The OFFICIAL SITE to Americas #1 Youth Motivational Speaker!
The OFFICIAL SITE to Americas #1 Youth Motivational Speaker!
Jeff Yalden
Hey, friend!
After a two-year hiatus I am back and excited. As much as I’ve helped others someone once asked, “How are you doing?” That kind of hit me and I invested time exploring that… SELF-REFLECTION! I realized I needed some time off because of compassion fatigue. Took some time for counseling and quiet time and my counselor, my family and I have decided I am ready to be back doing what I love. This time, more boundaries in place.
So hey! I’m Jeff Yalden, and I’m far from perfect. I’m human. I’m an emotional guy and maybe that is why I do what I do because I do well in emotional situations.
I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but I’ve always chosen not to be a victim. Instead, I’ve risen to become a victor. Bitterness has never been my path; I’ve always aimed to learn and grow from my experiences. My experiences that I proudly talk about with my audiences.
I’ve taken my past, recognized my part in the issues, and taken responsibility for it. Now, I’m proud to say that I’m part of the solution, living my best life, and achieving incredible things I once never thought possible. As a youth motivational speaker and mental health speaker, I’ve had the privilege of making a positive impact on teens, teachers, educators, parents, school communities, and mental health professionals worldwide.
To my devoted fans, friends, family, and those who’ve placed their trust in me as a speaker, mental health or motivational speaker, counselor/therapist, I can’t express enough gratitude for your unwavering support. I hold immense responsibility in my work, message, and in the relationships I build with clients each week. Rest assured, the best is yet to come.
Life is an ongoing learning experience, and every challenge we face molds us into who we are today. I firmly believe that by sharing my story and embracing vulnerability with my audience, I become someone they can connect with on a deeper level. I possess a unique voice and presence that I’m committed to using to convey the unvarnished truth.
Whether I’m addressing teenagers, educators, mental health experts, or working closely with individual clients and support groups, my mission is clear: I aim to champion recovery and well-being. I want to instill the idea that it’s absolutely fine not to be okay at times, but it’s imperative to acknowledge it and take action towards healing. Be brave, and in doing so, inspire others.
With the platform I’ve built, the wisdom I’ve gained, and the experiences that have shaped me, vulnerability and transparency are my greatest strengths. This authenticity allows me to connect with my audience on a level of trustworthiness and relatability that is unparalleled. It’s in this space that the real work is done, and the message truly resonates.
I strive every day to be the best version of myself, always humble enough to embrace growth and learning as I navigate both my personal and professional journey. This continuous commitment to self-improvement is a direct result of the daily reflection I see when I look in the mirror.
I entered this world at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, as the middle child of a military family.
My upbringing unfolded on Long Island, specifically in Port Jeff, NY, a picturesque waterfront town nestled along the north shore of the island. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up surrounded by family at every turn. Among the most influential figures in my life were three remarkable women: my mother, my aunt, and my grandmother. Our family bonds were incredibly close-knit, and looking back, I treasure those moments dearly. Regrettably, I didn’t fully grasp the beauty of our family dynamics back then, but today, I hold those memories and connections in the highest regard.
During my junior year of high school, my family made a significant move from Long Island to Hollis, New Hampshire. This relocation turned my world upside down, leading to what can only be described as an adjustment disorder.
My life underwent a complete transformation, resulting in the loss of my drive, my dreams, and even my first girlfriend. I plunged into a deep state of depression, and at times, even contemplated suicide. I felt utterly lost, scared, and overwhelmed by an indescribable pain. I withdrew from everyone and everything, and although my family tried to support me, I inexplicably pushed them away.
I was traumatized and found myself pushing away those who cared about me. In my search for answers, meaning, and direction, I acted out, but I never sought help, not because my parents didn’t try, but because I didn’t know any better. My parents were wonderful, but I simply couldn’t open up. I was oblivious to the recklessness of my attitude, poor choices, and behavior. It’s worth noting that I never turned to drugs or alcohol, and I had always been well-liked by others, but I was profoundly misdirected and lost.
Taking the SATs twice yielded disappointing scores, and I grappled with self-esteem and acceptance issues. On top of it all, I battled a stutter, a facial tic, persistent acne, and a learning disability. My high school graduation came as a surprise; I ranked 128th out of 133 students at Bishop Guertin High School in Nashua, New Hampshire.
In a final challenge, my father presented me with an ultimatum: save $2,000 for college, or he wouldn’t provide financial assistance. At the time, it felt like an insurmountable obstacle. I was subsequently asked to leave home, a decision I now realize was a blessing in disguise. Looking back, I can’t help but acknowledge that I probably would have done the same in their shoes, given my bad attitude, poor choices, and disruptive behavior.
I had serious doubts about my own intelligence and readiness for college. Despite being accepted by three out of the nineteen colleges I applied to (and rejected by sixteen), my overwhelming sense of inadequacy made me hesitant to pursue higher education. The schools that extended offers to me were Jacksonville University, Northeastern, and Plymouth State College.
Compounding my apprehensions was my misplaced focus on a romantic relationship, which took precedence over my aspiration to become a college athlete and pursue my dreams.
A turning point came one month after high school, when I won the title of “Mr. New Hampshire Male America” and later Male America’s “Mr. Personality.” Shortly thereafter, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Learning the virtues of self-reliance and teamwork, I became a two-time “Marine of the Year” recipient and played for the All-Marine-Corps basketball team.
The military was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. Either I was going to succeed or fail miserably. I succeeded being a Marine, but personally, I kept failing. The lifelong question, “Why?”
I was diagnosed with a learning disability growing up. I am not sure I was learning disabled as much as it was mental illness. As I look back on my youth it makes so much sense – I wasn’t learning disabled. That was a label given to me. It took years to figure out, but I was diagnosed with bi-polar type 2, which is often confused with ADHD, but how can you fix or treat what you don’t know?
It took many years, many failures, many setbacks to finally realize I was the problem. In my adult years, I started therapy because I needed to find out what role I played in the misfortunes. It was in the years of therapy and counseling that I truly grew and became the person that was going to be the solution and invest in my mental health. I aspired to be the man that I wanted to be and things started to change, but I had to change. I was diagnosed by my psychiatrist as a man living with mental illness. I am a man that proudly lived with major depression, bi-polar type 2, and PTSD. I say proudly because the moment I was diagnosed was an answer to so many questions I had about my life, my failures, my mistakes, and other major situations in my life. I accepted it proudly and knew I wasn’t going to be a victim of mental illness, but I was going to be a victor and not be ashamed.
The first thing I did was apologize to a lot of people I have hurt.
Today, I am truly proud that I asked for help and made mental health my passion personally and professionally. I’ve recently been examined and I don’t meet the criteria as a man living with Bi-Polar Type 2, PTSD, or Major Depression. I do meet the criteria for mild depression and anxiety. I believe this is a result of my self-care, my education and doing the work every day. Also, being aware, finding tools, being in counseling and on medication. Proud to be me today and continuing to grow and learn. Proud to share my life and message giving hope to others.
My most profound regret lies in the fact that I’ve caused pain to people while on the journey to becoming the person I am today. This remains my greatest remorse, and it weighs heavily on my heart. Nevertheless, I’ve learned the importance of self-forgiveness and seeking forgiveness from those I’ve hurt.
I want to emphasize that I’ve undergone significant personal growth and transformation, even within the past five years.
The beginning of my career unfolded as follows:
In April 1992, at around 0900 military time, I was stationed at Cecil Field Marine Corps Security Forces in Jacksonville, FL when the phone rang. On the other end of the line was a Lt. Colonel from Apopka High School, inquiring if we could send a Marine to address the ROTC Cadets on the subject of Student Leadership. I happened to be the one to answer the call, and without hesitation, I thought, “Absolutely, I can do that!”
The following week, I found myself at Apopka High School, engaging with the JROTC students. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I continued to make the journey down there each week to work with these students.
This was the turning point for me. I became absolutely enthralled with the idea of becoming a youth motivational speaker, inspiring teens in high school assemblies. Little did I know that this initial opportunity would mark the birth of my career.
I was a great Marine, but personally I was still broken. By the time I was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in April 1994, I was divorced with two kids. I couldn’t even babysit a cactus and I had two children. I wanted to be a career Marine, but it wasn’t right for me at that time. It was an incredible four years that matured me and something I needed. Semper Fi, Marines!
After getting out of the Marine Corps, I had moved back home to Hollis, New Hampshire.
Unfortunately, this failed relationship sent me spiraling backwards, and soon I found myself hospitalized with depression and suicidal ideation again. The pain, the lack of coping skills, and my silence in not asking for help made things worse.
Upon being honorably discharged from the Marines, I was left to face the $64,000 question: “Who am I, and what do I want out of life?” I realized that my destiny was in my hands. I knew I had to do something and not be a victim. I worked hard to figure this out.
Both of my roommates held positions as high school teachers and coaches at Hollis-Brookline High School. They had established good rapport with the school administration, and before I knew it, I found myself becoming a full-time substitute teacher and coach at the same school. My compensation was a modest $42 a day, but I cherished every moment of the experience, juggling coaching duties for basketball and soccer alongside my teaching responsibilities.
I found immense fulfillment in my role as an educator, imparting life skills and self-confidence while helping teenagers navigate the challenges they faced. Building connections through sharing my personal journey and getting to know the students and their families brought me great joy. Being a teacher was, without a doubt, the most rewarding job.
However, I recognized that to continue in this profession, I needed to obtain a formal degree. I took the necessary steps and pursued a degree in aeronautical aviation because of my passion for flying.
I’ll always cherish the memory of late-night ironing sessions in my room, preparing for the school day ahead. As I meticulously pressed my clothes, I would immerse myself in the inspirational speeches of two remarkable figures: Jimmy Valvano, renowned for his iconic ESPN ESPY’s Speech, “Don’t Give Up,” and Lou Holtz, whose words I devoured both on video and cassette tapes in my car. My aspiration was crystal clear—I yearned to become a motivational speaker.
Despite my unwavering determination, my roommates would pass by my room, mocking me with taunts like, “Wooh . . . DUMB ASS!” I became the constant source of their jests.
Now, consider this: I had just completed my service in the Marine Corps, earning a meager $42 a day, residing in a closet-like room, and paying a paltry $100 in monthly rent, all while dining on their food. Their laughter and jokes were something I could tolerate.
What mattered most was that I had a clear vision of my goal, and I wasn’t about to let anything or anyone deter me from pursuing my dream.
Wow, it’s truly remarkable to reflect on my journey. I’ve had the incredible privilege of traveling the world, engaging in something I’m deeply passionate about. My journey commenced as a Youth Motivational Speaker, where I shared my personal story to inspire young individuals. However, I’ve undergone a profound transformation over the years, evolving into a youth and teen mental health speaker.
Addressing diverse audiences, including teenagers, educators, counselors, and mental health professionals, has been an absolute blessing. Interestingly, I often find that the topics I discuss are those I continually need to learn and grow from myself. Each time I speak, I’m left even more inspired and motivated.
Today, I stand as a much-improved version of myself, and I’m genuinely proud of who I’ve become and the path I’m on. The journey I’m on holds tremendous meaning to me, and I’m grateful for every step of it. What’s most fulfilling is that I don’t seek validation; instead, I wholeheartedly devote myself to supporting and empowering our youth.
I’ve always aspired to be a teacher and a coach, and in many ways, I’ve realized that dream. I may be teaching in a different kind of classroom now, but the essence of being an educator and mentor remains the same.
One day, I received an unexpected phone call from MTV in New York, and it marked the beginning of my journey as a Celebrity Teen and Family Life Coach for their popular reality television series, “MADE.” My involvement with the show spanned from 2005 to 2012, and it’s worth noting that my episodes garnered the highest viewership.
One particular experience that stands out was assisting a young lady in her quest to graduate in just six weeks. Being her Life Coach during this incredible journey was both rewarding and transformative. To this day, we remain close friends, and her ongoing journey continues to serve as an inspiration to me.
I had the privilege of being invited by students to take on the role of a TEDx Speaker when they applied to organize a TEDx event at their school.
Furthermore, I’ve also served as an expert consultant in various legal proceedings, offering my expertise in the intersection of technology and teens, as well as providing insights into topics such as teen suicide and homicidal investigations within courtrooms.
When this community asked me to “shake things up,” little did they realize the extent of change they were requesting. Nevertheless, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly and indeed shook things up.
One of my most significant accomplishments is the privilege of working with numerous communities over the years. I’ve had the honor of addressing students, teachers, counselors, parents, and community leaders in various regions.
For instance, I was called upon to assist a Community in Crisis in Woodstock, Canada, where they had tragically experienced five teen suicides in a single week. In Alaska, I worked with a community grappling with 18 suicides in 18 months, while in Indiana, I addressed the devastating toll of nine suicides within a year, including four in just six weeks. In North Dakota, I offered support after a combination of suicide and a tragic car accident claimed the lives of two teenagers in a small school.
The challenges extended to Texas, where a school had to deal with a teen suicide that occurred inside the school premises. In Iowa, I arrived on a morning marked by a tragic suicide where a student had hung themselves from the basketball hoop in the gymnasium. Another heart-wrenching incident involved a principal’s son taking his own life, leaving their school community deeply shaken. These are just a few instances of the many school communities I’ve been fortunate to work with.
I consider it an immense blessing to have been a trusted source of guidance and support for these communities, helping them navigate through the pain of teen suicides and the loss of young lives due to car accidents, accidental deaths, and other tragic events.
In 2013, my nearly 17-year partnership with an extraordinary woman came to an end as we decided to part ways through divorce. Once again, this marked a significant period of personal growth for me, prompting me to reflect and acknowledge my own role in the situation. It was time to shift my focus towards finding solutions.
With the invaluable assistance of my therapist, I embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, fostering self-love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. I developed a fervent commitment to personal growth and embraced humility as a guiding principle. I came to understand that the pursuit of self-improvement is an ongoing process, and there is always more to learn and explore.
During this phase of my life, I also neglected my health, which led to a diagnosis of diabetes and a subsequent hospitalization. Shockingly, the doctor gave me a mere year to live. I was confronted with the stark reality of my health’s decline.
Determined to regain control of my well-being, I embarked on a journey to manage my weight and restore my health while residing in Myrtle Beach, SC. I embraced CrossFit as a means of enhancing my physical fitness. However, my newfound commitment to fitness was met with an unforeseen setback—a sports injury during CrossFit that necessitated emergency spinal cord fusion surgery.
This setback triggered a downward spiral into severe depression, compounded by the challenges posed by my diabetes. Once again, I found myself hospitalized, facing grim predictions from the doctor, who described me as a “ticking time bomb” with a doubtful prognosis for survival.
Living with bipolar disorder has its ups and downs, but it has also given me the ability to make decisive choices when the situation demands it. One such moment arrived when I knew I had to make a critical decision regarding my health.
After conducting some research (albeit not exhaustive), I made the bold choice to undergo weight loss surgery. Surprisingly, I wasted no time and, within a mere two weeks of arriving at this decision, I found myself in Tijuana, Mexico, where I entrusted my health to the renowned Dr. Ortiz. My dad accompanied me on this journey, though he had his reservations and believed I was acting impulsively. Looking back, I might have been somewhat impulsive, but it was a decision that felt like a matter of life and death, and I was not ready to give up on life.
Ultimately, this decision proved to be a life-saving one, and I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Ortiz for his pivotal role in my transformation and recovery.
It may sound unbelievable, but my triglycerides once reached a staggering 2784, and now they stand at a much healthier 178. My blood sugar levels had skyrocketed to 550, but today they are stable at 110. My A1C had reached a perilous 15.5, and it has now significantly improved to 6.7. When the doctor gave me less than a year to live, I knew I had to take drastic measures, which led me to the decision to go to Mexico for surgery.
This transformation was not without its challenges, and it required a combination of yoga, diligent self-care, and a stark reality check. It was a scary journey, but one that ultimately changed the course of my life.
For a more detailed account of this incredible journey, I invite you to explore my best-selling book, “BOOM!” which delves into the entire story.
Living with bipolar disorder has its ups and downs, but it has also given me the ability to make decisive choices when the situation demands it. One such moment arrived when I knew I had to make a critical decision regarding my health.
After conducting some research (albeit not exhaustive), I made the bold choice to undergo weight loss surgery. Surprisingly, I wasted no time and, within a mere two weeks of arriving at this decision, I found myself in Tijuana, Mexico, where I entrusted my health to the renowned Dr. Ortiz. My dad accompanied me on this journey, though he had his reservations and believed I was acting impulsively. Looking back, I might have been somewhat impulsive, but it was a decision that felt like a matter of life and death, and I was not ready to give up on life.
Ultimately, this decision proved to be a life-saving one, and I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Ortiz for his pivotal role in my transformation and recovery.
Today, I’ve undergone significant transformation as a youth motivational speaker and high school speaker. While my primary focus now revolves around addressing teen mental health and suicide prevention, my deep-seated passion for working with schools remains as strong as ever.
What’s even more remarkable is that I’ve evolved into a better version of myself compared to earlier times. My journey, my experiences, and my commitment to transparency and authenticity have all played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. I carry no shame or embarrassment, for every step of this life’s journey has been a gift.
It’s all about putting in the work, taking personal responsibility, and dedicating time to self-reflection. Recovery and self-care have been integral aspects of this transformative journey.
I’m truly amazed and profoundly grateful for the platform I have, allowing me to share all the knowledge I’ve acquired, both through education and real-life experiences. My journey has been both a blessing and an opportunity, granting me profound insights into the pain and brokenness that afflict our communities. It hasn’t always been easy; there have been moments and days where I questioned my ability to confront the very real and challenging issues I’ve encountered. However, I am unafraid to admit when I need assistance. My willingness to seek help and engage in valuable therapy sessions and self-care has been instrumental in my ability to navigate these challenges with strength and resilience.
I’ve also experienced numerous moments where I’ve played a direct role in saving lives. It’s incredibly heartwarming to meet individuals years later and witness the remarkable transformation they’ve undergone, considering where they once were. While there are too many instances to recount, these experiences stand as the most rewarding aspects of all the years of dedication and hard work I’ve invested.
My speaking engagements have taken me across the globe. I’ve had the privilege of addressing audiences in all 50 states, spanning 49 countries, and visiting every province in Canada. The scope of work I’ve been entrusted with is truly astounding, as I’ve been commissioned to deliver impactful messages to audiences ranging from teens to adults, including high schools and middle schools.
Throughout my nearly three decades of work, I’ve had the privilege of addressing a diverse range of audiences, including college campuses, mental health professionals, doctors, nurses, parents, counselors, therapists, corporate clients, college athletes, professional athletes, celebrities, and their families.
Over the years, I’ve earned a reputation as the world’s foremost teen mental health speaker, consultant, expert witness, and advocate, particularly in the realms of mental health and teen suicide. I’ve emerged as a leading authority on teen suicide crisis intervention and have become a sought-after expert and trainer in suicide prevention. The impact of my work has reached more school communities than I could have ever envisioned.
Just as my health was on the road to recovery and I had attained a peak state of mental well-being, the pandemic struck, abruptly halting my travels. It was yet another setback, but life often presents a choice: to be a victim or a victor, to harbor bitterness or seek improvement. I consciously chose the path of the victor, determined to rise above all challenges.
During the pandemic, my nearly five-year yoga practice took on newfound significance, evolving into a cornerstone of my self-care routine. Virtually every day, I engaged in yoga and meditation, eventually pursuing and achieving a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification in July 2020.
Yoga has played an incredible role in my personal journey, contributing to my ongoing transformation into what my counselor describes as “a highly functional man living with mental illness.” It’s possible that yoga has even played a part in changing my diagnosis.
I wholeheartedly recommend yoga to anyone seeking greater well-being. While I may dream of opening a Yoga Studio someday, my immediate future involves continuing my speaking engagements, as there’s much more work to be done in that arena.
Today, I find myself residing in Jacksonville, Florida, completely free from the grip of diabetes.
I’ve successfully shed all medications associated with diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol management. My weight loss journey has amounted to an impressive 100-pound reduction, and I’ve incorporated yoga into my daily routine.
My current lifestyle is one of simplicity, dedicated to prioritizing my health and overall well-being. In addition to my personal journey, I’ve earned certifications as an educator in Suicide Prevention, Crisis Intervention, and Trauma Situations. I am committed to continuous learning, consistently expanding my knowledge through books, courses, and workshops.
As a passionate advocate for mental health, with a particular focus on teen depression, anxiety, and teen suicide, 
I ardently encourage my audiences to seek help without fear and to embrace vulnerability over ego.
My educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Capella University, and I’m actively pursuing my master’s degree.
I extend my warmest regards to all, signing off with “Namaste,” and express my gratitude for your visit. I genuinely hope for the opportunity to meet and collaborate with you in the future.
I’m a four-time Amazon bestselling author, including my recent book, TEEN SUICIDE: The “WHY” Behind America’s Teen Suicide Epidemic and BOOM! One Word to Inspire Action, Deliver Rewards, and Positively Affect Your Life Every Day. (CLICK HERE).
I take research, statistics, and clinical information and communicate it to non-clinical professionals in a practical, engaging and user-friendly manner.
I draw strength from my darkest hour to empower today’s youth in their own transformations. I firmly believe that our success is shaped by our worldview and our relationships with others. Moreover, I am a strong advocate for the idea that our attitude, starting from the moment we wake up, governs our choices and actions throughout the day.
My journey as a yogi has instilled in me the values of grace, compassion, empathy, and a sense of inner stillness, all while maintaining a vibrant passion for helping others find their own light amid their struggles. My aspiration is to inspire and encourage, to impart knowledge and instill hope.
It’s essential to recognize that people will treat us in the manner we allow them to. When we unleash the best within ourselves, the world often reflects that positivity back to us. Our objective should be to emanate love and kindness while maintaining a deep sense of self-respect. My own life serves as a testament to the miraculous transformations that can occur when we embrace these principles.
From 2005 to 2011, I had the privilege of being featured as a celebrity teen and family life coach on MTV’s enduring reality show, MADE. Additionally, I’ve had the honor of being featured in various print, radio and podcasts across the country and internationally.
I’ve had the privilege of participating in television interviews across the nation, including renowned networks and publications such as Fox, Fox News, USA Today, The Oprah Network, ESPN, CNN, NBC, SPIKE TV, A&E, CBS, ABC News, US News and World Report, MTV, and many others.
In my role as a celebrity teen and family life coach, I make it a point to delve deep into the core issues, offering valuable insights and support to teens, young adults, families, and entire communities as they confront the everyday challenges life presents. My aim is to empower them to find genuine solutions to the obstacles they encounter on their journeys.
I proudly served as a Gulf War Veteran, having had the honor of serving in the United States Marine Corps, a chapter of my life that I hold in high regard.
For more information about my speaking, public appearances, media interviews, or to work with Jeff, please contact us.