We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeff Allen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jeff thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

Honestly, legacy has never been super important to me. I think it’s more important to consider how a legacy is created. It’s the here and now that seems to matter later, and so that’s what I’d rather focus on. I want my friends and family to know that I love them. I want strangers to know, or at least experience if we come in contact somehow, that I care about them even if I don’t know them. I have spent a lot of time thinking about mental health, what it looks like to be kind, how to love other people deeply, et cetera. So I believe I have wisdom to share in those areas. I want to share that, which is why I’ve started the podcasts that I have, Simple Mental Health and now MUSINGS. I want all of these things to happen now. So with that, I guess it will all work out for a lasting legacy if people so choose to remember me that way!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve had an interesting career so far. I started out as a professional musician, moved into the role of professional videographer and storyteller, and now, as a hobby and a passion, I’m a podcast host and producer. I love what I do professionally, but what feeds my soul is the work I do on the podcast.

I’ve been able to use my podcast, Simple Mental Health, to encourage so many people and let them know that they’re not alone. It has been one of the greatest joys of my podcasting life. Now I’ve started a podcast called MUSINGS. I offer quick, 5 minute musings about things like kindness, social media and mental health, and practicing gratitude. Those are just three of the things we’ve covered in this new podcast with many more to come.

I’m proud of the short-term communities that have come together as-needed to grieve and to celebrate when appropriate, the things of life, especially where mental health is concerned. The beautiful thing is that our communities have not been clinical, but have been community supporting community.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

You know, one of the things I had to unlearn was the idea that mental illness is this terrible thing. Growing up, I was surrounded by influences that made me believe that having mental health issues meant you were weak or flawed. It’s crazy how society can stigmatize something that affects so many people.

But as I started my own journey of self-discovery, I realized that these beliefs were just plain wrong. I decided to educate myself, reading books, going to therapy, and having open conversations with others who faced similar challenges. And you know what? I learned that mental illness is not a personal failing—it’s a legitimate medical condition that millions of people deal with.

It was eye-opening to see that unlearning those negative beliefs was just the start. I came to understand the importance of fighting against the stigma and showing empathy and support. We need to change the narrative and promote understanding and acceptance for those struggling with mental health. It’s not about weakness; it’s about recognizing that everyone deserves compassion and that we all have a role to play in creating a society that values the wellbeing of every individual, regardless of their mental health.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Oh, let me tell you, the most rewarding thing about being a mental health podcaster is seeing the impact it has on listeners. When I receive messages from people who tell me how my episodes have touched them or helped them in some way, it’s like a warm hug to my heart.

You know, mental health is such an important topic, and being able to spark conversations and provide a space for people to open up about their struggles is incredibly fulfilling. Hearing that someone found solace or support through my podcast is like a validation that I’m on the right track, making a difference in someone’s life.

But what really gets me excited is when listeners bring their own ideas and perspectives to the table. It’s like a creative collaboration where we all learn and grow together. Mental health is such a nuanced subject, and through the podcast, I get to dive into different topics, interview experts, and share personal stories. The discussions and interactions that arise from that are just mind-blowing. It’s amazing to see how these conversations inspire people and broaden our collective understanding.

At the end of the day, knowing that I’m making a positive impact and helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health is what drives me. It’s about creating a supportive community, where people feel heard and understood. So, yeah, the most rewarding part of being a mental health podcaster is seeing the real difference it makes in people’s lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/jeffallen1
• Instagram: instagram.com/musingswithjeffallen

Image Credits
Tyler Curtis