How Four Simple Words Saved a Life and Started a Movement – Joe Tuia’ana
From Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us by BYUradio
May 13, 2026 · 21 min · Season 2026 · Episode 19
About this episode
Joe Tuia’ana discusses men's mental health and the importance of support during crises.
What do you say to someone in crisis? Joe Tuia’ana, founder of the I Love You, Bro project, joins Uncomfy to talk about men’s mental health, connection, and what it means to show up for someone in crisis. Joe shares the story of the moment when he stopped to help a stranger on an overpass and how that experience led him to create peer support groups for men across Utah. Joe explores why so many men struggle to open up, what actually helps in those moments, and how we can create safer spaces for honest conversation. ABOUT GUEST Joe Tuia’ana is the founder and CEO of the I Love You, Bro project (https://iloveyoubroproject.org). If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free & available 24/7. CHAPTERS (0:00) Content Warning and Introduction (1:26) Meet Joe Tuia’ana (2:03) Overpass Rescue Story (6:03) Aftermath and Shame (7:53) Why Joe Stepped In (9:41) From Rescue to Support Groups (12:02) How the Groups Work (13:04) Why Men Don’t Open Up (14:58) Data on Reaching Out (17:04) How to Create Space (19:33) Conclusion and Resources
People in this episode
Guest: Joe Tuia’ana
Topics covered
- men's mental health
- crisis support
- peer support groups
- emotional connection
- mental health awareness
Keywords
- mental health
- crisis intervention
- support groups
- men's issues
- emotional support
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: I Love You, Bro project, Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
More episodes of Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us
- How Can You Rebuild a Broken Friendship? – Pete O’Dell · June 10, 2026 · 17 min
- Finding Your Worth After Hitting Rock Bottom – Jane Chen · June 3, 2026 · 19 min
- After a Devastating Accident, He Had to Reinvent Himself - Lt. Edmund Fisher · May 27, 2026 · 14 min
- Breaking Cycles of Trauma and Finding Hope – Tiffany Fletcher · May 20, 2026 · 19 min
- Why New Police Recruits in Portland Have to Walk a Mile with a Teen – Talk a Mile · May 6, 2026 · 21 min
- The Moment She Let Her Community Carry Her – Muffy Mendoza · April 29, 2026 · 18 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us podcast page.