The Weight Men Carry with Jake Ross, MSW, LISW-S

There’s a version of masculinity that looks strong on the outside but feels like silent overload on the inside. In this episode of Lumen, hosts Christopher Mooney, LCSW and Kenyon Phillips, LMSW are joined by Jake Ross, MSW, LISW-S, a therapist specializing in men’s mental health, to explore the invisible weight that many men carry. Drawing from Jake’s work with outwardly functioning but internally overwhelmed men, the conversation introduces what Jake calls the “Man Plate”: an expanding set of expectations placed on men today that ranges from provider and protector to emotionally available partner, engaged father, and steady presence under pressure. Christopher, Kenyon, and Jake examine how boys raised to value toughness and silence often become men who are expected to be emotionally fluent without ever being taught the language. They also explore Jake’s Appalachian lens, examining how regional values such as resilience, responsibility, loyalty, and community can serve as powerful protective factors against isolation, stoicism, shame, and unprocessed trauma. This episode offers a compassionate look at fatherhood, anxiety, emotional suppression, and the quiet cost of saying “I’m fine,” while offering practical ways for men to name what they’re carrying, reconnect with other men, and begin sharing a burden that was never meant to be carried alone.To learn more about Jake Ross, MSW, LISW-S, visit the Ross Wellness Group website and connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram. To book a free consultation with Christopher, Kenyon, or the other providers at Lumen Therapy Collective, visit lumentherapycollective.com. Follow Lumen on Instagram: @lumen_therapy_collectiveSubscribe, share, and review Lumen on your favorite podcast platform!Lumen is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services or a trusted mental health professional.