#13 - Mental Health Today - Overcoming the Abyss: Jeff Johnston on Mental Health, Loss, and Purpose

In this deeply personal episode, host Ken Stearns sits down with Jeff Johnston, a mental health advocate, author, and founder of the Living Undeterred Project. Jeff opens up about his journey from success to heartbreak, following the tragic loss of his son Seth to fentanyl poisoning and his wife Prudence to alcoholism. Both losses, as Jeff explains, were devastating yet preventable, and they set him on a path of mental health advocacy.

Jeff recounts his experiences with addiction, having battled alcoholism and compulsive gambling, and how he made a life-changing decision in 2017 to take the “better” road. This episode delves into how Jeff transformed his pain into purpose, launching The Undeterred Podcast and the Living Undeterred Project, which aims to promote healthy lifestyle choices for teens and young adults.

Jeff’s latest endeavor is Brightn, a mental wellness app aimed at empowering young adults in the areas of health, wealth, and purpose, named in honor of his granddaughter Brighton, who was born three weeks after Seth’s passing.

Jeff’s vulnerability and resilience shine through as he discusses the power of vulnerability, sharing one’s story, and finding strength in adversity. His message is one of hope, transformation, and a relentless drive to make a difference in the lives of others.

Key Topics:

- Turning personal tragedy into mental health advocacy.

- The launch of *Brightn*, the first Empowered Mental Wellness app for young adults.

- The importance of mental wellness, especially for young adults.

- Vulnerability as strength, particularly for men.

🎧 **Listen to the full episode here:** [Mental Health Today Podcast with Jeff Johnston](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-health-today/id1676642515?i=1000608153025)

For more of Jeffrey visit his linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-a-johnston/

If you'd like to get early access to Brightn visit: https://www.brightnyourlife.com/

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Mental Health Today With is a new branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar foundation. To be a guest on the show email us at thejarmedia@gmail.com Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation. 

For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:

Website:      https://www.mhtpodcast.com

Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/bHTLsrp5D2s

LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-today-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.

Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.