Episode #248
Episode 248 - Turning Suicide Loss Into Advocacy And Hope with Nicole Jones-Vogel
#248 - What do you do with a loss that never fully leaves you? I sat down with Nicole Jones Vogel, who lost her father to suicide at 25 and has spent the years since turning grief into advocacy, education, and real-world support for others. We go deep on what suicide loss actually feels like over time, why it can carry extra stigma and guilt, and how healing often happens in layers rather than milestones. Nicole also teaches me something simple that changed the way I speak: many people in suicide prevention avoid “committed suicide” and say “died by suicide” instead, because words can either add shame or make space for compassion. From there we talk about family dynamics, substance use disorder, mental health, and the exhausting uncertainty of attempts or rehearsals. We also dig into a crucial skill for suicide prevention: asking directly. “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” and “Do you have a plan?” can be the difference between guessing and actually helping, and Nicole explains why talking about suicide doesn’t put the idea in someone’s head. We also explore what support can look like years later, including AFSP community events, the Out of the Darkness walks, and how a single hug in a hallway can crack open a path toward healing. Nicole shares how she channels her “amplify” year into fundraising and polymer clay semicolon jewelry, a symbol that the story can continue instead of ending. If you care about mental health, men’s mental health, suicide prevention, grief support, and practical ways to show up for someone, this conversation will stay with you. If this meant something to you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find these stories. To learn more about Nicole and her work please visit www.finchandfernstudio.com and check her out on Instagram @njonesvogel . To learn more about me and see clips from past, present, and future shows give me a follow on Instagram @humanadventurepod . Want to be a guest on The Human Adventure? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar. Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure .
