#57: Aaron Stark, I was almost a school shooter

About this episode

Aaron Stark shares his powerful story of overcoming childhood violence and the importance of kindness in preventing harm.

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood violence, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, which may be distressing for some listeners. Support services are listed below. Aaron Stark is a writer, speaker, and mental health advocate best known for his viral TED Talk, “I Was Almost a School Shooter.” His story has reached millions of people around the world, offering a raw, honest look at how pain, neglect, and rejection can push a young person to the edge — and how a simple act of kindness can pull them back. In this episode, Aaron and Megan talk about the early years that shaped his story — growing up surrounded by violence, instability, and homelessness — and the point where he began to lose hope in himself and the world around him. Aaron speaks openly about the moment he planned to commit an act of violence, and the unexpected friendship that changed everything. They discuss what true connection looks like for young people in crisis, the role of compassion in preventing harm, and why we must offer love to those who seem to need it the least. This episode is confronting, moving, and ultimately full of hope. Aaron’s story reminds us that prevention begins with…

People in this episode

Host: Megan Corcoran

Guest: Aaron Stark

Topics covered

• mental health
• childhood violence
• self-harm
• suicidal ideation
• kindness
• compassion
• crisis intervention

Keywords

• school shooter
• mental health advocacy
• TED Talk
• childhood trauma
• acts of kindness
• hope
• crisis support

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: 1800RESPECT

Books & works: I Was Almost a School Shooter

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