Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto 84: Scott Gerke Talks Mental Health & How He Is Changing The World, One Stranger At A Time
![](https://openkeywest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/cover-house-large-780x470.jpg)
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott Gerke, a Key West local that many of you know – or will know real soon.
He created the Key West Full Moon Experience, has an event company, is a local DJ, took a stranger on the most epic Key West adventure – and suffers from anxiety.
Like most of us out there, Scott may have looked like he had everything together from the outside. The great job, great apartment, the girl, the height (he is super tall), and living the island life… until he suffered from his first panic attack.
After many months of feeling lost, Scott did what any reasonable person did; he sold all of his stuff and build a tiny house out of his Sprinter Van.
Scott found himself driving all over the country and documenting his journey. A journey which you can find on his YouTube channel called, “Once a Stranger, Now a Friend.”
As someone who loves to meet new people, I created a little summer journey meeting random strangers and documenting the experiences I have with them, all through the power of hello. Life can bring us incredible offerings if we allow us to open up to all walks of life and that is what this series is all about. What I hope to gain from this journey is a better understanding of what makes all of us unique, with a new perspective on how each of us choose to live our lives.
~ Scott Gerke
We go in so many directions during this episode, but most importantly, want people out there that are suffering from some sort of mental health issue – YOU are not alone.
More on Scott Gerke
I live by the quote, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet” and a believer in the power of hello. By accepting other for who they are and allowing them to be their true selves around us, we can live a pretty fulfilling and incredible life. All it takes is a simple hello. My ultimate goal with this channel is to create a mental health talk-therapy foundation, where people can use the foundation’s money to talk out their feelings with a professional and become the best version of themselves. With your support, we can make that dream become a reality. Please subscribe to my channel and let’s grow this channel, together. I am also a DJ and event producer in Key West, FL, and hope to celebrate an occasion with you someday 🙂
Website: https://www.scottcgerke.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrGerkman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottcgerke/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerkescott