When a freak accident left Jeff Ross with crushed discs, chronic pain, and doctors telling him he’d live the rest of his life disabled, his identity as a hardworking Aussie provider collapsed. What followed was a spiral into depression, a move across states to “escape the pain,” and a night in Tasmania where he planned to end his life, until his two-year-old son walked in at 2am and simply said: “Dada, what are you doing?”
When a freak accident left Jeff Ross with crushed discs, chronic pain, and doctors telling him he’d live the rest of his life disabled, his identity as a hardworking Aussie provider collapsed. What followed was a spiral into depression, a move across states to “escape the pain,” and a night in Tasmania where he planned to end his life—until his two-year-old son walked in at 2am and simply said: “Dada, what are you doing?”
In this raw and hope-filled conversation, Jeff shares how that moment of love interrupted the pattern, opened him to faith, and started a decade-long journey from atheist and “demoniac” anger… to online pastor, founder of Laptop Lifestyle Dads Academy, and one of Australia’s thought leaders in AI-driven social selling.
We talk about:
Surviving chronic pain, suicidal thoughts, and the shame of “not being the provider”
Why the world is starving for love and connection—and how that aligns with what we know about belonging, meaning, and mental health
How faith, love and service became Jeff’s foundations for business and leadership
The VOICE Framework: Values, Origin story, Influence, Clarity, Expression
Why detaching from judgment (and “performance mode”) unlocks your true voice online
Becoming a hero maker, not the hero—and leaving a legacy in every conversation
Content note: This episode includes open discussion of suicidal thoughts, depression and chronic pain, shared in a sensitive, hopeful way.
Perfect for anyone feeling the pressure to “be the provider,” stuck in pain or burnout, or trying to build a personal brand that’s actually real—rooted in values, love and service, not just tactics.
If you want to connect with Jeff you can find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjeffr/
With love
Alex
https://thementoringeffect.com/limitless-mind/