Check out our exclusive interview with popular TV personality, Host, Actor, Advocate, and Philanthropist Jason Wahler who has appeared on hit TV shows like MTV’S Laguna Beach, The Hills, Celebrity Rap Superstar and The Hills: New Beginnings. After years of publicly battling with addiction, he appeared on Dr. Drew’s Celebrity Rehab and began a new life in recovery. Jason has since dedicated his life to raising awareness on substance abuse, and mental health, with the hope of one day changing the public’s negative perception.
Currently Jason is the new Director of Development for Dr. Daniel G. Amen‘s Change Your Brain Foundation.
Over the years Jason has formed partnerships with several key advocates including world-renowned MD, Dr. Daniel Headrick, a distinguished fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “Dr. Drew” Pinskey, media personality, internist, and addiction medicine specialist and, Tim Storey, acclaimed author, speaker, and life coach. In 2017 the E! Network produced a “True Hollywood Story” featuring Jason’s remarkable transformation, highlighting his dedication to recovery and his mission as a recovery advocate. That same year Jason received the esteemed Faces & Voice’s “Voice of Recovery Award” in Washington, D.C., honoring his efforts to make a difference within the recovery community. In 2021 Jason was able to provide over $1 million in treatment scholarships through his work as marketing director and co-chair on the board of The Red Songbird Foundation.
Jason continues to use his personal experience and his presence in the public eye to inspire people who struggle with substance abuse and mental health to get help. His involvement within the recovery community has changed his life and has allowed him to be a resource for thousands of individuals who need help but don’t know where to start.
Follow Jason @JasonWahler
Can you describe yourself in 3 words?
Loving. Passionate. Father.
What is that one thing or that one lesson that you wish you knew at the start of your career?
That my greatest deficits would be my greatest assets.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My mother and father are the epitome of love, care, and kindness. Their hearts are made of gold, and they always prioritize their family. Their actions speak louder than words, and they have instilled in me the values of good morals and unconditional love. Moreover, They have been exceptional teachers, leading by example throughout my life.
Their marriage of over 50 years has taught me that anything worth having is not easy. Most importantly, they introduced me to God and played a pivotal role in helping me develop a strong relationship with Him.
How’s family and life outside California?
While we miss our family back in California, moving to Tennessee has been a true blessing. We’ve created a wonderful life here, and my wife and kids are thriving. Our decision to move to the south was driven by our desire to slow down our lives, spend more quality time with our children, and raise them in a more wholesome environment. We’ve found that Tennessee offers us the perfect balance of community, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Overall, we’re very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to build our life and family here.
What projects you are working currently on?
At the moment, I am working on several exciting projects. I am honored to serve as the brand ambassador for Alyst Health (alysthealth.com), Additionally, I am proud to serve on the Board of Cure Addiction Now (cureaddictionnow.org), an organization dedicated to finding a cure for addiction through research and advocacy.
Furthermore, I am thrilled to announce that I have recently taken on a new role as the Director of Development for Dr. Amen’s, Change Your Brain Foundation (changeyourbrain.org). This foundation is dedicated to promoting brain health through education, research, and brain health treatment. I am grateful to be a part of these organizations and look forward to contributing to their missions.
Tell us about your work with Dr. Daniel G. Amen as the new Director of Development in his Change Your Brain foundation?
I am incredibly excited about my new role as the Director of Development for Dr. Daniel G. Amen‘s Change Your Brain Foundation. Dr. Amen is a renowned psychiatrist and a true leader in the field of mental health. His groundbreaking work in brain imaging has revolutionized the way we understand and treat mental health conditions.
As the Director of Development, I am responsible for helping the foundation grow and expand its impact. This includes fundraising, building partnerships, and increasing awareness of the foundation’s mission. I am honored to be working alongside Dr. Amen and his team, and I look forward to contributing to their vision of improving brain health through education, research, and brain health treatment.
How did you got involved in this?
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Daniel G. Amen through a mutual friend, Winn Claybaugh, who introduced us. After learning about Dr. Amen’s groundbreaking work in brain imaging and his commitment to improving mental health, we decided to collaborate on his series, “Scan My Brain.”
During this collaboration, we discovered that we shared a passion and purpose for making a difference in people’s lives and improving mental health. We quickly developed a strong connection and friendship, which eventually led to my appointment as the Director of Development for the Change Your Brain Foundation. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Amen and his team.
Have you worked with nonprofits before?
Yes, I have been involved in the nonprofit sector for over eight years. During this time, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles to support nonprofit organizations. I served on the foundation board for the Los Angeles Mission for over seven years, where I contributed to the organization’s efforts to help the homeless population in Los Angeles.
I also worked as the Marketing Director for the Red Songbird Foundation for three years, where I helped provide treatment scholarships and raised awareness on trauma, addiction and mental health.
Currently, I serve on the Board of Cure Addiction Now, where I am dedicated to supporting their mission of finding a cure for addiction through research and advocacy.
Working with nonprofits has been a fulfilling experience for me, and I am passionate about using my skills and experience to make a positive impact on the world.
How people can be part or support the foundation?
Individuals or organizations can support the Change Your Brain Foundation by partnering with us or donating at ChangeYourBrain.org.
What is different from the Change Your Brain foundation to many others in the market?
The Change Your Brain Foundation is unique in that it is dedicated to creating a revolution in brain health and ending mental illness. Established in 2008 by Daniel Amen MD, the foundation supports cutting-edge brain-imaging research, brain health educational programs, and funding for treatment for people in need.
What sets the foundation apart from others is its belief that people are not stuck with the brain they have – they can make it better. This insight fuels the foundation’s commitment to scientific research, educational outreach programs, and cost-free care for people in need. The foundation’s approach is holistic, focusing on brain health as a critical component of overall health and wellbeing.
The foundation’s mission to improve brain health and end mental illness is both unique and critical in today’s world, and I am honored to be a part of this movement towards lasting change.
Dr. Amen is a very popular doctor in the field. Why do you think he is so popular among several top A-list celebrities.
Dr. Amen’s popularity among several top A-list celebrities can be attributed to his expertise in brain health and his commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives. He has spent decades researching the brain and has developed a reputation as a leading expert in the field of psychiatry.
Moreover, Dr. Amen’s willingness and commitment to making a difference, along with his compassionate approach to patient care, has earned him a loyal following. His patients and followers appreciate his holistic approach to mental health, which includes lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and targeted brain interventions, in addition to traditional medication.
Additionally, Dr. Amen’s work is often featured in popular media outlets, such as television, books, and podcasts. This exposure has helped to increase his visibility and credibility among a wider audience, including celebrities who are often in the public eye.
Overall, I believe Dr. Amen’s popularity is a reflection of his expertise, commitment to making a difference, and compassionate approach to patient care, which has resonated with people from all walks of life, including top A-list celebrities.
Any future TV projects or shows in the future? Or that world is in the past for you now?
While my focus is currently on my work with the Change Your Brain Foundation, I am open to future opportunities to participate in television projects or shows related to mental health and addiction.
If there is an opportunity to bring more insight and clarity to these important topics and make a positive impact on people’s lives, it is something I would definitely consider.
What’s your advice for the newer actors or people that wants to share their lives in reality shows?
Before pursuing a career in reality TV or sharing their lives on camera, I would encourage TV personalities or individuals to reflect on their motivations for doing so. It’s important to ask themselves why they want to share their lives and what they hope to achieve through this platform.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the potential impact that being in the public eye can have on one’s personal life and mental health. This is particularly true for reality TV, where the lines between reality and entertainment can become blurred.
Therefore, my advice would be to approach this decision with a level head, seek guidance and advice from trusted individuals in the industry, and ensure that their values and personal boundaries are respected throughout the process. Ultimately, they should stay true to themselves and their goals, and always prioritize their mental and emotional well-being.
What’s next for Jason Wahler in 2023?
Specifically, my focus in 2023 is on continuing to work with the Change Your Brain Foundation and using my platform to raise awareness and support for mental health and addiction recovery.
Personally, I plan to continue focusing on my family and spending quality time with my wife and children. Additionally, I believe 2023 is a year of growth for me. I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, and I look forward to learning and growing more as an individual.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would advise my younger self to prioritize self-care and mental health. It is important to take care of ourselves, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. I would remind my younger self to focus on what truly matters in life, such as God, family, relationships, personal growth, and making a positive impact in the world.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To have purpose and passion and to be deeply connected with my wife, children, family and God.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend would describe me as a compassionate and empathetic person with a big heart. I’m versatile and can adapt to different situations, whether I’m exploring the open road on a motorcycle or walking the red carpet in a luxury suit. Above all, I take pride in being a devoted father and family man, and I cherish spending quality time with my loved ones, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Do you support any charity?
I support the Change your Brain Foundation
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
For me, a perfect Sunday starts by waking up with my beautiful family, having a leisurely breakfast, and heading to church. Afterwards, we enjoy a delicious lunch out before heading back home to relax by the pool or take the boat out for some quality time together.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me at my website, Jasonwahler.com, on Instagram @JasonWahler or at jwahler@changeyourbrain.org
