490. Answer the Call: A New Dad's Story of Suicide Loss and Mental Health with Jey Young

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Jey Young, a mental health counselor and podcaster, to talk about holding grief and joy at once. Just weeks before welcoming his baby boy into the world, Jey lost his father to suicide.

Jey Young opens up about what it's like to process devastating loss while celebrating new life, sharing raw, unfiltered insight into that emotional whiplash. Together, Reena and Jey dig into the nuances of mental health, the power of open communication, and why community support matters most in moments of crisis.

The conversation traces how Jey's experiences have reshaped his understanding of fatherhood and mental health, offering listeners real takeaways on resilience, connection, and the importance of checking in on the people we love. Reena and Jey also reflect on their own stories, underscoring how vulnerability and authenticity are what make relationships meaningful.

It's also Men's Mental Health Month, and this episode is a reminder of why that matters: men are still far less likely to ask for help or talk about what they're carrying, even when it's costing them everything.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text, 24/7.

🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE:

• Jey's experience with grief alongside the birth of his son
• Holding space for loss and new life at the same time
• Navigating mental health conversations, especially among men
• Why reaching out and showing up for each other matters
• Building real connection through vulnerability
• What podcasting has taught Jey about sharing stories

💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM JEY:

"Life is a lot emptier. My phone feels a lot heavier, and my call log feels empty."

"Just to check on people, just to ask how they're doing, just to be there for them, just to show up for them."

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction to Jey Young (05:15) Jey's journey through grief and fatherhood (15:30) Why mental health conversations matter (25:00) Supporting loved ones through difficult times (35:45) Vulnerability and the power of storytelling (45:00) Wisdom from Reena's dad on parenting and connection

🔗 CONNECT WITH JEY YOUNG: Instagram | Website

🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

Join us for this heartfelt conversation about sharing our stories and showing up for one another through life's hardest and most beautiful moments.