Creating Safe Spaces for Mental Health Conversations with Jason Reid of National Services Group, Inc.

Day in a Canoe Podcast: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, RIA

Our host Nathan Mersereau sits down with Jason Reid, Co-Founder of National Services Group, Inc., to discuss his journey into mental health advocacy following the loss of his son. Jason shares how this tragedy led him to create tools and programs to support families, schools, and companies in opening meaningful conversations around mental health. Jason explains how parents can take more ownership of their children’s mental wellness and how listening, without trying to fix anything, is the first step toward helping those in crisis.

Key Takeaways:

(02:18) Jason shares the story behind the creation of Tell My Story after losing his son Ryan. (06:44) Mental illness is often invisible — comparable to any other disease. (09:34) We can’t fix mental health struggles; we can only be present and listen. (13:37) People in crisis seek a lifeline, not solutions. (15:23) The weight of the world — news, climate, conflict — affects children more than we realize. (16:32) A simple card deck sparks meaningful parent-child conversations. (17:26) Music becomes a non-threatening way to open emotional dialogue. (20:12) Stronger family connections are a surprising outcome of shared grief.

Resources Mentioned:

Jason Reid https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrreid/

National Services Group, Inc. https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-services-group-inc./

Tell My Story https://www.tellmystory.org

"What I Wish My Parents Knew" https://tellmystory.org/our-programs/what-i-wish-my-parents-knew/

"The Hot Lava Game" TEDx Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p24x5mIIMeQ

Uplift at Work https://www.upliftatwork.com

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#MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingSupport #EmotionalWellbeing