In this episode of the Brightn Podcast, host Jeff Johnston sits down with standout Iowa tight end and future NFL player Luke Lachey for a candid conversation about resilience, identity, and mental wellness both on and off the field. From carrying the legacy of an NFL father to overcoming a season-ending injury, Luke shares how adversity has shaped his perspective and how positive self-talk has become one of his greatest tools.

Together, they explore:

• Growing up with the shadow—and strength—of an NFL legacy
• The culture of Iowa football and leading by example
• How injuries taught him patience, perspective, and purpose
• The role of support systems: from teammates to teachers to family
• The power of mental conditioning and becoming a teammate to yourself
• Navigating identity beyond the game and life after football

Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone navigating your own challenges, Luke’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership starts with how we talk to ourselves—and how we lift others up in the process.

🎧 Subscribe and share if this conversation inspires you.

#MentalWellness #AthleteMindset #LukeLachey #BrightnPodcast #Leadership #SelfTalk #IowaFootball #NextPlayMentality

In this deeply moving episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston welcomes Mike Farr—founder of Project SAFE and a courageous advocate for suicide prevention—for a vulnerable, purpose-driven conversation about loss, hope, and action.

After losing his son Garrett to suicide in 2017, Mike transformed unimaginable grief into a mission to save lives. From launching community conversations and building local mental health resources to helping other families navigate the aftermath of loss, Mike’s work has become a lifeline for many across Iowa and beyond.

Key Themes Explored:

The signs of suicidal ideation and the power of asking direct, difficult questions

How trauma impacts entire families—and how early intervention can prevent generational loss

The unique mental health challenges facing youth athletes and why licensed counselors are needed in schools and sports

Why peer-to-peer programs and technology must evolve to meet people where they are

The importance of support after the first 90 days of loss—when the casseroles stop and the silence begins

Stories of transformation: how one conversation at Garrett’s visitation saved another life

Project SAFE’s work, from “Strike Out the Stigma” to funding therapy access and grief groups

Mike’s story is one of strength, service, and faith—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we can become beacons of light for others. Whether you’re a parent, coach, advocate, or simply someone who wants to do more, this conversation will leave you both heartbroken and inspired.

🎧 Together, we’re saving lives—one life at a time.

#LivingUndeterred #ProjectSAFE #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #JeffJohnston #MikeFarr #YouthMentalHealth #StrikeOutTheStigma #GriefSupport #MentalWellness #HopeAfterLoss #PeerSupport #FaithDrivenHealing

In this episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston sits down with Ben Trotter—a Gen Z voice with a passion for mental health and personal development—for a raw, wide-ranging conversation about what it means to pursue mental wellness in a digital age.

Ben shares his journey from studying finance at the University of Iowa to becoming a key voice on the Brightn Thriver Council, advocating for practical mental health solutions designed for his generation. Together, Jeff and Ben explore the powerful intersection of discipline, technology, and mindset—examining both the promise and the peril of growing up online.

Key Themes Discussed:

Why Gen Z needs intentional digital tools—not just access to information

The paradox of motivation vs. discipline in building mental strength

Cold plunging and other physical habits as metaphors for mental resilience

The dangers of dopamine-driven social media use and algorithmic rabbit holes

How AI can both enable and erode mental clarity

Daily wins, non-negotiables, and gratitude as anchors in personal growth

What it means to live your mission—one season at a time

Ben also opens up about his faith, journaling practices, and book recommendations that shaped his mindset—including Atomic Habits, How to Win Friends & Influence People, and The Magic of Thinking Big.

This conversation isn’t just for Gen Z—it’s for anyone who’s ready to stop chasing happiness and start building sustainable, meaningful wellness.

🎧 Listen in for a grounded, honest look at what it means to live undeterred in a distracted world.

#LivingUndeterred #GenZMentalHealth #Brightn #MindsetMatters #ColdPlunge #MentalWellness #JeffJohnston #BenTrotter #FaithAndDiscipline #DigitalMentalHealth #AtomicHabits #PersonalGrowth