Avicii had a profound impact on our Founder, John Tessitore. We marked Avicii's passing last year with an ode to that impact and a conversation around mental health and music.

An Ode to Avicii

Enjoy the last episode of Collected Layers season 3! We'll be back later this year!
 
From my books ‘Letters to the Universe’ up until ‘Andromeda’ I was doing a lot of soul-searching.  I was trying to find out who I was.  I was trying to make any sense that I could out of the things I had went through in my 20’s.  I finally knew in my head that I wanted to live, I just didn’t physically feel that way.  My earlier writing was a product of my seclusion and meditation.  Although it was more positive than my schizoaffective and panic-driven-manifesto days, it was still very ungrounded.  Yes, I was aware and hopeful, however I was not very present and still felt like I was watching my days pass away from afar.  I was the third-person omniscient narrator of my story, and it was boring always knowing what was going to happen.  With ‘Meanwhile On Earth’ I decided to take a break from the spiritual and visit this wonderful place called Earth.  It was my attempt at coming back to myself.  And when I got back I was very surprised that the talk of the town (more the talk of the internet) was sexism, racism, lies, and fear.  Even the people that claimed they were there to serve, were really just serving up fear. Damn, I thought I’d be coming back to a place of peace, love, and understanding?  It was with ‘Meanwhile On Earth’ that I realized why so many people like myself ran away to a journal to get lost deep into the mind.  It felt a little safer in there.  “Meanwhile on Earth, I don’t want to hear another word.”

Joseph's Corner - Ch. 6 - Meanwhile on Earth

As caseworkers and social workers, the front line means getting someone to the next day. Ned and Grace are a father/ daughter combination who work with at risk populations in New Jersey. This often means helping individuals with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders get beds at inpatient facilities, help find jobs, housing, security, among a range of other services. A key piece of this episode is how long many sufferers, from both substance abuse issues and mental health issues, have to maintain motivation before they can get the proper inpatient care they need to succeed. People like Grace, Ned and the tens of thousands of other case workers do the work on the front lines, helping those suffering today.
Music by bensound.com

13 On the Front Line with Grace and Ned

The fourth poetry book that I wrote was named Andromeda. You’ve probably heard the word Andromeda if you are into Astronomy or Greek Mythology. So it won’t be a surprise when I tell you that this book was inspired by both. I have always had a passion for digging into the roots and meanings of why things are the way that they are.  How did some of the earliest forms of civilization see stories in stars? Or were the stars telling the stories? I guess we’ll never really know but I was hell-bent on trying my best to find out. I can promise you this, I do not have a magical cure for depression, however I will promise you that if you go out and look at the stars you’ll be amazed again and again and again. Without fail you will have to ruminate that your life IS worth living after all. If you feel like you can’t see the miracle that is your life, go outside and look up tonight. If Andromeda was saved and still shines bright, you are going to be alright.

Joseph's Corner - Ch. 5 - Andromeda

Check out the 2nd half of Joseph Fusaro's life story - one of the best raw conversations we've ever had on Collected Layers.

12 Joseph Fusaro's Life Story, part 2

What's going on in the JCK Foundation world? We just finished our first set of Legends Programs!

JCK News vol. 3

Harmony, harmony, harmony…. This word replayed on a figurative loop in my head after I release my second book Letters to the Universe.  I had noticed a trend in my writing.  I would get really frustrated, irritated, and overwhelmed at the beginning of starting the first 2 books.  I would then feel this need to spill my frustrations onto paper.  After the first 10 to 20 poems I would start to feel a little better.  Still anxious, still overwhelmed, but somehow a little better than before.  Then for the final 100+ pages of the writing process I could somewhat enjoy it without feeling like I was caught somewhere between the tidal wave and its undertow. Stuck in the foam with just enough air to choke.  I was now treading water, but damn, I wanted to float.
 
Why was one of my favorite things causing me so much stress?  Was this a microcosm of my life?  Did life need to be stressful?  Does a job need to be difficult and boring?  Does a relationship need to be dramatic and psychologically devastating?  I had all of these questions and the answer seemed pretty plain to see. No.  Could I teach myself how to separate myself and my life from the status quo?
 
Life is supposed to be filled with peace, grace, joy, fun, contentment, and ease.  I needed to find my Harmony. So I wrote until it made sense to me.

Joseph's Corner - Ch. 4 - Harmony

It's tough to fit Joseph Fusaro into a description. We recorded a 2.5 hour interview with him last summer where we recorded his life story, mostly in chronological order. We split this episode into 2 parts to capture the serious ups and downs he's had with manic depression and the myriad of other struggles he faced tangentially. You've also heard Joseph on our blog the last few weeks, he's a prolific writer and hosts a podcast himself called Hysteria Radio, where he talks about the connections between art, creativity and mental health. Check back in next week for Part 2.

11 Joseph Fusaro's Life Story, part 1

Check out the 3rd chapter of our collaboration with the talented writer, Joseph Fusaro. Big hint! We recorded an interview with Joseph last summer and will be releasing it on Sunday May 5th in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Sit back and enjoy the calming voice and writing of Joseph Fusaro.

Joe's Corner - Ch. 3 - A Little More Time

Matt Shyman has been through many battles in his life, from being diagnosed with depression to being diagnosed with cancer, his radical acceptance and resilience is something to be admired. When you hear him tell a story, you can’t help but listen and his “cartoon character” like charisma made for a really special interview. Editing this weeks podcast is another special man, Peter Esposito. A longtime listener with a heart of gold and keen ear for content, “Pops” provided a special perspective as this week's guest producer and host.

10 Matt Shyman

As I started putting together my poems for “A Little More Time” I wanted to make sure that I was being as authentic as I could without ending the book on a sad or hopeless note. I decided that the best way to do this was to start with only a few pieces from the years that I felt suicidal and gradually take pieces from my timeline leading up to 2013 when I first started to feel like myself again. One of the most important things that I figured out from writing the last 22 years is that I feel better when I leave off my journals with a positive message. Now, even on my worst days, even if I write 10 pages about how helpless, humiliated, and disgusted I may feel, I will make it a point to turn it around for the last few lines. When I end with pain, I felt pain. When I ended with hope, it left room for me to keep going. I felt a little more free. I felt a little more able to cope with my life and the world around me. There is a lot of truth to the saying “ We write our own story.” I think that “A Little More Time” is where I first started to realize this.

Joseph's Corner - Ch. 2 - A Little More Time

Today would have been John Kelly's 33rd birthday. We've decided to make it a yearly tradition at the JCK Foundation to honor his memory by re-airing the podcast we created in 2018 in his honor. This episode is John’s story told by friends, family members, and acquaintances. We share their memories of him to show the world who John Kelly was and why his legacy will never die. Sit back, relax, and enjoy learning about the legend that is John Cleaver Kelly.
More stories of John &gt;&gt; JCKFoundation.org/johnkelly

09 A Tribute to John Kelly

It’s been 8 years since we lost John Kelly. Today is always a heartbreaking day. We miss John so much, his love and energy lit up a room. He was always looking for adventure, and nothing filled him with more joy than seeing a smile on your face. We wish everyone got to meet John and experience the happiness and comfort he gave to so many of us.vJohn was a visionary, he didn’t live his life by the book and he constantly fought for the underdog and for what was right. He wasn’t afraid to dream big, and his vision lives on stronger than ever as he continues to push the JCK Foundation forward. We will never stop dreaming and we love you so much legend. Thank you for being you.
 More stories of John &gt;&gt; JCKFoundation.org/johnkelly 

08 John Kelly's Vision

It’s our pleasure to share with you the incredible writing of Joseph Fusaro. Joseph reminds us so much of John Kelly. His natural ability to connect and his instinct for kindness isn’t something you see everyday. We'll be featuring Joe on our blog for the next few months as he tells his story through the progression of his writing. Each excerpt is from a book of poetry or prose Joe wrote over the last decade. Start with Chapter 1 of “A Little More Time” and get lost in the work of a legend.

Joseph's Corner - Ch. 1 - A Little More Time

Enjoy the introduction to The Legends Program!

JCK News vol. 2

On this week's episode of #collectedlayers we talk about the faces behind the #KellysHeroes campaign. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing people believe in the work we do at the JCK Foundation. We share the stories of our first 9 "Kelly's Heroes" hosts and how their dedication pushes the #JCKF forward in more ways than one.
Guests: John, MikeHost: JohnEditor: MikeProducers: John, MikeMusicians: TaiCheeba, JaōGraphic: Dom Frabizio
We're now available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
JCKFoundation.org/collectedlayers

07 The Faces Behind Kelly's Heroes

Chris Leddy of @mindful.memos is not only a great writer, but a true explorer of the mind. Here's a short piece introducing himself, he'll be featured on our blog multiple times over the next few months. Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
JCKFoundation.org/collectedlayers
Writer: Chris LeddyReader: John TessitoreProducer: Mike EspositoPhotographer: Unknown

John Tessitore reads "Who is Chris Leddy?" by Chris Leddy

This week on #collectedlayers we talk with the co-founder of Project Heal, Liana Rosenman. Tomorrow marks the beginning of Eating Disorder Awareness Week and we are so honored to have Liana on this episode. When Liana first struggled with her eating disorder, it happened almost silently. It took a family friend (who had struggled herself) to connect the dots for Liana before she finally started getting the help she needed. This is a common theme as 70 percent of people who suffer from an eating disorder don't get treatment. It's a disorder that often is greeted with confusion and silence. She used her experience to create Project Heal while still in High School to provide hope to others suffering.
Guests: Liana RosenmanHost: John TessitoreEditor: Mike EspositoProducers: John Tessitore, Mike EspositoMusicians: Bobby Davis, TaiCheeba, JaōPhotographer: Unknown
We're now available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
JCKFoundation.org/collectedlayers

06 Liana Rosenman and Eating Disorder Awareness Week

My name is Alyssa Gutierrez and I'm a 16-year old passionate about eating disorder recovery. I strive to help others find the light that hid from me for so long. No one should have to endure such painful and harrowing behaviors as I did. I, along with others, are encouraging you to start and continue recovery. Enjoy our 5th audio blog. Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
JCKFoundation.org/collectedlayers
Writer: Alyssa GutierrezReader: Mike EspositoProducer: Mike EspositoPhotographer: Gracie Beth

Mike Esposito reads "No to More Than Just Food" by Alyssa Gutierrez

Dating is something that inevitably effects our mental health, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The anonymous B + L talk with Mike and John about some of the mechanics behind when and how to open up to your partner about mental health, as well as how to respond if your partner opens up to you! We also touch upon the importance of communication, language, consent and much more.
Guests: B+LHost: John TessitoreEditor: Mike EspositoProducers: John Tessitore, Mike EspositoMusicians: Joanna Schlatter, TaiCheeba, JaōGraphic: Dominick Frabizio
We're now available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
JCKFoundation.org/collectedlayers

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