Ep. 61 Jeff Johnston: Author, Founder of The Living Undeterred Project

Ep. 61 Jeff Johnston: Author, Founder of The Living Undeterred Project Kate Cherichello 49:22

Today’s guest lost both his wife and oldest son to addictions yet has chosen to devote his life to making a difference: becoming an unceasing advocate for mental health.

Jeff Johnston is a dad who is working to change the narrative on mental health, substance abuse, & addiction. He is the founder of The Living Undeterred Project, as well as author of “This One’s For You: An Inspirational Journey Through Addiction, Death, and Meaning”.

Jeff’s resolve to be ‘’better not bitter’’ can inspire each of us in how we face the challenges life throws our way. Easy? Not in the slightest. Worth it? Hear it from Jeff:

The day before our interview was the sixth anniversary of the death of Jeff’s son, Seth. As those who have lost loved ones know, Jeff shares how even with time passing, there are still days that are really, really hard. This may be the most emotionally raw episode we’ve had; Jeff’s generosity in sharing his thoughts, insights, and wisdom gained over these years brings so much impact to this episode.

Seth died from an overdose of heroin laced with fentanyl. The number of others dying increases each year. Jeff says 800 Americans are dying each day from overdose, alcohol, and suicide. He describes how knowing about this issue hasn’t been working in fixing it, so what will?

So Jeff is devoting his life to working to change the narrative in the hope other families do not have to go through what he has gone through.

“The moment you’re on top of the world, that seems to be when life sends you subtle reminders, sometimes very piercing reminders, of how precious and how fragile life can be.”

Additional highlights:

-We all make poor choices. It is about whether or not we learn from them.
-His journey through his own addictions
-The concept of reframing
-The living undeterred mindset
-How he uses having attention deficient to his benefit
-Dealing with the loss of a child
-Being in the ‘today’
-Meditation and fitness as tools
-Don’t compare Grief

Follow Jeff: Livingundeterred.org

~~Join me each Friday, as I ask an individual five questions about the good they are doing in the world. Hear how each guest’s story is so unique, yet still incredibly tied together by following passions, giving back, and continuing to move forward each day. ~~

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Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood

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