Hold On, It Gets Better Than You Know: Discussing Suicide Prevention with Susie Reynolds Reece

The episode of The Folding Chair podcast with Osyrus Bolly is dedicated to the month of September which is Suicide Prevention Month. I had the pleasure of interviewing a dynamic individual, Susie Reynolds Reece.Susie Reynolds Reece is a powerfully engaging storyteller, mental health activist, and communication strategist who blends her lived and living experiences with evidence-based insights. An avid writer, she explores the intersections of creative expression, autoethnographic storytelling, and best practices to pose new approaches to age-old issues. Her work reflects tragedy and resilience, drawing on real-life lessons to educate and encourage audiences to act.Known for her ability to navigate complex topics with clarity, compassion, and grace, Susie approaches every space authentically. She deftly weaves humor, curiosity, and vulnerability into every message to ensure it leaves its mark.Whether in her writing or on a stage, her stories stay with people long after they’re shared. Susie has led national training initiatives, advised federal organizations, and partnered with government agencies, nonprofits, and institutions to design impactful and effective communication-based strategies. Her work consistently improves outcomes and helps organizations translate values into practice. She has expertise in applied communication, organizational program and instructional curricula development, crisis and conflict management, and lived experience-driven leadership.As Director of Lived Experience Initiatives at the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), Reece leads national and multi-organizational efforts to embed lived and living experience(s) into programs, policies, and professional pathways.As a trusted liaison and advocate for lived experience experts, Reece develops innovative practices that shape international guidance to center those with direct experience across disciplines.Learn more about her at susiereece.org