In a break from his usual column, Leo DeLuca interviews a modern incredible Daytonian
Joe Hall is no stranger to pain. At 40, he’s been punched in the head as an MMA fighter, contorted into a pretzel as a college wrestler and had his face reattached after a severe motorcycle accident. So when the Dayton native decided to walk across the country to raise awareness for suicide, the task seemed daunting and painful, sure, but somehow manageable. (Once you’ve had your face reattached, everything in life is easy.)
In September 2020, after Hall’s motorcycle accident, his mental health declined. “While in the hospital, I came as close as I ever wanted to suicide,” he says, “and I decided to walk for the people who fight that fight daily. And for those who’ve lost that fight.”
So Hall walked. And walked. And walked some more.
On May 15, 2022, with his beard trimmed, his head shaved and, as he describes, “massively overweight,” Hall set out from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, a small resort town on the Atlantic coast, with nothing but food, water, clothes, a tent and a whole lot of heart. Six months, 13 state and 3,176 miles later, on Nov. 22, 2022—his 40th birthday—Hall landed in San Francisco, California. This time (though his head was still shaved), he had a much bigger beard, a much thinner waist and a much lighter spirit—a new man with a new journey to complete.
“I plan to write a book that will chronicle the walk, my battle with depression and hopefully motivate others who are struggling,” he says. But while we wait for the unabridged version, Dayton Magazine had the honor of speaking with Joe Hall about his odyssey, which he appropriately named “Hall Across the Country.”
What was the hardest part of your journey?
The hardest part of the journey was really being alone. I have always felt “alone” in life, despite my friends and family. But being on the road, every day, for 10-12 hours walking and the rest usually sitting in a tent, makes you evaluate what “alone” really means.
What was the most enjoyable part of your journey?
The most enjoyable part of the walk was the people. Meeting people who are, or were, struggling, or had people close to them who’ve struggled. Letting them share their stories. Letting them know they’re not alone. And reminding myself that I am not alone.
What was the most memorable part of your journey?
Taking in some of the views in the Appalachian and Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges was amazing. Desert sunrises and sunsets. Looking into the stars with zero light pollution is something everyone needs to experience at least once in their lives. Again though, above all, it was the people and their stories. I will be keeping those to myself because if I tell them now, I won’t have anything when I attempt to write my book.
What did you learn on your journey?
I learned, and I tried to show people, that there is an unbelievable amount of good in this world. I learned that the mental health epidemic is much more widespread than you’d imagine, and the struggle for people in rural, remote areas to receive quality care is scary.
How has this journey changed you?
This journey showed me the capability of one person to do something extraordinary, if not a bit asinine, with a little bit of self-belief. It’s taken me from a person with critically low self-esteem, to someone who is actively working on becoming the best version of himself. Being outside all the time did wonders for my mental health, as even on some of the “worst” weather days, I found myself focusing on the positives, rather than the negatives, which is something I struggle with daily. Before the walk, I had isolated myself from everything, and everyone. I worked and slept. Accomplishing this feat, and finding purpose in suffering, has essentially given me a new lease on life as I work through my post-40 existence. I plan to make concerted efforts to nurture my relationships because they’re really more important than anything else.
What’s next?
I am beginning to transition back to a “normal” life. It’s a struggle. I am back at work and focusing on some new ventures at the same time. In addition to the book, I want to start a nonprofit dealing with mental health. This will be the most difficult of the tasks I have in mind because I really have no idea how that becomes a tangible thing. Lastly, a friend of mine suggested I do some motivational speaking after the walk. Luckily, with my experiences in life, and with the walk, I can tailor the talking points to benefit sports teams, students and maybe even grownups who are struggling. Overall, the goal is to continue to live in service of other people because, at least for me, that’s where I have found pieces of true happiness.
Anything else?
The last thing I will say is that if you are struggling, reach out. There are so many people out there who care, or who share the same burden, and don’t want to see your struggle manifest itself in self-harm or suicide. The path may not always be illuminated, but I firmly believe that if you continue to move forward, even if it’s small progress, you will find a way out. Your struggle and success could be a beacon for someone else. Also, be kind to someone every day. One small act of kindness can do wonders for someone else. And even yourself.
