After losing her 15-year-old brother Tegan to suicide, Laney Titze and her family chose to turn their grief into a mission of hope—helping others know they are never alone and that hope is always possible.
In this episode of I Like That Story, Jeff Gould sits down with Laney, an elementary special education teacher, radio personality on Kool 98.3, photographer, business owner, nonprofit leader, and mental health advocate from South Dakota.
Laney serves as treasurer and public relations manager for Tegan’s Light, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and education. Following Tegan’s death, Laney and her family began channeling their loss into action by speaking in schools, leading community initiatives, and advocating for greater access to mental health resources.
Jeff and Laney have an open, vulnerable, and often uplifting conversation about grief, faith, mental health, purpose, and what it’s really like trying to figure out life in your early 20s. Laney also shares her experiences as a special education teacher, photographer, and radio personality, along with her thoughts on technology, screen time, the changing world of radio, and the importance of authentic human connection.
At the heart of the conversation is Tegan’s Light and the impact one life can continue to have on others. Laney shares how people have sought therapy, talked with their doctors, and reached out for help after hearing Tegan’s story.
Whether she’s in the classroom, behind the microphone, taking photos, or speaking on stage, Laney wants to use her voice to make a difference. Her goal is simple but powerful: to be a light for others—and inspire them to become a light in someone else’s life.
UPCOMING EVENT
Tegan’s Light Annual Golf & Cornhole Tournament August 15, 2026
Learn more about Tegan’s Light: TegansLight.org
FOLLOW TEGAN’S LIGHT
Instagram: @tegans_light
Facebook: Tegan’s Light
FOLLOW LANEY TITZE
Instagram: @laney_titze18
Facebook: Laney Titze
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a trusted person or qualified mental health professional for support.
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