Hosts Sam Zeller and Max Otten, joined by Team Jakey Executive Director Logan Janis, introduce the podcast, share the story behind Team Jakey, and explain why honest conversations about mental health matter.

After losing his twin brother Jake to suicide in 2013, Sam and his family chose to confront stigma head-on by telling the truth about their loss and creating what would become Team Jakey. More than a decade later, Team Jakey has grown into a mental health nonprofit dedicated to education, awareness, resources, and community support.

In this episode, the team discusses grief, suicide loss, stigma, coping mechanisms, and why there is no single "right way" to heal. They also talk openly about the role humor has played in their own journeys and why difficult conversations can help people feel less alone.

Whether you're here because of your own experiences, to support someone you care about, or simply to better understand mental health, we're glad you're here.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Content Warning & Podcast Disclaimer

01:00 – Welcome to the Team Jakey Podcast

05:15 – The Suicide Loss That Started Team Jakey

06:35 – From Fundraiser to Mental Health Nonprofit

13:20 – Why Silence Fuels Stigma

14:35 – What This Podcast Is Really About

15:55 – There Is No Right Way to Grieve

16:30 – The Story That Sparked a Conversation About Coping

20:45 – Humor, Grief, and Mental Health

32:40 – Future Episodes, Therapists & Mental Health Resources

34:00 – Building Connections to Local and National Support

38:00 – Staying True to the Mission

49:00 – Reflections, Community & Looking Ahead

ABOUT THE TEAM JAKEY PODCAST

The Team Jakey Podcast features real conversations about mental health, grief, resilience, suicide prevention, and the experiences that shape us. Through stories, expert guests, community leaders, advocates, and occasional dark humor, our goal is to reduce stigma, increase understanding, and help people feel less alone.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, mental health treatment, crisis counseling, or a substitute for professional care.

The conversations on this podcast may include discussions of mental health, suicide, grief, trauma, and loss. Because our hosts have experienced significant personal loss, some conversations may include humor as a coping mechanism. Our intent is never to minimize anyone's experience, but rather to create honest conversations that encourage connection, understanding, and support.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, mental health professional, local emergency services, or call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

RESOURCES & GET INVOLVED

Learn more about Team Jakey, find mental health resources, support our mission, volunteer, attend events, or sign up to get involved:

TeamJakey.org

Together, we can end the stigma surrounding mental health—because we're always better together.

www.teamjakey.org

Now through the end of May, every City Wide you order at Alamo Drafthouse St. Louis helps support Team Jakey Foundation.

Learn more: www.teamjakey.org

www.teamjakey.org