From Tragedy to Mission: How Communication Saves Lives with Tom Stanhope | Beyond the Surface Ep. 9.
In this special episode of Beyond the Surface, Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE sits down with Tom Stanhope from Podforge to explore the crucial role of communication in mission-driven work.
After losing her son Chris to drowning, Debbie transformed her grief into a powerful water safety movement through River and Sea Sense. In this candid conversation, she shares how she learned to tell her deeply personal story without being overwhelmed, the evolution from organic community support to formal organisation and the challenges of building credibility whilst navigating grief.
Tom, who has supported Debbie's work for years and now produces her podcast, reveals the strategic thinking behind effective mission communication and how podcasting can amplify important messages in an AI-saturated world.
Key Topics Discussed:
How to communicate personal tragedy for public good
The transition from informal advocacy to formal nonprofit work
Public speaking strategies for emotionally difficult topics
The role of authenticity in building trust with audiences
Strategic podcast development for mission-driven organisations
Balancing personal healing with public mission
Chapters
0:00 Introduction - Debbie introduces Tom Stanhope
1:40 How their professional relationship began
3:45 The challenge of communicating personal tragedy publicly
4:50 The immediate aftermath - week three after the funeral
6:30 Community response and first fundraising walk
8:15 Going back to school and recognising the need for action
9:10 First press conference - the catalyst moment
10:30 When did the mission become inevitable?
11:40 Setting up River and Sea Sense - the "whispered" name
12:50 The transition from organic to formal organisation
14:20 Support from the Unlimited fund and building confidence
16:30 Dealing with criticism and finding determination
17:40 The growth of media opportunities and awards
19:40 The emotional reality of school presentations
21:20 Why podcasting became necessary for the mission
23:00 Tom explains the strategic podcast development process
25:20 The unexpected business plan outcome
27:10 Tom's approach to working with mission-driven clients
27:50 Public speaking experiences - the biggest audiences
29:20 Speaking to 1,100 people at company conference
30:10 The Ireland drowning prevention conference
32:00 Using humour in difficult presentations
33:20 National Lottery Award and Bear Grylls moment
34:40 The power of communication to create change
35:40 Closing thoughts and next episode preview
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Connect with Debbie and find out more about her work here:

W: www.riverandseasense.com

E: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverandseasense

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-anne-turnbull-mbe-33190510/