Why Passion Projects Save Lives

In this article, Jason Reid draws on both heartbreaking personal loss and years of research to offer parents a clearer picture of what their children may be silently experiencing. After losing his 14-year-old son Ryan to suicide in 2018, Reid embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between what parents assume and what teens actually feel.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Reid — founder of Tell My Story Foundation, producer of the documentary films Tell My Story, What I Wish My Parents Knew, and Shift, author of seven books, Iron Man athlete, and a father who lost his 14-year-old son Ryan to suicide in 2018 while on vacation with his wife.

Jason is the founder of TellMyStory.org, a nonprofit he launched after the suicide of his 14-year-old son in 2018. The foundation is dedicated to educating and empowering parents with practical, up-to-date resources to better recognize and support their children’s mental health struggles. Through its sister organization, Mental Wellness Media, Jason produces documentary films and educational programs that spark honest conversations between parents and kids and encourage families to share their stories. He has spoken openly about his experience in two TEDx talks and through the documentaries Tell My Story and What I Wish My Parents Knew, using his platform to reduce stigma and strengthen communication around youth mental health. Tell My Story – Official Home Page Our Story (About the Foundation & Jason’s Mission) Tell My Story Card Game (Communication Tool) Become a supporter of this podcast: The Trauma Therapist

“The opposite of depression is not happiness, but connection.” – Johann Hari In this episode, Logan and Tyson sit down with Dana Christian Lee and Jason Reid from the organization Tell My Story to talk about the growing mental health crisis facing kids and teens today—and what families can actually do about it. Jason shares the heartbreaking and deeply personal story of losing his youngest son to suicide in 2018, a tragedy that reshaped his life and ignited a mission to bring real mental health conversations into homes that often avoid them. Dana, the executive director of Tell My Story, adds her perspective from years of working with youth, families, and communities—helping unpack why so many kids struggle silently and what meaningful connection really looks like. The conversation covers the realities many parents don’t see: how common anxiety and depression have become, why kids often feel like a burden instead of asking for help, and how today’s digital world—especially unrestricted phones, social media, and algorithms—can quietly amplify those struggles. They also talk about practical ways families can build trust, communication, and emotional safety, including tools like the Tell My Story card game, and why creativity, purpose, and learning to do hard things matter so much for a young person’s mental health. This is an honest, emotional, and ultimately hopeful conversation about loss, parenting, connection, and what each of us can do right now to change the mental health narrative for the next generation. If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone. Sometimes one conversation really can save a life. LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO “DAD BODS and BEARDS” Podcast: YouTube Apple Music Spotify

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Jason Reid shares how personal loss reshaped his mission, turning storytelling into a powerful tool for mental health awareness, workplace wellness, and deeper parent-child conversations. 

In Episode 228 of the Say It Skillfully® podcast, Molly welcomes back storyteller, entrepreneur, and founder of Tell My Story , Jason Reid. After the tragic loss of his 14-year-old son Ryan to suicide in 2018, Jason transformed unimaginable grief into a mission to help families better understand youth mental health and create spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and supported. In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Jason shares the inspiration behind his new film Shift: Do What Moves You , which highlights how purpose, passion, and personal interests can help young people rise above depression and anxiety. The discussion explores the importance of creating safe conversations around mental health, the role of parents in supporting their children’s emotional wellbeing, and why having a hobby or passion outside of work or school can be life-changing. Jason also reflects on personal growth, the power of curiosity, and why learning about emerging technologies like AI is essential in a rapidly changing world. From parenting insights to leadership lessons, this episode is filled with practical wisdom for anyone seeking to live more intentionally and help others do the same. Jason’s message is both hopeful and practical: finding what moves you—and encouraging others to do the same—can create profound change in both individual lives and communities.

In Episode 228 of the Say It Skillfully® podcast, Molly welcomes back storyteller, entrepreneur, and founder of Tell My Story , Jason Reid. After the tragic loss of his 14-year-old son Ryan to suicide in 2018, Jason transformed unimaginable grief into a mission to help families better understand youth mental health and create spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and supported. In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Jason shares the inspiration behind his new film Shift: Do What Moves You , which highlights how purpose, passion, and personal interests can help young people rise above depression and anxiety. The discussion explores the importance of creating safe conversations around mental health, the role of parents in supporting their children’s emotional wellbeing, and why having a hobby or passion outside of work or school can be life-changing. Jason also reflects on personal growth, the power of curiosity, and why learning about emerging technologies like AI is essential in a rapidly changing world. From parenting insights to leadership lessons, this episode is filled with practical wisdom for anyone seeking to live more intentionally and help others do the same. Jason’s message is both hopeful and practical: finding what moves you—and encouraging others to do the same—can create profound change in both individual lives and communities.

Jason Reed built a company from his second bedroom into a 3,500-employee business with five brands across the nation. He's coached CEOs for 15 years, failed at over 30 companies, and lost tens of millions of dollars along the way. But in March of 2018, Jason experienced the loss no parent should ever face — his 14-year-old son took his own life. That moment changed everything. It changed how he leads, how he shows up for his people, and why he now dedicates his life to making sure no other parent misses what he missed. In this episode of The Impactful Leader, host Chris sits down with Jason to talk about: Why he calls himself a "builder of people" — not a CEO What 30+ business failures taught him that success never could "Failure is an event, not an identity" — how to bounce back without losing yourself Why discipline and written goals separate leaders from dreamers The signs of mental health struggles he wishes he'd recognized sooner Why frontline managers MUST be equipped for mental health conversations How leading with vulnerability creates stronger teams — and real ROI "Do your employees want to give you a hug? If not, you're doing something wrong." This is one of the most honest conversations we've ever had on this podcast.