Picking Yourself Out Of Depression: How A College Student Is Making A Positive Change | #116

What does it take to pick yourself out of depression and turn personal struggles into meaningful change? In this episode of On The Homefront, Jeff Dudan sits down with fellow App State alum Jack Scalise, who stopped by the studio for an in-person interview. Jack opens up about how he overcame some of his darkest moments to launch The Mindful Project—a business built to foster connection and promote mental well-being. They also reflect on their experiences in Boone, North Carolina, sharing how those challenges helped shape who they are today. Throughout his journey, Jack noticed how many people struggle with shyness and awkwardness, often finding it hard to form real connections. In response, he created a conversation-driven card game as part of The Mindful Project, designed to bridge that social gap and help people connect without discomfort. The game, focused on fostering meaningful relationships and mental wellness, will be launching soon. Follow Jack’s social media channels to stay updated on the release. This raw and inspiring conversation is packed with lessons on mental health, social media success, and entrepreneurship that you won’t want to miss. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share to help spread Jack’s message of resilience and positive change. If you’d like to support the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, please consider donating to Red Cross or Samaritan's Purse. Let us know in the comments how you stay connected and take care of your mental health! Here's what you won't want to miss in this episode: 00:00:00 – Introduction and Welcome with Jack Scalise 00:02:15 – Jack’s Background: Family, Upbringing, and Early Influences 00:08:40 – Discovering Independence and Accountability Through Challenges 00:13:30 – Mental Health Struggles During College and Finding Purpose 00:20:10 – The Birth of The Mindfold Project and Mission to Help Others 00:26:45 – Entrepreneurship, Social Media Success, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 00:34:50 – Lessons on Authenticity and Aligning Identity with Personal Brand 00:42:00 – Mental Health in College Students: Addressing Loneliness and Anxiety 00:49:20 – Building the Conversation Card Game and Testing with Communities 00:55:05 – Social Media Strategy: Viral Content, Feedback Loops, and Consistency 01:01:30 – TikTok, Instagram, and Future Platforms for Entrepreneurs 01:08:20 – Balancing Business, Relationships, and Mental Wellness 01:12:15 – Final Reflections: Jack’s Advice for Life and Personal Growth 01:15:00 – Closing Remarks and Where to Connect with Jack Scalise

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