An Interview with my wife Melanie: Mental Health, Marriage, Suicide, & What’s Next | Ep. 445

This week is special. I’ve got my lovely bride, Melanie Durkin, back on the podcast—and for good reason. September is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this conversation hits close to home. Melanie shares her powerful story of losing her 19-year-old brother to suicide back in 1998, how it rocked her world, and the healing journey that followed. Together, we open up about grief, faith, family, and the daily habits that support mental wellness.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Breaking the stigma around mental health.
• Why losing her brother at a young age was so crippling and how that ultimately affected our relationship, and even our parenting.
• Using tragedy as fuel to create impact and hope.
• How to support loved ones who may be struggling.
• Why prayer, fitness, journaling, and healthy habits matter more than ever.
• Her top emotion/lesson learned a week after leaving serving in prison with Bob Goff and the Love Does team.
• Her feelings about finding out about Charlie Kirk, just as we walked out of prison.
• What brings you the most joy & happiness these days?
• 25-years of marriage this coming February. What would you say is the key?
• Why are you excited to speak at our Montana Retreat this November?
• Our vision for the IMPACT Foundation and what’s next in 2026.

This is raw, real, and heartfelt. Whether you’ve battled mental health challenges yourself or walked alongside someone who has, my hope is that this conversation gives you strength, encouragement, and a reminder—you’re not alone.

If this conversation resonated, please share it. You can share the link to the podcast with a family member or friend. Or you can post it on your SM story and tag us.
IG: @ToddDurkin @melanie.durkin

#ToddDurkin #IMPACTShow #Ep445

 

P.S. #1. Are you ready to become a Todd Durkin IMPACT Life-Coach?
We just released all the information to become a fully certified Todd Durkin IMPACT Life Coach. This is a 6-month program that prepares you to coach you in our system so that you can be part-time or full- time Life Coach.

You can get all the information for the program here:
www.ToddDurkin.com

The program starts October 19th and we are currently taking applications and registrations. Check it out now.

 

P.S. #2 Become a Certified ‘GET YOUR MIND RIGHT’ Mindset Coach TODAY
If you’re a coach, parent, or mentor who wants to raise confident, focused, resilient athletes — this is the course you’ve been waiting for. The “Get Your Mind Right Mindset Coaching Certification” is in full-effect and waiting for your participation.

Built by myself and Andrew Simpson — and powered by TeamBuildr — this certification gives you elite tools to coach the mental game like never before. We cover topics such as:

• Mental toughness & reset frameworks
• Real scripts & strategies for confidence and composure
• Visualization, journaling & breathwork systems
• Tools you can use TODAY — on the field, in the gym, or in life
• Plus 2 months FREE in our private Mindset Coach Community

This is how you build athletes for life.
This is how you create lasting impact through sport.
Get certified now at: www.gymrcoaching.com

 

P.S #3 Ready to join me in Montana in November for what will be an absolutely game-changing, epic experience at the Todd Durkin Annual Mountain Retreat?

Want to go deeper on business, leadership and life and create even more success and significance?

Ready to further IGNITE your passion, purpose, and IMPACT?
If so, then join me for our 2025 Annual Mountain Retreat in Whitefish, Montana, November 13–16, 2025.

This 2.5-day retreat is for ALL purpose-driven leaders, high-performers, fitness enthusiasts/professionals, and visionaries who are ready to dream big, expand their legacy, step into their next chapter with clarity and power…and be ready to be IGNITED with more passion, purpose, and IMPACT!!

Save your spot NOW at: www.ToddDurkin.com/mountainretreat2025