Mental Health, AI and Turning Tragedy into Purpose with Jeff Johnston of Brightn

The Iowa Business Podcast · Dec 9, 2025 · 1m

In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes back Jeff Johnston, founder and CEO of Brighton, for a candid conversation about loss, purpose, and building a mental wellness company. Jeff shares the deeply personal journey that led him from a successful 32-year wealth management career to advocacy after losing his son to fentanyl and, later, his wife—ultimately inspiring Brighton, named in honor of his granddaughter. He explains Brighton's unique approach to "mental wellness planning," translating principles from financial planning into a human portfolio of health, wealth, and…