‘Voices for Healthier Minds’ Interview Series: Jason Santomaso

Jason Santomaso, operator of the Sterling Livestock Commission Company, sat down with Mental Health Colorado’s President & CEO, Vincent Atchity, to discuss his advocacy for mental health in rural communities and the agricultural industry.

In this conversation, Santomaso shares his personal recovery from depression and alcohol misuse, explaining how his podcast, Hard Land, Honest Minds, provides an authentic platform for rural individuals to address isolation and stress. Drawing on his experience as a business owner and chaplain for the local sheriff’s office, Santomaso explores the cultural shame surrounding mental health in agriculture, the necessity of breaking silence to prevent suicide, and the importance of finding trusted support systems to navigate life’s challenges.