In this powerful and vulnerable episode, hosts Doni and Ken are joined by M Abeo, a mental health advocate, TedX speaker, photographer, and the creator of the Faces of Fortitude movement. After losing their brother to suicide over a decade ago and surviving their own attempt as a teenager, M began Faces of Fortitude as a personal healing journey. The project has since grown into a transformative movement, providing a stigma-free space—both online and in person—for discussing mental health and suicide.
M shares their deeply personal story of resilience evolved into a mission to support those affected by the epidemic of suicide. They now travel the country capturing portraits of individuals impacted by suicide—whether through loss, personal attempts, or as first responders—offering a step toward healing and connection.
Throughout the episode, M reflects on topics like breaking generational cycles of silence, and using creativity to foster understanding. Listeners will hear about the emotional journey behind Faces of Fortitude, and M's ongoing advocacy for the LGBTQ+ and POC communities through their podcast Behind the Lens.
M also shares insights into their life in Seattle, their passion for community care, and the creation of The Little Bloom Book, a newly published guide to resilience and self-compassion inspired by plant care. This book will be a beautiful tool for anyone looking for new perspective and maybe a new hobby in the new year.
Join us for an episode filled with vulnerability, inspiration, and actionable insights into building a more empathetic world.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!