The Anxious Voyage with Mark O’Brien: Living Undeterred

Living Undeterred: Jeff Johnston

Twenty-Fifth Episode:  On October 4, 2016, Jeff lost his son, Seth, age 23, to fentanyl poisoning. Recognizing his own addictions to alcohol and gambling, Jeff took a stand on December 24, 2017, and committed himself mental health advocacy. He launched The Undeterred Podcast in 2020 and founded The Choices Network, a nonprofit that promotes and encourages healthy lifestyle choices for teens and young adults. In September of 2020, he published his first book, This One’s For You: An Inspirational Journey Through Addiction, Death, and Meaning. But he wasn’t finished.

On June 29, 2021, Jeff lost his wife, Prudence, age 46, to alcoholism. Still undeterred and determined, on May 12th, 2022, he embarked on The Living Undeterred Tour, a 95-day, 20,000-mile odyssey across the United States to share stories and to find more ways to make a difference in people’s lives. In September of 2023, he launched Brightn, a mental-wellness app for young adults that targets three areas of optimal mental wellness — health, wealth, and purpose. The app is named for Brighton, Seth’s daughter, who was born three weeks after Seth died.

Jeff sold the investment company he founded at age 23 to focus on Brightn. He’s also part-owner of Tribute Kicks, a retail store and vintage clothing company in Coralville, Iowa, with his middle son, Ian. A percentage of the profits are donated to area mental wellness organizations. Jeff lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with his two sons, Ian and Roman. Please join us for a conversation that promises to be eye-opening and life-affirming.

Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/live/HExIDdc18Z0?si=Q3qiY3v5KpBj-Dqu

 

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