In this powerful episode of Hey Man; It’s Ok, we sit down with American Ninja Warrior champion Jackson Erdos for one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had.

Jackson shares his journey from elite youth athlete to world-class competitor—while quietly battling depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal ideation as a teenager. He opens up about checking himself into residential treatment, losing close friends to suicide, and learning that success without identity and support can still feel empty.

At just 18 years old, Jackson speaks with rare wisdom about:

• Why your identity is not your performance
• How mental toughness isn’t about being emotionless
• The danger of tying self-worth to success
• What rehab, therapy, and community truly changed for him
• Why “climbi ...