In this episode of Heart of Hope, host Jana Bonassi, a cardiac arrest survivor, invites former NFL player and Super Bowl winner, Fred Stokes, to discuss his journey with mental health, trauma, and the importance of vulnerability. Fred shares his experience from the NFL to his powerful work with his nonprofit, Lint Brother, which focuses on helping men confront and express their hidden struggles. Together with Jana's husband, Ricardo Bonassi, they dive into the reality behind the words, "I'm fine," as men grapple with the emotional toll of traumatic experiences. Ricardo shares his perspective as both a co-survivor and husband, highlighting how the facade of strength impacts their family and relationships.

Join them as they shed light on the necessity of emotional honesty and how Fred’s initiative is creating safe spaces for men to find genuine support. This heartfelt conversation explores themes of gratitude, resilience, and breaking the cycle of emotional suppression.

Listen in for a candid, emotional discussion that redefines what it means to be 'fine.'

Find more about Jana Bonassi here: https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Find more about Lint Brother here: https://www.lintbrother.com/ and on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lintbrother?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Follow Fred Stokes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigplaystokes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Find more about Ricardo Bonassi here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbonassi

Jana is an ambassador or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Learn more here: https://www.sca-aware.org/

This episode was recorded and produced by the amazing crew at Iron Pixel Studios: https://ironpixelstudios.com/

Follow us at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

And watch us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle