And joining me today on the show is my special guest Matt Collins. He's with Not Alone. Matt, how are you today? I'm good, man.
How are you? Hey, I'm doing pretty good and I'm glad you got to come in. Chris Thoburn, that one of my co-workers here. He's good about bringing me some guests here on the show and I appreciate it.
He's with us today, too. So we may have him chime in throughout the show, but he brought to my attention Not Alone. It was created in September of 2013 by yourself. Talk to us first off about Not Alone and why he created Not Alone.
And what it is? Well, let me start off with what Not Alone is, is where we're in anti-bullying suicide prevention and we speak positivity to other people's lives. Okay. I can't even learn about living in his values.
People are always somewhat depressed, not fully like I need to say counselor, but there's always like there's nothing to do here. There's no one to talk to. That's my age. One thing I realize is if you could talk to counselors, school counselors, psychiatrists, they give you distributed down answers.
Well, if Not Alone, you're talking to your average jail. You know, you had that one to one connection. You're feeling welcomed. You know, you're not just being like, hooray, here's my money, here's what I'm going to give you.
You're not going to get that. I started on on alone not because I want to make a profit off of this. You know, if I make a profit off of this, great. Awesome.
But to me, if I can change one life, I can die happy. You know, Not Alone was also started, like you said, in back 2013. Okay. Um, 2000, we were on the tape, we go back to 2012.
Okay. Had a good friend named Boston Prager. Um, I'll never forget the day I found that Boston Prager committed suicide. We were in school.
We were doing a club that my friend Stacey and I created called Student Life. It was just like Young Life, but we did it in school and we were doing the cross-talk. And if you don't want people to know what people only about the cross-talk was, it's when Jesus crucified on the cross. Before that, I remember the teacher read an email saying, unfortunately students, Austin Prager has passed away.
And that hit really hard. And you know, there was rumors circulating and finally found out he committed suicide. It hit me. And you know, what it fully hit me was when we were doing a minimum in assignments.
Okay. And I just dropped to my knees. You know, that, the last school that day. That's kind of the turning point.
Yeah. I was just like, man, he's actually gone. I couldn't believe it. And then so I was thinking and thinking and tried talking to school counselors, tried talking to my football coach.
Nothing was really connecting. So 2013 came around and I said, F it. It's time for someone to change this valley, right? And that's not a land was born.
Well, Matt, while I'm talking to you about not alone, first off, we'll get this question out of the way. If anybody has any questions, if there's somebody out there that wants to talk, what's the number they can reach you at? Well, they can reach me at my own personal number, which is 304-281-6578. I know my offense always on whether I'm working or I'm at him, chilling my friends on.
If you need me, I'm there. And I know it's search you on Facebook too, right? Yeah. Facebook at not alone, three, two, one.
And I can, I can, I can, I was sure people, this is the first time I met you when you came in here and I even told Chris and came in. I'm like, I don't know. Cause sometimes I believe or not people say in media, you know, you have to be outgoing. I am to a point when I meet new people.
I tend to kind of, you know, kind of get a little shy. But when you came in, I, you're relatable and just I felt like I've known you all alongside you personally a test. You're the guy, if anybody has any, if they're out there, maybe they just don't know where, you know, something in their mind, something in their mind, something in their mind, bother them, they can give you a call in there. No matter what it is.
And if you can't help them, you can at least point them in the right to write them some guys. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Cause sometimes I think in this world, I always say, Matt, it goes faster and faster and faster.
I think no one's listening. And when you feel like that, sometimes you feel like you get back in the corner. Mm-hmm. And you do feel like you're alone.
But that's why you're here. Cause you're not alone. You're definitely not, you know, life's a battle, life's a story. My life motto is, you'll get through every battle.
And through those battles, you'll learn your lessons. And if those battles come back through, you already have these keys. They've become these side lessons battles. And something when I'm talking to you, Matt, about this, it just makes me think, you know, back through my life, the struggles up and downs.
Because I told you before we went on, I have somebody that struggled with depression all the time through my life. I've been on different medications. I've put myself through counseling. It's getting better the older I get.
But I'm telling you what, through my 20s and things, in late teens and through 20s and things, there were times. I'm just like, you know, I don't belong in this world. I just, I just feel really out of place and just didn't know where to turn to the doctors. They were just having all kinds of medications.
And, you know, while that has its place and it's fine, I'm not discrediting that for me. That wasn't the thing. And I found, you know, counseling was great. I couldn't have gotten through it without them.
But if I would have somebody more like you, more somebody, because they're kind of more textbook if you will. And they're, it helped. But if you have somebody that you feel like you relate to, you're younger, somebody that's, you know, in our age group, it just, it really helps. But I don't know whether, you know, if that's what brought you to start, not alone.
But like I said, I wish I would have had you back then because I'd have been talking your ear off. And that's what I want, you know, I won't get tired of listening to people's stories. You know, I have other people, that's part of not alone. Like my president, my president, it's willing to listen to you.
If you messaged the page, my president's on it, you know, showed text you and email you so much as you want her to. Which is great because it's not only I can take this back in and I see that started and whatnot. And like you said, they're counselors and whatnot, they're textbooks. And they're also taught to sugarcoat things down.
And it's a, why? Well, you can't sugarcoat life. Exactly. So why sugarcoat the problem that's existing now and not just help people ever come that issue.
Exactly. And you know, there's all kinds of things in life that were plagued with sometimes, you know, people go through relationship changes, loss of loved ones, been through that many times myself. Whether if you, maybe you're somebody struggling with an addiction, they don't know where to start with. You know, pick up the phone.
The first step and I always say admitting that you have a problem is not a weakness. That's a strong, very, very strong person to say, hey, you know what, I kind of need somebody just to walk along to see me here and help get me that extra boost. I think that takes a really strong person to do that. Oh, yeah.
It's, you got to take that through step. Because in society today, I don't know if there's that stigma sometimes that people, especially us guys. And if we, you know, we got to be up there. We got to be strong and mock.
We can't show any moments of weakness. And I said, you know what, we're all, it's all about being human. I don't care if you're a guy, a girl. You know, if anybody's out there, I even know, you know, in high school was a tough time too.
You know, because you're figuring out who you are, what's what in life and sometimes, you know, I always say I'll never grow up. That's part of the fun of life, but there's been a lot of struggles along the way. So really, you know, suicide prevention, I'm like you, I've lost a friend. It was after high school.
He committed suicide. And all of those years through high school, I found out that he'd had problems. And you know, the thing that I still did this day, and I've been out of high school many years, I still think about him and thought, man, if he'd have just said something, I had no idea by looking at him. I mean, it seemed like a happy kid.
He just seemed real outgoing. I didn't know what was going on behind closed doors at home. Had he reached out, you know, I would have definitely helped. So if there's somebody out there, maybe that's that person, they're afraid to reach out.
You're here to tell them not to be afraid. Don't be afraid to, you know, pick up the FinTech person, you know, random text or phone call saying, Hey, how are you doing? It could really change someone's life. Confidential, right?
They don't have to worry about that. If you contact me now, I will go into another room and just you and I, I'm hoping I can get an office for Nodalynn. If you want to talk in person, you have an office. If you want to hang out, you can come over here.
Or if you just want to sit down and play video games all day, fine. We'll sit down and play video games all day. My time is not wasted from helping somebody. Absolutely.
And I hope to have you many times here on the show, Matt. Again, we're talking with Matt Collins today on Weekend Focus with Nodalynn. Tell people, where are you based out of it? We're based on a wheeling.
If people know where the alpha is at, we're based around the yield alpha. Perfect. If there's anybody out there, maybe businesses, individuals, if they want to donate, if they want to help you guys out, how can they do that? Oh, my contact to me, my phone number is 3042-8165-78.
Or if I did some Facebook at Nodalynn, 3-2-1, is it the best way to get in hold of us? Matt, I have to ask you, is there anybody you want to take time to thank? Because I know you guys, you've been around, your t-shirt looked great and you're in the midst of a logo change soon. So, anybody you want to thank that's helped you along the way?
I want to first think, I'm going to say, hey, my mom, I want to give a shot, like I can get a shot, I can get a shot, I can get a shot, I can get a shot, I can get a shot, I can get a shot. If it wasn't for them, Nodalynn probably wouldn't be here. And I want to thank my friend, Phil Green. Chris is a pretty good guy.
He is a good guy. He is a good guy. I kind of like him. But he's helped me a lot with paperwork and what not.
When I didn't know anything about the 501c3 forms, which are the papers, we need to file to actually become a legit nonprofit. He was a guy that helped me out through that. I want to thank Richard Rick Bonkard. He helped us design the shirts that you see now.
I think I'm nearly for that. And we're seeing based out. Rick Spacell Belair, the guy who made the shirts for us is a guy called Scott Myers. He runs and owns amazing graphics in apparel.
I'm out of my industry. I have shirts that look great. Any ideas what the new graphic will be? No.
We were going to leave it up to Thoburn, but we decided he had a stick figure that would be tough for him. Yeah. My friend from Arkansas, he's going to get his guy because he can't design, he's like Thoburn can't design anything. But he's going to get with his guy and my fiancee's sister's going to design some stuff.
I'm going to get him to get a look at him, see what I like. My friend from Facebook can see what people think. But Rick may be kind of doing Facebook content. Yeah, that's what I was thinking of doing Facebook content.
Maybe getting a win prize, then I remember to hang out session or something like that and design the Lego. Of course, man, I was doing some homework. I was doing some checking up on you before. But I noticed that I like that you've done some Facebook live question and answer sessions.
And I really like that. You have different sessions where people, if they're out there, they can just type you a question. And you'll do your best of giving them some advice and helping them out. I think that's what I should bring to the point I want to make.
I'm probably going to be doing podcasts here shortly. A positive podcast. My friend Chris and I are down from the guy who's doing the Legus for us. We're going to do the future horror podcast, which is a bit horror-free.
But he also likes what I'm doing. He wants to help out with the positivity podcast as well. I'm going to look up for that. I still got to get all my recording software and whatnot.
But that's something I definitely want to be doing in the future. Absolutely. Well, Matt, I can tell you're very passionate about what you're doing. We appreciate that.
You're a positive guy to be around. Thank you. Like I said, if they're out there, any questions in their mind, just maybe searching for who they are. I mean, just want somebody to talk to.
No judgment. Nothing they can call you up in. Judgment-free zone. I don't care if you're black, yellow, purple, green, blue.
Everyone's lys matter to me. I don't care. I just tell you why. It doesn't bother me.
If I can connect with you on a one-on-one basis and put a smile on your face, it's awesome. That's a real true gift, Matt. I'll tell you. Because you do have that connectability with people.
As soon as I did it, I did it before you came in earlier this morning. I'm kind of a little bit nervous here. I don't know. I've never talked to Matt before.
I kind of checking up on the end. And I said as soon as you came through the door, it's like I've known you for a long time. That's really what it takes. Yeah, it is.
I've done a lot. I've done professional wrestling training and connected with people there. We want to get in schools. I was going to say you would be great.
I mean, all people, but especially youth. Because it all starts with the youth today. It does. It's the perfect age that really we need to hit home.
So if any schools are listening, they can get a hold of you guys and you would be willing to come talk to them. I'd love to get in school. Do you like an event or some type of assembly? I promise you, this assembly will not just be a suicide's bad.
They'll be music playing. There might be some skits. It's not going to be your standard. This is why bullying is wrong and why you shouldn't do it.
I don't do things normally. Like I said, I'm doing professional wrestling training with Black Diamond Wrestling, which is a local pro wrestling. It's not many people wake up one day saying, Hey, I'm going to become a pro wrestler. I decided, Hey, I'm going to do 18th century knee-to-reenacments.
Professional wrestling. I'm going to change lives. It's not normal. Well, I love that.
The thought process, the positivity that comes from you. Like you said, especially here in the Ohio Valley, I always say we have the rest of the world and we have the Ohio Valley. We're just like this bubble and we're growing up being from here. We definitely are our own little world here.
We just sometimes we need that extra reinforcement of positivity. I think that's where not alone comes in. I understand we got back to school around the corner. You guys want to try to get some supplies to help some of the kids go back to school.
We actually were looking for people who don't eat backpacks and school supplies. What we'll do is we'll fill those backpacks up. We'll personally handle it from Marshall County or Ohio County. We'll go back to school in the Ohio Valley that needs to look back at some supplies so that kid can't afford them.
We'll cover you. We don't want anyone missing that learning curve. Sure. What's your phone number again?
My number is 304-281-6578. Nightlines open 24-7. So back in 2013, we're still relatively new, but you continue to grow. Are you surprised by the outpouring of support that you've received?
I really am because when I first started modeling, I was like, I'm just creating this, I'm hoping to skip somewhere. And if that's for the 2017, I finally said, my foot's down. And I messaged over one day, like how do I become an actual 501? He's a non-profit.
And he helped me out. We've been part of some pretty big things recently. We just did work tour last Friday. It's pretty exciting.
What tour is for people who don't know it's a pop punk, a punk metal music festival for anybody who likes music to hang out. It's a two month tour. It starts in California and in Washington. And that went really well.
We'll have. They want us back for next year. That's a lot of exposure there. It is.
I've never been soon ever to send out an email until I sent out an email to the head of the town of the resort to it. It's pretty cool though. He replied back really fast. And my heart stopped.
I'm like, oh my God, this is actually happening. Wow. And again, Matt Collins was not alone. We're talking with Matt today on Weekend Focus.
Again, give us your phone number. We'll get that information out to people unless we can find you on social media as well. So my number is 304-281-6578. The number is always on.
If it's not on you for some whatever bizarre reason, you can find us on Facebook. Not alone. Three, two, one. And I promise you, if I don't answer you, someone will on that Facebook page.
Alright. Well, Matt, any final thoughts here on the show here? I appreciate you coming in. Don't be a stranger.
And I'm certainly glad Chris brought you through the door. I'd love for you to come back and be a regular guest on the table. I'd love to focus on the progress on how Matt alone is going. I can't wait to hear the many good things ahead for you.
There's one thing I want to address. Winter Jam. It's a huge Christian concert. Tickets are $10 at the door.
No matter what. I just send an email out asking to be a sponsor of Winter Jam. I'm hoping to do three events with them. So we'll see how the future holds.
I can promise you this. Not only in this community, we won't be for a long time. Great. Well Matt, I appreciate you, buddy, for stopping and sitting here.
Thanks for having me. Hey, any time and appreciate Chris Loeburn for bringing you into me. I know you guys have been best friends for how long? For a while.
I don't know whether to say I feel bad. No, I'm pretty much. But again, I appreciate it, guys. Thanks for being here today.
Thank you.