Ep. 17 - Justin’s Legacy: Turning Personal Loss into Advocacy with Lynn Hearst

Two losses. Thirty days apart. And a question that wouldn’t let go: how do you stay alive when your brain keeps pulling you back toward darkness? Jessica G hands the mic to guest host Lynn Hearst for a deeper interview on the grief that followed her father’s death and her brother Justin’s death, and how that pain became the fuel behind the Just In Time Podcast and her suicide prevention advocacy. We talk about what suicidal ideation can look like over years, how stigma and being labelled “crazy” can shut people down, and why recovery is rarely a single solution. Jessica explains what finally clicked for her: neuroplasticity, retraining thought loops, and building practical tools that help the nervous system step out of survival mode. She also shares a clear crisis idea that’s easy to remember when things get scary: “time and distance,” creating space long enough for the wave to pass. You’ll also hear why she’s passionate about reaching college students, especially around the “perfect storm” of mixing alcohol with stimulants or sleep meds during a hard season. We zoom out to the real-world mental health toolkit she uses now, including movement, sauna, cold plunge, meditation, sleep, nutrition, and the nuanced role medication can play as short-term support. We close with the mission ahead: building an accessible program and balancing honest language about suicide with broader mental health prevention goals. If this conversation helps you, share it with someone you love, then like, subscribe, leave a review, and consider donating so we can reach more people.If you are in a crisis or feel unsafe, call or text 988 or dial 911 for immediate support. There are people out there who will listen and can help.Follow and stay connected:Website: justintimepodcast.comYouTube: youtube.com/@justintime.podcastInstagram: @justintimetosavealifeFacebook: Just In Time To Save a LifeNever miss an update—follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!