#71 - Calm Co-Founder, Michael Acton Smith a Pioneer in Mental Health and Wellness

#71 - Calm Co-Founder, Michael Acton Smith a Pioneer in Mental Health and Wellness

Ever thought meditation was just a fad? Think again. Michael Acton Smith, the co-founder of Calm, joins Stephen Hays on the Stigma Podcast to share his remarkable journey from a personal discovery of meditation's benefits to creating an app that’s now a household name. With over 75 million downloads and more than 700,000 glowing reviews, Calm has revolutionized how we approach sleep, relaxation, and mental health.

Michael dives into how his own stressful times led him to meditation and eventually to the idea of Calm. He talks about the early days of the app and how it aimed to break down the barriers around meditation and mental health long before these topics became mainstream. The conversation touches on how Calm has grown exponentially, making meditation accessible to millions and even finding success in corporate environments. But it's not just about the app's success.

Michael and Stephen explore some fascinating areas like the potential role of Calm in coaching and psychedelics. Michael shares his curiosity about how psychedelics could play a part in mental health treatment and how Calm could be involved in this emerging field. The episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in mental health, wellness, or even entrepreneurship. Michael offers valuable advice for founders in the mental health space, emphasizing the importance of empathy and truly understanding your audience.

He leaves us with a poignant reminder: 'Go easy on other people because everyone is fighting a battle you're not aware of.' Tune in for an inspiring conversation that sheds light on the importance of mental health and wellness in our society and how one app is making a world of difference.