Before You Kill Yourself: a suicide prevention podcast.

Explore the power of purpose through the story of Velasco in The Samurai and research-backed insights: Velasco chose meaning over comfort, even at the cost of his life. Purpose drives resilience, stress tolerance, and mental well-being. Without purpose, life can feel stagnant and numbing. Discover why knowing your “why” is essential to truly being alive. Thrive With Leo Coaching :  If you wan...

We often describe our feelings with one word — “fine,” “pissed,” “tired” — and wonder why others don’t get us. In this episode, we explore how to turn vague emotions into vivid, specific experiences. Learn how describing moments, sensations, and nuances can transform your relationships and self-understanding. We also discuss: Why one-word feelings aren’t enough Describing moments instead of labels...

In this episode, we explore the real difference between talking, venting, and unburdening—and why unburdening is the emotional release most people never realize they need. We break down what it means to carry invisible weight and how to finally set it down in ways that are healthy, human, and sustainable. You’ll learn: What makes unburdening different from ordinary conversation or venting Why carr...

In this episode, we explore the quote, “People who live for one thing never seem to age.” What does it mean to have an anchor — a devotion that gives life direction and resilience? We’ll look at how finding your “one thing” can protect your mental health, help you recover from chaos, and remind you why you’re still here. Talking Points: What the quote “People who live for one thing never seem to a...

In this episode, we explore how embarrassment, social pressure, and the need for permission show up in everyday life—and what that reveals about mental health. Key Takeaways: Why people wait for others before taking action (doors, cake, and more) How embarrassment manifests physically and influences behavior The power of being the “first slice”—giving permission for others to follow Mental health...

We discuss three phases of emotional regulation learned through how we deodorize our car! If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to  www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help: In the US:&n...

Today we discuss how to cope with the grief from the unexpected death of a parent. If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to  www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help: In the US:  Cr...

In this episode, we explore the metaphor of human energy and emotional regulation through the lens of aviation fuel—what keeps us running clean vs. what makes us crash and burn. Why the wrong inputs (like sugar, doomscrolling, or people-pleasing) feel good briefly but exhaust us How to identify visual, auditory, and social junk fuel in your daily life What real, sustainable fuel looks like across...

In this episode, we explore the life-saving potential of creativity in suicide prevention based on a webinar with Dr. Diane Kaufman, MD. Key Highlights: How Dr. Kaufman used poetry to process suicidal thoughts Transforming personal pain into public healing through books, songs, and an opera Practical ways art can help us move from isolation to connection What many artists who died by suicide were...

In this episode, we explore: Why your body waits until the end of your shower to signal you need to pee How this everyday moment reveals deeper truths about tension, distraction, and missed signals What it means to actually feel safe enough to tune in Why slowing down isn’t indulgent—it’s essential How this connects to mental health, nighttime overthinking, and suicide prevention Thrive With Leo C...

Today we'll discuss: Explore the power of admiration as a tool for connection and healing. Discuss how admiration can counteract shame, loneliness, and psychological pain . Differentiate between genuine admiration and blind flattery . Learn practical ways to admire others and yourself sincerely , even when it feels vulnerable. Reflect on the balance between setting boundaries and giving honest pra...

In this episode, we explore the deep-rooted tendency to seek approval from the very people who criticize us most. Together, we unpack: Why we confuse critique with wisdom and validation How childhood dynamics and emotional wounds shape this pattern The emotional cost of chasing approval from naysayers Why breaking the cycle matters for our mental health and self-worth Actionable steps to turn towa...

In this episode, I explore Norman Rush’s Mating , focusing on the chapter “Guilty Repose” and the section “Weep for Me.” Through the narrator’s encounter with the waterfall, I unpack themes of noise, solitude, mediocrity, and companionship — connecting her revelations to my own experiences with silence, striving, and the human need for connection. Discussion Highlights: How “the roar penetrates yo...

In this episode, we explore why starting your day with effortful tasks can build momentum, meaning, and mental strength. Why your brain is primed for effort in the morning The science behind doing hard things early What happens when we only choose ease The Four Boxes of Action: Easy & Empty, Easy & Essential, Effortful & Enriching, Effortful & Draining How to build a daily rhythm t...

In this episode, we unpack a powerful distinction that shifts how we view conflict, commitment, and connection: The difference between fighting for your life (survival mode) and fighting for a life (intentional living) Why some relationship arguments aren't about breaking up—they’re about building something meaningful How setting boundaries, saving money, and making hard choices are all ways of fi...

If you're a parent of pre-teen or teenage boy, today's episode is for you. Today's episode is: Exploring why heartbreak can lead preteen and teenage boys to suicidal thoughts Understanding the difference between what boys think they want versus what they actually need during emotional pain Signs parents and caregivers can watch for when boys are struggling silently Real stories of hope and healing...

In this episode, we explore the quiet power of doing things with both hands: Why bilateral movement calms the nervous system Cultural and spiritual traditions that honor two-handed gestures Everyday tasks that ground us through full-body presence Real-world quotes and wisdom about giving, receiving, and connecting more deeply Simple ways to bring more intentionality and wholeness into your daily r...

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK "STONER" BY JOHN WILLIAMS SPOILERS... In this heartfelt episode, we explore: How the novel Stoner reveals the hidden emotional lives so many of us carry Why Stoner’s death from esophageal cancer symbolizes the suffocation of unexpressed emotions The myth that stoicism means emotional emptiness — and the truth about deep-feeling people How modern culture...

In this episode, we explore why having a personal "Why Not" list can be a powerful tool for mental health and suicide prevention: How “Why not?” can lead to impulsive or harmful decisions Why having your own “why nots” can help you say no when it matters How a “why not” list can save a life during a suicidal crisis Examples of meaningful “why nots” that resonate deeply Backed by research: the scie...

In this episode, we explore: What a manic episode actually looks and feels like How mania and depression can reduce grey matter in the brain Why overstimulation, lack of sleep, and creative pressure can trigger episodes How Kanye West’s story reveals the tension between brilliance and instability The difference between holding people accountable and holding them with compassion What it means to su...

In today's episode we discuss the following questions: What truth in you cannot be broken? When do you feel most like you? Who are you without your name? What are you growing into? Where does your courage live? What is something small that feels big to you? Thrive With Leo Coaching :  If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to  www.t...

In this deeply personal solo episode, I reflect on a moment at sea that stirred something primal—a desire to leap, not to die, but to feel fully alive. We explore: The difference between wanting escape and needing depth How “leaping” can be a cry for rest, touch, or meaning What it means to unplug, fast, and float A practice for staying grounded when you feel unspooled Why intensity sometimes masq...

In this episode, we explore what happens when we withhold what’s true, raw, or real inside us: Why unexpressed thoughts and emotions don’t just disappear—they fester The difference between release and recklessness in emotional expression How to safely express anger, resentment, longing, and fear without hurting yourself or others What 365 Tao teaches us about drawing from our inner well before it...

In this episode, we explore seven powerful strategies that can help someone survive intense emotional distress and suicidal thoughts (from the book, THE SUICIDAL PERSON by Konrad Michel): Call a trusted doctor or therapist for personalized care Reach out to a 24/7 crisis line for nonjudgmental support Avoid alcohol to protect your judgment and emotional balance Resist writing a goodbye letter to k...

In this episode, we explore the powerful symbolism of the zero — often misunderstood as "nothing" — and reveal how it actually represents connection, wholeness, and infinite potential. If you’ve ever felt invisible, isolated, or not enough, this conversation is for you. Key Takeaways: How feeling like a "zero" can actually signal readiness for connection, not emptiness The role of circles in cultu...