Why Passion Projects Save Lives, with Jason Reid

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: "When your world feels like it’s falling apart, that’s when your story is beginning." – Jason Reid In this episode of Uncorking a Story, I sit down with Jason Reid—a successful entrepreneur, executive coach, and founder of TellMyStory.org. Jason’s life changed forever in 2018 when he lost his 14-year-old son to suicide. Instead of retreating into despair, Jason transformed his grief into a mission: helping parents and kids navigate mental health challenges through storytelling and connection. We talk about his latest film, Shift: Do What Moves You, why hobbies and passions can literally save lives, and how failure often teaches us more than success ever could. If you’ve ever wondered how to find meaning in the darkest times, this conversation is for you. Key Themes: The Power of Storytelling – Jason shares why stories connect us and how they’ve shaped his life as a leader and parent. From Tragedy to Advocacy – Learn how Jason turned unimaginable loss into a movement to help families recognize and address mental health struggles. Why Passion Projects Matter – Discover how leaning into hobbies and interests can be life-saving for kids—and sanity-saving for adults. Failure Is the Best Teacher – Jason explains why his biggest lessons came from business failures, not successes. Mental Health Starts Early – Eye-opening insights on how depression can begin as early as age seven and what parents need to know. Gratitude and Resilience – Hear the inspiring story of a young man who thrives despite adversity, thanks to gratitude and creative outlets. How to Bring These Films to Your Community – Jason shares how schools and parents can host screenings of Shift and What I Wish My Parents Knew at zero cost. Request a Viewing of Shift: Do What Moves you Website: Connect with Jason Website: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: LinkedIn: Connect with Mike Website: Youtube: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok: Twitter: LinkedIn: If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Why Passion Projects Save Lives, with Jason Reid is an episode from Uncorking a Story by Uncorking a Story, LLC.

This episode is 35:49 long.

This episode was published on Feb 3, 2026.

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