31: Honoring the Legacy of Joshua Marks: The Larger Than Life Foundation

The need for mental health advocacy is at an all time high right now. Having gone through two years of a devastating pandemic, with mental health services unable to keep up with the demand, we need to speak out on behalf of those who are suffering before it is too late.

Our guests on today’s episode are two people that know how precarious mental health can be, as they watched their brother and son fall victim to mental illness, and experienced how help was not so readily available.

Joining us today are Dana Marks and Paulette Mitchell, a mother and daughter who have dedicated their lives to mental health advocacy in light of the passing of their son and brother, Joshua Marks.

Joshua was a second runner up on the popular television show ‘MasterChef’, who suffered from bipolar disorder. Dana and Paulette furiously attempted to seek adequate assistance for Joshua’s mental illness, however were disappointed with the results time and time again.

After Joshua’s passing, Dana and Paulette launched The Larger Than Life Foundation to advocate for change in how people receive mental health help, destigmatize mental illness, and champion initiatives in culinary arts and philanthropy - two causes near and dear to Joshua’s heart.

Tune in to hear a story about two strong and empowered women dedicated to change the way we think about mental health.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Joshua’s philanthropic nature
Joshua’s experience on ‘MasterChef’
The aftermath of ‘MasterChef’
Joshua’s experience with mental illness post show
The warning signs of Joshua’s diminishing mental health
Being failed by the crisis intervention team due to geographical location
Stance on mental health on a cultural level
Importance of self care as a caregiver
Memories of Joshua’s last weeks
What Dana and Paulette are doing to take care of their own mental health
Information on the ‘Larger Than Life Foundation,’ and collaboration with NAMI Chicago, No Shame on U, and The Jones Foundation
How Dana and Paulette are leading the way in mental health advocacy