EPISODE · Jan 10, 2026 · 1H 41M
This Man Saved 200+ From Suicide | Kevin Briggs The Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge | Alison Answers Podcast
from Alison Answers #MissionAwake · host Alison Lager LCSW, CASAC
Send us Fan MailThis man talked 200+ people back from the edge—and he never once said he "saved" them.Kevin Briggs isn't your typical hero. The "Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge" spent 23 years as a California Highway Patrol sergeant kneeling beside strangers who'd lost all hope, no formal training at first—just raw humanity and a philosophy that changed everything: Listen to understand, not to fix.His record? 99%+ success rate. FBI-trained crisis negotiator. TED Talk speaker. Author. Global mental health advocate. This conversation will rewire how you think about suicide, mental health, and what it actually takes to save a life.Alison sits down with Kevin after losing her own husband to suicide. Two people who've lived the devastation and refuse to let it win.Together they pull back the curtain on:-Kevin's battlefield resume: Survived testicular cancer at 20 (37 of 45 lymph nodes cancerous), childhood sexual abuse, three heart surgeries, motorcycle crashes, PTSD nightmares, and family lost to suicide. -The suicide stats that'll gut you-What actually works on the bridge-Kevin Berthia's story:22-year-old adopted man. Mental illness. Baby born premature with $250K hospital bill. Lost both jobs. Felt like a total failure. Jumped over the rail before Kevin could stop him but Kevin YELLED and Kevin grabbed the rail mid-air, landed on a tiny pipe 220 feet up.-Jason Garber's story:Highly intelligent. Well-versed in religion, philosophy, sports. No substance abuse. Despite Kevin's best efforts, Jason jumped.-The false peace that kills-Therapy truth bombs:Kevin went to therapy with his son who had suicidal thoughts. The therapist WASN'T TRAINED in suicide assessment. Not all mental health professionals are qualified.-Why intelligent minds break harder:Alison and Kevin unpack why brilliant people are at higher suicide risk. -Alison's redemption mission:Lost her husband to suicide. Transformed that soul-crushing loss into a lifeline for others.-Post-traumatic GROWTH-Faith that heals---🎧 Watch now. This will save lives 👆💬 What's your hidden storm? Share below📤 Send this to someone who needs to hear it #GuardianOfHope #ListenToUnderstand #SuicideIsPreventableCONNECT WITH KEVIN BRIGGS:Website: https://www.pivotal-points.comBook: Guardian of the Golden Gate (2015)TED Talk: "The Bridge Between Suicide and Life" (2014)LinkedIn: Kevin Briggs - Pivotal PointsConnect with Alison:Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounselingWebsite: LagerCounseling.comYouTube: Alison AnswersFacebook: Alison Lager Lcsw CasacPurchase Alison’s book: “The Wake Up Call”Alison Answers Facebook Group: Join HEREWomen of Excellence FB group: Join HERE⚠️ Crisis Resources:Lager Counseling ServicesCall: 516-221-2123Text: (914) 363-0381Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org
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Send us Fan Mail This man talked 200+ people back from the edge—and he never once said he "saved" them. Kevin Briggs isn't your typical hero. The "Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge" spent 23 years as a California Highway Patrol sergeant kneeling beside strangers who'd lost all hope, no formal training at first—just raw humanity and a philosophy that changed everything: Listen to understand, not to fix. His record? 99%+ success rate. FBI-trained crisis negotiator. TED Talk speaker. Author. ...
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This Man Saved 200+ From Suicide | Kevin Briggs The Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge | Alison Answers Podcast
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