I interview Brian Monday, who shares the story of his son, Eric. We discuss teen depression, suicide, grief, and the lessons Brian learned through losing his son—and how those lessons can help us better support young people living with depression while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
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Brian Monday is the Founder and President of the Eric Monday Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the culture of athletics through mental health awareness, education, suicide prevention, and support. Following the loss of his son, Eric, Brian has made it his mission to help parents, coaches, student athletes, and families recognize the signs of depression, reduce stigma, and create environments where young people feel safe asking for help.
Through the Foundation's free Coaches Guide to Mental Health Training, Brian teaches the evidence-based LASRR framework—Listen, Accept, Support, Refer, and Report—to help coaches identify and respond compassionately to athletes who may be struggling. A sought-after keynote speaker, Brian has presented on mental health in sports to schools, universities, government organizations, and athletic programs across the country.
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Disclaimer: This episode includes a discussion of depression, suicide, and the loss of a loved one. If these topics are difficult for you, please use your discretion and take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in crisis, please seek immediate support. In the United States and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., contact your local emergency services or crisis support resources.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Athletes
1:00 Brian's Story: Losing His Son to Suicide
2:05 Turning Tragedy Into Purpose
4:23 Eric's Early Signs of Depression
7:08 Why Failure Makes Athletes Stronger
9:06 Bullying, Trauma & Mental Health
11:42 When Depression Turns Into Suicidal Thoughts
12:15 Why Athletes Are More Likely to Die by Suicide
15:18 The Critical Role of Coaches
20:35 Losing a Son to Suicide
22:06 A Father's Grief & Self-Blame
23:15 The Night Eric Died
27:50 Parenting Regrets & Healing
30:17 Therapy, Grief & Recovery
31:20 Advice for Parents of Depressed Teens
33:26 Trust Your Gut as a Parent
35:56 Stay Close to Your Child
36:38 Why Every Teen Needs a Support Network
38:07 You Can't Solve Everything for Your Child
40:10 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
41:22 Listen, Accept, Support
43:12 Creating the Support Eric Needed
45:12 How Support Networks Save Lives
47:22 How Grief Changed His Life
48:20 Advice for Parents Who Lost a Child
49:44 Finding Purpose After Tragedy
50:22 Where Strength Comes From
54:05 Treat Mental Health Like a Broken Bone
56:45 How the Eric Monday Foundation Helps Athletes
1:00:02 Helping Athletes Build Identity Beyond Sports
1:03:08 Sports, Resilience & Mental Strength
1:05:10 Mental Health Training for Coaches
1:06:18 Warning Signs Coaches Should Know
1:08:00 Building a Healthier Sports Culture
1:10:03 The LASER Method: Listen, Accept, Support, Refer
1:11:35 Mental Health Resources for Parents
1:12:45 You're Not Alone
1:15:25 A Message to Anyone Struggling
1:17:40 Is Suicide Ever the Answer?
1:19:18 Healing Shame & Finding Hope
EPISODE LINKS
ericmondayfoundation.org
melee-til-midnight.com
#takedownthestigma
PODCAST LINKS
Website: www.innercalling.org
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4
Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8
CONTACT DR. VICTORIA HERE
Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade
Hope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.com
drvictoria@innercalling.org
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