Brandon Saho, a former sports journalist turned mental health advocate, recently spoke to Northwestern University students about his personal mental health struggles and the importance of creating supportive environments for discussing mental health issues. His journey with mental health began at age 14 and escalated during 2021 and 2022 when he faced intense challenges after achieving his dream job as a sports broadcaster for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Saho’s experience prompted him to seek help at a mental health facility. After receiving treatment, he launched the podcast ‘The Mental Game,’ which features conversations with athletes, musicians, and celebrities about their mental health experiences. Prominent guests on his show have included actor Terry Crews, rapper Kevin Gates, and Kate Flannery, known for her role in ‘The Office.’ Through his podcast, Saho has reached an audience of over 150,000 people across 42 states, sharing stories that often remain untold in public discussions about mental health.
At the event organized by Northwestern Active Minds, Saho emphasized the need to create ‘safe spaces’ where individuals can openly discuss their mental health challenges. He highlighted the importance of sharing personal stories as a means to foster connection and understanding. Saho noted that his background in journalism, particularly in encouraging people to share their experiences on camera, has been instrumental in the success of his podcast.
Mia Cavallo, a freshman at Northwestern and member of Active Minds, expressed her admiration for Saho’s approachable demeanor and his impactful message. She had previously attended a talk by him in high school and felt compelled to invite him to speak at Northwestern to further promote mental health awareness.
Jack McNiel, co-President of Active Minds at Northwestern, supported Cavallo’s initiative, recognizing Saho’s unique perspective as both a journalist and a mental health advocate. He pointed out that Saho’s ability to relate to students through his storytelling could encourage more open conversations about mental health on campus.
Saho’s podcast, ‘The Mental Game,’ stands out for being a platform where guests often reveal their mental health struggles publicly for the first time. For instance, Terry Crews spoke about his battle with suicidal thoughts exclusively on Saho’s show. This openness is what Saho aims to cultivate in all his discussions, ensuring that listeners feel comfortable sharing their own experiences.
The event signified a step towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health discussions among students. By sharing his journey and the lessons learned, Saho hopes to inspire others to seek help and support each other in their mental health journeys.
