In this deeply inspiring episode of "Coffee Can't Fix Everything," we sit down with the remarkable Austin Neal, who shares his transformative journey from an aspiring baseball player to a devoted servant of youth in need. Battling his own identity crisis after a life-altering diagnosis, Austin found solace and purpose in serving others. Through his work with the youth recovery program at Lutheran Church of Hope and his experiences with Joppa and the Boys and Girls Club, Austin sheds light on the profound impact of mentorship, the power of listening, and the importance of building trust. Join us as we explore how shifting focus from self to service can unveil the path to true identity and fulfillment.

Shownotes:

• [00:26] Introduction to Austin Neal and the theme of the episode: mental health from the perspective of serving youth.
• [01:26] Austin's background and how he got involved in serving youth, influenced by his mother's in-home daycare.
• [02:25] The turning point in Austin's life: his struggle with identity and ulcerative colitis, leading to a significant change in direction.
• [03:12] Advice from Pastor Jeremy: the transformative power of serving others.
• [04:30] Austin's involvement with The Landing recovery program for teenagers and his role as a volunteer.
• [05:00] Addressing deeper issues beyond substance abuse in youth recovery.
• [06:07] The non-pushy approach to discussing faith within the recovery program.
• [07:17] Austin's broader engagement with youth: working with the Joppa organization and the Boys and Girls Club.
• [08:02] The common thread of losing identity among athletes and finding new purpose.
• [09:23] The importance of genuinely listening and being present for the youth.
• [14:12] Building trust and rapport with the youth, and the variable timeline it entails.
• [17:36] Sharing personal struggles and lessons with the youth, fostering mutual understanding and respect.
• [20:18] The challenge of not carrying home the trauma of the youth served.
• [23:45] The struggle and necessity of finding enough people to serve the needs of youth facing mental health and trauma issues.
• [31:47] Austin's personal practices for managing his mental health, including the role of cycling and prayer.
• [35:36] Closing remarks and encouragement for listeners to seek help for mental health concerns.

This episode not only highlights the critical importance of mentorship and support for youth struggling with various challenges but also offers a poignant reminder of the healing power of service and the search for identity beyond one's accomplishments or failures.