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AlignedLife with Justin Castelli

Turning Tragedy Into Purpose with Jeff Johnston

06 Nov 2025

Description

After losing both his son and wife, Jeff Johnston, founder of Brightn, transformed unimaginable pain into a mission to help others heal. In this powerful conversation, Jeff and I explore the intersection of mental wellness, resilience, and purpose, diving into what it means to truly flourish as a human being. Jeff opens up about his journey through grief, addiction, and self-discovery, sharing how empathy, mindfulness, and love became his compass through loss. Together, they discuss the need to rethink mental health—moving beyond stigma toward a vision of human flourishing that values health, wealth, and purpose as essential "human asset classes." The episode also introduces Brightn, Jeff's new app empowering users with AI-driven tools for mental wellness, and explores the challenges and possibilities of technology's role in emotional healing. A story of hope, healing, and choosing love over despair, this conversation reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can create light for others.   Takeaways - I am the path, building it stone by stone. - Grief can feel like a mental wellness workout. - Navigating heavy days requires realistic expectations. - The importance of being present in the moment. - Finding meaning in suffering is a personal journey. - Empathy can lead to healing and understanding. -The system often fails those in need of help. - Choosing love and hope over despair is a conscious decision. - Alcoholism can mask deeper issues of grief and trauma. - Creating change starts with personal experiences. Investing in human asset classes is crucial for personal growth. - The term 'mental wellness' is evolving towards 'human flourishing'. - Normalizing mental health discussions can reduce stigma. - Personal experiences with loss can lead to profound insights. - Mindfulness helps in appreciating the present moment. - The Brighton app aims to provide preventative mental health resources. - AI can enhance mental health support but must be used responsibly. - Building a business from passion can lead to meaningful impact. - It's important to acknowledge and accept destructive thoughts. - Resilience is key; surviving past challenges prepares us for future ones.

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