Joe Lyons-Rising on leading with empathy, turning personal loss into purpose, and guiding others toward hope.
Even in the darkest times, hope and love is what pulls me out and helps me look ahead to the next sunrise.
Joe Lyons-Rising
Grief, trauma, and mental health struggles are experiences that can feel isolating, yet these experiences are universal. In his #1 book Pain Remixed: Navigating Life with Trauma, Grief, Depression and Anxiety, author, DJ, and public speaker Joe Lyons-Rising opens up about losing both of his parents to suicide as a child and the impact that loss had on his life. Through his story he explores not only the weight of trauma, depression, and anxiety, but also the resilience, empathy, and hope that carried him forward. Joe has been featured in Barrie Today, CBC, iHeart Radio, and numerous other media outlets, where he continues to raise awareness and inspire others through his message. In this conversation he shares what inspired him to write his book, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why he believes hope and love are the most powerful tools we have for healing.
Can you tell us what Pain Remixed is about, and why you decided to share your story publicly?
Pain Remixed is my story of growing up after losing both of my parents to suicide in the 1980s, and how that experience followed me through childhood, my teenage years, and adulthood. The book is about living with trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety, but it is also about rediscovering hope and love. I decided to share my story publicly because I know how isolating mental health struggles can be. If even one person reads the book and feels less alone, then it has done its job.
While you were working with Tellwell on producing the book, what was the biggest lesson you learned during the process? Do you have advice for any prospective authors out there?
The biggest lesson I learned was to always plan for extra time. Editing involves multiple rounds, and ordering bulk books in Canada can take longer than expected. I also realized how important it is to be involved in the design, marketing, and PR. Your own creativity, contacts, and hard work can make the collaboration with Tellwell even more successful.
My advice to new authors is to enjoy the process, especially the writing. Try not to be too critical of yourself in the early stages. Let your creativity flow. You will have more than enough time to edit and polish, but those first raw bursts of writing are what give your book its authenticity.
In the book, you write about losing both of your biological parents to suicide during your childhood. How did that shape your outlook on life and mental health?
Losing both my parents to suicide as a kid taught me not to take people, situations, or opportunities for granted. Life can change in an instant, so I don’t wait when it comes to chasing my dreams. It also gave me a deep sense of empathy for others and what they are going through. When I run mental health workshops or volunteer, I am there as an ally who walks alongside people, not as someone who speaks at them. That shared perspective is what makes the support feel real.
How did your experiences with depression and anxiety influence the strategies you share in the book?
The most important strategy for me has been holding on to hope for a future filled with love and happiness. It is not always simple, and life can make it feel far away, but hope has been the guiding light that keeps me moving forward. Even in the darkest times, hope and love is what pulls me out and helps me look ahead to the next sunrise.
In addition to being an author, DJ, and public speaker, you also volunteer as a grief ambassador and facilitator. Can you share with our readers what that role entails?
As a grief ambassador, I raise awareness for Seasons Centre for Grieving Children by sharing my story with corporate clients, in the media, and in the community. Seasons wasn’t around when I was a kid, but it would have made a huge difference in my life. Now, I do my part to make sure families know the support is there for them.
As a grief facilitator, I volunteer in Barrie every other week at Seasons Centre’s peer-to-peer program. My role is to be a “buddy” to the kids who attend. We work through grief together in ways that feel natural to them, whether that is art, play, or group sharing. The program is guided by a social worker, and my part is to support, listen, and be present for the kids.
What do you hope readers will take away from Pain Remixed?
I hope readers take away that we can never give up hope. Even when life feels dark, there is always the chance for brighter days. Suicide takes away the possibility of experiencing that beauty and those moments of joy that are still to come. We are not alone in our struggles. Most people carry something heavy, and when we open up, we can often find support that makes the weight feel lighter.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Giving back through philanthropy or volunteer work are some one of the most profound gifts we can offer in this life. It changes lives for the people who receive support and for the people who step up to offer it. There is no purer form of love than helping others in need, and the feelings that come from that are truly priceless.
