#201 - Jenna Righi - Links of Resilience: Turning Pain into Purpose Through Vulnerability & Connection

In this unflinchingly honest episode of Mental Mentals, host Asekho sits down with Jenna Righi, founder of Link Jewelry, to dissect how raw vulnerability and brokenness can forge unbreakable resilience. Jenna unravels her journey from fleeing Florida after losing her father, battling isolation, and restarting life at 30 to creating a brand that transforms shattered bike chains—and shattered lives—into symbols of hope. Drawing parallels to Steven Bartlett’s grit and Chris Williamson’s psychological depth, they explore why admitting “I’m not okay” is the bravest step toward healing, how sharing stories rewires shame into strength, and why practicing gratitude isn’t cliché—it’s survival. Learn why Jenna’s “links” aren’t just jewelry but lifelines, how her blog amplifies silenced struggles (from fertility to suicide), and why balancing self-talk like you’d counsel a friend is non-negotiable. Whether you’re drowning in comparison traps or craving proof that pits do end, this episode blends tactical tools—meditation, community support, “bird’s-eye view” reframing—with the hard truth: healing isn’t linear, but connection is contagious. Rate, review, and share if it reminds you that your story—messy, broken, or just beginning—is someone else’s survival guide. Sponsors and important links Subscribe to my newsletter: asekhos-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe if you are interested in newsletter beehiiv is the place to go: www.beehiiv.com?via=Asekho-Toto Want to be a guest on Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto? Send Asekho Toto a message on PodMatch, here: www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1604880114184x746605277921114400 You can buy my book on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BRLN7QV/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&sr= Backabuddy: www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/asekho-toto-r8k-unisa-fees-mental-matters-host