

Before You Kill Yourself: a suicide prevention podcast.
Leo Flowers
When the pain feels unbearable and we feel alone in our suffering this podcast will sit with you. Let's rediscover our purpose, reduce our pain and regain our sense of belonging. Join comedian Leo Flowers M.A. as he shares his own journey through suicidality, interviews guests with lived experiences and discusses with experts on how to escape the flames and create a life worth living.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2025 • 26min
Testosterone, Tears, and the Truth About Teenage Heartbreak and Suicidality
If you're a parent of pre-teen or teenage boy, today's episode is for you. Today's episode is: Exploring why heartbreak can lead preteen and teenage boys to suicidal thoughtsUnderstanding the difference between what boys think they want versus what they actually need during emotional painSigns parents and caregivers can watch for when boys are struggling silentlyReal stories of hope and healing beyond heartbreakExpert insights on emotional regulation, connection, and suicide preventionThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Sep 8, 2025 • 23min
With Both Hands: The Forgotten Power of Full-Body Living
In this episode, we explore the quiet power of doing things with both hands:Why bilateral movement calms the nervous systemCultural and spiritual traditions that honor two-handed gesturesEveryday tasks that ground us through full-body presenceReal-world quotes and wisdom about giving, receiving, and connecting more deeplySimple ways to bring more intentionality and wholeness into your daily routineThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Sep 1, 2025 • 12min
The misunderstanding of STONER and maybe people like us (contains spoilers)
THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK "STONER" BY JOHN WILLIAMSSPOILERS...In this heartfelt episode, we explore:How the novel Stoner reveals the hidden emotional lives so many of us carryWhy Stoner’s death from esophageal cancer symbolizes the suffocation of unexpressed emotionsThe myth that stoicism means emotional emptiness — and the truth about deep-feeling peopleHow modern culture still struggles to make space for slow, messy, real emotionsWays we can start building small spaces of emotional honesty, connection, and healingThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Aug 25, 2025 • 10min
Your "Why Not" List: A Life-Saving Tool for Mental Health and Suicide
In this episode, we explore why having a personal "Why Not" list can be a powerful tool for mental health and suicide prevention:How “Why not?” can lead to impulsive or harmful decisionsWhy having your own “why nots” can help you say no when it mattersHow a “why not” list can save a life during a suicidal crisisExamples of meaningful “why nots” that resonate deeplyBacked by research: the science behind Reasons for Living (RFL)How to start building your own list todayWhether you're supporting others or holding on yourself, this episode offers a simple, life-anchoring framework.Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Aug 18, 2025 • 24min
Brilliance and Breakdown: Mania, Music, and Mental Health
In this episode, we explore:What a manic episode actually looks and feels likeHow mania and depression can reduce grey matter in the brainWhy overstimulation, lack of sleep, and creative pressure can trigger episodesHow Kanye West’s story reveals the tension between brilliance and instabilityThe difference between holding people accountable and holding them with compassionWhat it means to support mental health without romanticizing sufferingThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Aug 11, 2025 • 21min
6 Beautiful Questions to disrupt negative feedback loops
Dive into profound self-reflective questions that challenge negative thought patterns and promote personal growth. Explore what makes you feel authentically you, and discuss the courage required to pursue change. Discover how daily struggles can be influenced by physical and emotional hurdles, and learn the importance of journaling for emotional clarity. The conversation emphasizes recognizing personal patterns, fostering deeper connections, and the vital role of mental health discussions in overcoming life's challenges.

Aug 5, 2025 • 6min
Floating, Not Fleeing: When the Ocean Calls You to Stay
In this deeply personal solo episode, I reflect on a moment at sea that stirred something primal—a desire to leap, not to die, but to feel fully alive. We explore:The difference between wanting escape and needing depthHow “leaping” can be a cry for rest, touch, or meaningWhat it means to unplug, fast, and floatA practice for staying grounded when you feel unspooledWhy intensity sometimes masquerades as danger—but is really a call to be heldIf you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Aug 4, 2025 • 21min
THE COST OF WHAT YOU DIDN'T SAY
In this episode, we explore what happens when we withhold what’s true, raw, or real inside us:Why unexpressed thoughts and emotions don’t just disappear—they festerThe difference between release and recklessness in emotional expressionHow to safely express anger, resentment, longing, and fear without hurting yourself or othersWhat 365 Tao teaches us about drawing from our inner well before it stagnatesDaily practices to clarify your inner life through intentional expressionThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Jul 21, 2025 • 18min
Seven Life Saving Strategies for Suicidal Urges
In this episode, we explore seven powerful strategies that can help someone survive intense emotional distress and suicidal thoughts (from the book, THE SUICIDAL PERSON by Konrad Michel): Call a trusted doctor or therapist for personalized careReach out to a 24/7 crisis line for nonjudgmental supportAvoid alcohol to protect your judgment and emotional balanceResist writing a goodbye letter to keep options openContact a mental health clinic for urgent interventionCall an ambulance when immediate safety is neededGo directly to the ER to access full medical and psychiatric careIf you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Jul 14, 2025 • 9min
THE POWER OF ZERO: REDEFINING WORTH AND CONNECTION
In this episode, we explore the powerful symbolism of the zero — often misunderstood as "nothing" — and reveal how it actually represents connection, wholeness, and infinite potential. If you’ve ever felt invisible, isolated, or not enough, this conversation is for you.Key Takeaways:How feeling like a "zero" can actually signal readiness for connection, not emptinessThe role of circles in cultures around the world and why they represent community and healingWhy you don’t have to be "more" before you start moving toward your goals or relationshipsHow the zero is the "hug of numbers" — and why surrounding yourself and others with love mattersA reminder that at every moment, you are enough to take the next stepThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.