Kevin Hines Jumped Off the Golden Gate Bridge and Survived—Now He’s Saving Lives

Episode 270In this powerful episode of the NotBasicBlonde Podcast, I’m joined by bestselling author, global speaker, and mental health advocate Kevin Hines. Kevin shares the extraordinary true story of surviving a suicide attempt after jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge—an experience that changed his life forever and led him to dedicate his mission to helping others find hope.Kevin opens up about the struggles that led to his darkest moment, the miracle that saved his life, and the remarkable journey of healing, resilience, and recovery that followed. Together, we discuss the importance of suicide prevention, recognizing the warning signs, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and the everyday practices that can help us build emotional resilience and stay mentally healthy.If you or someone you know is struggling, this episode could make a life-changing difference.GuestKevin Hines is a storyteller. He is a best selling author, global public speaker, and award winning documentary filmmaker. In the Year 2000, Kevin attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Many factors contributed to his miraculous survival including a sea lion which kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrived. Kevin now travels the world sharing his story of hope, healing, and recovery while teaching people of all ages the art of wellness & the ability to survive pain with true resilience. His motto: #BeHereTomorrow and every day after that. He is one of only thirty-six (less than 1%) to survive the fall from the Golden Gate Bridge. In 2016, Mental Health America awarded Kevin their highest honor, The Clifford W. Beers Award for his efforts to improve the lives of and attitudes toward people with mental illnesses. Previously, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Council of Behavioral Health in partnership with Eli Lilly. Kevin has also been awarded by SAMSHA as a Voice Awards Fellow and Award Winner, an Achievement Winner by the US Veterans Affairs and received over 30 U.S. military excellence medals as a civilian.Kevin sat on the boards of the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), the Bridge Rail Foundation (BRF) and the Mental Health Association of San Francisco (MHASF) and on the Survivors Committee of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Previously, he was a board member of the Northern California Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and was a two-term member of San Francisco’s Mental Health Board. He has spoken in congressional hearings alongside Patrick Kennedy in support of The Mental Health Parity Bill. He continues his policy work as an Ambassador to the National Council for Behavioral Health.In the summer of 2013, Kevin released his bestselling memoir titled Cracked Not Broken, Surviving and Thriving After A Suicide Attempt. He is currently producing a documentary entitled Suicide: The Ripple Effect. Kevin’s will to live and stay mentally well has inspired people worldwide. His compelling story has touched diverse, global audiences within colleges and universities, high schools, corporations, clergy, military, clinicians, health and medical communities, law enforcement organizations, and various industries. Thousands have communicated to Hines that his story helped save their lives. He has reached millions with his story.His story was featured in the 2006 film The Bridge by the film director and producer Eric Steel. Kevin believes in the power of the human spirit and in the fact that you can find the ability to live mentally well. His mantra: “Life is a gift, that is why they call it the present. Cherish it always.”HostOlyasha Novozhylova @notbasicblonde_NotBasicBlonde Podcast @nbbpodcast