Lightening the Load: Finding Strength in Shared Stories Michael Wood S7 E5

Sharing Stories and Breaking Stigmas: An Inspiring Conversation with Michael Wood on Suicide Zen Forgiveness

 

In this episode of Suicide Zen Forgiveness, host Elaine Lindsay welcomes guest Michael Wood to discuss his experiences with suicide and mental health, primarily focusing on his late brother, Jeff. Elaine emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations around these topics to end the silence, stigma, and shame associated with them. Michael recounts his brother's struggles with addiction, triggered by the pandemic's restrictions. Citing his own experiences in the music industry, he signals the potential harms of excessive money and hedonistic lifestyle. The podcast also addresses the inadequacy of emergency services in transferring distress calls across cities, highlighting Michael's proactive efforts to modernize this system, inspired by his own inability to offer immediate help for his brother. Lastly, both Elaine and Michael urge listeners to reach out for assistance, to be aware of individual struggles, and promote kindness.

 

0:00 Lightening the Load: Finding Strength in Shared Stories Michael Wood  S7 E5

00:57 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:10 Personal Connection and Conversation Flow

02:02 Michael's Story: His Brother's Life and Challenges

06:08 Michael's Personal Journey and Career

06:39 Remembering Jeff Wood

07:12 Comparing Personalities and Lifestyles

08:58 Michael's Music Career and Encounters

11:31 The Importance of Connection and Support

12:35 The Challenges of Emergency Services

12:47 Michael's Advocacy for 911 Call Transfer

16:17 Personal Experiences with Emergency Services

19:02 Continued Advocacy and Achievements

19:48 The Impact of Personal Loss

22:49 The Importance of Reaching Out and Kindness

30:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts