Overview of John Moe’s Story
This episode of Hidden Brain’s “My Unsung Hero” features writer, comedian, and podcaster John Moe reflecting on a small but life-changing moment of encouragement from a coworker in HR. While struggling with depression and feeling stuck in an uninspiring job at a software company, John was told by Jane, an HR colleague, that he “didn’t belong there” and was meant to do creative work. That simple affirmation helped him rebuild confidence and eventually pursue a career in writing, comedy, podcasting, and mental health advocacy.
The Unsung Hero: Jane from HR
What She Did
- Jane noticed John’s creative interests and side work in theater and comedy.
- Instead of treating his job as his future, she encouraged him to pursue what he was truly good at.
- She directly told him: “You don’t belong here. You’re meant for something other than this.”
Why It Mattered
- John was dealing with depression and had very little self-confidence.
- Her words gave him permission to imagine a different life.
- He compares the moment to someone telling a casual YMCA player they should play for the Chicago Bulls—an almost unbelievable leap in belief.
Main Takeaways
A Small Moment Can Change a Life
- One person’s belief can become the turning point for someone who has stopped believing in themselves.
- Encouragement can be especially powerful for people struggling with depression or self-doubt.
Validation Builds Confidence
- John says Jane’s affirmation became the foundation for the confidence he needed in later work.
- That confidence helped him host personal shows, write a book, and speak publicly about mental health.
Pay It Forward
- John now tries to do for others what Jane did for him:
- telling younger or less experienced writers they are talented,
- offering specific praise,
- and helping others see strengths they may not recognize in themselves.
Broader Impact
John connects this experience directly to his current career:
- Host of mental health-focused podcasts
- Public speaker on depression and wellness
- Author of The Hilarious World of Depression
He credits Jane’s encouragement as a key step in helping him do meaningful work and, in turn, help other people.
Call to Action
The episode closes by inviting listeners to share their own “unsung hero” stories:
- Record a short story on your phone
- Keep it to about three minutes or less
- Email it to: myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org