From Personal Loss to Collective Hope: A Conversation with Jason Reid on Youth Mental Health Awareness

Steve Ramona welcomes guests Dana and Jason to explore their new documentary Let’s Go, a heartfelt, hope-filled film built to empower young people—and the adults in their lives. They’ll dive into how storytelling on screen can shift kids from anxiety and isolation to confidence and purpose. You’ll walk away with practical tools for parents, educators, and leaders to spark meaningful conversations—and take action that truly supports the next generation. If you care about mental health, resilience, and the power of creativity, this episode equips you to turn story into impact—both on and off screen. Dana Bio Co-producer and co-founder of Tell My Story, Dana created the breakthrough film What I Wish My Parents Knew—amplifying teen voices around mental health. Her new film, Let’s Go, is a toolkit in motion: emotional stories, classroom discussion guides, and actionable strategies that help youth step into their own lives with purpose and passion. Jason Bio Co-founder and interviewer behind Let’s Go, Jason brings energy, authenticity, and lived experience as a parent and advocate. He elevates teen storytellers—from championship athletes to aspiring artists—highlighting both struggle and grit. Jason leads conversations on the importance of resilience, creativity, and helping kids become the main characters in their own lives.

Our host Nathan Mersereau sits down with Jason Reid , Co-Founder of National Services Group, Inc. , to discuss his journey into mental health advocacy following the loss of his son. Jason shares how this tragedy led him to create tools and programs to support families, schools, and companies in opening meaningful conversations around mental health. Jason explains how parents can take more ownership of their children’s mental wellness and how listening, without trying to fix anything, is the first step toward helping those in crisis. Key Takeaways: (02:18) Jason shares the story behind the creation of Tell My Story after losing his son Ryan. (06:44) Mental illness is often invisible — comparable to any other disease. (09:34) We can’t fix mental health struggles; we can only be present and listen. (13:37) People in crisis seek a lifeline, not solutions. (15:23) The weight of the world — news, climate, conflict — affects children more than we realize. (16:32) A simple card deck sparks meaningful parent-child conversations. (17:26) Music becomes a non-threatening way to open emotional dialogue. (20:12) Stronger family connections are a surprising outcome of shared grief. Resources Mentioned: Jason Reid https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrreid/ National Services Group, Inc. https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-services-group-inc./ Tell My Story https://www.tellmystory.org "What I Wish My Parents Knew" https://tellmystory.org/our-programs/what-i-wish-my-parents-knew/ "The Hot Lava Game" TEDx Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p24x5mIIMeQ Uplift at Work https://www.upliftatwork.com Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Episode notes In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Jason Reid, a CEO coach and co-founder of National Services Group, who experienced profound personal tragedy when his 14-year-old son, Ryan, completed suicide in 2018. Jason discusses his transformative journey post-tragedy, focusing on his initiative tellmystory.org , a nonprofit aimed at empowering parents with mental health resources for their children. The conversation covers Jason's personal changes, family dynamics, his work in mental health advocacy, and future projects, including concerns about the mental health impact of AI on youth. Jason emphasizes the importance of open communication, understanding mental health as seriously as physical health, and creating meaningful human connections. Jason Reid Bio and Contact Information Jason Reid is a partner at CEO Coaching International, where he coaches CEOs to achieve sustainable success. As the co-founder of National Services Group, he leads a team of over 2,500 employees across three nationwide brands. A visionary entrepreneur and devoted family man, Jason’s life took a transformative turn after the heartbreaking loss of his 14-year-old son to suicide in 2018. In response, he founded TellMyStory.org , a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering parents with the resources they need to support their children’s mental health. Through its sister organization, Mental Wellness Media, Jason works to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations through impactful media projects. These initiatives, including the TEDx talks and documentary films Tell My Story and What I Wish My Parents Knew, are part of his mission to help parents and children communicate more openly and understand each other’s mental health struggles. https://tellmystory.org/  To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

Jason Reid, a serial entrepreneur and mental health advocate, shares his incredible journey from starting as a house painter to running multiple successful companies. In this episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, he reveals the power of relationships, the importance of investing in people, and his mission to improve mental health through his foundation, TellMyStory.org. Learn why he believes AI could "steal the soul" of the next generation and how he balances business, creativity, and personal well-being.

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Jason Reid, a CEO coach and co-founder of National Services Group, who experienced profound personal tragedy when his 14-year-old son, Ryan, completed suicide in 2018.

Episode notes In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Dana Christian Lee, a seasoned educator, and the Executive Director of the non-profit Tell My Story. The podcast delves into Dana's background, including her experience with eating disorders, postpartum depression, and the impact of losing loved ones to suicide. Dana discusses her work with Tell My Story, which aims to help parents address their children's mental health proactively. The conversation covers the importance of empathy, resilience, and community support in addressing mental health challenges. Dana emphasizes the significance of simple gestures like smiling and softening stress, as well as the need for open, heartfelt communication. The episode highlights the various initiatives and resources offered by Tell My Story, including a card game designed to foster communication and connection. Dana’s Bio and Contact Information Dana Christian Lee is a mom of two amazing humans; William John III & Grace Christian. Originally from Michigan, they headed west for her daughter to attend college in Northern California 5 years ago & have found California to be their soul's home. Dana holds two degrees in education as well as certification in yoga and mindfulness. She has been a teacher for over 25 years in elementary/middle schools, religious education programs, as well as yoga & mindfulness teaching. Her passion is physical and mental wellbeing in community, offering access to resources, tools, and connection. In January 2023 Dana's journey with Tell My Story began in partnership with Jason Reid. Tell My Story is a nonprofit whose mission is to 'help parents own their kids' mental health like they do their physical health,' through film, music and meaningful communication. Dana, the executive director of Tell My Story, works daily to positively impact youth mental health nationally and globally. Email: dana@tellmystory.org Website: https://tellmystory.org/ The Teaching Journeys Podcast is available on your favorite podcast platforms. To find out more about dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com Visit the page: https://rss.com/podcasts/theteachingjourneys/1909742/ Watch the episode on youtube 

“I found myself thrust into the world of mental wellness in 2018 when I lost my son Ryan to suicide. He had just turned 14.” With those words, director Jason Reid introduces his 45-minute film “What I Wish My Parents Knew,” a follow-up to his 2020 documentary “ Tell My Story .”  Read the full article here: https://www.petaluma360.com/article/entertainment/film-teen-suicide-petaluma-high-school/

Losing a child is an unimaginable pain, one that Jason Reed knows all too well after the heartbreaking loss of his 14-year-old son, Ryan, to suicide. This tragedy became the catalyst for Jason’s mission to transform despair into hope by advocating for youth mental health. Through projects like his powerful film "Tell My Story" and his impactful TEDx talks, Jason is determined to bridge the generational gap and address the unprecedented pressures faced by today’s youth. From the relentless academic demands to the pervasive reach of digital connectivity, Jason shares profound insights into the unique challenges that shape the mental well-being of young people today. Communication emerges as a cornerstone of support in our conversation with Jason, as he stresses the importance of being present and listening to children without the urge to fix or solve. By using the metaphor of clear skies and clouds, Jason helps us understand the complexities of mental health issues like depression and anxiety from a child's perspective. It becomes clear that prioritizing mental health with the same care as physical health is essential for creating a safe space for children to share their emotions. Jason's approach aligns with fostering open dialogue, empowering parents to become attentive listeners, and easing the emotional burdens kids often carry in silence. Beyond his advocacy, Jason is a creative force, channeling his experiences into storytelling through novels, screenplays, and his YouTube series "Ghost Town USA." His commitment to mental health advocacy is matched by a fervor for engaging conversations, evident in his choice of hypothetical dinner guests like the Pope, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelensky. As we wrap up this episode, we reflect on the power of podcasting as a tool for sharing transformative insights and experiences, encouraging our listeners to spread this episode like a gift, one that could bring understanding and support to someone’s life. Join us in our heartfelt journey of Doing Business with a Servant's Heart, and be prepared to gain new perspectives on mental health and communication.

FOX 11's Sandra Endo spoke to a local family who shared a powerful message on teen mental health and suicide prevention.