Quick Summary:

In this episode of the Just A Mom Podcast, Susie sits down with Kyle Roberts, the creative force behind the upcoming film "What Rhymes with Reason." They discuss the film's mission to address mental health issues in youth and encourage open conversations. Kyle shares insights about the film's inspiration and production, the importance of reaching young audiences, and the impact he hopes the movie will have. He also talks about the film's partnership with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and its potential to make a positive change. Kyle invites listeners to learn more about the movie and support its mission.

• "What Rhymes with Reason" is a film aimed at addressing mental health issues and encouraging open conversations among youth.

• The film has partnered with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) to provide resources and support to those in need.

• Kyle Roberts shares a personal experience of grief and how 988 connected him with a local nonprofit called Calm Waters.

• 988 is not just for crisis situations; it can be used to seek help and resources for various mental health challenges.

• The film aims to make a positive impact by sparking conversations and raising awareness of mental health issues among both youth and adults.

• Kyle Roberts teases upcoming projects by Reckless Abandon Films, including two features and a series, all with a family-friendly and faith-based focus.

• The term "radically family-friendly" was coined to describe their mission of creating content that is suitable for families and aligns with their values.

• The film is suitable for audiences aged 10 and up and has a PG-13 rating for conversations around mental health and some violence.

• Kyle encourages listeners to support the film by attending screenings, sharing information with schools and churches, and starting conversations about mental health.

Introductions:

• Susie introduces Kyle Roberts, a filmmaker from Oklahoma, and their mutual friend, Matt Farmer.

• Kyle discusses his background, originally from Missouri, attending college in Oklahoma, and his involvement with Young Life.

The Motivation Behind the Film:

• Kyle shares the inspiration behind his film project, driven by the rise in anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide among youth.

• He emphasizes the need to address these issues through film while maintaining a message of hope.

Kyle's Filmmaking Journey:

• Kyle provides a brief overview of his 20-year career, starting with a job as a videographer editor at a newspaper and his transition into producing music videos and stop-motion animation.

• He shares the unexpected success of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stop-motion video that led to work with major studios like DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, and more.

• Kyle highlights the privilege of working on family-friendly projects with an energetic approach.

Faith-Adjacent Filmmaking:

• Kyle explains the concept of "faith-adjacent" filmmaking, where faith is integrated into the story through the characters' experiences rather than preachy messages.

• He discusses the importance of respecting the intelligence of the audience, especially children, and avoiding condescending storytelling.

The Eight-Year Journey:

• Kyle elaborates on the eight-year process of researching, interviewing, and crafting the film's narrative to authentically address mental health issues.

• He mentions the alarming statistics related to youth suicide and the need for open conversations.

• Kyle emphasizes the importance of earning the right to be heard from youth and families.

Listening to Teens:

• Kyle and Susie discuss the significance of listening to teenagers and the impact trusted adults can have in their lives

• They highlight the power of having authentic conversations about mental health and breaking down walls.

Depicting Mental Health:

• Kyle discusses the film's portrayal of mental health issues, including a panic attack scene, to help viewers better understand and recognize such experiences in real life.

The Film's Objective:

• Kyle shares the film's objective, which is to encourage conversations around mental health and reduce the stigma associated with it.

• He emphasizes the importance of trusted adults taking teens to see the movie and engage in discussions afterward.

The Release Date - October 10th:

• Kyle explains how the release date of October 10th, which coincides with World Mental Health Day, was chosen for the film's nationwide release.

• He reflects on the significance of this date and how it aligns with the film's purpose