Survivor

We’re changing the face of mental health — one conversation at a time.

Erik DaRosa and Marc Fernandes, two men who are candid and vulnerable about their own mental health struggles, are upending the front-end of the mental health space. Their advocacy work and weekly podcasts are focused on sharing stories, encouraging people to explore and utilize support services, and helping others find their way to thriving.

What we're doing

Shattering stigmas so people can speak openly about mental health.

Rebecca Heidt, Episode 77

"Fear is what grips us, as people, to think that we can't expand."

Johnny Crowder, Episode 48

"Negative thoughts don't schedule an appointment with you."

Dr. Julia DiGangi, Episode 81

"It's only when we understand our pain that we can access our power."

Kevin Palmieri, Episode 103

"If you change a little bit every day, that is the key to growth."

Jevon Wooden, Episode 113

"The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal."

Andrew Velazquez, special episode, December 2022

"Positivity can win. It can always be the light at the end of the dark tunnel."

Dylan Roos, Episode 105

"Go and do hard things. You're going to live a much happier life doing hard things."

Listen to our Podcast

Each week, Erik and Marc tackle different mental health topics through honest and relatable “kitchen table” conversations with real people who are helping to shatter mental health stigmas and find their voices. We aim to normalize discussions around mental health topics and remind our audience they are not alone, there is strength in community and “it’s perfectly ok to not always be ok.”

Go a little deeper

Erik contributed to the third edition of this book. His chapter “Tell Someone” describes what it feels like when we break the cycle of silence by openly sharing our mental health struggles for the first time.
Buy the book

The Path to Greater Joy

Read about lessons learned and real-world experiences.

Engagements

Book FSTT Podcast co-host Erik DaRosa to speak at your event

Team

Erik DaRosa

Erik DaRosa, known by friends as “Yoda,” is the Founder and CEO of From Survivor to Thriver, a mental health advocate, speaker, author and Co-host of the popular From Survivor to Thriver podcast. Through his work and his own lived experience, Erik is upending the front-end of the mental health space and building a bridge between those who seek resources and those who provide both help and hope. Each week on his podcast, he tackles different mental health topics through honest and relatable "kitchen table" conversations with real people who are helping to shatter mental health stigmas and find their voices. He aims to normalize discussions around mental health topics and remind his audience they are not alone, there is strength in community and "it's perfectly ok to not always be ok."

In 2011, Erik traded in a successful career as a NYC finance executive when he moved to Colorado with his wife and two cats. Erik spent twelve winters as a ski instructor for the Aspen Skiing Company before retiring in the Spring of 2023.

Born and raised in New England, Erik earned his MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and his BA in Economics from Brandeis University. He lives in Colorado with his wife Amy and two cats, Lincoln and Taylor.

Marc Fernandes

Marc Fernandes is Co-host of the popular From Survivor to Thriver podcast. When not podcasting, Marc is a Ski Pro, Trainer, Property Manager, and Voice Over artist. As an interviewer, Marc challenges himself to push past the lens of his own lived experience, gain insight from the wisdom of others, and to share these insights for the benefits of anyone listening. He aims to normalize mental health discussions.

Contact

Reach out to FSTT