What happens when loss doesn’t just break your heart—but permanently changes who you are?
In this deeply honest conversation, Jason MacKenzie sits down with Chris Coulter, founder of The Mentor Well and creator of Lifeline Parenting Workshops, to explore what life actually looks like ten years after the suicide of a child. Together, they move beyond platitudes about “healing” and into the lived reality of grief: how it reshapes identity, relationships, parenting, leadership, and purpose.
Chris shares the story of his daughter Maddie. He talks about her kindness, humor, and fierce independence…and the devastating ripple effects of her death. He speaks candidly about guilt, shame, anxiety, and the long, uneven process of learning to stop trying to become the person he was before loss, and instead accept the person he is now.
This episode is not about quick fixes or inspirational soundbites. It’s about what actually helps over time.
In this episode, we explore:
Why grief doesn’t “end,” and why that doesn’t mean you’re failing
The nervous system impact of traumatic loss and how it shows up years later
How parenting changes when a child is struggling with mental health
Why teens stop talking to parents and what actually helps reopen communication
The difference between “fix it” conversations and “feel it” conversations
The hidden cost of advice-giving, and the power of listening instead
How mentorship can support teens in ways parents often can’t
Where mentorship ends, and when professional mental health support is essential
How purpose can emerge from loss without erasing the pain
Why remembering a child by talking about them and sharing stories matters more than people realize
The tension between telling hard stories and not overwhelming others
What grief teaches about compassion, leadership, boundaries, and meaning
Chris also shares how his work with The Mentor Well was shaped directly by what he wishes his daughter, and his family, had access to during her darkest moments. His approach focuses on emotional intelligence, lived experience, and creating safe, non-judgmental spaces where young people feel seen and heard.
This conversation is for:
Parents navigating a child’s mental health challenges
Anyone grieving a devastating loss
Leaders learning how to hold compassion and accountability at the same time
Those wondering whether purpose is still possible after everything changes
If you’ve ever felt like grief rewired your brain, lowered your capacity, or pulled you into a life you never asked for—this episode will help you feel less alone.
About Chris
Chris Coulter is the founder of The Mentor Well and the creator of Lifeline Parenting Workshops. After the loss of his daughter Maddie, Chris committed his life to helping teens build emotional strength and confidence, and helping parents better understand what their children are carrying. His work centers on mentorship, emotional intelligence, and prevention—supporting families before crisis becomes catastrophe.
If you want to explore this further, I’ve written a short guide called The Loss Inside Change.
