In this episode, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Justin McSweeny, a passionate interviewer, philosopher, and advocate for understanding the human experience. Justin shares his journey from a tumultuous childhood and teenage years marked by depression and suicidal ideation to a life of curiosity and philosophical inquiry.

Justin opens up about his early struggles with self-destructive behavior and substance abuse. Despite these challenges, Justin found solace and recovery through his love for botany and the arts, which helped him rebuild his cognitive abilities after a chemical brain injury.

Today, Justin is the host of the IdeaCast Interview Series, where he explores profound questions of existence, meaning, and the human condition. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity, community, and philosophical exploration in overcoming life's darkest moments.

Chapters:

(00:00 ) Welcome

(03:29 ) When you were feeling suicidal, what was happening?

(08:26 ) The depression started ebbing off at about 21

(14:43 ) There are multiple aspects or perspectives

(17:45 ) Passion for plants helped him overcome addiction

(21:46 ) One species, one human species

(24:19 ) Art of surrender is letting go and just letting what happens happen

(25:48 ) Cognitive scientists say we use predictive processing

(31:56 ) There's procedural, perspectival, participatory and propositional knowing

(40:29 ) The solution to high rates of suicide among young people is building small communities

(46:22 ) Be your authentic self

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In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.