting those moments to why Hello You exists in the first place. There’s a clear sense that the podcast isn’t just content for you, it’s a space built from lived experience, curiosity, and a desire to create honest conversations.Between the reflections on your journey, you share the motivations behind the show: what you’re trying to achieve, who it’s for, and why staying authentic matters more than chasing trends or quick growth. You also touch on the direction you want to take things moving forward, hinting at a more intentional evolution of the podcast rather than a complete reinvention.The tone throughout is reflective but grounded, with moments of vulnerability balanced by clarity and conviction. It becomes less about performance and more about purpose, why you started, what you’ve learned, and what you now want Hello You to stand for.By the end, the episode feels like a reset point. Not an ending, but a re-anchoring of the show’s identity, giving listeners a clearer sense of both your story and where the journey is heading next.
9. Hello You - Shane Carter Episode
57:09||Season 1, Ep. 9From a troubled childhood to the front lines of conflict, this episode of Hello You is one of raw honesty and resilience.Shane Carter joined the army in a bid to turn his life around, a decision that would take him deep into the realities of war in the Middle East, including the aftermath and clean-up operations following the fall of Saddam Hussein. However, whilst the military gave him structure and purpose, it also exposed him to experiences that would leave lasting scars.Now back in civilian life, Shane opens up about the mental health battles he’s faced since leaving the forces, the struggles, the silence, and the strength it takes to keep going.This is more than a war story. It’s a powerful journey from boyhood to manhood, told with honesty, grit, and no filter.🎧 Listen now and hear the story behind the uniform.