Life is Good Playmakers: Inspiration from Bert & John Jacobs

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Life is Good Co-founders Bert Jacobs and John Jacobs are on a mission to spread the power of optimism. It's inherent in everything they do. But some people don't know how far their work goes to support their cause. The Life is Good Kids Foundation partners with leading childcare organizations to positively impact the quality of care delivered to the most vulnerable children. Through their "Playmaker Initiative", the Foundation supports men and women who dedicate their careers to helping children heal from the devastating impact of early childhood trauma. Adverse childhood experiences can create possible risk outcomes affecting behavior, physical & mental health.

With our focus on the fundamental health issues championed for by the Movember campaign this month, it's important to think about the effects of mental health issues, such as depression and suicide attempts, at an early age—no matter the gender. Bert and John not only donate 10% of Life is Good's net profits to their Foundation, but also donate all net speaking fees to their Foundation as well. They put their money where their mouth is for the power of optimism and the power of positive mental health.

Learn more about the power of the Playmakers in this short, inspiring video:

Grow a mo, save a bro... Let's talk men's health

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This month, we’re all about men’s health. In honor of Movember and Adam Garone, we want to talk about the topics men avoid—checking for testicular cancer in the shower, suicidal thoughts, scheduling a prostate exam.

In particular, we want to share more about Adam. Adam recently left his role as CEO of the Movember Foundation, as he begins to focus on creating and building new fundraising products and becomes the chief advocate for men’s health.

Adam is particularly interested in combating the suicide rates that plague men at a younger age. Earlier this year, he wrote a piece for Huffington Post and created a Facebook campaign for #itsokaytotalk to encourage men to join the conversation. Adam has had mates succumb to mental health issues and suicide, and it’s one of his main goals to engage in meaningful conversation to stop this problem with men around the world.

As women, we may get annoyed with the scruff they're growing, but we’re proud of the ribbon they wear on their upper lips in the name of men’s health. Outspoken will feature multiple blog posts, social media updates, and more exciting things regarding men’s health this month. We hope it’ll lead to thoughtful conversation and even save some lives.

Visionary Videos: Dr. Ned Hallowell discusses the Power of Connection

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Dr. Hallowell discusses the Power of Connection in this speed drawing based on his talk on the power of connecting with others. We live under the influence of a dangerous paradox: while we are far more connected electronically than ever before in history, we are disconnecting with each other as well as with the many other connections that give meaning to our lives.
 

#ICYMI

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To say the world is obsessed with Luvvie Ajayi these days is a bit of an understatement. Comedian, activist, and hugely popular culture blogger at AwesomelyLuvvie.com, Luvvie Ajayi serves up necessary advice for the masses in her hilarious book of essays titled I'm Judging You. This book is already a New York Times best-seller!

Listen here to an excerpt of Luvvie Ajayi's I'm Judging You audiobook, read for you by the author.

With over 500,000 readers a month at her enormously popular blog, AwesomelyLuvvie.com, Luvvie Ajayi is a go-to source for smart takes on pop culture. I'm Judging You is her debut book of humorous essays that dissects our cultural obsessions and calls out bad behavior in our increasingly digital, connected lives—from the importance of the newest Shonda Rhimes television drama to serious discussions of race and media representation to what to do about your fool cousin sharing casket pictures from Grandma's wake on Facebook.

With a lighthearted, razor-sharp wit and a unique perspective, I'm Judging You is the audiobook the world needs, doling out the hard truths and a road map for bringing some "act right" into our lives, social media, and popular culture. It is the Do-Better Manual.