On the last day of 2024, Mikey Lee noticed swelling in the left side of his body.

The doctor said it was an infection, leading to a surgery on Mikey's foot, calf, and hand. Sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection) followed, and what was supposed to be a week-long operation lasted three months.

He recounts feeling lonely and useless in the hospital. There were moments he thought about ending his life.

The next year and half led to several more surgeries and appointments including the amputation of his pinky toe, and his health journey is ongoing.

Today, he's still tackling his new reality and is learning how to find joy in the meantime.

On the way home from school, Erica would prepare herself for the worst.

For most of her childhood, Erica watched as her mom struggled with bipolar disorder. Somedays, she was fun, fiery, and the life of the party. Other days, she couldn't get out of bed.

While on a trip to California, Erica got the news. Part of her was devastated. Part of her was relieved. Guilt came creeping in.

Years passed, and a highly demanding corporate job compounded with the loss of other loved ones, leading Erica to find solace in alcohol. After many years of drinking, a friend pointed out: "you're trying to kill yourself; you're just doing it in a socially acceptable way"

Waking up in the hospital made her realize she wasn't ready to go. And ever since then, she's been busy getting back on her feet.

Les describes growing up with his brother, Shane, who eventually took his life.

As a kid, Shane was often bullied, which contributed to early drug and alcohol use. Struggles with addiction, religion, sexuality, and depression eventually led him to prison.

When Shane was released, Les describes talking him "off the cliff" several times. Les walks us through the phone call notifying him of the news, and how he felt at the funeral.

Les then shares about his own battle with darkness and how he keeps moving forward on the hard days.

Becca was bullied while growing up. Eventually, those messages sank deep into her psyche and as a teenager, she struggled with her mental health.

After struggling with bouts of self harm, Becca tried taking her life at the age of sixteen. On the bathroom floor, she realized it didn't work.

She spent the next few years getting help---and even though she's had a few dips along the way, she's found that life is worth living.

Jacob Guy shares why he created this podcast and what he hopes you'll get out of it.