Chapter 5: Playing The Mental Game

From the outside, Brandon Saho, former sports reporter and Cincinnati native, seemed to be living his dream. Interviewing world-class athletes and being the life of the party, no one could guess that he had been battling depression and suicidal thoughts since he was a teenager. But following losing the love of his life, losing three family members, and working grueling hours, Saho finally asked for the help he needed for years.

He checked himself into the Lindner Center of Hope where during his time, the idea of The Mental Game was born. The Mental Game is a mental health podcast with athletes, musicians, and entertainers to help break the stigma of asking for help. It features guests like Terry Crews, Kate Flannery, Kevin Gates, Jim O’Heir, and many more.

The Mental Game is just getting its start, and Saho dives into all the ways he’s getting his Sparkle back while battling depression. We talk about going sober, the University of Cincinnati and Xavier rivalry, and how breaking the mental health stigma starts with sharing one story at a time.