episode 010 | shane nelson

we gave them a voice. and then…we listened.

Suicide is listed as a contagion by the CDC. When this contagion went viral in Shane Nelson’s small, tight-knit community…nobody was prepared. However, as small, tight-knit communities often do, Shane’s community rallied. The community gathered….the moment for action had arrived. 

A ‘Suicide Summit’ was held at a local middle school.

Experts were flown in from all around the country.

The people showed up…packing the building way beyond fire code. 

The experts spoke. 

The people listened. 

And Shane, a teacher and school psychologist…left. 

In his words…he was “furious at the vanilla, low-bar, basic and elementary level of information being delivered.” 

“Do you know who wasn’t at the meeting? 

The kids. 

Do you know who the real experts are? 

The kids. 

Nobody thought to ask the kids…’why do you want to die?’.

So, I went and did it myself. 

I leveraged my brand new teaching position. I turned my classroom into a safe place and a mental health container.

And then…we rocked it.”

making it meaningful

Mark and I are beyond thrilled and incredibly honored to be able to bring you this episode.

Join us to learn how Shane…using unconventional poetry, outdoor adventures, seventh hour, and recording studios…met the kids right where they were. How he gave them a voice and then actually took the time to listen to them.

Shane Nelson episode on Apple podcasts

Shane Nelson episode on Spotify

This episode…together with Shane Nelson…embodies everything I envisioned when Mark I and first began dreaming of “Making It Meaningful – The Podcast”.

I hope that it reaches you to your core…where it matters most.

And, I hope it encourages you to meet the people who matter most to you…right where they are.

To listen to them.

And…to make it meaningful.