Dave Raymond: The Man Inside the Phillie Phanatic

⚠️ CONTENT ADVISORY
This episode includes candid discussion of grief, depression, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.

For 16 years, Dave Raymond's job was to make people happy as the original Phillie Phanatic.

But behind the costume, Dave would eventually face grief, the collapse of his marriage and a period of hopelessness when he began experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Then something unexpected happened.

He put the Phanatic costume on for an appearance—and the character he had spent years using to bring joy to other people ended up bringing some of that joy back to him.

“The Phanatic was the one who reached out for me.”

In this deeply personal conversation with Glow For Hope founder Kelly Poelker, Dave talks about that period of his life, what he understands differently today, and why his message of “Reach Out…just reach out” doesn't only apply to the person who's struggling.

Sometimes the rest of us need to reach in.

Kelly and Dave also explore:

• Grief, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts
• The unexpected moment that changed Dave's trajectory
• Why “I'm fine” isn't always the end of the conversation
• Mental wellness first aid
• Caring for caregivers and frontline heroes
• Positive psychology and gratitude
• Happiness vs. joy
• The Power of Fun
• Finding one small “finger hold” when life feels overwhelming

Learn more about Dave Raymond and his work at DaveRaymondSpeaks.com.

ABOUT GLOW FOR HOPE

Glow For Hope is a nonprofit organization raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention through conversation, community, education and connection.

Our mission is simple:

Spark Conversation. Create Community. Ignite Hope.

If you or someone you know needs immediate emotional support, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Glow For Hope provides education and resources and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or crisis counseling.

#MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #PhilliePhanatic #DaveRaymond #GlowForHope