“In this book, David Ko masterfully blends his personal journey, insightful interviews, and practical tools, offering a compelling global conversation that is both timely and transformative. A must-read for anyone seeking holistic well-being and mental health, in todayʼs complex world.”
Jay Shetty
#1 New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host of On Purpose, Chief Purpose Officer of Calm, and purpose-driven entrepreneur
Exclusive Excerpts from Recharge
“It was never discussed; the assumption was just you had to be strong.”
Actor/Filmmaker Randall Park
on Cultural and Generational Mental Health
“I think that for the disease of addiction, it starts in a place of self. It’s rooted in self-centeredness. That’s where the disease thrives. So, the more that I can get outside of myself, and what I think that I want in this moment … you know, If this person would just act this way, if my kid wouldn’t have done that, if that offer would have gone through. If, if, me, me, wanting things to be different versus the true place where mental health flourishes, [which] is in acceptance.”
Rapper Ben Haggerty
a.k.a. Macklemore on Recovery & Mental Health
“It’s been a couple of years since we lost my stepson, but he thought he should be able to get over it. I said, “Honey, you’re never going to get over it. We don’t get over these things, but we can learn to live around it.” You can learn to live around the hole in your heart.”
Radio Personality and Author Delilah
on Grief
“There were three processes. The first one was just self-acceptance. Second one was coming out to my family, and then third was coming out to the world.”
Former NFL Player and Current Founder/CEO Carl Nassib
on Coming Out
“I found that you can have more impact on people and organizations, on projects, on everything if you listen carefully. You know, really listening is a development skill.”
Former CEO of Apple John Sculley
on Listening
“Balance is important, it’s not thinking about what your recovery plan is. It’s thinking about how to prevent needing recovery.”
Former Chairman and CEO of Aetna Jack Rowe
on Work-Life Balance
“True resilience honors your boundaries, understands your human limitations, and celebrates your ability to say no when needed. It really leans into the lens of self-compassion. Toxic resilience, on the other hand, is productivity at all costs.”
Harvard stress expert, author, speaker and TV correspondent Dr. Aditi Nerukar
on Resilience
“American Academy of Pediatrics has finally said that the most common illnesses of childhood and adolescence are mental health disorders, not infectious diseases, means that we have to expand our army.”
Psychiatrist Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz
on Responding with Urgency
“In this book, David Ko masterfully blends his personal journey, insightful interviews, and practical tools, offering a compelling global conversation that is both timely and transformative. A must-read for anyone seeking holistic well-being and mental health, in todayʼs complex world.”
“It was never discussed; the assumption was just you had to be strong.”
“I think that for the disease of addiction it starts in a place of self. It’s rooted in self-centeredness. That’s where the disease thrives. So, the more that I can get outside of myself, and what I think that I want in this moment … you know, If this person would just act this way, if my kid wouldn’t have done that, if that offer would have gone through. If, if, me, me, wanting things to be different versus the true place where mental health flourishes, [which] is in acceptance.”
“It’s been a couple of years since we lost my stepson, but he thought he should be able to get over it. I said, “Honey, you’re never going to get over it. We don’t get over these things, but we can learn to live around it.” You can learn to live around the hole in your heart.”
“There were three processes. The first one was just self-acceptance. Second one was coming out to my family, and then third was coming out to the world.”
“I found that you can have more impact on people and organizations, on projects, on everything if you listen carefully. You know, really listening is a development skill.”
“Balance is important, it’s not thinking about what your recovery plan is. It’s thinking about how to prevent needing recovery.”
“True resilience honors your boundaries, understands your human limitations, and celebrates your ability to say no when needed. It really leans into the lens of self-compassion. Toxic resilience, on the other hand, is productivity at all costs.”
“American Academy of Pediatrics has finally said that the most common illnesses of childhood and adolescence are mental health disorders, not infectious diseases, means that we have to expand our army.”
The Book | Recharge
Think of Your Brain as a Battery
Just like a battery, your mental energy can deplete due to stress and anxiety. Recharging it involves awareness, self-care, and open conversations about mental health. How Do You Recharge Your Mental Battery?
David Ko | Mental Health Tech Innovator
David Ko, who began his journey after struggling with panic attacks as a teenager, developed the “mental battery” concept to help people assess and recharge their mental energy.
As the CEO of Calm, his work empowers others to build productive habits to sustain their mental wellness and resilience. He frequently shares personal experiences and lessons during conversations with thought and industry leaders.
What David is Reading
FAQ
Share Your Recharge
See how others are charging up their batteries—and join the conversation!
