Ready for an important, emotional, and vulnerable episode? Today, we have the incredible privilege and pleasure to speak with Chris and Martha Thomas about their organization -- The Defensive Line! Chris and Martha started The Defensive Line with a specific mission in mind: to end youth suicide and transform how we, as a whole, communicate and connect regarding mental health. In this goal, they are also joined by their son, Solomon Thomas, currently an NFL defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans. Together, they designed -- and teach -- various informed and research-backed suicide prevention workshops. Today, The Defensive Line works to support teachers, administrators, parents, coaches, students, and any/all who want to understand the difficult topic of suicide. As a result, Chris, Martha, Solomon, and The Defensive Line have become important voices and figures advocating for empathy, understanding, and support for any and all peoples struggling with suicide in any form. Together, we dive deep into the topic of suicide -- and how it directly impacts, and impacted, the Thomas family. Throughout our conversation, Chris and Martha exhibit an unmatched openness and vulnerability, especially as they talk about their daughter, Ella, and how loved and missed she is. Her memory is foundational to everything they do, and Ella continues to influence who Chris, Martha, and Solomon are and continue to grow into. They reinforce that talking about suicide -- in any form -- is so critical to helping those who may be struggling with it. Through talking about Ella, sharing her stories, and illustrating true vulnerability -- even through the pain and tears -- her family keeps her love, compassion, and legacy eternal and everlasting. It was an incredible pleasure speaking with Chris and Martha, and we know that all who listen will benefit immensely from hearing their experiences, wisdom, and honesty. Thank you for being authentic, for being vulnerable, and for trusting us to help share your story with the world. We know that you're impacting humanity for the better 🦄🥳🦄! -- Ask Questions. Be Humane. Lead With Love. -- Chris, Martha, Solomon, andThe Defensive Line can be found at their website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at The Neurodiversity Collective's website. If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at jake@theneurodiversitycollective.com If you'd like to learn more, please follow us on social media: Facebook or Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
