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What if the words “life is long” meant something deeper?

In this powerful and important episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast, Jodi Hope Grinwald sits down with:

• Tom Peregrin, Founder of Life Is Long
• Liz Menges, Chief Operating Officer, Ocean Partnership for Children
• Jess Pepe, Development Coordinator, Ocean Partnership for Children

Together, they have an honest, courageous conversation about suicide prevention, mental health, warning signs, stigma, and why connection is one of the strongest protective factors we have.

Tom shares the heartbreaking story of losing his best friend to suicide and how that loss inspired him to create Life Is Long — a mission-driven apparel brand raising awareness and donating 17% of proceeds to youth mental health services in his friend’s honor.

Liz and Jess provide clinical insight into:
• Warning signs of suicide
• The danger of dismissing comments as “just for attention”
• Anxiety and depression as major risk factors
• The importance of monitoring social media
• Why talking about suicide does not cause suicide
• What actually happens when someone seeks help

One powerful statistic shared in this episode: Over 49,000 people in the U.S. died by suicide in 2023.
In Ocean County alone, over 350 youth currently being served have experienced suicidal ideation or risk.

This conversation is not meant to create fear. It is meant to create awareness.
And most importantly — connection.

If you are a parent, friend, teacher, coach, mentor, or someone quietly struggling — this episode is for you.

💛 If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

For immediate support in the United States:

📞 Call or Text 988
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)

📱 Text HOME to 741741
Connect with a live crisis counselor via text.

For families in New Jersey seeking youth services:

📞 PerformCare: 1-877-652-7624
Access care management services in all NJ counties.

Ocean Partnership for Children serves Ocean County families directly.

Learn more about Life Is Long:
Instagram: @LifeIsLongSo

A Message from Jodi

Connection is not a throwaway word.
It is a lifeline.

You never know who needs the phone call, the text message, the conversation, or the safe space.

Today is the day to reach out.

⚠️ Content Note

This episode discusses suicide and mental health. Listener discretion advised. Resources are listed above for support.

💬 About the Host

Jodi Hope Grinwald is a Leadership & Connection Strategist, Certified Professional Coach, Speaker, and Author of Today is the Day. LIVE IT!

Her book — available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble — is a powerful collection of voices centered on courage, resilience, leadership, and motivation. It invites readers to move from the edge of comfort to the center of impact by embracing authentic connection and bold action.

Through keynotes, workshops, consulting, and executive coaching, Jodi helps:

• Organizations strengthen internal culture through connection
• Teams navigate burnout and transition
• Leaders communicate with courage and clarity
• Businesses better connect to clients and customers
• Individuals find their voice and build their own table

To inquire about speaking engagements, workshops, or coaching services:
📧 jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com

📲 Stay Connected

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