James Curtis and Jared go way back to 2015 in the early years of moving to Pomona. James and Jared both met doing a program called Courageous Minds at Tri-City Pomona. Since then there has been a forever bond of brotherhood. This interview was recorded a month ago and here are some notes from the talk.

James has a podcast from 2015 where he does a deep dive into people's lives and learns from professionals and educators on mental illness:   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindset-mental-health-news-information/id913438653   James also had a TV show back in the day called Curtis Court. Check it out here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2w7LXK2tDY   James recently stepped down from being president of Nami Pomona Valley. He is working on getting back into doing therapy and in the meantime he leads various mental health support groups.   Our talk( bullet points)   - We can't tell when I am better or how bad I've been - You don't know you are doing bad until you are in the toilet. It is hard to recognize the signs. -James grew up in the 50's as a on only child - depression in college - dancer football player. Resident Advisor - Law school. Marriage. Kids - Was on TV during the O.J. Simpson trial. - Had him own show called Curtis Court( see above for link) - Went through divorce, losing the big job, losing the big money. James and I both talk about the brokenness that comes especially when everything was going good. - The thing we share in common is that we both have people. - There seems to be more help for those dealing with drugs and alcohol but not anything for mental health. - We get in our own way and minimize what happens to us. We try to look good. _Gets fired by the doctor because James missed an appointment James gets mad. What the hell happened to me? - James went on a journey. Started MindSet. He called everyone and went on a quest to connect with people. - Ended up finding NAMI. Became a board member. - Felt like the first time in forever that I could breathe- on his experience with NAMI  Where is your life now James? - "The only constant in life is change." - James making fun of Jared for quoting philosophy and being cynical -I am not in the same place as I was. -Being hard on ourselves - James saying look at how far you have come - Jared says, "I want to live. I don't want regret!" - James saying that's why mental health support groups are so important. Closing thoughts: Get a support group, you don't even need to say anything. Just be there and listen.   Other resources: https://afsp.org/   https://www.dbsalliance.org/ Www.nami.org   National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255   Also can visit the website:    https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/   If you would like to be a guest on the podcast you can fill out this form:    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdioZTW-RhYD-fq46kduI2odrvX0UNEIClFGa-5LUkHfZl2iQ/viewform?usp=sf_link   And/ or email loudernow88@gmail.com   If you like what you hear and you would like to support the show on the link tree account you can now donate.   SEE DONATE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST   https://linktr.ee/loudernowmhjareddiehl   Thanks for listening. You can also find Jared on Facebook at Jared Diehl, and the page The Louder Now Podcast.   And follow us on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LouderNowMH And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudernowmh/