In this installment of CoHost Collective, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jason Turner, the host of the E-Motion Wellness Podcast, a veteran and advocate who has spent over two decades working to change the way we understand and treat addiction and mental health.
In this CoHost Collective interview, we talk with Jason about:
- Why podcasting became an unexpected but essential part of his work
- How storytelling can reduce stigma in the mental health space
- Lessons he’s learned building a show rooted in community impact
- And what he’s discovered about himself and others through podcasting
Introducing Jason Turner and the E-Motion Wellness Podcast
Jason didn’t set out to become a podcaster. In fact, when he first built a studio, it was meant for someone else to use. But as the founder of a mental health and substance use outpatient center in San Antonio, he realized podcasting was a way to serve his community in a deeper way.
The Emotion Wellness Podcast is built on three simple pillars: sharing resources, educating listeners, and telling real stories of resilience to serve people who are navigating substance use and mental health challenges. Jason and his team work to reduce the stigma around mental health and recovery, highlight the support that’s out there, and remind people what’s possible when you don’t give up.
Jason’s favorite part of podcasting
For Jason, the magic of podcasting is the conversations themselves. “There’s just something in the room when people start talking,” he says. “You get to know them in the moment, ask questions, and sometimes even challenge them a bit.”
He enjoys bringing his clinical experience into these discussions. “If something comes up, I might ask, ‘Are you willing to work on that?’ Sometimes we engage with it right there on the show.”
What makes it meaningful, Jason explains, is the willingness of his guests. “They’re open, ready to share, ready to engage. That’s what makes it so rewarding. The guests are the reason we do it.” For him, every episode is a chance to witness growth and connection unfold in real time, and that’s what keeps him drawn to the medium.
The lessons he’s learned along the way
Podcasting has reinforced lessons Jason has carried throughout his life, especially about judgment and perspective. “I walk into every interview with a lot of intuition, and I’m almost always wrong about what I expect,” he says. “Not in a harsh way, but you think you know someone’s story or how they’ll respond, and people totally surprise you.”
Another major lesson comes from witnessing resilience firsthand. “In a world where it feels like all we get is bad news, the podcast reminds me that the human spirit is alive and really, really powerful,” Jason reflects. “The people who come on here overcome adversities that are absolutely incredible. They pursue their passions, they never quit, and that’s a gift to witness in real time.”
He recalls one guest, a professional athlete with Lyme disease, who had to move into a trailer and adapt her life just to keep working without pain. “Stories like that remind me why this matters,” he says.
His advice for new podcasters
When it comes to advice for people starting out, Jason keeps it simple: just start.
“Before you start, just do it. Literally get it started,” he says. “There’s no right time, there’s no perfect preparation. It’s reps and sets — it’s time in the seat.”
He explains that the process itself is how you learn. “We started out, and I was naturally good at interviewing, but it gets better each time. You start to learn more and more with every conversation.”
For Jason, preparation only goes so far. “There really isn’t anything you can do to prepare, other than do the interviews and get talking. Show up. That’s it.”
The podcast’s standout moments
For Jason, some of the most memorable moments haven’t come from big milestones or audience size — they’ve come from real impact.
“I wrestled with a lot of self-doubt,” he says. “I’ve been a high performer with a lot of imposter syndrome, and I wasn’t always taught to honor my gifts or feel good about what I bring. So, moments when people reach out and say the show helped them through a tough time or inspired their sobriety journey… those are huge.”
Even small messages from listeners carry weight. “In my brain, I’m thinking we’re just doing this show, and it’s fun for me, but you don’t really know if you’re making an impact. When people tell you you are — that’s really memorable.”
Jason’s top podcasters
Jason draws inspiration from podcasters who focus on growth, insight, and positive impact, namely Diary of a CEO and Huberman Lab: “[Huberman’s] approach is unique — he can do both the monologue and the interview style really well.”
Beyond specific shows, Jason gravitates toward creators who celebrate progress and resilience. “Anyone engaging with people around really positive content — that’s what I’m about. People succeeding, overcoming challenges, that kind of stuff.”
Keeping up with the E-Motion Wellness Podcast
Podcasting has been a journey of discovery for Jason, both professionally and personally. “I didn’t realize the work that was gonna happen for me internally as a result of doing it,” he reflects. “I’m not naturally someone who seeks the spotlight, but being in it has been really powerful. I’ve learned a lot about myself through the questions I ask and the conversations I have.”
At the same time, he emphasizes that it’s been fun. “It’s always nice to have fun in life,” he says, “and podcasting has reminded me of that while also giving me a platform to make a real difference.”
Remember to check out the E-Motion Wellness Podcast wherever you find your podcasts! Plus, keep up with them over on Instagram and Facebook.
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