Surviving the Darkness: Kevin’s Story of Hope, Healing, and Resilience

This episode of Let’s Try This Again is one of the most powerful and personal conversations I’ve ever had. I’m your host, B Simone, and today I sit down with Kevin—a filmmaker, producer, author, and mental health advocate whose story is nothing short of a miracle. We talk about the realities of suicide, mental health struggles, and the unseen emotional weight so many of us carry.

Kevin opens up about living with bipolar disorder and the darkness he’s battled—including the day he attempted to end his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge at just 19 years old. Out of thousands who have jumped, only 40 have survived in 90 years, and Kevin is one of them1. Hearing him talk about the days leading up to that moment, the pain he felt, and the silence he kept out of fear of judgment is both heartbreaking and incredibly relatable. He shares how he used to hide his hallucinations, panic attacks, and deep sadness, and how the loss of his beloved teacher to suicide made him believe it was an option for himself.

But this episode isn’t just about the darkness—it’s about hope, resilience, and practical steps to keep going. Kevin shares the two life-saving actions he takes whenever suicidal thoughts return: looking in the mirror and reminding himself, “My thoughts don’t have to become my actions,” and reaching out to say, “I need help now.” These simple but powerful tools have helped him stay alive for 24 years since his attempt, and he urges anyone struggling to use them too.

We also talk about the importance of community, love, and small daily actions that can shift your mindset—like meditation, exercise, and even something as simple as a hug. Kevin’s story is a testament to the fact that you are not alone, your life has purpose, and there is always a way forward, even when it feels impossible.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please listen with care and know that there are people and resources ready to support you. This episode is raw, real, and full of hope. I promise, you’ll walk away feeling seen, motivated, and reminded that your story isn’t over. Let’s keep trying—together.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.