One hand on a shoulder. It sounds almost too simple, but it’s the kind of gesture that can change everything for the person on the other end.

Rob Thorsen founded The #HT40 Foundation and its first initiative, Shoulder Check, in memory of his son Hayden. At a time when more and more people are experiencing loneliness and isolation, they’re working to combat the crisis through grassroots community outreach nationwide.

In this episode, you’ll learn about Hayden and the Legacy he left behind, how Rob turned his Grief into a mission anyone can join, and the small ways we can help break the stigma around Mental Health.

Topics discussed:

Introduction (00:00)

Hayden and Rob Thorsen’s story (01:14)

Turning grief into a mission (03:52)

Hayden’s impact: the #HT40 Foundation and Shoulder Check (08:06)

The Shoulder Check Showcase (11:32)

“Lean on Me” video (17:33)

How a simple gesture makes a big impact (23:27)

The loneliness epidemic and where to turn (26:31)

Real stories of impact (29:01)

Conversations that break the stigma (31:06)

Lessons on navigating grief (35:40)

What brought you JOY today? (40:02)

Resources:

• Sending your child to college will always be emotional but are you financially ready? Take the College Readiness Quiz for Parents: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/college-readiness-quiz/
• Doing your taxes might not be enJOYable but being more organized can make the process less painful. Get Your Gathering Your Tax Documents Checklist: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mitlin_ChecklistForGatheringYourTaxDocuments_Form_062424_v2.pdf
• Will you be able to enJOY the Retirement you envision? Take the Retirement Ready Quiz: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/retirement-planning-quiz/

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceDSprung/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/Lawrence_Sprung

About Our Guest:

Rob Thorsen is the Founder and Executive Director of The #HT40 Foundation and co-creator of the Foundation’s first initiative, Shoulder Check. At a time when we are dealing with a well-documented crisis of loneliness and isolation, Rob works each day to manifest the Foundation’s mission to combat this crisis through original ideas, partnerships and grassroots community outreach nationwide.

About The #HT40 Foundation and Shoulder Check:

The HT40 Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization working to encourage young people to simply be there for their peers through action-oriented initiatives that foster social connection. The Foundation’s mission is to create and promote small actions that have a big impact. Their first initiative launched in August of 2023 is The Shoulder Check, a program that’s Making Kindness a Contact Sport. Tens of thousands of young athletes across the country, with the support of professional athletes, have made the pledge to Reach Out, Check In, and Make Contact with one another, proving checking in can be as simple as a hand on a shoulder. See Shoulder Check’s most recent work HERE.

Connect with Rob Thorsen and Shoulder Check:

• Website: https://www.shouldercheck.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshouldercheck/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheShoulderCheck

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest’s content linked on this site. This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

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Larry Sprung Host Mitlin

Lawrence “Larry” Sprung, CFP® is a husband, father, entrepreneur and mental health advocate.

Larry is the author of the Amazon Bestselling book “Financial Planning Made Personal” and the also host of the Mitlin Money Mindset™ a podcast that reminds you to ask yourself “What did you do today that brought you joy?®”

In 2004 he founded Mitlin Financial, Inc. naming the firm memory of Larry’s wife’s grandfather, Mitchell, and his mother, Linda. During his career, Larry has found that a lot of industry terms and concepts can seem confusing to outsiders. That’s why he works with the families he serves to break down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand concepts.

In recognition of Larry’s significant contributions to his profession, he has received quite a few awards. In 2021, Larry was named to the Investopedia 100 Top Advisors in 2021 and was even more humbled to make their Top Ten list for 2022.

Outside the office, one of Larry’s greatest passions is raising awareness for mental health. He spent over 12 years serving on the National Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and sits on its financial and investment committees. With his wife, Denise, he has raised more than $1.7 million for the organization through the Keith Milano Memorial Fund. The fund was created in memory of his brother-in-law.

Larry values his family tremendously and his desire to do right by his wife and two sons drives who he is in and out of the office.