Men's Mental Health Series

What if emotional softness is actually part of what makes us strong?In this episode of The Almost Daily Podcast and the Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about the relationship between vulnerability, emotional awareness, and the version of strength many of us were taught to value.For a lot of men, the message was pretty straightforward.Be tough.Handle it.Do not show too much emotion.Keep moving.The problem is that having emotions was never optional. We were still feeling everything. A lot of us simply were not taught what to do with those feelings once they showed up.I talk about why being connected to your emotions can actually help you handle pressure, why a productive relationship with a therapist can provide tools you can use outside of therapy, and why vulnerability does not take anything away from focus, consistency, resilience, or follow through.In many ways, I think the softer parts help hold the stronger parts together.I also talk about why this can take time. If someone has spent decades suppressing emotions or tying their identity to being the strong one, opening up can challenge the way they see themselves.That deserves patience.At the same time, struggling to process emotions never removes our responsibility for how we treat other people. We can give ourselves compassion while still taking responsibility for our actions and responses.And although I spend a lot of time talking specifically with men about this, the larger message applies to everybody.Human beings have emotions.We need room to feel them, understand them, work through them, express them constructively, and sometimes let them go.If you are in the United States and experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat through the 988 Lifeline online. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

What happens when you grow up never really learning what love is supposed to feel like?Jeremy joins me again for The Men’s Mental Health Series, and this conversation starts with something a lot of men experience but may struggle to put into words, emptiness.Jeremy talks openly about growing up in a broken home, not feeling loved as a kid, and spending years trying to fill that void through alcohol, drugs, food, and other escapes. Eventually, he realized that none of those things could actually give him what he was looking for.That led us into a much bigger conversation about self love, discipline, vulnerability, fatherhood, relationships, and the kind of man he wants to be today.We talk about what love actually looks like in everyday life. For Jeremy, it can be waking his boys up for school, making breakfast, encouraging them, spending time together, or hearing that his partner is proud of him. It is not necessarily one huge emotional moment. It is something that gets built through the way we consistently show up for the people we care about.We also get into something I think a lot of men from our generation can relate to, the difference between tough love and actually feeling loved.You can appreciate lessons that came through toughness while still recognizing that you needed softness too. You needed the hug. You needed someone to tell you they were proud of you. You needed opportunities to talk about how something made you feel.And you may still need those things now.Jeremy also shares how discipline has helped him develop a better relationship with himself. His running, training, family responsibilities, and the promises he keeps to himself have become ways of building self respect rather than simply escaping what he feels.But underneath all of that discipline is something softer.Honesty. Vulnerability. Connection. Love.We talk about being honest about the character you are when nobody else is around, allowing different versions of yourself to show up authentically in different parts of your life, and recognizing that every day gives you another opportunity to decide how you want to show up.For the man who feels empty right now, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to solve your entire life today.Start by doing something you can genuinely be proud of.Then keep building.Connect with Jeremy on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22If You Need Immediate SupportIf you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services.In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.If you are outside the United States, contact your local emergency services or a crisis support service in your country.

Every man has a story. Some stories stay hidden for years.In this episode of The Men's Mental Health Series, I sit down with Jeremy for one of our deepest conversations yet. Jeremy shares his journey through childhood trauma, addiction, recovery, forgiveness, self worth, and the daily discipline that has completely changed the direction of his life.What makes this conversation so powerful is its honesty. We talk about the emotional roots behind addiction, why so many men suppress what they're feeling, how anger often masks deeper pain, and why learning to love yourself is one of the hardest, but most important, things any of us can do.Jeremy also explains how replacing destructive habits with purposeful ones, including running, fitness, and serving others, helped him build a completely different life. Throughout the episode, we explore what it means to take ownership of your story without allowing your past to define your future.If you've ever struggled with anxiety, addiction, self doubt, shame, or simply wondered whether life can look different than it does today, this conversation is for you.In this episode we discuss• Jeremy's childhood and the lasting impact of family trauma• Why addiction often begins as an attempt to quiet emotional pain• Replacing destructive habits with healthy purpose• The connection between fitness and mental health• Forgiving yourself and letting go of your past• Why men struggle to express emotions• Understanding anger as a symptom, not the root cause• Learning to build self love one day at a time• The power of helping others during your own healing journey• Why hope often begins with one small decisionConnect with JeremyFollow Jeremy on TikTok for more conversations about mental health, resilience, and personal growth:https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22Mental Health ResourcesIf you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please know that you are not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.If you are experiencing emotional distress or are in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States and Canada. Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide free and confidential support.If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services right away.No matter how difficult today feels, help is available, and there are people who care. You do not have to face it alone.

What does discipline actually look like in real life?In this conversation, Jeremy shares how sobriety, purpose, and consistent daily action have completely transformed the way he approaches fitness and life. From running a single mile to completing a full marathon on a treadmill and consistently logging more than 50 miles each week, he explains why discipline isn't about motivation. It's about keeping the promises you make to yourself.We also discuss why most people place limits on themselves long before they reach their true potential, how to gradually push beyond your comfort zone, and why building confidence comes from repeatedly following through on your commitments.Whether you're working toward a fitness goal, building a business, pursuing personal growth, or simply trying to become more consistent, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful progress comes from showing up, taking action, and believing you're capable of more than you think.In this episode, we discuss:• What discipline really means beyond motivation• Why keeping promises to yourself builds lasting confidence• Going from one mile to marathon distance through consistent progression• Using fitness to strengthen your mindset for every area of life• Why purpose naturally creates discipline• The role sobriety played in creating long term change• How to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own progressConnect with Jeremy on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22

Sometimes the greatest transformations don't begin with a workout plan or a new diet.They begin with surviving your darkest day.In this episode, I'm joined by Kyle Fry, who shares an incredibly honest conversation about living through chronic pain, surviving suicidal thoughts, rebuilding his life after multiple back surgeries, and ultimately losing more than 75 pounds by changing far more than his body.Together, we explore how mindset, personal responsibility, supportive relationships, and daily action helped Kyle move from simply surviving to creating a life he genuinely enjoys living.In this episode, we discuss:• Kyle's battle with chronic pain and multiple back surgeries• The day he nearly lost his life to suicide• How one unexpected moment changed everything• The mental and emotional side of long-term weight gain• Why rock bottom became the turning point in his journey• Losing more than 75 pounds through sustainable lifestyle changes• Food addiction, habits, and rebuilding a healthier relationship with yourself• The importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed• Why small, consistent goals often lead to the biggest transformations• Making peace with your past without allowing it to define your futureThis conversation goes far beyond weight loss. It's about resilience, choosing hope during incredibly difficult seasons of life, and recognizing that lasting change begins long before you see it reflected on the scale.Whether you're navigating your own health journey, struggling with your mental health, or simply looking for encouragement to take the next step, I believe you'll find something meaningful in Kyle's story.Connect with Kyle FryTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@kilofree86Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kilofree86Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/kyle.fry.9210Mental Health ResourcesIf you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, please know that help is available.United States & Canada988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day.https://988lifeline.orgIf you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.You are not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

Life rarely unfolds exactly the way we expect.In this episode of The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I'm joined by Bill Streetman for a conversation about identity, resilience, adapting to change, and learning to move forward when life takes an unexpected turn.While many people know Bill through his remarkable weight loss journey, this conversation goes much deeper. We explore how major life events can reshape our identity, why flexibility often matters more than having the perfect plan, and how trusting yourself becomes one of the most important skills you can develop.Bill shares the story of having a non-cancerous tumor removed from his carotid artery, the unexpected complications that followed, and how losing his voice forced him to redefine not only how he communicated with others, but how he viewed himself. Rather than allowing that challenge to become the end of his story, he found a new way to continue speaking, teaching, and encouraging others.Throughout our conversation, we discuss what it means to adapt when life changes, why proper planning and flexibility go hand in hand, and how our body, mind, and spirit all influence our ability to navigate difficult seasons.In this episode, we discuss:• Why identity is constantly evolving throughout life• The importance of adapting instead of resisting change• What Bill learned after losing his voice• Why flexibility often matters more than having the perfect plan• How body, mind, and spirit work together• Building confidence by trusting yourself to overcome challenges• Why your "why" should be personal instead of borrowed from someone else• Learning to adjust without giving up on your goals• The difference between planning and expecting everything to go perfectly• Why you're capable of more than you thinkIf you've ever felt like life forced you to change direction, I hope this conversation reminds you that your circumstances don't have to define your future. Sometimes the greatest growth comes from learning to adapt while continuing to move toward the life you want to build.Connect with Bill Streetman on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bill.streetmanPurchase Bill's book:https://a.co/d/ivdughVThank you for listening to The Your Level Fitness Podcast. If this conversation encouraged you, please consider following the podcast and sharing this episode with someone who may need the reminder that it's never too late to adapt, grow, and keep moving forward.

Some conversations have the power to remind us that we are never as alone as we think we are.In this episode of The Men's Mental Health Series, I sit down with Daron for an honest conversation about the thoughts many men carry in silence, the stigma surrounding diagnosed mental illness, and why seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Daron shares his personal experience with a suicide attempt during the pandemic, the journey that led him to therapy, and how learning to open up has changed his life.Together, we discuss why so many men suppress their emotions, the importance of finding a therapist who is the right fit, the misconceptions surrounding mental health diagnoses and medication, and how recovery looks different for everyone. Our hope is that this conversation encourages someone listening to take the first step toward getting the support they deserve.In this episode, we discuss:Daron's personal journey through depression and a suicide attemptWhy men often struggle to talk about what they're experiencingThe value of therapy and finding the right therapistBreaking the stigma surrounding diagnosed mental illnessUnderstanding medication as one possible treatment toolWhy healing is a process and looks different for every personCreating more open conversations around men's mental healthConnect with Daron:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@menstalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/daronseals1234/If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is experiencing a mental health crisis, please know that help is available. In the United States and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S. or Canada, please contact your local emergency services or crisis support line. You do not have to face this alone.Thank you for listening to The Men's Mental Health Series. If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. Honest conversations help break stigma, encourage healing, and remind us that asking for help is one of the strongest things we can do.

on The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by Kevyn J for a conversation that goes far beyond weight loss.We discuss Kevyn's nearly 10-year wellness journey, including his experience using a GLP-1 medication as one tool to improve his health, the importance of strength training, working alongside your healthcare team, and what it really means to pursue long-term wellness instead of chasing quick fixes.From there, the conversation naturally expands into men's mental health, emotional awareness, community, lifelong learning, artificial intelligence, social media, and why genuine human connection may be one of the most important parts of living a healthy life.Some of the topics we explore include:• Viewing GLP-1 medications as one tool within a broader wellness strategy.• Building strength, protecting muscle, and improving long-term quality of life.• The importance of finding healthcare professionals who truly partner with you.• Why men need safe spaces to talk openly about mental and emotional health.• Creating authentic community instead of relying solely on social media.• Lifelong learning, adapting to change, and embracing new technology without losing human creativity.• Finding common ground with others through fitness, music, conversation, and shared experiences.This episode is a reminder that wellness isn't just about changing your body. It's about building a life that allows you to stay active, stay curious, develop meaningful relationships, and continue growing into the person you want to become.A huge thank you to Kevyn for joining me again and for continuing to advocate for wellness, inclusion, and authentic connection.Follow Kevyn and continue the conversation:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kevyn_j/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@kevyn_j/If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow Kevyn on social media and stay connected with the positive work he's doing in the wellness and advocacy communities.

Father's Day can be a complicated day.For some men, it's a day of celebration. For others, it's a day filled with grief, regret, distance, loneliness, unanswered questions, or relationships they wish looked different than they do today.In this special Father's Day episode of The Men's Mental Health Series, Daryl Perry shares a heartfelt message for fathers, father figures, stepfathers, adoptive fathers, and the men who have stepped into a guiding role in someone else's life.Drawing from the recent loss of his own father to ALS, Daryl reflects on the lessons his dad taught him about love, forgiveness, vulnerability, and the importance of having conversations before it's too late. He also explores the emotional weight many men carry, the burden of unresolved relationships, and why healing often begins with forgiving yourself.In this episode, we discuss:• Why Father's Day can be difficult for many men• The emotional realities of fatherhood and father figures• Lessons learned from losing a parent• Why vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness• The damage caused by resentment, bitterness, and keeping score• How relationships can begin to heal through ownership and conversation• The importance of therapy, connection, and emotional support• Why your presence matters more than you realizeThis episode is a reminder that many men are carrying far more than they show the world. If you're struggling today, please know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you, people whose lives have been impacted by you, and people who are glad you're still here.The Men's Mental Health Series exists to encourage honest conversations around mental health, emotional well-being, vulnerability, and the realities men face every day. Because healing starts with a conversation.If you are in immediate danger or considering harming yourself, please seek help right now:United States & Canada: Call or text 988United Kingdom & Ireland: Call Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Call Lifeline at 13 11 14Emergency Services: Call your local emergency number immediately if you are in crisis.You matter. Your story matters. And help is available. Happy Father's Day.

Why did Jeremy start running?What began as a challenge inspired by David Goggins eventually became something much bigger. In this episode of Why I Started Running, Jeremy shares how running and fitness became tools for improving his mental health, processing emotions, and showing up as a better father, husband, and man.Our conversation explores the connection between physical fitness and emotional well-being, why so many men struggle to talk about what they're feeling, and how bottling up emotions can affect every area of life. Jeremy also discusses his "How Are You, Man?" series, where he encourages men to move beyond automatic responses and have more honest conversations about what's really going on beneath the surface.We also talk about fatherhood, breaking generational cycles, emotional intelligence, and the importance of teaching the next generation of boys that it's okay to feel, communicate, and work through difficult emotions in healthy ways.Whether you're a runner, someone working on your mental health, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers practical perspective and a powerful reminder that growth often starts with being honest about where you are.In This Episode• Why Jeremy started running after years of avoiding it• The influence of David Goggins and embracing discomfort• How running helps process thoughts and emotions• The connection between fitness and mental health• Why many men struggle to communicate their feelings• The dangers of bottling up emotions• Breaking unhealthy cycles through fatherhood• Teaching emotional intelligence to children• The importance of asking, "How are you, man?" and meaning it• Building healthier ways to deal with life's challengesConnect With JeremyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who could benefit from hearing it. Sometimes the most important conversations are the ones we avoid having.

What happens when depression, chronic pain, alcohol, and isolation begin pulling you away from the life you want to live?In this episode of The Men's Mental Health Series, I sit down with Scott French to discuss his journey through injury, depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and the difficult process of rebuilding his life one step at a time.Scott shares how chronic pain, physical decline, and personal struggles led him into a dark place, how he found hope through movement and community, and why helping others ultimately became an important part of his own healing journey. We also discuss discipline, sobriety, men's mental health, and the importance of asking for help when you need it.This conversation is a reminder that recovery isn't always linear, that setbacks happen, and that no matter how far you've drifted from where you want to be, there is always an opportunity to begin again.Topics Covered:• Depression and anxiety• Alcohol abuse and sobriety• Chronic pain and mental health• Isolation and rebuilding connection• Men's mental health challenges• Discipline and personal responsibility• Asking for help and accepting support• Finding purpose through helping others• Building community during difficult times• Recovery, resilience, and starting overMental Health Support Resources:If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are concerned about your safety, please seek immediate professional support.United States & Canada:Call or text 988United Kingdom & Ireland:Samaritans: 116 123Australia:Lifeline: 13 11 14Outside the United States:Contact your local emergency services, crisis hotline, mental health provider, or nearest emergency department.Guest Links:Scott French Facebook Profile:https://www.facebook.com/scott.french.792Tiger Battalion Fitness Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/298716897756947Thank you for listening to The Men's Mental Health Series. If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who may need the reminder that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

For more than two decades, Simon Dyson has been a caregiver, advocate, father, and unwavering source of support for his son Billy, who has cerebral palsy.In this powerful episode, Simon shares the life-changing journey that began with Billy's birth and a devastating diagnosis that forever changed his family's path. Through years of caregiving, hospital visits, endurance races, personal struggles, addiction, and ultimately faith, Simon discovered a deeper purpose than he ever imagined.Simon opens up about the realities of caregiver burnout, the impact of raising a child with complex needs, his battle with alcoholism, and the transformative experiences that led him to create Billy's Farm of Hopes and Dreams, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring hope, purpose, and opportunity for caregivers and individuals with disabilities.This conversation touches on resilience, grief, purpose, faith, community, and the incredible ways life can change when we decide to keep moving forward.Connect with Simon and learn more about Billy's Farm of Hopes and Dreams:Billy's Farm of Hopes and Dreams:https://billysfarmsofhope.org/Follow Chad:https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1Follow Daryl:https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

What happens when two curious people sit down and explore creativity, vulnerability, fitness, therapy, podcasting, and the fear of putting yourself out there?In this conversation, David and I discuss why so many people struggle with overthinking, the fear of being seen, and what it takes to move from planning into action. We also dive into authenticity in a world increasingly driven by algorithms and AI, the value of storytelling, the importance of real human connection, and why vulnerability remains one of the hardest skills to develop.Along the way, we explore fitness as a tool for self-discovery, the role of therapy in personal growth, how social media has changed the way we connect, and why being willing to share your story may be more important than ever.Whether you're building something, working through self-doubt, navigating grief, or simply trying to become more comfortable being yourself, there's something in this conversation for you.Connect with David:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d4vid_tJust Start Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/just_start_podBig Eats: https://www.instagram.com/b1g_e4tsYour Level Fitness Links:New to Your Level Fitness?https://yourlevelfitness.comCheck Out More Podcasts:https://yourlevelfitness.com/podcasts

In this episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I’m joined once again by Brian for a deep conversation around vulnerability, emotional awareness, burnout, masculinity, and the pressure many men feel to constantly “hold it together.”We talk about how emotions and vulnerability were presented to us growing up, the disconnect many men experience between emotional openness and societal expectations, and how difficult it can be to navigate a world where emotional honesty is often misunderstood or discouraged.Throughout this conversation, we dive into:• Why many men struggle to openly express emotions• The pressure men feel to always be “on” for everyone else• Burnout, emotional suppression, and nervous system overload• The role of joy, hobbies, and creative interests in mental health• Why vulnerability and emotional awareness are actually forms of strength• The impact of hustle culture and constant pressure• Therapy, emotional processing, and seeking support• How reconnecting with yourself can improve mental and emotional well-beingThis conversation is honest, nuanced, and focused on helping men understand that emotional awareness is not weakness. It is part of being a well-rounded human being.Connect with Brian:TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@brianrantsaboutstuffLinktree:https://linktr.ee/brianrantsaboutstuffYour Level Fitness Links:Build Your Forever Active Lifestyle:https://yourlevelfitness.comJoin The Community:https://yourlevelfitness.com/communityConnect With Yourself On A Deeper Level Through The Journal Prompts:https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailMental Health Support Disclaimer:If you are struggling with your mental health or experiencing emotional distress, please know that support is available.United States:Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Outside of the United States:Please contact your local emergency services or mental health crisis hotline in your country. A worldwide directory of crisis resources can be found at:https://findahelpline.comYou do not have to go through difficult moments alone.

Tomorrow morning, I’ll be releasing another conversation with Brian as part of The Men’s Mental Health Series. In that discussion, we dive into vulnerability, emotional awareness, communication, burnout, masculinity, and what strength actually means beyond the traditional definitions many of us grew up with.But before that episode goes live, I wanted to open the conversation up to you.What kinds of conversations around men’s mental and emotional health do you want to hear more of?Over the years, I’ve experimented with different formats and styles across all of the podcasts I host, and one thing continues to stand out. These conversations matter. They resonate. They start discussions that many people have avoided for years.This episode is an invitation to help shape where this series goes next.Whether it’s:• emotional burnout• relationships• vulnerability• therapy• anxiety• identity• loneliness• pressure and expectations• communication• emotional awareness• purpose and fulfillment• or anything else you feel men need more space to talk aboutI want to hear from you.Even if you think your topic only applies to you, send it anyway. Sometimes the conversations that help one person end up helping a lot more people than expected.Email me your thoughts, ideas, questions, or topics you’d like to hear covered:[email protected] Level Fitness Links:Build Your Forever Active Lifestyle:https://yourlevelfitness.comJoin The Community:https://yourlevelfitness.com/communityConnect With Yourself On A Deeper Level Through The Journal Prompts:https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailMental Health Support Disclaimer:If you are struggling with your mental health or experiencing emotional distress, please know that support is available.United States:Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Outside of the United States:Please contact your local emergency services or mental health crisis hotline in your country. A worldwide directory of crisis resources can be found at:https://findahelpline.comYou do not have to go through difficult moments alone.

Men’s mental health conversations often leave out one major topic, body image.In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation originally recorded for the Life During and After GLP-1 Podcast because so much of this discussion connects directly to men’s mental health, self-esteem, identity, and the emotional impact of carrying obesity and body image struggles for years.Brian and I talk openly about growing up with unrealistic body expectations, struggling with obesity from a young age, navigating health complications in adulthood, and the complicated emotional process of mentally adjusting after major weight loss.This conversation explores:• Men’s body image struggles• Obesity and self-esteem• The emotional impact of long-term weight stigma• Why many men internalize shame around weight and health• The mental side of rapid physical transformation• Toxic diet culture and unrealistic expectations• Self-worth beyond appearance• Confidence, identity, and learning to trust yourself again• Longevity, health, and quality of lifeOne of the most important themes throughout this conversation is the realization that mental health and physical health are deeply connected. Weight loss alone does not automatically heal self-image, confidence, or emotional wounds that may have existed for decades.This is a really honest conversation about men’s mental health, body image, and redefining what health and self-worth actually mean.Connect with Brian:TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@brianrantsaboutstuffLinktree:https://linktr.ee/brianrantsaboutstuffNew to Your Level Fitness?https://yourlevelfitness.com

How do men actually start having deeper conversations with other men?In this episode, we break down the fear, the hesitation, and the real challenges men face when it comes to opening up. From surface-level conversations to meaningful connection, this is a practical and honest look at how to take that first step.This is not about being perfect. It’s about being willing to try.If you’ve ever felt like you had something to say but didn’t know how, this conversation is for you. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis:U.S.: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)Worldwide: Visit https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines to find a local helplineYou are not alone and help is available.

Ask a man how he’s doing, and most of the time you’ll hear the same answer… “I’m fine.”In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really behind that response and why so many men carry things internally instead of expressing what they’re actually feeling.This isn’t about blaming. It’s about understanding.From a young age, many men are taught not to express emotions, or that how they feel doesn’t matter as much as what they can provide. Over time, that leads to emotional isolation, even when you’re surrounded by people.I talk about the difference between being alone and feeling lonely, why emotions don’t just go away when you ignore them, and how learning to express what you feel can start to shift everything.This episode is a reminder that you’re not as alone as you think… and that opening up, even a little, is a step in the right direction.DisclaimerI am not a licensed mental health professional. I am a mental health advocate sharing personal experiences and perspectives. This content is not a substitute for professional care.If You Need Immediate SupportIf you are in the United States:Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis LifelineIf you are outside the U.S.:Visit https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlinesIf you are in immediate danger, please call your local emergency number.

What do you say when you don’t know how to express how you feel?For many men, this is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to mental health. You know something is there, but you don’t know how to put it into words, or where to even begin.In this episode of the Men’s Mental Health Series, we break down how to start opening up, even if it feels awkward, uncomfortable, or unfamiliar.We talk about why there is no “perfect” way to express yourself, how to begin identifying emotions, and what it looks like to ask for what you need in relationships.This episode also explores what happens when the people around you don’t respond the way you hoped, and how to navigate those situations while still honoring your own growth.What We Cover:Why expressing emotions feels difficult for menHow to start opening up without overthinking itUnderstanding that there is no “right” way to communicate feelingsHow to identify and describe emotionsWhat to do when people don’t respond wellThe importance of therapy and working through blind spotsIf You Need SupportIf you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support.United States:Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)Or chat via 988lifeline.orgOutside the U.S.:Visit https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines to find a helpline in your countryYou are not alone, and support is available.

“I’m here if you need me, just reach out.”It sounds simple. But for most men, it’s not.In this episode, I break down why opening up is so difficult for men, how we were conditioned to suppress emotions, and what it actually takes to start processing what we feel. We talk about anger as a default emotion, the fear of vulnerability, trust in relationships, and how to find the right people to open up to.I also share my personal experience with therapy, the importance of doing the work between sessions, and why emotional awareness is a real form of strength.This is not about fixing everything overnight. It’s about starting the conversation and learning how to navigate what’s already inside you.If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying everything on your own, this episode is for you.⚠️ Important NoteI am a mental health advocate, not a licensed mental health professional. This content is based on personal experience and perspective.If you are struggling or in crisis, please reach out for help:• Call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)• Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)• Or contact your local emergency servicesYou are not alone.

This is a quick update episode to share what’s next for The Men’s Mental Health Series.Moving forward, new episodes will be released every Tuesday morning. These will primarily be solo episodes focused on continuing the conversation around emotions, vulnerability, and mental and emotional health for men. From time to time, there will also be guest conversations to bring in different perspectives from men across all walks of life.This podcast was never originally intended to stand on its own, but the response and willingness from men to have these conversations has turned it into something much bigger. That alone shows how important this space is.If you are a man listening, this is your space to reflect, think, and start having more honest conversations with yourself and others. If you have men in your life, this is an opportunity to better understand and connect with them.The goal is simple, to keep the conversation going in a way that is consistent, approachable, and meaningful.I am not a licensed mental health professional. I am a mental health advocate sharing personal experiences, perspectives, and conversations intended to support awareness and encourage open dialogue. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.If you are in crisis or need immediate mental health support in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are outside the United States, please contact your local emergency services or mental health support line for assistance.

In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I ask you a simple question that might feel harder than it should.What do you like about yourself?Not what you need to fix. Not what you wish was different. Not the long list of flaws you have been carrying around for years.What do you actually like about yourself?I challenge every guy listening to write it down. Start with one thing. One quality. One trait. One small win. Then build from there.We talk about self image, body image, and why so many men quietly tear themselves down every single day. Working in the fitness space, I see it all the time. Men struggle with how they look and who they are just as much as anyone else. We just do not talk about it.This episode is about learning to look in the mirror and appreciate the body that has carried you this far. It is about leading with kindness and compassion toward yourself first. Accountability has its place, but it cannot come before respect.You cannot build confidence while constantly attacking yourself.Real strength includes softness. Real growth starts with self connection. And real change begins when you stop tearing yourself down and start building yourself up.Start the conversation with yourself. Then start it with the people in your life. Friends. Family. Partners. A therapist. You do not have to do this alone.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails and journal prompts herehttps://yourlevelfitness.com/emailDisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and need immediate help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room in an emergency.

In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk directly to the men who feel like they have to handle everything on their own.If someone reaches out to you and asks how you are doing, take the helping hand. Open up. Take the chance.I know it is hard. Especially if you have opened up before and had it used against you. That kind of hurt sticks. It makes you want to bottle everything up and tell yourself it is easier to just deal with it alone. And it feels easier, until it is not.Until everything builds up inside and you feel like you are carrying the weight of the world with no outlet.We talk about why staying closed off leads to more loneliness, why anger pushes people away even when you are hurting, and why real strength is allowing other people to show up for you. The lone wolf mindset sounds tough, but it is exhausting and isolating.This episode is a reminder to reach out. To talk to a friend. A partner. A family member. A therapist. And if you are not a man but you have men in your life, this is your reminder to check on them and truly listen.You do not have to fight this battle alone. Conversations change everything.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails and journal prompts herehttps://yourlevelfitness.com/emailDisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and need immediate help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room in an emergency.

Episode DescriptionIn this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about the battle in your head that a lot of us carry but rarely talk about.The waves. The heaviness. The anger that shows up louder than everything else. The emotions we feel but never learned how to express.If you are a man who feels like you are holding everything in, like you have to be strong all the time, or like you are fighting something internally that nobody else can see, this conversation is for you. You are not weak. You are not broken. And you are definitely not alone.I share why talking to someone, anyone, can change everything. A friend. A partner. A family member. A therapist. Sometimes just pulling that first thread and letting the truth out is what lightens the load.We get into why anger is often the only emotion many men feel allowed to show, how that can become destructive, and how learning to redirect and channel what we feel is a real form of strength. Vulnerability is not soft. It is human.This episode is not about having all the answers. It is about starting the conversation. With others. And with yourself.If you have been carrying things quietly, this is your reminder that you do not have to do that anymore.Sign up for my emails and journal prompts herehttps://yourlevelfitness.com/emailPlease share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from hearing it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and need immediate help, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room in an emergency.

What does your daily mental maintenance look like?In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about something most men never think about but desperately need, a simple daily routine that helps you sit with your thoughts, process what you are carrying, and let some of it go. Not everything in life has to be productive. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is slow down, reconnect with yourself, and give your mind space to breathe.I share what this looks like for me, from reading and journaling to low key hobbies that feel almost mindless but grounding, and why those small moments help you show up calmer, clearer, and more deliberate in every other area of your life. This episode is about finding your own mix of connection, conversation, and quiet time so you are not constantly running on edge.If you feel pulled in a hundred directions or like you never get a second to check in with yourself, this conversation is your reminder that taking care of your mind is not optional, it is daily maintenance.This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional. If you are in the United States and experiencing an emergency or crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 for immediate emergency assistance.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

How do you make friends as an adult? Seriously, how does that even happen?In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk through something a lot of men quietly struggle with but rarely say out loud, loneliness, connection, and how we actually build real friendships as grown men. Not surface level banter at work, but the kind of relationships where you can open up about what you are thinking, what you are feeling, and what you are working through.I share my own experience with vulnerability, trial and error, opening up to the wrong people sometimes, and learning that friendships do not magically happen. They are built through small moments, shared interests, honest conversations, and mutual effort. This episode is about giving yourself permission to connect, to be softer, to talk about your hopes and fears, and to find your people without pretending you have everything figured out.If you have ever felt isolated, unsure how to make friends, or like you are carrying everything on your own, this conversation is for you. Start small. Start honest. Start somewhere.This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional. If you are in the United States and experiencing an emergency or crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 for immediate help.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the daily journal prompts here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

Welcome to the conversation. In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about a simple daily practice that has helped me stay connected to myself. Journaling. Over the last couple of months, I have made this a daily habit, and it has become a powerful way to clear my head and get my thoughts out without overthinking it.I share how I use journaling as a quick daily check in. What I am feeling, what is on my mind, the good, the heavy, and everything in between. There are no rules and nothing is off limits. This episode is especially for anyone who thinks journaling has to be complicated or time consuming. It does not. A few minutes is enough to create awareness and reduce mental clutter.We also talk about why many people struggle with journaling, not knowing what to write or where to start. This is why prompts can be helpful, but also why simply speaking or writing what is already in your head can be just as effective. The goal is not perfection. The goal is connection.This episode is for men who want a simple way to check in with themselves and for anyone who wants to support the men in their life as they build emotional awareness. Small daily practices can make a big difference over time.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not intended to be medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and need immediate help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.If you would like to receive my emails that include journal prompts and reflection tools, you can sign up here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

Welcome to the conversation. In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I challenge the phrase nobody cares, work harder. Because the truth is, somebody does care. It might only be one person, but that person matters. And if someone is going to have real access to your life, they need to care about how you are actually doing, not just what you produce or provide.I talk about why opening up as a man often comes out messy, incomplete, or wrapped in anger. For many guys, anger is the emotion that shows up first, even when there is hurt, sadness, grief, or loneliness underneath it. Anger is something you may feel, but it is not something that gets a free pass. Left unchecked, it can damage relationships, opportunities, and your own well being.This episode focuses on responsibility in a different way. Not just working harder, but doing the work of connecting with yourself, sorting through what you feel, and learning how to express it honestly. I talk about levels of access in relationships, why some people may not deserve full emotional access, and why feeling lonely around the people closest to you is one of the hardest experiences men face.We also get into the importance of therapy as a foundational tool. Therapy can be exhausting, emotionally and physically, but it helps you get to the root of what you have been carrying for years. You owe this work to the people in your life, and you owe it to yourself. Avoiding your own needs while taking care of everyone else is not sustainable.This episode is about advocating for yourself, expressing one hundred percent of what you feel, and continuing the conversations that help you feel less isolated in your own life.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not intended to be medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and need immediate help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.If you would like to receive my emails that include journal prompts, reflections, and supportive resources, you can sign up here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

Welcome to the conversation. In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I ask a simple but powerful question. What else are you feeling besides anger? Many men live with anger as the most visible emotion, whether it is explosive or quietly simmering under the surface. But anger is rarely the only thing there.In this episode, I talk about how emotions often show up as a mix. Sadness, heaviness, guilt, grief, and frustration can all exist at the same time. For many of us, anger became the only emotion we were taught was acceptable to express. While anger itself is not wrong, leaving it unexamined can be destructive to relationships, opportunities, and to ourselves.This conversation is about giving yourself permission to explore what else is underneath the anger. There is no judgment in this process. You deserve to understand what you feel and to learn how to communicate it in healthier ways with friends, family, and the people closest to you. That work starts with the conversation you have with yourself.This episode is for men who want to better understand their emotional world and for anyone who wants to support the men in their life as they learn how to express more than just anger. These conversations matter, and they can change the way you move through your life.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not intended to be medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and need immediate help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.If you would like to receive my emails that include journal prompts, reflections, and supportive resources, you can sign up here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

Welcome to the conversation. In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about a side of strength that is rarely discussed. Calmness. Softness. Emotional security. Strength is not just physical ability, grit, or endurance. The real glue holding those actions together is how safe and grounded you feel within yourself and the emotional safety you offer to others.I share why emotional storms and constant intensity often come from years of unprocessed feelings and inherited patterns. Many men tell themselves this is just how I am, but awareness creates a choice. When you begin connecting with yourself, letting go of heaviness, and communicating clearly and calmly, you start to see what real strength actually looks like.This episode is about redefining strength, understanding what drives your actions, and starting the conversations that matter. Especially the one you have with yourself. Whether you are a man learning how to navigate emotions in a healthier way or someone supporting the men in your life, this conversation is meant to help lower the intensity and build something more sustainable.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not intended to be medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and need immediate help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.If you would like to receive my emails that include journal prompts and reflection tools, you can sign up here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

Episode DescriptionWelcome to the conversation. In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about something many men struggle with but rarely discuss. Learning how to feel your emotions without being consumed by them. We all have emotions, and avoiding them or pushing them down might feel easier in the moment, but it always catches up.In this episode, I share why sitting with your emotions, processing them, and choosing how to channel them is a critical skill. Especially for men who have spent years numbing, avoiding, or running from what they feel. I talk about how suppressed emotions often show up as anger, frustration, or destructive behaviors later in life, usually in our thirties and forties.I also discuss the balance between traditional expectations of masculinity and emotional awareness. You do not have to choose one extreme or the other. Strength and emotional awareness can coexist, and the right mix looks different for everyone. This episode is about starting that process, often with the hardest conversation of all, the one you have with yourself.This podcast exists to help start conversations that many relationships were never built to support. Whether you are a man trying to understand your own emotional world or someone who wants to support the men in your life, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and begin doing this work in a healthier way.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not intended to be medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and need immediate help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 right away.Please share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from hearing it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each major podcast directory. From there, you can subscribe, rate, review, and share the show.If you would like to receive my emails that include journal prompts, reflections, and supportive resources, you can sign up here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about the importance of putting a protective layer between your identity and the things you do, the roles you play, or the version of masculinity you think you are supposed to live up to. This conversation is not about changing who you are or telling you how to act. It is about staying connected to yourself underneath all of it.I share why emotional awareness, vulnerability, and communication are not weaknesses, but skills that work alongside traditional strength. When you build emotional intelligence and pair it with the way you already move through life, you create a calmer headspace, reduce anxiety, and open the door to more honest relationships.We also talk about therapy, what it really looks like to find the right therapist for you, and why this process takes time and patience. Progress does not come from perfection, it comes from consistent effort and a genuine willingness to look at yourself with honesty.This podcast is here to start conversations. Conversations with yourself, with the people closest to you, and with professionals who can support you. Whether you are a man listening for yourself or someone who wants to better understand the men in your life, this episode is about remembering that at the core, we are all human and emotions are part of that reality.Please share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from hearing it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include journal prompts and reflections here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailDisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 right away.

In this episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about decisiveness, self trust, and what it really means to believe in yourself. We dig into the idea that confidence is not about knowing everything, it is about trusting that you can figure things out as you go.I talk about how many men feel lost, unsure of direction, or pressured by outside definitions of success. I share why relying on other people to tell you who to be and what to chase only creates more confusion. Real clarity starts when you connect with yourself and decide to trust that you can learn, grow, and adapt.This episode also explores quiet confidence. Not hustle culture. Not loud motivation. But the kind of belief that brings calm to your mind. I talk about how getting to that quiet is uncomfortable at first, because you have to face the noise you have been avoiding. I share why therapy has been such an important part of my own journey and how the real work happens between sessions.This is an episode about trusting yourself, building your own definition of success, and learning to move through life knowing you will figure it out.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and need immediate help, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 right away.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts herehttps://yourlevelfitness.com/email

In this episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about getting help, asking for support, and why receiving help can feel uncomfortable for so many men. I share how growing up with the idea of being self sufficient, not needing anyone, and always providing can turn support into something that feels like a debt instead of a gift.We talk about why trying to do everything alone is not strength, it is isolation. I break down how keeping score in relationships creates resentment, mental overload, and emotional distance. I also talk about why learning to receive help without guilt is part of real strength, not weakness.This episode is about noticing where you want support, not just where you need it to survive, but where you want it to feel lighter. It is about letting people help because they care, not because you owe them. And it is about learning to trust that you are worthy of support even when you have nothing to give back in that moment.If you have ever struggled to ask for help, felt guilty for needing support, or felt like you had to repay kindness ten times over, this episode is for you.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and need immediate help, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 right away.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts herehttps://yourlevelfitness.com/email

We are talking about what happens after you achieve the thing.You set the goal. You worked for it. You finished it. And now you are standing there asking, what now.A lot of men are taught to build their identity around what they do, what they produce, and what they achieve. That works until the day the goal is done. When the finish line is crossed, many guys feel proud for a moment, then confused, empty, or restless.In this episode, I talk about why goals alone cannot carry your sense of worth. I talk about creating a buffer between who you are and what you do, so your identity does not disappear when the task is finished.We talk about chasing success to fill a void, jumping from project to project, and using achievement as a distraction from yourself. We also talk about building your worth around things that cannot be taken away, like how you treat people, how you see the world, how you grow, and how willing you are to look at yourself honestly.You can still go after big goals. You can still be ambitious. The difference is doing it from connection instead of emptiness. From knowing who you are instead of trying to prove who you are.This is about learning how to be proud of what you do without letting it decide who you are.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in crisis in the United States, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call 911 in an emergency. If you are outside the United States, please contact your local emergency number or a crisis support service in your area.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts herehttps://yourlevelfitness.com/email

We are talking about anger.Everyone feels anger. The real question is what do you do with it. Do you pause and understand it, or do you let it explode and damage your life, your relationships, and how you see yourself.In this episode, I talk about how anger is often not just one emotion. It is usually mixed with sadness, grief, shame, fear, or pain. Anger is just the loudest one, so it gets all the attention. When you slow down and sit with it, even for a few seconds, you can start to untangle what you are really feeling.We talk about sitting with emotions instead of stewing in them, releasing what needs to be released, and learning how to channel what you feel in productive ways. Physical movement, journaling, and honest reflection can help. Destructive outlets only create more damage.For a lot of men, anger is the only emotion that ever felt acceptable to show. This episode is about learning to respect all your emotions, not just the loud ones, and building a healthier relationship with what you feel instead of burying it or blowing up with it.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in crisis in the United States, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call 911 in an emergency. If you are outside the United States, please contact your local emergency number or a crisis support service in your area.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts here:https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

A lot of men grow up believing that real strength means handling everything alone. You fix your own problems. You carry your own weight. You help others, but you never ask for help yourself. In this episode, I talk about the fine line between healthy independence and isolating yourself.We break down why confidence and self sufficiency matter, but why shutting everyone out is not strength. Being a lone wolf can look strong on the outside while slowly tearing you up on the inside. Most of us get good at pushing emotions down, but that does not mean they go away.We talk about how opening up to the wrong person can hurt, and how that pain can make you want to never open up again. But one bad experience does not mean no one is safe. It means that person was not safe. Learning who to trust takes time, mistakes, and courage.This is about learning to trust yourself and trust others. It is not either or. It is and. You can be independent and still let people in. You can be strong and still ask for help. Real strength is knowing when to stand alone and when to reach out.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in crisis in the United States, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call 911 in an emergency. If you are outside the United States, please contact your local emergency number or a crisis support service in your area.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts here:https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

For a lot of men, value is tied to what we provide, what we produce, and how hard we work. In this episode, I talk about why your work matters, but it is not who you are.We get into the idea that your worth is rooted in who you are as a person, how you see the world, and how you treat the people around you. If everything external can be taken away, then your identity cannot live in those things.We also talk about rest, emotional care, and learning how to take care of yourself in ways you were probably never taught. You cannot know who you are if you never slow down enough to connect with yourself.This podcast exists to start conversations, with others and with yourself. These soft and nuanced parts of life are not weak. They are the glue that holds everything together.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in crisis in the United States, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call 911 in an emergency. If you are outside the United States, please contact your local emergency number or a crisis support service in your area.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts here:https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

You are not behind in life.A lot of men were taught that their value comes from what they do, what they provide, the titles they hold, and the results they can show. In this episode, I talk about why your value is not just in what you produce, but in who you are, including the parts of you that are still healing.We talk about how comparison can make you feel like you are losing a race you were never meant to run, and why moving at your own pace is not failure. You are figuring things out in real time. You will take steps forward and steps back. That does not mean you are broken. It means you are human.This podcast exists to help men start the conversations they need to have, with others and with themselves. It is about learning that it is okay to feel, okay to sit with emotion, and okay to work through pain instead of pretending it is not there. The most important conversation is often the one you have with yourself.If you are listening to this, it tells me you care about growth, healing, and understanding yourself better. That matters more than you think.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in crisis in the United States, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call 911 in an emergency. If you are outside the United States, please contact your local emergency number or a crisis support service in your area.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts here:https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

In this episode, I talk about grief. Loss shows up in all of our lives, big, small, and everything in between. Grief can feel heavy, sudden, and unpredictable. It comes and goes, but it never fully disappears.A lot of men are taught to stay silent, push it down, ignore it, and move on. But when you bury grief, it does not go away. It shows up as anger, disconnection, numbness, and distraction. You feel it whether you face it or not.I talk about why feeling your grief matters. Feeling does not mean falling apart. Sometimes it means sitting quietly with heaviness. Sometimes it means journaling, talking to someone you trust, or giving yourself permission to be vulnerable.True strength is not avoiding grief. True strength is being able to sit with it, feel it, and move through it in a healthy way. This episode is about giving yourself permission to feel, to process, and to heal at your own pace.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and are in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 right away.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the daily journal prompts herehttps://yourlevelfitness.com/email

What happens when you do not fit the picture of what you were told a man is supposed to be? In this episode, I talk about the pressure to live up to traditional ideas of masculinity and what it can feel like when you do not check every box.I share some of my own experience living with a physical disability and how that has shaped the way I see strength, identity, and self worth. I talk about why your value is not found in one trait or one skill, but in the full picture of who you are, including your emotions, your communication, and the softer skills that often get overlooked.This episode is about learning to see yourself as a whole person. It is about noticing the parts of you that you may have ignored or criticized and realizing they might actually be strengths. It is also about starting the most important conversation first, the one you have with yourself.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and in immediate danger, please call 911. If you are experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. They are available 24 hours a day.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

Burnout often hides behind words like discipline, hustle, and grind.In this episode, I talk about how easy it is to confuse constant output with real progress. I share my own years in the hustle mindset, what I learned from it, and why I now choose to work from a calm headspace at a deliberate pace.We talk about how burnout shows up in work, fitness, hobbies, and life. How most people do not realize they are burned out until they have already gone too far. And why learning to listen to yourself early can save you years of damage, frustration, and exhaustion.This is about pacing yourself, staying present in your life, and learning when to turn things up and when to turn things down. You can still build skills, chase goals, and grow, without destroying yourself in the process.This episode is here to start conversations. With the people in your life. And more importantly, with yourself.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself or others, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also dial 911 for immediate emergency assistance.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

Not everyone should have the same level of access to you.In this episode, I talk about what it really means to set boundaries and limits with people, without turning it into some extreme, all or nothing internet advice. This is about protecting your time, your energy, and your emotional space, while also making your relationships more meaningful.We look at how different people belong in different levels of your life. Close friends, casual friends, shared interests, work connections, family, and how those levels can change over time. I talk about why adjustments usually come before cutting people out, and how learning this is a process, not a personality flaw.This conversation is especially important for men who were never taught how to think about emotional access, connection, and self protection in a healthy way. For a lot of guys, the first boundary they need to set is with themselves, by admitting there are things they need to work on.This episode is here to start conversations. With your friends. With your partner. With your family. But most importantly, with yourself.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself or others, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also dial 911 for immediate emergency assistance.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

This episode is about comparison, competition, and how social media quietly turns both into habits. I talk about how competition itself is not the problem, but when competition becomes the way you measure your worth, it starts to cost you more than it gives you. When you are not connected to yourself, comparison becomes a way to avoid, compensate, or fill a void.I break down how apps and algorithms are designed to keep you insecure, scrolling, and comparing. Little by little, what you see shapes how you see yourself. It can hit you through fitness, money, travel, success, motivation, comedy, or lifestyle content. Over time, you start sizing yourself up against strangers and highlight reels, and it slowly drains you.I talk about learning to notice when you are falling into the trap. Not judging yourself, but observing it. Seeing it. Then calmly redirecting yourself. You will fall into it sometimes. That is part of living in this world. The real work is how fast you can pull yourself back out.We also talk about silent competition between men. Competing without ever talking about it. Trying to win at all costs. Or using competition to hide insecurity. I share how competition can be healthy when it encourages growth, but destructive when it is driven by fear, shame, or the need to prove your worth.This episode is about slowing down, checking in with yourself, and paying attention to how content makes you feel. Are you grounded. Are you anxious. Are you jealous. Are you trying to become someone else instead of learning who you are. Real growth starts at the identity level, not from chasing someone else’s life.I also talk about tools that help, like therapy, journaling, sitting in silence, and creating space away from constant input. Being with your thoughts can be uncomfortable at first, but it is where real connection starts. Even in a rigged game, knowing the rules helps you navigate it better.This is an invitation to choose self connection over silent competition, and curiosity over comparison.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and are in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 right now.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts here.https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

This episode is about starting the conversation, first with yourself, and then with the people in your life. I talk about why the emotional side of being a man is not weakness, but part of real strength. The softer side is often what helps us hold everything else together.I share how connecting with yourself changes how you live, how you eat, how you move, and how you show up. Instead of forcing everything with discipline and willpower, you can build from a calm, deliberate headspace. When you work from the inside first, your actions on the outside start to make more sense.We also talk about men and body image. Men are targeted just like women, with unrealistic ideals of what we are supposed to look like. Even when you change your body, that does not always change how you feel about yourself. If you do not like who you see, no amount of physical change will ever feel like enough.I remind you that bodies are different, even when height and weight look the same. I talk about growing up with fitness magazines, edited images, and lifestyles that were sold as the answer. I want you to know that you are enough right now, not someday, not after you change, but now.This episode is about taking care of your body, your mind, and your emotions. It is about learning to love and respect the person underneath everything else. When you stop chasing being good enough, your goals change, your priorities change, and your life starts to feel different.It is also about relationships. Some people will not understand your growth right away. Some people may never come with you. You do not have to cut everyone off, but you can choose how much access they have to you. You cannot take everyone with you, and that is hard, but you still get to choose yourself.This is an invitation to build a life that feels honest, connected, and strong in every sense of the word.DisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and are in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 right now.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include the journal prompts herehttps://yourlevelfitness.com/email

Welcome to the conversation. This is The Men’s Mental Health Series, and I am your host, Daryl Perry.This podcast is here to help get conversations started for men around mental and emotional health. Most of us were never taught how to talk about feelings, or even how to notice what we are feeling. But emotions do not go away just because we ignore them. They show up in our bodies, our reactions, our relationships, and our choices.In this episode, we talk about how hard it is for many men to name emotions beyond stressed, fine, angry, or frustrated. I share how most of us were never given the language for feelings, and how that makes everything feel confusing, heavy, or overwhelming.We talk about how you can feel more than one emotion at the same time. How anger often covers sadness, fear, grief, or loneliness. How excitement can look like anger. And how staying numb or distracted can feel easier than slowing down and noticing what is really happening inside.I also talk about learning emotional awareness as a skill. Something you practice. Something you build over time. Who you are today does not have to be who you stay. Your past reactions do not have to be your identity.This episode is about slowing down, paying attention, and learning how to describe what you feel so you can work with it instead of running from it.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include journal prompts and resources connected to what we talk about on this podcast.https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailDisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 right now.

Welcome to the conversation. This is The Men’s Mental Health Series, and I am your host, Daryl Perry.The purpose of this podcast is to get conversations started around mental and emotional health. That conversation might be with a partner, a friend, a family member, or a therapist. But for many men, the first conversation we need to have is the one with ourselves.In this episode, we talk about how easy it is to tie your value to your productivity. To what you provide. To what you achieve. To how useful you are. I share how I lived that way for years, believing that in order to matter, I had to constantly prove my worth through what I did.Here is the truth. What you do is not who you are. Your real value is in your thoughts, your feelings, your perspective, and the unique mix of experiences that make you you. Work is something you do, not something you are.We talk about the pressure men feel to be more, earn more, achieve more, and constantly prove themselves. And how that pressure can turn into a harsh inner voice that never lets you rest. I share why you can still go after big goals, work hard, and build something meaningful, without making your worth depend on the outcome.This episode is about learning how to go after what you want from a place of security instead of fear. About building a sense of self that is not dependent on applause, approval, or performance. And about being willing to let some relationships shift if they only know you for what you provide instead of who you are.You deserve to know who you are beneath the roles, the work, and the expectations. And you deserve to build your life from that place.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include journal prompts and resources connected to what we talk about on this podcast.https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailDisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 right now.

Welcome to the conversation. This is The Men’s Mental Health Series, and I am your host, Daryl Perry.The point of this podcast is simple. To get conversations started with men, for men, by men. Most of us were never taught how to talk about what we feel, how to sit with emotions, or how to express them in a healthy way. So the first conversation many of us need to learn how to have is the one with ourselves.In this episode, we talk about loneliness. Not just being alone, but feeling lonely even when you are surrounded by people. Loneliness is not the same as solitude. Being alone can be healthy and grounding. Loneliness is the feeling of not being seen, not being heard, and not being understood.I share my own experience of growing up with cerebral palsy, feeling different, feeling isolated, and how that shaped the way I related to people and to myself. I talk about how loneliness can become a habit, how it can start to feel safer than being open, and how we sometimes choose isolation because vulnerability feels risky.We also talk about how many men live on the surface of relationships. We stay in jokes, work, sports, and productivity, but never go deeper. And when we never go deeper, we can feel invisible even in a full room.I talk about therapy, not as a weakness, but as a foundation. Real growth happens when you are able to be open, build trust, and do the work between sessions. Exercise, journaling, meditation, and silence are all tools, but I believe a healthy relationship with a therapist is the foundation for lasting change.We also talk about how staying busy, productive, and successful can hide a lot of pain. You can be praised by the world and still feel empty inside. You cannot outrun your thoughts forever. At some point, you have to stop, let the feelings hit you, sit with them, and start learning how to name them.Loneliness does not disappear by accident. It changes when you are willing to feel, when you are willing to be honest with yourself, and when you slowly choose safe people to open up to. Not everyone gets full access to you, but everyone deserves at least one place where they can be real.If you have ever felt lonely in a crowd, unheard in your own life, or disconnected from yourself, this episode is for you.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.Sign up for my emails that include journal prompts and resources to help you work through what we talk about on this podcast.https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailDisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 right now.

This episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series is about identity, loss, and learning how to reconnect with who you are when the roles and achievements you once relied on start to change. I talk about why so many men tie their worth to what they do, what they provide, or what they have accomplished, and what happens emotionally when those things shift through injury, career changes, divorce, or major life transitions. We explore how emotions and vulnerability are not weaknesses, why asking for help matters, and how strength can include both traditional ideas of masculinity and emotional awareness at the same time. This conversation is an invitation to start talking with yourself first, then with the people you trust, as you figure out who you are beyond titles and expectations.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with anyone you think would benefit from listening.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on all major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share the podcast.Want ongoing support and reflection tools. Sign up for my emails that include journal prompts and resources at https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailDisclaimer and Support ResourcesThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your medical or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and experiencing an emergency or mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

Welcome to the conversation. This is The Men’s Mental Health Series, hosted by Daryl Perry. This podcast is here to help start honest conversations around men’s mental and emotional health, whether that conversation is with friends, family, a partner, or yourself.In this episode, we talk about strength and why it actually becomes stronger when vulnerability is part of the equation. Many men were taught growing up that emotions and vulnerability were weaknesses. Over time, that message can disconnect you from your thoughts, your feelings, and your relationships. This episode explores how emotional awareness adds to your strength, not takes away from it, and why learning to observe your thoughts and feelings can change how you communicate and show up in your life.We also talk about the importance of context, why one size fits all advice rarely works, and why real change comes from connecting with yourself at your own pace. This is a grounded conversation for men who are ready to untangle old beliefs, build emotional awareness, and redefine what strength actually looks like.Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this podcast.If you would like to receive my emails that include journal prompts and reflections to help you connect with yourself, you can sign up herehttps://yourlevelfitness.com/emailDisclaimerThis podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not intended to be medical advice. Please contact your medical and or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.If you are in the United States and are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.