We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marlon Qualls Jr. . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Marlon, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to share my story! My journey with grief, depression, suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, broken heart syndrome, and anxiety. For a long time, I was afraid to talk about those parts of my life publicly. But as I began to open up, I realized I wasn’t alone. So many people are struggling in silence. Sharing my story has not only helped me heal, but it also helped others feel seen and less alone, and that’s what keeps me going.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Marlon Qualls Jr. I’m an actor, mental health advocate, podcaster, entrepreneur, host, motivational speaker, and storyteller. Through my work, I share my personal journey with grief, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and broken heart syndrome and my experiences with mental health that once felt too heavy to talk about. What makes my brand/platform unique is it’s honesty and heart. I use my platforms, from film to digital billboards across the country and mental health symposiums to create awareness, spark conversations, and remind people that they’re not alone in their struggles. Right now, I’m working on a book that tells my story in a deeper way, with the hope of inspiring healing and connection for anyone who’s ever felt unseen or unheard.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and needs to be released is the version of myself that felt I had to suffer in silence and constantly show up for everyone, even when no one was showing up for me. For a long time, growing up I was a people pleaser, putting others needs before my own, hiding my pain, and pretending to be okay. That part of me once helped me survive, but it no longer serves me. I’m learning to release the need for external validation and to honor my own healing. I’m embracing authenticity, my vulnerability, and self-love while realizing that showing up for myself is just as important as showing up for others.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Mann, YES! There was a time in 2022 when I almost gave up. The first six months of that year were some of the darkest days of my life.. filled with grief, depression, and suicidal thoughts. I woke up every day just existing, feeling completely numb. I was drinking and smoking daily just to escape my pain and find a moment of peace. Even though I had people who cared about me, most days it was just me alone in my room with my thoughts, fighting an invisible battle.
One day, I reached a breaking point. I remember feeling torn. Hearing voices in my head, one telling me to give up and the other urging me to hold on. I tried to end it by throwing a hand full of pills in my mouth and couldn’t swallow, but somehow, than Man above didn’t let me go through with it. Looking back, I believe that was grace, a reminder that my life still has purpose. That moment showed me that I’m here for a reason, and it’s why I’m so passionate about sharing my story and helping others know that no matter how dark it gets, there’s always a way through and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Most definitely, it’s just not the whole story. What people see now is someone strong, confident, and open about mental health, but that came from a lot of pain, trauma and healing. For a long time, I wore a mask, pretending to be okay while I was breaking inside. Now, I make it a point to show up as my authentic self.. the good, the bad, and the in-between. I don’t want to present perfection; I want to present truth. So yes, what you see is real, but it’s also the result of a lot of growth, therapy, faith, and self-work.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, my role, and everything I own, what would remain is my heart! The part of me that loves deeply, cares deeply, and wants to make others feel seen and heard. Titles and things can fade, but my compassion, my resilience, and my purpose to help others heal would still be there. I’ve been through pain that stripped me down to nothing before, and it taught me that who I truly am isn’t defined by what I have. It’s defined by how I love, how I serve, and how I show up in truth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/marlonqualls
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mqualls0
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@MarlonQuallsJr
Image Credits
Marlon Qualls Jr | Express Yourself with Marlon | ShotByTrendin (Tavis Harvey)
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