The Unmasked Podcast | Conversations around Mental Health

In this episode of the Unmasked Culture Podcast, Mikel and Zach sit down with longtime friend and Unmasked Culture collaborator, Lincoln, for an honest and reflective mental health check-in. The conversation traces their shared history—from growing up together and early creative projects—to the moments that laid the foundation for Unmasked Culture’s mission of starting the conversation around mental health. Lincoln opens up about his current season of life, balancing multiple jobs in education, ministry involvement, and returning to school, while surprisingly maintaining strong mental and emotional health. He shares why he would rate his mental health a 9/10, pointing to fulfillment, meaningful work, healthy sleep, and purpose as key contributors. The group explores how burnout isn’t just about being busy, but about whether the work you’re doing feels aligned and impactful. The discussion also dives into vulnerability, self-care, and why talking things out—especially with trusted people—can bring clarity and healing. Lincoln reflects on how learning to be open, even when it’s uncomfortable, has helped him navigate lower seasons and reminds listeners that no one is truly alone in what they’re facing. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that growth, perspective, and hope often begin with simply speaking up and sharing your story. This episode is a blend of humor, nostalgia, and depth—capturing exactly what Unmasked Culture stands for: real conversations, real people, and real hope.

In this heartfelt solo episode, the host of The Unmasked Podcast shares a transparent update on both personal life and the mission behind Unmasked Culture. After a season of nonstop work in mental health advocacy, ministry, foster care, and creative projects, the team made the intentional choice to pause—to rest, refocus, and rebuild. Hear how becoming a foster parent and preparing to welcome a first child have reshaped perspectives on purpose, balance, and calling. This episode is a candid reflection on burnout, faith, and learning to rest without guilt—reminding listeners that healing and growth often begin in stillness.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Unmasked Podcast, where hosts Mikel, Zach, Irie, and Grace dive into the complexities of communication and the nuances of misunderstandings. In this heartfelt discussion, Irie opens up about the struggles and emotions he experiences when his intentions are misinterpreted, shedding light on the importance of empathy and understanding in interactions. While exploring the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, the hosts emphasize the significance of knowing your audience and tailoring communication to be more effective and compassionate. They discuss the challenges of giving advice and the societal need for validation, encouraging listeners to evaluate their communication styles. Join the conversation as they candidly share personal anecdotes and experiences, highlighting the value of emotional maturity and constructive dialogue in nurturing meaningful connections. Whether it's addressing perceived selfishness or offering steadfast support to friends, this episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own approaches to communication and relationship-building. Don't miss this chance to start your own conversation about mental health and understanding with those around you.

In this intimate "Saturday Short" episode of The Unmasked podcast, hosts Mikel, Zach have an open dialogue with Irie and Grace. Grace bravely opens up about facing workplace challenges and job uncertainty. Through honest conversation about mental health, coping mechanisms, and the importance of communication, the episode explores how past struggles can help build resilience for present challenges. Join the hosts as they discuss the value of prayer lines, support systems, and finding encouragement in unexpected places.

In this episode of The Unmasked Podcast, hosts Mikel, Zach, and Josh switch things up by calling an impromptu guest, Matthew, for a spontaneous mental health check-in. Matthew shares insights into his personal mental and spiritual well-being, touching on the importance of faith, prayer, and social connection in maintaining his mental health. The conversation explores the balance of managing stress, the challenges of financial uncertainty, and how physical activity can positively impact mental health. The group also reflects on the importance of having a strong support system and fostering open, honest dialogue about mental well-being. Dive into this light-hearted yet profound discussion on staying mentally fit and connected!

Hey guys, it's Mikel and Zach here! We are thrilled that you are tuning in for another episode of our podcast. Today, we want to share the journey that led to the creation of Unmasked Culture. We'll give you some insight into our personal struggles and why we feel it's so important to talk about mental health. In this episode, we discuss the challenges we faced in starting this conversation. From multiple takes to finding the right words, it wasn't easy. But we knew it was necessary. We share our personal stories, the turning points in our lives, and how we started seeking help. We also talk about the importance of being vulnerable and how practicing this can make it easier over time. We draw parallels to learning new skills and emphasize that while it may be uncomfortable at first, it gets better with practice. Our stories involve moments of darkness and light, the importance of having a support system, and the significant role of professional help and spirituality in our healing journeys. We highlight the holistic approach to mental health, balancing physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. Finally, we provide practical resources, like mental health evaluations available on our website, to help you start your own conversations about mental health. Remember, you are not alone, and the first step to healing is opening up and sharing your struggles. For more resources and to take the mental health evaluations, visit unmaskedculture.org. Let's start the conversation and support each other on this journey.

Welcome to the Unmasked podcast! Join hosts Zach and Mikel, and Josh, as they dive into the first installment of their mental health check-ins. This episode offers a raw and vulnerable conversation about dealing with grief, mental health struggles, and the importance of supportive friendships. Josh shares his emotional journey of visiting his ailing father and the complicated feelings that arise from past family dynamics. The discussion explores the challenges of facing a loved one's impending loss, the unexpected surge of emotions, and the difficulty of balancing personal pain with everyday responsibilities. Listen in as the trio offers heartfelt support, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for anyone navigating similar struggles. Whether you're dealing with grief, mental health issues, or just need a reminder that you're not alone, this episode is a must-listen.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Unmasked Podcast, a transformative platform initiated by Mikel Stull, founder of Unmasked Culture. Joined by his co-host, Zach, they delve deep into the realm of mental health, aiming to normalize and lift the veil of stigma associated with mental struggles. Get a unique insight into the raw, personal experiences of Mikel and Zach as they share their battles with depression and anxiety. This episode not only offers a comforting narrative but also imparts significant life lessons, setting out to create a safe environment for open and genuine conversations about mental health. Together, they reveal the holistic approach embraced by Unmasked Culture, stressing the importance of balanced physical, emotional, spiritual, and social health for overall wellbeing. This podcast is a testament to the power of open discourse, championing the idea of seeking help and expressing one’s feelings freely. Embark on this enlightening journey, as they share the poignant story of a friend's tragic struggle with mental health, which served as a catalyst for the establishment of "Unmasked Culture". They proudly advocate vulnerability as a part of the healing process and hope their honest exchange inspires others to do the same. The Unmasked Podcast serves not only as a platform for shared experiences but also as an educational resource. Its mission is to inform about mental health, available resources, and how to support those in need. Every listener who feels less alone or gets better equipped to help another, marks a success in their endeavor. Support this empowering journey towards global mental health awareness. Considering contributing at unmaskculture.org, let's break the silence together, fostering a healthier and more understanding society - one conversation at a time.

On this quick preview we will be announcing our exciting news, the Unmasked Podcast. Founder Mikel Stull and Co-Founder Brandon Burns will be briefly explaining the roll out of their latest project and what is to come. Unmasked Culture is excited to be adding on to our already extensive online multimedia platforms and creating another opportunity to start the conversation in a refreshing, relaxed, and honest dialogue about mental health.