Most of us take life for granted. But what happens when we're forced to think hard about whether we want to live? Suicide and the impulse to attempt it are a great unacknowledged epidemic in public health today. It not only scars those who try it, but all those who care about them, often for life.
This is the story of Steve Fugate, a self-described ordinary guy who found himself thrust into the crucible of suicide at close hand and chose to express his grief and redemption in a most unusual way: walking nearly 22,000 miles across America while carrying a sign over his head saying, simply, “Love Life.”
This program was funded by listeners like you who love life.
Steve Fugate, love life pioneer
(Click on the guest's name to hear the full, unedited interview)
Host: Mark Sommer
Senior Producer: Gregg McVicar
Associate Producers: Naihma Deady, Matt Fidler
Production Engineer: Michael Schwartz
Remote Engineer: Ballard Fore, Treasure and Space Coast Radio Studio
Music in this program: “Point B” – Michael Hedges – Windham Hill Records; “A United Earth I” - Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour - Putumayo World Music; “All The Blues” – BoDeans – 429 Records; “Alive In The World” – Jackson Browne – Inside Recordings; “Keep On Living” – Arigon Starr – Wacky Productions Unlimited.
Duration: 55:00 minutes
Comments
Steve my heart goes out to you! I have often thought -do people who commit suicide, aware of the suffering that they will leave-behind?
“I smiled, laughed and cried” while listening to your podcast because it’s just that wonderful! I loved how Mark interjected his comments, and I laughed when you said something that made him laugh. I liked his comment about your signs message “LOVE LIFE” being an invitation and command…I believe he said it’s like the 11th Commandment. He sounded like a very interesting man himself. The whole podcast is really put together well. It flows, and kept my attention….of course I’m at little bias and always drawn in when listening to your captivating voice.
"OK! Love Life pilgrim! Jim and I just listened to the whole thing. Had to get out the tissue! Friends, listen and download (save) this to your Itunes because it is long and you never know when you might want to share this one! If someone has lost hope in life...you need to hear this!"
I wanted to let you know I listened to your interview today and it was amazing. People everywhere need to hear this interview. You said a couple of things that made me stop and really think about my life present and past. One was when you said we are so immerse into "things" I know not your exact words. It brought back when I was around 10 years of age and my dad was doing his income taxes. I looked at the total and his total income for the year was $5,000, even in those days that was not much. But the amazing thing was I never considered myself poor as we had everything we needed and most important was the love and closeness of my family. I think we need to go back to investing in our family and friends as things leave us but our family will always be with us if only in our memories and heart!!!
My son just proved that to me as he said I am taking time off and spending it with my boys! My heart burst with pride.
Have a wonderful Love Life Day my friend.
Jackie
Dear Steve,
I am 20 years old. I just heard you speak on NPR. I need to join the ranks of people who say, "You have changed my life." I have Chronic Lyme disease and I struggle a lot with depression and mood swings. Sometimes I am driving and I keep fantasizing about veering off the road; my moods get that dark. I heard your message and it totally changed how I think about my life. I always feel like I am a victim to what happens to me or what might happen to me, and I felt clearly while listening to you that that wasn't true--that nobody or nothing can steal my laughter if I do not let them. My mom gets pissed when I laugh around her; she thinks I'm laughing at her. But I don't care anymore. I am going to live in love with breathing. Thank you so much for all you have done to help other people. I am so sorry about your children. I can't even imagine what it must feel like to lose two kids. But please know that I, and hundreds of others probably, are so inspired by you. Please keep speaking. I feel like something might have meant for me to hear this tonight. I am going to treat my disease and quit letting it and this feeling of victimization push me around. Life is so much more than that.
Thank you again,
Margo
I heard your stories on NPR today as I was driving through some of California’s most beautiful countryside. You made me want to strive to be part of the 13 and 1/2 percent. Thank you for sharing your story and of course, I'm so sorry for your losses.
-Heather
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