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

Jodi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I took a major risk in deciding to start a self-help podcast where I discuss my vulnerabilities to promote and de-stigmatize mental health. The journey of podcasting began in my junior year of college, I had gotten to a point where I was consistently taking my medications and seeing a mental health professional, so I wanted to share my healing with others. It was a risk because I was a psychology major, a student athlete, an intern, and a part-time employee, so deciding to do this would add even more onto my plate. I had no clue at first how to work the hardware or the software. Podcasting had then become a huge tool in my life, a place that I could work through my own issues, hear insights from others about their struggles, and connect with people around the world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a 22-year-old first-year graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, passionate about helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges and promoting the importance of well-being in every aspect of life. I’m also a dedicated cross-country and track athlete, which has taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between physical and mental strength.

My professional journey has given me hands-on experience in several areas of healthcare and advocacy. I’ve worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), where I supported patients in their daily care routines while learning the importance of compassionate, patient-centered support. As a Peer Health Educator, I’ve had the opportunity to educate my peers on a range of health issues, including mental health, substance use, and wellness. Additionally, I spent six years as a beach lifeguard, gaining valuable experience in emergency response, leadership, and community safety.

Beyond my work and studies, I’m deeply committed to mental health advocacy. I use my platform as a podcast host to share my own experiences with vulnerability, mental health struggles, and recovery. Through these conversations, I aim to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, promote open dialogue, and inspire others to take control of their own mental well-being.

Ultimately, my goal is to merge my experiences as an athlete, healthcare professional, and advocate to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health counseling. Whether through one-on-one therapy, community outreach, or online platforms, I strive to create a safe, inclusive space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered in their mental health journey.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have not been raised by my biological parents. Both my mother and my father have had troubles with incarceration and drug use. As a result they have either been in jail, in rehab, or struggling in the street. I was raised by my mothers adopted parents, my grandparents. My grandma, recently passed away and weeks later I moved from my childhood home, so I have spent the recent months in an apartment by myself. Loneliness and isolation has not stopped me, during this challenging season of my life, I recognize the importance of taking care of myself and asking for help.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My compassion, empathy, and humility drive my creativity. Death by suicide has been an ever increasing threat over the years to countless lives and I am driven to share my creativity to help others want to live. The goal is to help others understand that their life is just as important as anyone elses.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: jodimfjohnson
• Linkedin: jodijohnson2002
• Youtube: jodimfjohnson
• Other: Apple podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/down-bad-with-jodi-johnson/id1663010566
  Spotify podcasts – https://open.spotify.com/show/2NQtZIBm6XHObt6B1J4hOR?si=991dd92c98524835

Image Credits

Hunter Knarr