Mental Health Speaker · Chicago

Mental health, told straight.

Jim Maley earned a full scholarship to play basketball at Northwestern, then spent years hiding a depression no one could see. Now he gets students, athletes, and adults talking about it, before it is too late.

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Trusted across Chicagoland Lyons Township·Glenbard West·Brother Rice·Naperville North·Wheaton North·Downers Grove South·Conant

Northwestern

Jim Maley with his wife and four children

The story behind the talk

He looked like he had it all figured out.

Jim Maley earned a full scholarship to play basketball at Northwestern University. From the outside, he looked like a young man with everything in front of him. He was also quietly fighting a depression that nobody around him could see.

The Maley Way is the talk he built from that experience. It is honest, it is funny, and it makes one truth impossible to ignore: depression can reach anyone, at any time, and asking for help is a strength.

Today, Jim is a husband, a father of four, and a high school teacher in the Chicago suburbs. The same person who once looked like he had it all figured out.

Share selfishly.

The idea at the heart of every talk

“I’m just a gym teacher.”

Jim is not a therapist, and he never pretends to be. His job is to make mental health easy to talk about, and to get the people who need real help to the professionals who provide it. He is the bridge, not the destination.

What he speaks about

Real talk, shaped for the room.

His own story

Depression, recovery, and the relapses in between.

The two faces of depression

Situational and chemical, and why both are real and treatable.

The signs to watch for

In yourself, and in the people around you.

Asking for help is strength

Not weakness, and how to take the first step.

Share selfishly

Telling your story helps you as much as it helps everyone listening.

Every talk is shaped for the room: students, athletes, parents, educators, and men’s groups.

Ways to bring Jim in

One visit, built to fit your schedule.

Keynote

A 45-minute signature talk for assemblies and events.

Half-Day Experience

Multiple sessions to different groups in a single visit.

Classroom & Team Sessions

Health classes, PE periods, and athletic programs.

Community & Faith

Events, churches, and parent audiences.

Men’s Groups

Candid, relatable talks built for adults.

Educator Institute Days

Professional development for teachers and staff.

The proof

15+ schools and organizations. Hundreds of responses from students, parents, and educators, rated overwhelmingly 4 and 5 out of 5.

Jim Maley speaking live at Vintage Charm

Jim speaking live at Vintage Charm.

Lyons Township High School
Glenbard West High School
Brother Rice High School
Naperville North High School
Wheaton North High School
Downers Grove South High School
Sycamore High School
Conant High School
Oak Forest High School
Margaret Mead Junior High
LaGrange Highlands Middle School
United High School
Vintage Charm
First Presbyterian Church, La Grange
Me2We / WEtalk Men’s Group
DuPage County PE Institute

Jim gave an amazing presentation to our seventh and eighth grade students. I truly appreciate the way he adapted it to fit a younger audience. Our students were engaged throughout, thanks to Jim’s storytelling, and they were still talking about ideas from his presentation for the rest of the week.

Stetson Steele, Principal
LaGrange Highlands Middle School

As an educator, I especially value that Jim’s mission is to empower rather than provide all the answers. He serves as a bridge, encouraging students to connect with the mental health professionals within their own school community. The Maley Way leaves a lasting impression, and I would highly recommend it to any school.

Bob Alberts, Principal
Brother Rice High School

Jim is an engaging speaker who draws in his audience with his personal story. His experience shows us all that depression can affect anyone, even someone who seemingly has everything going for them. He delivers his message in a non-triggering way, so that people understand the importance of mental health and those who suffer feel acceptance.

Wellness Department Chair
Lyons Township High School

I would have Jim back to speak over and over again. He was funny, relatable, and real. He made our guys laugh, but also reflect on their own lives.

Host
WEtalk Men’s Group

The day I saw the presentation was the day I finally knew I needed help. I don’t think I would be happy and healthy today without it.

Student Attendee

Your authentic approach to mental health, and the realism you share with kids. I know they got a lot out of this presentation.

Staff
Lyons Township High School

Watch & listen

See and hear Jim.

Watch a recent talk, then keep the conversation going on the podcast. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Watch Jim Maley speak: the why behind The Maley Way

“The Why Behind The Maley Way and How It’s Led to a New Purpose”

Latest from the podcast

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Jim was at Paddy's school's Parent Participation event. Paddy's teacher mentioned that Katie is late everyday for drop-off. Katie has some valid excuses, ranging from construction to pooping.

Conversations·Jun 2, 2026·19:24

Andy and Paddy

Andy and Paddy, aka the Knuckleheads, jump off the top rope in the style of their favorite pro wrestlers and man the mics on this episode of The Maley Way.

I Love You, But…·May 28, 2026·52:46

I Love You, But...Angry Smile

Katie has a friendly smile and an angry smile. When Jim doesn't save any dinner for Katie, for example, the angry smile might show up on her face.

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Book The Maley Way

Bring this talk to your school or organization.

Tell Jim about your event and find a date that works. He will tailor the talk to your audience.

Check available dates Email Jim

A deposit reserves your date. A simple agreement follows by email.