MentalK

In this episode, the guys are finally back in the studio—joined by a special guest: Dakota’s wife. What starts as a casual catch-up about workouts, fasting, and chaotic mornings quickly turns into one of the deepest and most vulnerable conversations on the podcast so far. Together, they dive into: Mental health, depression, and emotional burnout Body dysmorphia and the pressure men feel to “provide” and stay strong Relationship communication, emotional support, and feeling heard Honest discussions about sex, intimacy, and insecurities How smut, culture, and expectations shape modern relationships Parenthood, stress, medical challenges, and the realities couples don’t always talk about It’s raw, real, funny, and emotional—a rare look into the genuine struggles men face but rarely express. This episode gives both men and women a better understanding of each other and opens up conversations that matter. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text Music does more than fill the silence it carries us, shapes us, and sometimes even saves us. In today’s episode, we dive into the role music plays in a man’s life, from the soundtrack of our hardest moments to the songs that lift us up when nothing else can. And seriously… just listen to Ben. You can hear how much music has impacted him  the stories, the memories, the way he lights up when he talks about it. If you’ve ever had a song hit you right in the soul, or a playlist that got you through some rough seasons, this one’s for you. Turn it up and tune in this episode hits different. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text Hustle hard, they said. Sleep when you’re dead, they said. In The Hustle Trap, we’re calling B.S. on burnout culture and talking about what balance really looks like. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text Real talk — life gets heavy, and sometimes the only thing that keeps us standing is the people beside us. In this episode, we open up about the power of male friendships the ones that show up, call you out, and pull you through the rough stuff. From late-night talks to the friends who disappear when things get real, we’re breaking down what brotherhood really looks like today.  Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text Hey everyone – this is just a quick update episode. We missed our usual release schedule due to a family vacation, but the next episode will be out later this week. That said, we’ll likely be taking a short break afterward, as my wife is facing an unexpected medical emergency and will be undergoing brain surgery soon. Thank you so much for your patience, support, and understanding during this time. We’ll be back as soon as we can. Take Care and Thank you for your support—let’s keep breaking the stigma together! Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text In this episode of Mentalk, we sit down to share open and honest conversations about the challenges life throws our way and how men can support each other through them. From personal stories to raw reflections, we dig into resilience, healing, and the importance of speaking up instead of staying silent. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and plenty of moments that remind us we’re all in this together. Thank you for your support—let’s keep breaking the stigma together! Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text After a much-needed break, Mentalk is officially back — and we’re coming stronger than ever. In this episode, we open up about where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and why this season of Mentalk is going to be our best yet. Expect raw conversations, fresh energy, and a renewed focus on men’s mental health, real-life struggles, and the laughs that get us through it all. This is more than just a return — it’s the start of something bigger. Let’s talk. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text Welcome back to the podcast, folks! This episode is one for the books—we’re diving deep into men’s mental health with Bethany, a therapist who’s not just in it for the paycheck but genuinely wants to make a difference. Bethany’s the founder of The Calming Center in Mount Airy, where she’s been doing amazing work for almost two decades, helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s rough patches. We covered a lot of ground in this conversation. Bethany opened up about what inspired her to get into this line of work—it’s rooted in her own teenage struggles and the drive to be better for the family she always dreamed of having. She’s all about creating safe spaces, including her new group therapy sessions, which tackle everything from ADHD to grief, parenting struggles, and even autism spectrum challenges. It’s all about connection and filling those gaps in support systems that society often overlooks. What hit me hard was the stigma we men face when it comes to talking about our emotions. Bethany broke it down—anger is often the only “acceptable” emotion we’re taught to express, but there’s so much more under the surface. Therapy, she says, is about breaking those cycles and learning tools to deal with life’s pressures, whether that’s at work, at home, or just in your own head. And hey, she keeps it real. Therapy with Bethany isn’t some stiff, clipboard-wielding stereotype. It’s conversational, authentic, and sometimes even a little messy—but that’s where the magic happens. This chat left me thinking: why did it take me so long to open up about my own mental health? And honestly, I think this episode might make you ask yourself the same thing. Whether you’re ready to take that step or just curious about what therapy can look like, this one’s worth a listen. Thank you for your support—let’s keep breaking the stigma together! Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text Welcome back to Men Talk! The past few weeks have been tough—my wife’s brain surgery, family responsibilities, the holidays, and even my own health scare. In this raw and honest episode, I’m just rambling, sharing what’s on my mind, and talking through the emotional and mental challenges of this season, especially for men. I touch on the stigma around vulnerability, surviving the holidays under pressure, and finding joy for my kids even when life feels heavy. This is my way of getting back on track and preparing for Season 2, kicking off next week with an incredible guest, Bethany, as we tackle men’s mental health and therapy. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text Hey everyone, welcome back to the show! This week, we’re diving into a really raw and real conversation with my good friend Ben Nichols. Now, if you’ve been wondering where this episode is, trust me, it’s been worth the wait. We actually recorded this once before, but I wasn’t happy with it—I wasn’t in the right headspace, and Ben deserves so much better. So, here we are, round two, and we’re going deep. In this episode, we talk about everything—balancing life as fathers, building businesses from scratch, and dealing with the mental and emotional weight that comes with it all. Ben opens up about his journey, from working countless odd jobs to finally finding his groove as an entrepreneur. He shares how his upbringing, struggles with bullying, and life experiences shaped who he is today. We also get into some heavy stuff: emotional availability, breaking toxic cycles, and the importance of therapy. Ben talks about how therapy has helped him uncover patterns and start living more intentionally. And me? I’m reflecting on what it means to break the mold, especially when it comes to fatherhood and raising my kids differently from how I was raised. This episode is a mix of laughs, hard truths, and some powerful takeaways about growth, resilience, and learning to embrace the challenges life throws at us. Tune in—this one’s a game-changer. Tune in to the MENTALk Podcast: 🎙️ Real talk, real experiences, real growth. Website - https://mentalk.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentalk/id1772193764 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2pOMbjSPxSLeDTQru9pGdt YouTube Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/playlist... Support the show Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook: MENTALk Podcast Instagram: MENTALk Podcast YouTube: MENTALk Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being part of this journey!

Send us a text In this one, it’s a bit different — less about mental health and more about relationships. We dive deep into what keeps us going, the little things we do as a couple and family that maybe don’t get as much attention these days. From eating dinner together every night, sharing all the household tasks, and praying as a family, to having each other’s backs on everything, even parenting, it’s all about staying connected. We even get into our “team” approach to life, like how we handle the hectic schedules and balance work with family. We talk about making those everyday routines like chores, driving, and bedtime rituals more fun and less like tasks. We also cover the big stuff that makes us unique as a couple, like keeping our finances together, making big decisions side by side, and going to bed at the same time every night to stay in sync. And let’s be real about the hard stuff too, like when we’re both worn out and stressed but still find a way to support each other. We touch on parenting and the simple things we’re teaching our kids about love, life, and even a little about money. This episode is about what we’re doing to stay grounded and how we’re setting up a strong foundation as a couple and family, hoping it might spark ideas for anyone listening. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text In this episode, we get incredibly personal, talking about grief, resilience, and the very different ways people handle loss. Joined by my wife, we share our experiences with losing our son, Emmitt, and how it impacted our relationship and individual healing journeys. We dive into the contrast in how we coped: one of us found comfort in keeping reminders close, while the other felt the need to put things away and create some distance. It wasn’t easy, and at times, it felt like we were grieving in two separate worlds under the same roof. We also address the societal expectations around grief—the assumptions and judgments we encountered, and the idea that there’s only one “right” way to grieve. This conversation really challenges that, showing that each person's way of processing loss is valid and deeply personal. There’s a focus on the importance of communication, respecting each other's coping mechanisms, and allowing space for all feelings, even the messy ones. The episode also touches on the effects of grief on our boundaries and everyday life, like the discomfort we feel now around holding newborns and the cautiousness we have about germs due to the loss we experienced. This is a raw, heartfelt discussion on love, loss, and finding a path forward, together and individually, through one of life’s toughest trials. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I dive into where I’m at right now, the highs, the struggles, and the gratitude I feel for being able to share my journey with all of you. This isn’t just about telling my story, but about connecting, helping, and, hopefully, inspiring anyone out there facing tough times. So, what does being "rich" mean? I get real about how I define wealth—not in the dollars, but in having family, a home, and doing what I love. Life isn’t without challenges, though. From career shifts to health battles for both my kids and my wife, we’re constantly balancing doctor’s appointments, therapies, and surgeries. It’s a lot, but it’s also what fuels me to keep going. Dakota and I have an equal partnership in our marriage, and I'm grateful for the time we spend together, even though we face our share of challenges. From midlife reflections and mental health struggles to learning what it means to be emotionally available, we’re navigating it all. Stay tuned, because I’ll be bringing guests on the show soon, starting with my wife in the next episode. We’ll get candid about our journey, our battles, and what we’re doing to make the best of each day. We’ve received a lot of love and support from listeners—folks reaching out to tell us how our story resonates with theirs. So, if you have a burden, question, or just need to share, reach out! I’m here for it. Thanks for listening, and if you’re not already, hit subscribe, share the podcast, and let’s spread the message. This community is growing, and I’m excited to see where it takes us. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text All right, everyone, welcome back to the podcast! We’ve got a special one today—it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s definitely not an easy conversation, but sometimes those are the most important. This episode is about grief, loss, and love. It’s a deep dive into my personal journey, starting with how my wife and I navigated the tragedy of losing our firstborn, Emmitt. I open up about the emotions that come with not just the loss of a child but also how it hit me—a father dealing with the pain of seeing my son’s life hang by a thread. We talk about how my wife, Dakota (yes, we have the same name, which has made for some funny and confusing moments), was my rock throughout the whole experience, and how we grieved differently but still managed to come out stronger. I get into the difficult decisions, like choosing to have Emmitt cremated so that he’s always with us. We travel with “Emmitt Bear” as a way to keep his memory alive. It’s been our way of coping and honoring him. We’ll also touch on the stigma around how men process grief, especially when society expects us to always be the strong, silent type. This episode is tough, but it’s one of the most important ones yet. We’re pulling back the curtain and sharing our story, not just to tell you what happened but to help others going through something similar. Grief doesn’t have a playbook, but maybe by hearing our story, you’ll find some comfort or connection. So grab a tissue, settle in, and let’s talk about life, loss, and everything in between. Trust me, this one’s from the heart. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 5 of MENTALk! This one is deep. I open up about a wreck that changed my life forever, losing two incredible people—Taylor and Megan—and how it’s impacted everyone around me, including their family and mine. I dive into the guilt I carry as the driver, the emotional struggle, and the ongoing process of healing. You'll hear about my relationship with Taylor’s family, especially her father, Tim, who allowed me to move in after everything, and how we both tried to navigate life after such a devastating loss. I share the raw, painful details of trying to move forward—going back to school, struggling with holidays, and even how losing my dog, Izzy, took away the last connection I had with Taylor. It’s been a long, difficult road of processing trauma, but I’m talking through it because maybe someone out there is facing their own storm. This episode is heavy, but if you or someone you know has been through anything similar, I hope you find something here that resonates. And if you ever need to talk or share your own story, hit me up. Let’s keep the conversation going—this is just the beginning. Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. Stay strong, and remember, you're not alone.   Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text In this episode, I’m diving into something I’ve been dreading since the start of this podcast—one of the hardest stories of my life. This episode gets personal as I talk about someone who had a huge impact on me—my first love, Taylor. We met back in middle school, and although we didn’t start dating right away, she became my best friend and eventually my girlfriend. We had our ups and downs, but she helped shape who I am today.   This episode isn’t just about a relationship; it’s about the growth, the mistakes, and the impact Taylor and her family had on me. Her father, Tim, especially became like a dad to me. He was always there—whether it was helping me with my car or supporting me during tough times, he was my rock.    But as much as this episode is about love and friendship, it’s also about loss. Something happened that changed my life forever—an event I’ll talk about more in the next episode. This story is tough to share, and I want to give it the time and attention it deserves, which is why I’m splitting it into two parts. So, hang in there with me as I work through this emotional journey. I promise, next episode I’ll dive deeper into the accident, what happened afterward, and how I’ve been coping. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced, but I know it’s a story that needs to be told. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text In this episode, I dive deep into my personal story—growing up with my family’s struggles, the challenges we faced with my dad’s absence, and my mom doing her best to hold things together. I share some tough memories, like walking in to find both of my parents passed out from substance abuse, and how we were able to move back with family and start fresh.    Through all the chaos, sports—especially football—became my safe haven, giving me an outlet to deal with the stress, anger, and everything else I didn’t know how to handle. Football wasn’t just a game; it was my escape, where I could leave all the problems behind and focus on the field. I also talk about the importance of community and how much help we received from family, friends, and coaches. Without them, I don’t know where we’d be today.   I reflect on how difficult it was to ask for help and how that’s something a lot of men struggle with. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that it’s okay to lean on others. If you’re struggling, I encourage you to reach out—there’s always someone willing to help.    Tune in as I share more about finding my way through the tough times and how football, family, and community shaped who I am today. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text In this episode of MENTALk, I start from the beginning, sharing my story. I talk about growing up, constantly moving from place to place, and living through some really tough times. We moved a lot when I was young, going from state to state, and I remember how hard it was to make friends and feel settled. My mom was diagnosed with CIDP, a condition that made it hard for her to walk and work, and my dad struggled with alcohol. As a kid, I spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals with my mom, and it was tough seeing her health decline. Eventually, my family got split up when Child Protective Services took me and my brother away. We ended up in foster care, moving from one house to another, and it felt like I was separated from my whole world. That experience changed me, and for a long time, I was angry at the world and just wanted to be back with my family. But over time, we were able to reunite, and things got a little better, though there were still ups and downs. We went through a lot as a family, from my mom's health struggles to financial hardships, to dealing with the trauma of it all. I talk about what it was like going to school, trying to get through the day, and even simple things like going shopping with my mom in her wheelchair. This episode is just the beginning of my story—there’s a lot more to share about the challenges we faced and the journey that shaped who I am today. I hope by sharing this, it helps someone out there feel a little less alone. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!

Send us a text In this first episode of MENTALk, I introduce myself and share a bit about my story and why I started this podcast. I talk about growing up with a disabled mom and an alcoholic dad, spending time in foster care, and dealing with the loss of people I loved—especially my two kids. I've never been diagnosed with depression or PTSD, but I've definitely struggled with both, and this podcast is my way of opening up about all of that. My goal with MENTALk is to create a space where men can talk about their feelings and break the stigma around mental health. We don’t always get a platform to share our emotions, and I want this to be that space, not just for men but for everyone—women, kids, anyone who wants to understand what we go through. I’m going to share my story over these episodes, but I also want to bring other people on to share theirs, from friends to business owners to anyone who has something important to say. At the end of the day, if this podcast helps even one person survive, heal, or cope, then I’ll feel like I’ve done my job. So stick with me—I’m going to keep it real, share my journey, and hopefully help someone else through theirs. Thank you for tuning in to my podcast! I truly appreciate your support. To stay updated on all the latest episodes and content, be sure to follow me on my social media platforms: Facebook Instagram YouTube  Website  Episode Idea Form  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Podcast Your continued engagement means the world to me. Thank you for being apart of this journey!