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In Part 2 of my conversation with former choir teacher Brad Heckler, we continue the conversation about his 29 years in education and the experiences that shaped him both professionally and personally.

Brad shares some of the students who left the biggest impact on him, including stories of students who were struggling with bullying, difficult home situations, mental health challenges, and finding their place in the world. We talk about the importance of teachers being more than instructors and how sometimes simply providing a safe person or safe place can make a lasting difference in a young person's life.

We also discuss the changing role of technology in education, the challenges teachers faced with phones and social media, and Brad's thoughts on how technology has changed the way young people interact with one another.

After retirement, Brad found himself starting a completely different chapter through his house-cleaning business. We talk about independence, finding purpose outside of your career, building positive relationships, starting over in a new community, and learning to embrace change.

Finally, Brad shares some advice for anyone who may be struggling with their own path: keep going when things get difficult, don't be afraid to ask questions, and understand that failure can be one of life's greatest teachers.

A conversation about teaching, friendship, change, resilience, and the people who sometimes don't realize just how much of an impact they've had on someone else's life.

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Sometimes the best conversations come from reconnecting with someone who was part of your past.

In this episode of Hear 4 You, I sit down with my former middle school choir teacher and friend, Brad Heckler, nearly 22 years after I was one of his students.

Brad spent 29 years in education, building choir programs, working with thousands of students, and experiencing the highs, lows, frustrations, and unexpected moments that come with being a teacher.

In Part One, we take a look behind the curtain at what those 29 years were really like.

We talk about:

🎵 Brad's journey through nearly three decades of teaching
🎵 His years teaching choir and his time at Paredes
🎵 The reality of being a fine arts teacher
🎵 Managing hundreds of students and massive workloads
🎵 Concerts, fundraising, trips, uniforms, and everything students never see
🎵 The challenges of working with administrators and school districts
🎵 The impact COVID had on teaching and choir programs
🎵 How technology changed the way Brad taught music
🎵 Some of the funniest and craziest moments from his years in the classroom
🎵 Why being good at your job can sometimes mean being given even more responsibility
🎵 And ultimately, what led Brad toward retirement after 29 years

For me, this conversation was especially meaningful because Brad wasn't just another teacher. He was someone who helped shape my own musical journey when I was growing up.

What started as a conversation about teaching quickly became a much deeper look at the person behind the teacher.

This is Part One of a two-part conversation with Brad Heckler.

🎧 Listen to Part One now, and be sure to come back for Part Two!

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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month, making this an important opportunity to talk openly about mental health, suicide prevention, addiction, recovery, connection, and hope.

In this special episode of Hear 4 You, we take a step away from the traditional interview format and have an honest conversation about why these subjects matter and why we shouldn't be afraid to talk about them.

We'll discuss:

• Why talking about suicide can be an important part of prevention
• Warning signs that someone may be struggling
• How to check in with someone you're worried about
• Why you don't have to be a mental health professional to support someone
• Addiction, stigma, and the importance of compassion
• What recovery can look like
• Why recovery doesn't have to be a perfect or straight-line journey
• The connection between mental health, substance use, suicide prevention, and recovery
• Why asking for help is a strength
• How connection and community can help people through difficult moments
• What you can do if you're worried about someone you love
• Why hope and recovery should be conversations we have all year—not just in September

❤️ If you need help right now

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or simply feel like you need someone to talk to, you can call or text 988 in the United States to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

You can also use the online chat through 988Lifeline.org.

You do not have to wait until you're at the point of attempting suicide to reach out.

If you are in immediate danger or have already seriously harmed yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

💜 Substance Use & Recovery Support

SAMHSA National Helpline:
1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA's National Helpline provides information and referrals for mental health and substance use treatment.

FindTreatment.gov

You can use FindTreatment.gov to locate substance use treatment services in your area.

SAMHSA also provides additional recovery resources and information for individuals, families, and communities.

🎖️ Veterans

Veterans, service members, and their loved ones can access the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255.

🌎 Outside the United States

If you're outside the United States, please contact your country's local emergency services or suicide/crisis hotline.

A reminder from Hear 4 You

If you're struggling right now, you don't have to solve your entire life today.

Start with one step.

Tell somebody.

Make the phone call.

Send the text.

Ask for help.

And if someone you care about is struggling, don't underestimate the power of simply being there.

You are not alone. Your story matters. And your story isn't over.

Resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call/text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org.

SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA also provides recovery and treatment resources through its national recovery resources.

FindTreatment.gov — a resource for locating substance use treatment services.

The CDC's suicide prevention guidance emphasizes connection, recognizing warning signs, accessing care, and creating supportive environments as important parts of suicide prevention.

If you're listening to this episode and you're struggling, please reach out. You don't have to carry it alone.