Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health cover art

Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health

Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health

Written by: Glow For Hope NFP
Listen for free

About this listen

 The Glow For Hope Podcast is dedicated to illuminating the path to mental wellness by fostering open, compassionate conversations about mental health. Our goal is to reduce stigma, educate, empower, and provide tangible support for those navigating mental health challenges, suicide prevention, and overall well-being. Through storytelling, expert insights, and community engagement, we create a space where listeners feel heard, understood, and inspired to take proactive steps toward mental wellness.Copyright 2025 - Present. All rights reserved by Glow For Hope NFP Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • Frank King: Humor, Vulnerability, and How to Start the Suicide Conversation

    Frank King: Humor, Vulnerability, and How to Start the Suicide Conversation
    Feb 17 2026
    Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health Frank King: What to Say When Someone Might Be Suicidal Practical words, direct questions, and why “bringing it into the sunlight” can save a life Host: Kelly Poelker Guest: Frank King Category: Suicide Prevention · Depression · Communication · Men’s Mental Health A lot of people want to help — they just don’t know what to say. In this episode of Glow For Hope, host Kelly Poelker sits down with Frank King, known as the “mental health comedian,” for an honest, practical conversation about how to talk about suicide in a way that’s clear, compassionate, and actually helpful. Frank shares how generational suicide loss and decades of living with depression shaped his mission — and how he came dangerously close to ending his life in 2010 during the recession. He explains why humor isn’t about making suicide a joke — it’s about lowering defenses so people can absorb hard truths and feel less alone. Most importantly, Frank teaches simple language you can use immediately: how to ask directly if someone is depressed, how to ask if they’re having thoughts of suicide, what to avoid saying, and what to say instead. This is an episode for parents, friends, partners, coworkers, leaders, and anyone who wants to be a safer person to talk to — before crisis. What You’ll Learn Exactly what to say when you’re worried about someone (and why the words matter)Two direct questions that can open the door: “Are you depressed?” and “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”Why asking about suicide does not “put the idea in someone’s head”Common signs of depression you can notice (sleep, appetite, mornings vs. afternoons, appearance)What not to say — and why “choose joy” can backfireA stronger replacement: “I’m here for you, and I mean it — I’ll help you get support.”How “burdensomeness” shows up — and how to counter it directlyWhy men often stay silent, and what helps them open upWhat to do if someone has a plan (including 988 and urgent next steps) Guest Spotlight: Frank King Frank King is a comedian and speaker known as the “mental health comedian.” He wrote jokes for The Tonight Show for 20 years, has delivered multiple TEDx talks, and speaks openly about depression, suicidality, and suicide loss in his family. Frank uses humor, vulnerability, and real-life stories to make it safer for people to talk about mental health — and to teach audiences how to start the conversations that can save lives. Key Quotes “If you can’t ask, ‘Are you having thoughts of suicide?’ find somebody who can.” “Say, ‘I’m here for you, and I mean it.’ Then help them get treatment.” “Most people who die by suicide did not want to die. I didn’t want to die — I just wanted to end the pain.” “You are not a burden. And we would never be better off without you.” “Those are lifesavers. And now you are too.” Resources & Next Steps Learn more about Frank: Website: mentalhealthcomedian.comLinkedIn: Search “Frank King mental health comedian” Free Resource from Frank: Guts, Grit, and the Grind: A Mental Mechanics Manual (Book One – Unabridged Audio) Frank has made the full, unabridged version of Book One available free for Glow For Hope listeners: Watch / Listen Here Try this script (save it): “I’ve noticed you seem off. Are you depressed?”“Are you having thoughts of suicide?”“I’m here for you, and I mean it. With time and treatment, things can get better — I’ll help you get support.” Visit Glow For Hope: Resources and support at glowforhopenfp.org Next Episode We’ll continue sparking conversations that make it safer to speak up — for the person struggling and the person supporting them. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Support the Show Glow For Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention through conversation, community, and connection. Make a Donation Share Glow For Hope Share this episode with someone who wants to know what to say.Leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.Follow Glow For Hope on social media for events and resources.Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our mission. Crisis Resources If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone — help is available. United States: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. The post Frank King: Humor, Vulnerability, and How to Start the Suicide Conversation first appeared on Glow For Hope | Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Matt Benson: Mental Health, Self-Worth, and Pressure for Student-Athletes

    Matt Benson: Mental Health, Self-Worth, and Pressure for Student-Athletes
    Jan 27 2026
    Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health Matt Benson: Mental Health, Self-Worth, and Pressure for Student-Athletes When performance becomes identity, pressure builds — and silence can take a toll Host: Kelly Poelker Guest: Matt Benson Category: Mental Health · Student-Athletes · Coaching & Parenting Sports are often praised for building discipline, toughness, and resilience. And while that can be true, what often goes unspoken is what happens when pressure, expectations, injury, and silence begin to outweigh the game itself. In this episode, host Kelly Poelker sits down with Matt Benson, a former high school and collegiate football player and former high school coach, to talk about the mental health challenges student-athletes face — especially when self-worth becomes tied to performance, playing time, or identity as “the athlete.” Matt shares his lived experience navigating grief after losing a close friend to suicide, struggling with depression and addiction, and the emotional impact of career-ending injury. He also reflects on how coaching shaped his understanding of connection, compassion, and the importance of asking simple but meaningful questions: Are you okay? What You’ll Learn How self-worth can quietly become tied to performance and starting rolesWhy many athletes appear “fine” while struggling internallyThe emotional impact of injury and sudden loss of sport identityHow grief and unprocessed loss affect student-athletesWhy numbing pain doesn’t resolve what’s underneathWhat coaches can notice beyond discipline and attendanceHow parents can ask hard questions without needing all the answersWhy connection — not correction — can change outcomes Guest Spotlight: Matt Benson Matt Benson is a former high school and collegiate football player and former high school football coach. He played football at Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky, and later at the University of Pikeville, where he was part of the team that won the first conference championship in school history. After college, Matt coached high school football at Fern Creek High School from 2020–2023. He speaks openly about mental health, grief, addiction, injury, and the importance of connection and honesty in athletics. Key Quotes “Football was the one thing I felt confident I was good at — and it was taken away from me in seconds.” “I tried so hard to be enough for everyone else and never focused on being enough for myself.” “Alcohol doesn’t take the pain away — it just numbs it.” “You never know what’s going on in somebody’s life unless you ask.” “Grab their hand and walk with them.” Resources & Next Steps Start a conversation: Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or educator and talk about how pressure and self-worth showed up in your own sports experience. For athletes: If something resonated, consider reaching out to one person you trust — you don’t have to carry it alone. Visit Glow For Hope: Explore resources, events, and conversations at glowforhopenfp.org Next Episode We’ll continue creating space for honest conversations around mental health, lived experience, and the people impacted by silence. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Support the Show Glow For Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention through conversation, community, and connection. Make a Donation Share Glow For Hope Share this episode with someone who might need it.Leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.Follow Glow For Hope for upcoming events and resources.Consider a tax-deductible donation to support our mission. Crisis Resources If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. United States: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. The post Matt Benson: Mental Health, Self-Worth, and Pressure for Student-Athletes first appeared on Glow For Hope | Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Lawrence C. Harris on Self-Belief, Small Steps, and Taking Ownership as a Teen

    Lawrence C. Harris on Self-Belief, Small Steps, and Taking Ownership as a Teen
    Jan 13 2026
    Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health Lawrence C. Harris on Self-Belief, Small Steps, and Taking Ownership as a Teen Confidence, consistency, responsibility, and finding your people — without perfection Host: Kelly Poelker Guest: Lawrence C. Harris Category: Mental Health · Teens & Young Adults · Confidence We’ve covered a wide range of mental health topics on Glow For Hope — from first responder wellness, addiction and recovery, to trauma, grief, literacy, and the role community plays in emotional well-being. Today’s conversation shifts the focus in a really intentional way: teens and young adults. In this episode, host Kelly Poelker sits down with Lawrence C. Harris, a youth empowerment speaker and author, to talk about how self-belief actually shows up in real life — in grades, leadership, relationships, and decision-making — and why so many young people quietly talk themselves out of the future they want. Lawrence shares parts of his own story, including childhood bullying, trauma, therapy, and journaling — and explains why the goal isn’t to “flip a switch” into confidence. It’s about building belief layer by layer through small, consistent actions that create real evidence you’re capable. You’ll also hear a clear explanation of Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) vs. PTSD, why the nervous system resists change even when it’s good for you, and how taking ownership means focusing on what you can control — without blaming yourself for what others did. What You’ll Learn How low self-belief shows up in school performance, leadership, and everyday decisions.Why teens often stop trying — even when they have the ability to improve.How childhood messages shape what people believe is “possible” for them.Why confidence isn’t a switch — it’s built by evidence, layer by layer.A practical way to stay consistent: make the input the goal (not the outcome).Why small steps work with your nervous system instead of triggering shutdown.The difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) in simple terms.How journaling can help stop spirals and shift your inner story.What “taking ownership” looks like when life hasn’t been fair.What adults can do differently when teen behavior doesn’t make sense on the surface. Guest Spotlight: Lawrence C. Harris Lawrence C. Harris is a youth empowerment speaker and author who works with teens and young adults in schools, churches, and organizations to help them challenge limiting beliefs, build confidence, and step into their potential. In this conversation, Lawrence shares how therapy (including CBT), journaling, and honest self-reflection helped him move from survival mode into a life he enjoys waking up to — and why his approach is focused on simple, repeatable tools young people can use to build momentum without needing perfection. Key Quotes “When people don’t believe in themselves, especially teenagers, they just stop trying as hard.” “You have to give your brain evidence to prove that it’s possible… you build it up layer by layer.” “Everything isn’t your fault, but you’re allowed to control yourself. I’m responsible for what I do — not for what other people do.” “Instead of making the goal the goal… make the input the goal.” “One thing I wish I heard at that age: You’re loved — even if your mind tells you that you’re not.” Resources & Next Steps Connect with Lawrence: Social handle: @lawrencec.empowers (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) Official Website: www.lawrencecharris.com Book mentioned by Lawrence: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind (Joseph Murphy) Kelly’s recommendation: A twist on Afformations (The Secret Code of Success by Noah St. John) — rather than focus on 'why I can't' do something, search for the 'how to make it happen'. Try this today (for teens/young adults): Choose one small “input goal” and do it daily for a week: Read 5 pages10 pushupsSay hello to 3 peopleJournal one page Start a conversation: Share this episode with a teen, parent, coach, or educator — and talk about what self-belief looked like in your own life at that age. Visit Glow For Hope: Explore more conversations, resources, and upcoming events on the Glow For Hope website. Next Episode We’ll continue sparking real conversations around mental health, lived experience, and community impact. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next — and reach out if there’s a topic you’d like us to explore. Support the Show Glow For Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention through conversation, community, and engaging events. Make a Donation Share Glow For Hope Share this episode with someone who might need this conversation.Leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.Follow Glow For Hope on social media for events and resources.Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our work....
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
No reviews yet