Surviving Suicidal Feelings with artist Just Jet

Leslie sits down with producer, dancer, and choreographer Just Jet (simply known as Jet) for a raw and honest discussion of mental health, suicidal thoughts, and the impact of public scrutiny on personal wellbeing. Jet shares his remarkable journey from busking on the streets to winning MTV’s America's Best Dance Crew and eventually working with icons like Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift. While this might sound like a dream come true, Jet also discusses the less often talked about, yet significant personal mental health battles and public downfall he dealt with as a result of that fame.

He shares his experience of being canceled during the COVID pandemic — a time already ripe with emotional upheaval and how it amplified his feelings of isolation and disconnection, leading to thoughts of suicide. Jet now focuses his creative energy on music production and is an active advocate in mental health who works to help people understand the significance of connection, gratitude, and finding your purpose.

Warning that this discussion includes a conversation about suicide so if you think you shouldn’t hang out for that, take care of yourself.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube. Because this conversation includes political speech in the form of references to Israel and Gaza, the original version of the video on YouTube had to be edited in order to meet their policy guidelines. The version of the conversation that exists here in your podcast app remains unedited.
• You can find Jet @JustJet across all social media platforms, or you can follow him on Instagram here.
• If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, in the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. Services are free and confidential.