In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, we’re featuring a profoundly moving episode with Kevin Hines, a Golden Gate Bridge survivor whose story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Kevin is a best-selling author, global public speaker, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. In the year 2000, he made a harrowing decision to end his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Miraculously, he is part of the nearly 1% that survived, thanks in part to a sea lion that kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived.

In this deeply personal interview, Kevin opens up about his troubled childhood, the emotional turmoil that led him to the bridge, and the life-changing moments that followed his leap. He shares the exact thoughts he had as he fell into the water, and how his journey from despair to hope has fueled his mission to spread a message of resilience and healing. 

Kevin now travels the globe with his powerful motto, #BeHereTomorrow, encouraging people of all ages to embrace wellness and find strength through adversity. Tune in for a conversation that not only sheds light on the struggles of mental health but also offers a beacon of hope for those facing their own battles. Don’t miss this chance to hear Kevin Hines' incredible story of survival and transformation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Trigger Warning: Descriptions of a suicide attempt

[01:10] Jamie introduces Kevin Hines.

[04:04] Kevin starts to talk about his dark upbringing in San Francisco. 

[07:56] Kevin describes his gratitude for landing in the foster care system and finding his forever family.

[10:03] Kevin recounts the final events leading up to his attempt.

[13:58] Kevin describes the emotions and feelings he had as he let go of the rail. 

[17:11] Kevin and Jamie discuss gratitude for the smallest things.

[20:22] Kevin explains the aftermath of his attempt and recounts his family’s reactions.

[23:55] Kevin shares when he had his life changing epiphany during his third psych ward stay. 

[26:18] Kevin talks about meeting his now wife during his stay at a psych ward. 

[29:39] Kevin describes the purpose behind his documentary film and children’s book. 

[33:42] Kevin outlines how children can be taught resilience. 

[36:05] Kevin explains his frustration with suicide reportings and how it led him to advocate for “The Net”.

[40:58] Kevin talks about his new documentary project about “The Net”. 

[41:52] Kevin shares how he’s learned that gratitude allows us to overcome any pain. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[17:12] Kevin talks about no longer taking things for granted and recognizing his presence anywhere and anytime as a gift.

[19:50] Kevin explains why gratitude and resilience are the two most protective factors from suicide and mental health management.

[33:58] Kevin describes the importance of building resilience and specifically teaching kids not to allow negative or untrue comments “live rent free” in their heads. 

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Kevin Hines for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Kevin on Instagram @kevinhinesstory.

Check out more about Kevin: 

Art of Wellness YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVYv6ggWUUY&list=PLaAelpJCpnYOo-1sIU9fu9O8OZbXN3sDO

Vimeo: Suicide The Ripple Effect: 

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/suicidetherippleeffect

Check out Kevin’s children’s book:

https://www.amazon.com/Dimly-Lit-Star-Kevin-Hines/dp/B0D1V1J76Z

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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Kevin’s Bio:

Kevin Hines is a storyteller. He is a best selling author, global public speaker, and award winning documentary filmmaker. In the Year 2000, Kevin attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Many factors contributed to his miraculous survival including a sea lion which kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived. Kevin now travels the world sharing his story of hope, healing, and recovery while teaching people of all ages the art of wellness & the ability to survive pain with true resilience. 

His motto: #BeHereTomorrow and everyday after that. 

Kevin’s will to live and stay mentally well has inspired people worldwide. His compelling story has touched diverse, global audiences within colleges and universities, high schools, corporations, clergy, military, clinicians, health and medical communities, law enforcement organizations, and various industries. Thousands have communicated to Hines that his story helped save their lives. He has reached millions with his story.

His story was featured in the 2006 film The Bridge by the film director and producer Eric Steel. 

Kevin believes in the power of the human spirit and in the fact that you can find the ability to live mentally well. His mantra: “Life is a gift, that is why they call it the present. Cherish it always.”

Additional Resources: 

More Information About “The Net” (Golden Gate Bridge)

https://www.goldengate.org/district/district-projects/suicide-deterrent-net/

Suicide Prevention Resources: 

Dial: 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (USA Only)

https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/safety-and-support-on-social-media/

Text: HELP to 741 741 - Crisis Text Line (USA Only)

Visit: www.suicide.org (International Phone Numbers)

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