After losing both his son and wife, Jeff Johnston, founder of Brightn, transformed unimaginable pain into a mission to help others heal. In this powerful conversation, Jeff and I explore the intersection of mental wellness, resilience, and purpose, diving into what it means to truly flourish as a human being.

Jeff opens up about his journey through grief, addiction, and self-discovery, sharing how empathy, mindfulness, and love became his compass through loss. Together, they discuss the need to rethink mental health—moving beyond stigma toward a vision of human flourishing that values health, wealth, and purpose as essential "human asset classes."

The episode also introduces Brightn, Jeff's new app empowering users with AI-driven tools for mental wellness, and explores the challenges and possibilities of technology's role in emotional healing.

A story of hope, healing, and choosing love over despair, this conversation reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can create light for others.

Takeaways

- I am the path, building it stone by stone. - Grief can feel like a mental wellness workout. - Navigating heavy days requires realistic expectations. - The importance of being present in the moment. - Finding meaning in suffering is a personal journey. - Empathy can lead to healing and understanding. -The system often fails those in need of help. - Choosing love and hope over despair is a conscious decision. - Alcoholism can mask deeper issues of grief and trauma. - Creating change starts with personal experiences. Investing in human asset classes is crucial for personal growth. - The term 'mental wellness' is evolving towards 'human flourishing'. - Normalizing mental health discussions can reduce stigma. - Personal experiences with loss can lead to profound insights. - Mindfulness helps in appreciating the present moment. - The Brighton app aims to provide preventative mental health resources. - AI can enhance mental health support but must be used responsibly. - Building a business from passion can lead to meaningful impact. - It's important to acknowledge and accept destructive thoughts. - Resilience is key; surviving past challenges prepares us for future ones.