In this heartfelt episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Rob Thorsen, the founder and executive director of the #HT40 Foundation and the visionary behind the Shoulder Check initiative. Rob opens up about the profound loss of his son, Hayden, to suicide, and how he transformed his grief into a mission to combat the crisis of loneliness and isolation among young people. Through Shoulder Check, Rob encourages simple, yet meaningful acts of connection—putting a hand on someone’s shoulder, checking in, and offering support when it’s needed most.

Rob’s story is one of resilience and action. Drawing from his professional background in marketing and advertising, he has crafted a grassroots movement that combines awareness, compassion, and practical tools to help people feel seen and valued. His initiative is already making waves, with partnerships ranging from professional sports leagues to community programs, and an impactful presence in schools across the country.

This episode dives deep into the challenges faced by today’s youth, the mental health stigma that persists in sports, and the importance of building environments where asking for help is not only encouraged but celebrated. Rob’s message is clear: every small act of kindness can create a ripple effect, touching lives and fostering a culture of support.

Key Takeaways from Rob’s Story

• The Power of Shoulder Check: A simple gesture, like a hand on a shoulder, can spark connection and let someone know they’re not alone.
• Creating a Culture of Support: Shoulder Check empowers individuals to act, fostering environments where vulnerability is met with understanding and care.
• The Mental Health Crisis: Rob highlights the staggering rates of loneliness and isolation among young people, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
• Turning Pain into Purpose: Rob’s journey is a testament to how personal tragedy can inspire meaningful change.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and connection. Rob’s work through the Shoulder Check initiative is not just about addressing mental health challenges—it’s about building a brighter future where no one feels alone.

Listen to the full episode to hear Rob’s inspiring journey, learn more about Shoulder Check, and discover how you can make a difference in your community.

Stay Connected with Warriors Unmasked If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. To learn more about Chuck’s coaching or to explore previous episodes, visit the links below! 

LINKS:

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com 
• Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Introduction to the show and welcome to episode 168!
• 03:04 – Rob shares Hayden’s story and the inspiration behind Shoulder Check
• 06:42 – Addressing the mental health crisis among today’s youth
• 12:08 – The power of connection: Encouraging meaningful check-ins
• 16:30 – How loneliness and social media contribute to isolation
• 20:47 – Implementing Shoulder Check in schools and sports communities
• 26:09 – Building a movement: Simple actions with big impacts
• 31:25 – Reflecting on Hayden’s legacy and the importance of his story
• 36:45 – Rob’s personal journey: Finding strength through tragedy
• 41:32 – Empowering people to make contact and create safe spaces
• 45:50 – Closing thoughts and ways to get involved with Shoulder Check