Mental Health Episodes

Doug Fleener on Sobriety, Self-Trust, and the “What If” Rule: Pause, Question, Go On Real Men Feel, Andy Grant talks with Doug Fleener, author of Start with What If, about how asking better questions can spark practical change. Doug shares how addiction and bankrupting his family business led to a pivotal interruption—“What if today you just went today without drink or drug?”—launching nearly four decades of sobriety. They discuss why men often wait for “rock bottom,” how shame thrives in isolat...

From Busy Brain to Loving Heart: Howard Steinberg on Trauma, Achievement, and Authentic Masculinity Host Andy Grant interviews Howard Steinberg, author of Confessions of a Problem Seeker, about how compulsive hyperthinking and achievement masked inherited trauma from being raised by Holocaust survivors, plus the fear and isolation shaped by a childhood type 1 diabetes diagnosis and a likely undiagnosed ADHD. Steinberg describes building an outwardly successful identity as an entrepreneur while l...

Emotional Fitness: Redefining Strength Through Self-Love and Vulnerability Host Andy Grant welcomes Shaun Zetlin—master fitness trainer, motivational speaker, and author of Emotional Fitness—who defines “emotional fitness” as empowering yourself emotionally through exercise and releasing emotions stored in the body. Shaun shares how being born with club feet, being picked last, and a humiliating kickball incident where a camp counselor yelled, “What a loser,” led him to survive on shame and fuel...

Reinvention, Grief, and Identity After Corporate Life On Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant talks with reinvention coach Shelley McIntyre about why workplace change triggers resistance rooted in grief and fear of loss, explained through self-determination theory’s three needs: autonomy, competence, and connection. McIntyre distinguishes reinvention coaching from career coaching by focusing on identity questions—when high achievers feel they’ve “masked” themselves with competence, status, and titles,...

From Burnout to Boundaries: Clarity, Values, and Life Reboot Host Andy Grant interviews coach Loren Silverman, who helps overwhelmed high performers set healthier boundaries, clarify values, and rebuild steadier lives, including through his gamified 12-week “Life Reboot Nerd Edition” (a Dungeons & Dragons-style framework where clients “level up” real-life skills like boundaries and energy mastery). Silverman shares his own burnout and how the 2022 Ukraine invasion—impacting his Ukrainian dev tea...

Betrayal, Shame & Rebuilding Trust: The Therapy Brothers on Real Recovery On Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant talks with licensed clinicians Brannon Patrick and Tyler Patrick (the Therapy Brothers) about betrayal, shame, trust, and recovery after relationship rupture. They share what drew them into trauma, addiction, infidelity, and betrayal work, why men often seek help only after disclosure or rock bottom, and how fear of rejection and “unlovability” drives hiding, overperforming, and defensiven...

Success, Intuition, and Purpose: Paul Davis on Unlocking Your Genius Host Andy Grant interviews business growth consultant and intuitive advisor Paul Davis about aligning business success with purpose, meaning, and self-care. Davis explains that financial turnarounds don’t last if the owner’s mindset, beliefs, and unresolved childhood trauma aren’t addressed, citing ACE scores and how fear, shame, and guilt can escalate depression and suicidal ideation. He shares his own lifelong suicidal though...

Rebuilding After Betrayal, Divorce, and the Dead Bedroom: Ralph Brewer on Men, Shame, and Support Host Andy Grant interviews men’s coach Ralph Brewer about rebuilding after infidelity, divorce, and relationship collapse. Ralph shares his own experience of being divorced within 60 days after his spouse’s infidelity and becoming a single father of three, including how he blamed himself for years and later learned he couldn’t control another person’s choices. He explains how therapy and connecting ...

Midlife Identity, Men Speaking Up, and Finding Fulfillment After 50 Andy Grant interviews UK-based Philip Briscoe, host of the Mid-life Men Podcast, about his midlife turning point at 50 after leaving a tech job where he felt undervalued and realizing he didn’t know who he was beyond work. Philip describes how stress and lack of fulfillment contributed to depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and lifestyle-related health issues including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and fatty liver,...

Overcoming Life's Inner Prisons In this compelling episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant interviews Matt Melvin, author of 'Bullied Behind Bars.' Matt shares his harrowing experiences of incarceration, bullying, and isolation, focusing on the mental prison of blame and anger that lingered long after his physical release. The conversation delves into the challenges many men face, such as shame, fear, and past trauma, and discusses the importance of emotional survival, men's groups, and what i...

From Silence to Strength: A Veteran's Journey In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant interviews Louis Stockley Jr., an army veteran, father, coach, and founder of Before 22. Louis shares his story of serving 17 years in military and federal service, facing emotional shutdowns, and nearly losing his family to his video game addiction. He discusses the pressures of masculinity, how the military shaped him, and the harrowing experiences of transitioning to civilian life. Louis also talks...

Breaking the Chains: Reframing Trauma In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant talks with Eugene Z. Bertrand, a master of social work candidate at Columbia University, advocate for trauma-informed mental healthcare, and first-time author. Eugene discusses his journey of turning pain into purpose by reframing trauma as resilience and the significance of vulnerability for healing. Topics include dismantling myths and stigma around domestic violence, betting on oneself, the intersection of...

Overcoming Addiction and Adversity: The Kelley Gulledge Story In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant speaks with former professional baseball player Kelley Gulledge, who shares his powerful journey from battling crack cocaine addiction to achieving sobriety and overcoming multiple sclerosis. Kelley opens up about his struggles, the pivotal moments that led to his recovery, and the importance of faith, family, and perseverance. This inspirational conversation delves into the depths of ...

Transformational Healing: A Journey Through Trauma In this episode of 'Real Men Feel,' host Andy Grant engages in a profound conversation with Kerry Blaser, a mother, shaman, and author who has transformed her life from academic and corporate settings to profound healing work following her struggles with pain and trauma. Kerry shares her journey from a suicide attempt to embracing her psychic gifts and using them to heal herself and others. She discusses the critical role men, such as Andrew Tat...

Healing the Father Wound: Kevin Palmieri's Journey to Self-Worth In this powerful episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant welcomes Kevin Palmieri, founder and co-host of the Next Level University podcast. Kevin shares his transformative experience of meeting his father for the first time at age 27 and how it shaped his life. From dealing with imposter syndrome in his youth to overcoming rock bottom moments and contemplating suicide, Kevin's journey exemplifies resilience and personal growth. T...

Overcoming Trauma and Embracing Vulnerability In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant engages in a heartfelt conversation with Aaron Gambel, an impact-driven life coach and men's group facilitator. Aaron shares his personal journey through a pivotal moment that led him to prioritize his mental health and ultimately pursue a mission to lower male suicide rates. Drawing on his experiences with divorce and emotional healing, Aaron offers insightful commentary on rewriting one's story, fac...

Embracing Vulnerability In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant speaks with Dawud Wallace, a speaker, entrepreneur, and advocate for emotional wellness rather than suppressing them, and advocates for creating safe spaces for men to share and support one another, especially among Black men. They discuss themes such as caregiving, grief, mental health, and masculinity. Dawud shares his personal experiences of caring for his sick mother from a young age, dealing with grief, and the import...

Exploring Vulnerability: Nick Jonsson on Executive Loneliness and Mental Health In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant talks with Nick Jonsson, a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and mental health advocate. Nick shares his personal struggles with loneliness and isolation despite outward success, his battle with alcoholism, and how hitting rock bottom led him to ask for help. They discuss the stigma around male vulnerability, the unique pressures facing high-achieving men, and practic...

Embracing Vulnerability: A New Vision for Men's Mental Health In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant welcomes therapist, author, and speaker Ethan Getchell. After a personal tragedy with the suicide of his younger brother Austin, Ethan shifted his career to focus on men's mental health. He discusses the importance of vulnerability, the impact of digital relationships, the challenges young men face today, and the differences between therapy and coaching. Ethan also shares insights into...

Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils for Men's Wellness In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant is joined by Corinne L. Casazza, an international bestselling author and essential oils coach. They explore the benefits of essential oils as a tool for mental and emotional wellness. Corinne explains the origin of essential oils, their applications, and the effects they have on emotions and mood. She shares her journey with essential oils and offers practical tips on how men can incorpora...

Chris Coulter shares his heartbreaking experience of losing his daughter Maddie to suicide and how he channeled his grief into creating the Mentor Well, an online mentoring service designed to provide emotional support to young people.

Ritchie Nkana shares key insights into maintaining mental and physical well-being, preventing burnout, and achieving holistic success.

Discovering Inner Peace: A Radical Approach to Stress with Dean Graves In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant is joined by Dean Graves, a spiritual philosopher, author, and coach, to delve into the complex phenomenon of stress. Together, they explore the deeper meanings of stress, why men experience it more intensely, and how to address it beyond mere coping mechanisms. Dean provides a unique perspective, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and emotional honest...

Embracing Vulnerability and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Kendra Dahlstrom In this episode of Real Men Feel, Andy Grant welcomes executive coach and speaker Kendra Dahlstrom to discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome and its impact on high achievers, especially men. Kendra shares her experiences with imposter thoughts and highlights the importance of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and authenticity in leadership. Together, they explore the significance of integrating personal wort...