episode one: what is hope really?

Written By Fiona OBrien

In the very first episode of HopeCast, Fi O'Brien, Helen Trickey, and guest Priya Rekhi Smith dive into the messy, beautiful business of hope – what it really means, why it matters, and how we can use it to shape a future worth believing in.

They tackle the big stuff: why anxiety and fear are dream-killers, how curiosity can be a superpower, and why community is at the heart of it all. Expect a bit of chaos, straight-talking, and a few oddly comforting reminders of the past – like when your neighbour’s blasting East 17 at 3am and you can’t even be mad because, honestly, it’s a vibe.

They also muse on why we should bring back raving without phones – those messy, sweaty nights where you fall in love with strangers, dance with wild abandon, and remember what it’s like to believe in people. And, okay, maybe not every breakthrough idea happens when you’re hungover – but some of the best ones just might.

Listen to the full episode below or follow us on Spotify

Fiona OBrien

CREATIVE DIRECTION, TREND FORECASTING AND STORYTELLING SPECIALIST.

Fi is a Creative Brand Consultant with 25 years of experience shaping disruptive, culturally-driven brands. She founded a Melbourne café that became a movement, championing Oz hip hop, street artists, and indie creatives, cementing her belief in the power of culture to build community. As the former co-founder and creative force behind Girls Who Grind Coffee, she challenged industry norms through bold storytelling and equity-driven branding. Library of Hope is an extension of everything she’s built, a space where creativity becomes an active force for change, shaping tangible visions of a better future.

https://www.fiobrien.com