jeff’s Story
½ Daddy
In my early twenties I was captain of the tennis team and on scholarship at The Ohio State University.
All of a sudden, my mind was being overtaken by terrible, intrusive thoughts, and I was losing a battle with my mind. My mental health was spiraling out of control. There were no mental health services in those days, even at a place like Ohio State. So I did what any good athlete would do. I sucked it up, and I got worse.
Diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), I have spent the past 40 years fighting against mental illness while trying to live a “normal” life—launching multiple companies, a foundation, an art and speaking career, getting married, and starting a family.
Not Despite, But Because
At the suggestion of a friend, I decided to try my hand at painting and discovered a secret that would change the course of my life.
Painting subdued the symptoms of OCD, providing a creative outlet and a sense of control that was missing. Painting opened a window for others to understand what I was going through, and just as powerfully, it gave them permission to share their own stories too.
That vulnerability broke down walls. It gave others the freedom to open up about their own challenges, hopes, and dreams. There’s no greater honor than being trusted in that way.
Getting Better series
The discovery of painting was the discovery of a superpower.
I have since dedicated my life to sharing this superpower with people around the globe through painting, speaking, and workshops.
In 2009 I co-founded an organization called PeaceLove, and I dreamed very big.
The dream was to empower millions of people to share their story and connection to mental health in a safe and celebratory way, and to use expressive arts as a way to help people find peace of mind.
In 2025 we launched Scribl, a tech company and digital experience powered by play and human connection.
Secret Sauce
YMCA175 – London, England
I have shared my story with diverse communities.
This includes NBC Nightly News, The Discovery Channel, NPR, Hallmark, Zappos, The World Economic Forum, YMCA Global Conference, TEDx, Social Venture Network, The Ohio State University, Harvard University, Johnson and Johnson, Brown University Department of Neuroscience, and Cannes Lions.
My art has found its way into various galleries, private collections, permanent installations, and the Grammys MusiCares.
It has served as inspiration for various retail merchandise and cause-related campaigns. I am proud to be recognized as a global thought leader in mental health, creativity, and connection—sharing honest insights across platforms to inspire change.
On an unlikely journey, I’ve dedicated my life to helping break down mental health stigma and inspiring people worldwide to prioritize well-being through the transformative power of creativity—which can be life changing. I am living proof of this.
—The Peaceman
Newport Folk Festival 2009 —The beginning of a movement.
More about the story
Jeff’s story was featured in a documentary produced by Stand Together Foundation, in partnership with Freethink, as part of their Catalysts series—spotlighting innovative mental health solutions. The film highlights initiatives using art, community, and unconventional approaches to help treat trauma and addiction.
