Breaking down the walls of silence surrounding youth mental health takes courage, creativity, and compassion – qualities that shine brightly in our remarkable student guests this month.

Meet Ainslee Lloyd from Franklin High School and Aarush Mantro from St. Xavier High School, two passionate advocates serving on the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation's Youth Advisory Council. Their infectious energy and genuine commitment to helping their peers navigate mental health challenges offer a powerful glimpse into how today's youth are transforming these crucial conversations.

"Talking about mental health is kind of taboo, especially in an all-boys school," Aarush admits, reflecting on his initial hesitation before joining Sources of Strength, a nationwide prevention program implemented in Ohio schools. Both students now lead campaigns that foster belonging and connection.

The students don't shy away from tough topics, offering candid insights about substance misuse among friends seeking escape from emotional struggles and how bullying has evolved in the digital age. "It's not as obvious...it's a lot more under the radar," Ainslee explains, while Aarush notes how COVID isolation further complicated young people's ability to maintain face-to-face connections.

Their work extends beyond their schools as part of the Youth Advisory Council, where they've helped award grants to youth-led suicide prevention projects across Ohio and created "Nate," a clever mascot for the 988 crisis line with the slogan "Call Nate before it's too late."

Listen now to be inspired by these remarkable young advocates who remind us that every voice matters in suicide prevention, and even small actions can save lives.

The workplace mental health crisis is costing American businesses billions while leaving employees struggling without adequate support. This eye-opening conversation with Teresa Lampl, CEO of the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Providers, and Ashley Matthews, VP of Tax for Crane Group and Maryhaven Board Member, reveals the shocking reality behind mental health access in today's workforce.

When one in four adults experience mental health conditions annually but only half can access care, both human potential and business productivity suffer. The statistics are staggering: $300 billion lost annually from GDP due to untreated conditions, and 53% of working parents missing work monthly for their children's mental health needs. Beyond numbers, both guests share powerful personal journeys that highlight why this issue transcends business metrics.

The discussion also tackles the evolving stigma around mental health and the urgent need to treat brain health with the same priority as physical health. While social media has helped normalize conversations, persistent stereotypes still prevent many from seeking help. By valuing mental health as essential health and expanding access to the full continuum of care, businesses can create healthier workplaces while improving their bottom line.

Ready to transform how your organization approaches mental health? Listen now to discover practical strategies that benefit both your employees and your business success.

What does resilience look like in the face of unthinkable loss? Debbie McClintock found herself navigating that question when she lost both her husband Pete and son Logan to suicide within five months. Rather than letting grief define her story, she chose to honor how they lived.

"Pete had a really big heart," Debbie shares, describing a quiet computer programmer who loved chess and telling corny jokes. Logan, her "wanderer and dreamer," was sharp-witted with aspirations to teach English abroad. Father and son shared a special bond on the Appalachian Trail—a connection that later inspired a remarkable journey toward healing and advocacy.

Through therapy, scholarships, and becoming "trail angels," Debbie celebrated their legacies. A gift from her now-husband, Chip—a license plate honoring Logan’s trail name “Wolverine”—sparked a realization: Ohio had no suicide prevention plate. Within two years, they helped pass legislation signed by Governor Mike DeWine.

Today, Ohio’s first suicide prevention license plate raises awareness for the 988 Crisis Lifeline and supports men’s mental health programs. Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support.