Joseph lives along the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where long winters offer generous time for writing. During the warmer months, he spends his days hiking rugged regional trails or tending his garden. He is the host of Walking in America, a podcast centered on honest conversations about mental health challenges. Joseph lives with major depression, PTSD, and Bipolar I Disorder. He has a background in Montessori education and holds a degree in business management. At several points in his adult life, severe mental illness led to psychotic episodes, homelessness, hospitalization, and suicidal ideation. Through consistent therapy, psychiatric care, medication, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), he is now able to live a purposeful and productive life. Although he was granted disability years ago, he has since transitioned off it with the support of his care team. A self-proclaimed introvert, Joseph finds calm in solitude and limited social interaction. When he isn’t writing or recording, he enjoys cooking and spending time with DJ, his opinionated orange tabby.