Andrew Yang Podcast Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Fixing America’s Mental Health Crisis
Dec 8, 2025
Jono Wilde, the Executive Director of the Good Life Movement and a mental health advocate, dives deep into America's mental health crisis. He shares his personal story of loss, connecting it to the broader challenges of technology, social isolation, and economic stress. Jono introduces the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Act, advocating for a comprehensive mental health civil rights bill. They highlight rising suicide rates, especially among youth and white men, while emphasizing the importance of community connections and bipartisan support for serious policy change.
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Personal Loss Sparked Movement Leadership
- Jono Wilde's father was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a first suicidal episode in 2022 and died by suicide in February 2024.
- That personal tragedy propelled Jono to join and lead the Good Life Movement to pursue policy solutions for mental health.
Omnibus Civil Rights Framing
- The Good Life Movement aims to draft an omnibus mental health civil rights bill covering decriminalization, education, veterans, and more.
- They named it the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Act to tie mental health to founding American principles.
Technology Amplifies Neglected Needs
- Mental health is worsening due to compounding neglect and technology that amplifies isolation and rumination.
- Without serious intent and resources, phones and algorithms let people get stuck in harmful mental loops.
