From Silence to Safety: Alexandra Miles on Storytelling, Stigma, and Saving Lives

Project Blackbird founder Alexandra Miles joins Jeff Johnston on the latest episode of Living Undeterred for a powerful conversation about stigma, prevention, and why so many people still do not feel safe asking for help.

Alexandra shares how her own lived experience led her to build Project Blackbird, a nonprofit using storytelling, film, and real conversations to help students and communities feel seen and supported. This episode gets into what it means to move beyond awareness and create spaces where people can actually connect to care.

Jeff and Alexandra also talk about prevention, therapy, daily mental wellness habits, and why healing often starts with something simple: one honest conversation, one small action, or one moment where someone feels less alone.

In this episode:

• Why storytelling can break down stigma in ways facts alone sometimes cannot

• How small, daily practices can create real change over time

• Why prevention and feeling seen matter so much in mental health

This is a grounded, honest episode about building safer spaces, asking better questions, and helping people before they reach a breaking point.

🎧 Stream the full episode below:

Project Blackbird’s 2026 Annual Gala is happening Friday, May 8 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., bringing together advocates, community leaders, athletes, and supporters for an evening focused on expanding access to youth mental health care. The event helps fund free therapy, mental health education, and direct support for students nationwide, and Jeff Johnston will be speaking as part of the night’s mission-driven program.

Last week to grab your tickets!