Advertise on podcast: Living Undeterred

In this episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston sits down with Robert Banghart, a recovery advocate, Vice President of Community and Governmental Affairs for Shine A Light Foundation, Director of Community Engagement for Crossroads of Southern Nevada, and Board President for Narcan at Night. Robert shares his powerful journey from addiction, homelessness, and living in the Las Vegas tunnel system to long-term recovery and a life dedicated to helping others find a way out. Together, Jeff and Robert discuss the realities of substance use disorder, harm reduction, shame, grace, grief, faith, and why community is often the bridge between crisis and long-term stability. This conversation is a raw and hopeful look at what it means to meet people where they are, stay connected, and believe that no one is too far gone to be reached. Topics include: Robert Banghart’s recovery story Homelessness and addiction in Las Vegas Life inside the Las Vegas tunnel system Shine A Light Foundation’s outreach work Harm reduction and Narcan awareness Grief, purpose, and service The importance of community in recovery Learn more about Living Undeterred and join the conversation around mental health, addiction, grief, recovery, and hope.

In this episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston sits down with attorney and mental health advocate Mark Astor for a powerful conversation on the intersection of law, addiction, and the realities of today’s mental health system. Mark shares his journey from a high-volume courtroom prosecutor to building a law firm dedicated to helping families navigate behavioral health crises. Through personal setbacks, professional reinvention, and firsthand experience, he’s become a leading voice in advocating for better solutions—not just more systems. Together, Jeff and Mark unpack the deeper issues driving today’s mental health epidemic, including the failures of reactive care, the lack of accessible treatment, and the urgent need to shift focus upstream—before crisis hits. In this episode, they discuss: The reality of the criminal justice system vs. mental health careWhy “more treatment” isn’t the answer—but better treatment isHow families can take action when a loved one can’t help themselvesThe impact of social media, prescription culture, and early exposure on youthWhy prevention and early intervention (ages 14–18) may be the key to long-term changeMark’s personal journey through failure, rebuilding, and finding purpose in helping othersThis conversation is a raw, honest look at what’s broken—and what’s possible—when we stop reacting and start addressing the root causes. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode offers both perspective and hope—and a reminder that no one has to face it alone. 🎧 Subscribe to Living Undeterred for more conversations focused on mental health, resilience, and real solutions that make a difference.

In this episode of Living Undeterred, host Jeff Johnston sits down with Wes Bruns for one of the most powerful and emotional conversations yet—an unforgettable story of survival, loss, and what it truly means to keep going when everything changes. Wes shares the unimaginable tragedy that altered his life forever—a carbon monoxide poisoning incident that took multiple members of his family and left him fighting for his own life. What follows is not just a story of survival, but a journey through grief, resilience, and the long road of rebuilding identity, purpose, and faith in the aftermath of loss. From his roots in Iowa basketball to decades of coaching and mentoring young athletes, Wes opens up about the moments that shaped him—losing his father at a young age, the accident that nearly took everything, and the mindset that carried him through recovery. He reflects on the power of physical and mental strength, the role of community, and how storytelling has become a mission through his upcoming book When Life Changes the Game. This episode goes deeper than tragedy—it’s about perspective. It’s about choosing growth over bitterness, action over sympathy, and purpose over pain. Jeff and Wes explore what it means to honor those we’ve lost by how we live, how we lead, and how we show up for others. If you’ve ever faced loss, questioned your purpose, or needed a reminder of what resilience really looks like—this conversation will stay with you. Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs it.

In this episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston sits down with Alexandra Miles, founder and CEO of Project Blackbird, for a powerful conversation about turning personal struggle into purpose. Alexandra shares how her own experience with mental health challenges led her to create a movement focused on helping individuals feel seen, heard, and supported—especially in spaces where it once felt unsafe to speak up. Through storytelling, connection, and actionable support, Project Blackbird is reshaping how we approach mental health—moving beyond awareness and into real impact. Alexandra’s journey from silent struggle to founding a national mental health nonprofit How storytelling—through film and lived experiences—breaks stigma and builds empathy Why feeling “seen” is the first step toward healing The gap between awareness and action in today’s mental health system The power of small, daily habits in building resilience and discipline Rethinking therapy, prevention, and what it truly means to support others Why there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to recovery—and what to do instead This episode challenges the way we think about mental health, reminding us that no one is broken—and that real change starts with connection, curiosity, and courage. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it—and don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of resilience, growth, and living undeterred.

In this episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston sits down with Tony Glace for a conversation that is as raw as it is inspiring. What starts as a discussion around addiction and personal struggle quickly turns into something much deeper—a journey of transformation, healing, and discovering purpose through pain. Tony opens up about the moment everything changed for him, sharing how his battle with alcohol led him down an unexpected path into plant medicine and ultimately into a completely new way of living. But this story doesn’t stop at personal healing. What emerged on the other side was a calling—to help others, especially veterans, find a way out of the cycles that keep them stuck. That calling became One & Done, a nonprofit built around the belief that true healing isn’t just about breakthrough moments—it’s about what happens after. Through intentional integration, Tony is working to create a system that supports lasting change for those who need it most. Throughout the episode, Tony and Jeff dive into vulnerability, faith, trauma, and the idea that the hardest chapters of our lives often become the foundation for our greatest impact. It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation about what it means to rebuild, to believe again, and to step fully into the life you were meant to live. If you’ve ever faced something that felt impossible to overcome—or wondered how pain can turn into purpose—this episode will stay with you. Learn more about One & Done and get involved: https://oneanddone.org https://www.instagram.com/oneanddone.healingheroes https://givebutter.com/oneanddone 🎧 Subscribe to Living Undeterred for more real conversations about resilience, healing, and the stories that shape us.

In this episode of Living Undeterred, host Jeff Johnston sits down with Ryan Hampton, a nationally recognized recovery advocate, author, and founder of Mobilize Recovery, for an honest and wide-ranging conversation on addiction, mental health, and systemic change. Ryan shares his personal journey of long-term recovery and how lived experience has fueled his work confronting the opioid crisis head-on—from organizing families affected by addiction to taking on Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family from inside the historic bankruptcy case. He opens up about what he learned while helping negotiate one of the most consequential settlements in public health history, why true justice often gets lost in the process, and how victims’ voices are too often sidelined. The conversation also explores Ryan’s current run for the Nevada State Assembly, the urgent mental health crisis facing states across the country, and why building a “care economy” is essential for both public health and long-term economic stability. Along the way, Ryan and Jeff reflect on personal accountability, prevention, recovery pathways, and what it really takes to live undeterred in the face of criticism, burnout, and political pressure. This episode is a powerful reminder that advocacy isn’t abstract—it’s personal. And lasting change only happens when people with lived experience step into the arena.

In this Living Undeterred roundtable powered by Brightn, Jeff Johnston is joined by members of the Brightn team for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about mental health, attention, and what it actually means to live well in a constantly connected world. Rather than chasing diagnoses or quick fixes, the group explores how modern life—social media, comparison, burnout, and endless distractions—has reshaped the way we experience stress, motivation, and self-worth. From personal stories of struggle and growth to practical insights around boundaries, consistency, and self-awareness, this episode challenges the idea that we’re “broken” and need to be fixed. The conversation dives into: Why attention—not other apps or people—is the real battle we’re fightingThe difference between motivation and discipline, and why small wins matterHow journaling, boundaries, and consistency can quietly transform daily lifeThe role AI can play as a supportive tool for mental wellness—not a replacement for human connectionWhy peace and presence matter just as much as goals and achievementThis episode is a reminder that mental health isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice. You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to start where you are. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and join the conversation on living undeterred.

In this powerful episode of Brightn, we sit down with Hillary Phelps and Greg for a deeply honest conversation about recovery, mental health, conscious leadership, and the generational impact of the choices we make. Through raw storytelling and lived experience, this episode explores what it truly means to break cycles—of addiction, silence, shame, and inherited trauma—and how healing becomes possible through vulnerability, community, and purpose-driven action. In this episode, we explore: Hillary’s journey through addiction, sobriety, and women’s mental health recoveryThe unique challenges women face in addiction—and why those stories have long gone unheardGreg’s story of loss, resilience, and breaking generational cycles of trauma and suicideWhat “conscious capital” really means—and how leadership can be rooted in impact, not egoWhy recovery looks different for everyone, but connection is always the common threadThe idea of living amends and choosing a legacy that stops the pain from being passed downHow community, accountability, and self-respect become anchors in long-term healingThis episode is a reminder that healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about choosing, again and again, to live differently. Whether you’re navigating recovery yourself, supporting someone you love, or seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and human flourishing, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and light. 🎧 Subscribe to Brightn for more conversations centered on healing, growth, and creating a better future—together.

In this deeply personal episode of Brightn, Jeff Johnston sits down with his son Ian for an open, unscripted conversation about grief, resilience, and what it truly means to live undeterred after unimaginable loss. Together, they reflect on the moments that shaped their family forever—the loss of a brother, the weight of generational grief, and the crossroads that follow trauma. This episode isn’t about pretending pain disappears. It’s about choosing purpose anyway, and finding meaning through action, entrepreneurship, community, and connection. In this episode, we explore: Ian’s journey as a young entrepreneur and the story behind Tribute KicksHow grief shaped identity—and why it didn’t get the final wordThe power of choosing a different road when life breaks you openTurning loss into legacy through giving back and mental health advocacyWhy living undeterred isn’t about strength—it’s about intentionFather–son healing, shared memories, and honoring loved ones through how we liveFinding light, purpose, and even joy after devastationThis conversation is raw, honest, and hopeful—a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, we still get to decide who we become. Whether you’re navigating grief, rebuilding after loss, or searching for meaning beyond survival, this episode offers a powerful example of what it looks like to move forward without forgetting. 🎧 Subscribe to Brightn for more conversations centered on healing, resilience, and human flourishing.

In this powerful episode of the Brightn Podcast, host Jeff Johnston sits down with Ahmed Darwish, PsyD for a deeply vulnerable and thought-provoking conversation on healing, authenticity, and the future of mental wellness. Drawing from his own journey growing up amid significant trauma, Ahmed Darwish, PsyD shares how empathy and emotional awareness became survival mechanisms—and later, tools for growth and service. Together, they explore the limitations of traditional mental health models, the promise of emerging modalities like psychedelics and bilateral brain stimulation, and how technology—when used responsibly—can democratize healing. The discussion also tackles the growing spiritual crisis, the dangers of comparison culture, and the path toward living in alignment with one’s deepest values. Whether you're navigating personal adversity or leading others through it, this episode offers compassionate guidance, professional insight, and a forward-looking vision of hope.

In this powerful episode of the Brightn Podcast, James Oliver Jr. — entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and founder of the Kabila Founder Mental Health Fund — gets real about the cost of the grind and the courage it takes to heal. From launching his first startup while his twins were born three months prematurely, to navigating divorce, burnout, and investor rejection, James shares how resilience became both his survival mode and his warning sign. He opens up about functional depression, the toxicity of hustle culture, and why authentic relationships and mental wellness must become part of the founder toolkit — not the afterthought. Today, he’s turning that pain into purpose by creating accessible mental health support for overlooked founders nationwide. Tune in to learn how vulnerability can build stronger leaders, why “not all money is good money,” and how shifting from transactional to human-led connections might just change the future of entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston sits down with Ben Trotter—a Gen Z voice with a passion for mental health and personal development—for a raw, wide-ranging conversation about what it means to pursue mental wellness in a digital age. Ben shares his journey from studying finance at the University of Iowa to becoming a key voice on the Brightn Thriver Council, advocating for practical mental health solutions designed for his generation. Together, Jeff and Ben explore the powerful intersection of discipline, technology, and mindset—examining both the promise and the peril of growing up online. Key Themes Discussed: Why Gen Z needs intentional digital tools—not just access to information The paradox of motivation vs. discipline in building mental strength Cold plunging and other physical habits as metaphors for mental resilience The dangers of dopamine-driven social media use and algorithmic rabbit holes How AI can both enable and erode mental clarity Daily wins, non-negotiables, and gratitude as anchors in personal growth What it means to live your mission—one season at a time Ben also opens up about his faith, journaling practices, and book recommendations that shaped his mindset—including Atomic Habits, How to Win Friends & Influence People, and The Magic of Thinking Big. This conversation isn’t just for Gen Z—it’s for anyone who’s ready to stop chasing happiness and start building sustainable, meaningful wellness. 🎧 Listen in for a grounded, honest look at what it means to live undeterred in a distracted world. #LivingUndeterred #GenZMentalHealth #Brightn #MindsetMatters #ColdPlunge #MentalWellness #JeffJohnston #BenTrotter #FaithAndDiscipline #DigitalMentalHealth #AtomicHabits #PersonalGrowth

In this thought-provoking episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston is joined by Dr. Richard Lopez—an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and director of the Social Neuroscience of Affective Processes (SNAP) Lab—for a conversation that bridges the gap between research and real-world mental health care. With expertise in the science of emotion, digital media use, and youth mental health, Dr. Lopez brings a grounded perspective on today’s challenges, highlighting both the progress made and the pressing needs that remain. His work explores how psychological science can inform practical strategies for supporting young people inside and outside the classroom. Core Topics Covered: The current state of youth mental health and how early we need to intervene The challenge of reaching “kids who don’t talk”—and why behavior is communication The ripple effect of suicide and why survivor support is crucial The role of schools as access points for care—and the need for scalable solutions Faith, family, and community as stabilizing forces amid emotional chaos The importance of checking in, not checking out—how to show up consistently Why mental health must be a daily conversation, not a reactive one Dr. Lopez shares actionable insights for parents, educators, and anyone working with youth—urging a collaborative, persistent approach to destigmatizing and addressing mental health. His passion is clear: better systems, deeper compassion, and more trained professionals at the table. 🎧 This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to move from awareness to action. #LivingUndeterred #YouthMentalHealth #DrRichardLopez #MentalHealthAwareness #SchoolBasedSupport #JeffJohnston #MentalWellness #SuicidePrevention #BehaviorIsCommunication #FaithAndHealing #EarlyIntervention #LivingUndeterredPodcast

In this deeply moving episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston welcomes Mike Farr—founder of Project SAFE and a courageous advocate for suicide prevention—for a vulnerable, purpose-driven conversation about loss, hope, and action. After losing his son Garrett to suicide in 2017, Mike transformed unimaginable grief into a mission to save lives. From launching community conversations and building local mental health resources to helping other families navigate the aftermath of loss, Mike’s work has become a lifeline for many across Iowa and beyond. Key Themes Explored: The signs of suicidal ideation and the power of asking direct, difficult questions How trauma impacts entire families—and how early intervention can prevent generational loss The unique mental health challenges facing youth athletes and why licensed counselors are needed in schools and sports Why peer-to-peer programs and technology must evolve to meet people where they are The importance of support after the first 90 days of loss—when the casseroles stop and the silence begins Stories of transformation: how one conversation at Garrett’s visitation saved another life Project SAFE’s work, from “Strike Out the Stigma” to funding therapy access and grief groups Mike’s story is one of strength, service, and faith—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we can become beacons of light for others. Whether you’re a parent, coach, advocate, or simply someone who wants to do more, this conversation will leave you both heartbroken and inspired. 🎧 Together, we’re saving lives—one life at a time. #LivingUndeterred #ProjectSAFE #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #JeffJohnston #MikeFarr #YouthMentalHealth #StrikeOutTheStigma #GriefSupport #MentalWellness #HopeAfterLoss #PeerSupport #FaithDrivenHealing

In this episode of the Brightn Podcast, host Jeff Johnston sits down with standout Iowa tight end and future NFL player Luke Lachey for a candid conversation about resilience, identity, and mental wellness both on and off the field. From carrying the legacy of an NFL father to overcoming a season-ending injury, Luke shares how adversity has shaped his perspective and how positive self-talk has become one of his greatest tools. Together, they explore: Growing up with the shadow—and strength—of an NFL legacyThe culture of Iowa football and leading by exampleHow injuries taught him patience, perspective, and purposeThe role of support systems: from teammates to teachers to familyThe power of mental conditioning and becoming a teammate to yourselfNavigating identity beyond the game and life after footballWhether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone navigating your own challenges, Luke’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership starts with how we talk to ourselves—and how we lift others up in the process. 🎧 Subscribe and share if this conversation inspires you. #MentalWellness #AthleteMindset #LukeLachey #BrightnPodcast #Leadership #SelfTalk #IowaFootball #NextPlayMentality