What Moves You A Different Way to Think About Mental Health

This episode welcomes Dana Christian Lee, Executive Director of Tell My Story, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention and fostering authentic conversations between young people and their families. Dana discusses her own mental health journey, the heartbreaking loss that inspired Tell My Story, and the organiza

In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Reid, an entrepreneur, father, and founder of Tell My Story, an organization dedicated to transforming how families, schools, and communities talk about mental health.

A Father’s Loss That Became a National Mission

Today I’m talking with Jason Reid about one of the hardest parts of parenting: having real, honest conversations with our kids about the things nobody wants to bring up. The messy things. The scary things. The things we hope aren’t happening—but often are.

Join us for a powerful Say It Skillfully® livestream on youth mental health and the power of owning your story. Connect directly with Molly Tschang and special guest Jason Reid on your real-life questions about parenting, mental wellness, and how to create a culture where tough conversations save lives—live and unscripted.

Still searching for the perfect toys for Xmas? Whether you’re shopping for curious toddlers, hard-to-impress tweens, or the kid who already has everything, this 2025 holiday guide has you covered. We’ve rounded up the best Christmas toys, genius stocking stuffers, and can’t-miss gift ideas that’ll spark joy faster than a sugar rush on Christmas morning. From cute stuffed animals to must-have holiday toys, consider this your cheat sheet to gifting greatness—for everyone on your list.

My guest today is Dana Christian Lee. Dana Christian Lee is a devoted mom to two incredible humans, William and Grace Christian. Originally from Michigan, they made the move to Northern California in 2019—and quickly discovered that Petaluma felt like home for the soul. Dana holds two degrees in education along with certifications in yoga and mindfulness. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she’s worked across elementary and middle schools, religious education programs, and wellness spaces—blending heart, purpose, and presence into every setting. Her lifelong passion lies in supporting physical and mental well-being within community—creating access to resources, connection, and meaningful conversations. In January 2023, Dana joined Tell My Story, a nonprofit that helps parents prioritize their children's mental health with the same commitment they give to physical health—using the power of film, music, and open communication to spark change, healing, and vibrant living. She is the executive director as well as producer of their upcoming youth documentary film, "Let's Go..." which premieres Fall 2025. In this episode we discuss mental health, Tell My Story, advocacy, parenting and suicide prevention.

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.