In this raw and honest episode of Better MENtal Health, we open up about the insecurities we've carried, from being a late bloomer and feeling small, to hair loss, social anxiety, public speaking fears, impostor syndrome, and everything in between.

We dive into:

• How comments from others (even years ago) still shape our self-image
• Why some insecurities live in silence for too long
• How opening up can rewire shame
• And what we’re learning in therapy and life about reclaiming self-worth

Subscribe for weekly episodes that destigmatize men's mental health and build connections through real, vulnerable conversations.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro: Why We’re Talking About Insecurities

1:06 – Blake: “I was always the small one”

4:30 – Jamie: Middle school, puberty, and height anxiety

7:55 – Blair: No body hair, skinny arms, and internalizing comments

10:48 – Humor as a shield & deflecting with jokes

12:12 – When external comments land as deep shame

14:30 – Blair: Being a “late bloomer” emotionally and physically

16:00 – Jamie: Balding, over-fixating, and identity shifts

19:20 – Blake: The shame of public speaking and insecurity in group settings

22:05 – Blair: "Am I smart enough?" and math anxiety

23:30 – Insecurity in non-monogamy and comparison culture

25:55 – The power of voicing insecurities out loud

27:00 – Letting go of shame and rewriting internal scripts

#MensMentalHealth #Insecurities #BetterMENtalHealth #HairLoss #BodyImage #ImposterSyndrome #SocialAnxiety #TherapyForMen #MentalHealthAwareness #VulnerabilityIsStrength

In this episode, Blair and Blake (Jamie’s out this week) get personal about their own therapy experiences: the good, the awkward, and the deeply human.

We talk about:

- How hard it can be to find a therapist you actually connect with

- What it’s like to leave a therapist when it’s not working

- Why in-person vs. virtual therapy hits differently

- Our own mental health struggles around things like insecurity, imposter syndrome, and hair loss

- The difference between individual therapy and group therapy

- Why therapy isn't just for "big" trauma — and how "little" traumas affect us too

- What to look for in a therapist (even if you're not totally sure what you need yet)

- And how opening up can feel terrifying — but also completely life-giving

This episode is for the guy who’s thought about therapy but doesn’t know where to start.

🎧 Got a therapy story or question? Drop it in the comments or DM us — we want to hear from you.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Welcome and Jamie’s absence

0:45 – Why we’re sharing our therapy journeys

1:56 – Finding a therapist through the “No More Mr. Nice Guy” community

3:08 – Individual therapy vs. group therapy experiences

6:34 – Ending a therapy relationship: Blair’s story

10:00 – Do we prefer in-person or virtual therapy?

13:10 – When therapy just isn’t clicking

15:00 – The “dating” analogy of finding a therapist

17:00 – Why opening up feels risky, especially for men

18:45 – Balding, confidence, and internalized shame

22:00 – Ketamine-assisted therapy and future mental health tools

26:00 – Imposter syndrome, self-worth, and men's identity

30:47 – Why we sometimes stay too long with the wrong therapist

34:00 – What a first therapy session actually feels like

36:00 – “Are my problems big enough for therapy?”

38:40 – Big T vs. little t trauma explained

41:00 – Nuance, invalidation, and why most people carry trauma

45:00 – “You’re just paying someone to care about you” myth

47:50 – Why most therapists do genuinely care

50:30 – The emotional toll of suppressing vs. expressing

54:00 – Why therapy takes courage — and why it matters

#BetterMentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #TherapyForMen #MentalHealthPodcast #FindingATherapist #MenInTherapy #DestigmatizeTherapy #VulnerabilityIsStrength #EmotionalHealth #GroupTherapy #KetamineTherapy #LeavingYourTherapist #TalkTherapy #NiceGuySyndrome #MensSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #MensHealingJourney #PodcastForMen #SelfWorth #ImposterSyndrome #TherapyJourney #HairLossConfidence

In this episode of Better MENtal Health, Blair, Jamie, and Blake dive into one of the most controversial corners of the internet: the manosphere. We explore how red pill rhetoric, alpha male myths, incel forums, and influencer culture have built an entire ecosystem that both addresses and manipulates male emotional pain.

This conversation examines how we ourselves could have been pulled into this world, what makes it appealing, and how we can create healthier spaces for men to be seen, heard, and supported.

00:00 – Intro: What is the Manosphere?
01:30 – Red pill ideology explained
03:10 – Jordan Peterson, fitness influencers & the gateway effect
06:00 – How “science” gets twisted to justify misogyny
08:20 – False sense of community vs true connection
10:00 – Why some men turn anger into ideology
12:00 – The algorithm’s role in radicalization
14:30 – How we almost got pulled into it
17:00 – The teen male experience & sex-driven content
20:30 – High stakes masculinity & social status obsession
22:00 – When manosphere content turns violent
24:00 – Critical thinking, empathy & manipulation
27:00 – “Simp” culture & shame around emotional connection
30:00 – Alpha male myth debunked
32:00 – The Joe Rogan dilemma: curiosity vs controversy
35:00 – Why men need to speak to men
38:00 – Group therapy as antidote to manosphere
40:00 – Rage clicks, influencers, and the business of anger
42:00 – Victimhood, MRA, and backlash to feminism
45:00 – Why patriarchy harms everyone
48:00 – Final thoughts + call to action

Let’s talk: Are you a former manosphere follower? Just learning about it? Curious?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—we welcome every perspective.
Referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgO25FTwfRI&t=5716s&ab_channel=m%C3%BCnecat

#MensMentalHealth #Manosphere #RedPill #AlphaMaleMyth #BetterMentalHealth #AndrewTate #JoeRogan #JordanPeterson #FreshAndFit #Masculinity #IncelCulture #PodcastClip #MentalHealthAwareness #EmpathyNotAnger #RedPillDebunked

Why is anger the only emotion many men feel safe expressing? In this episode of Better MENtal Health, we dive into the role anger plays in men’s lives—from suppressed emotions to explosive outbursts. We share vulnerable personal stories (yes, even punching walls and slamming doors), explore the influence of figures like Andrew Tate, and discuss how childhood, trauma, alcohol, and societal norms shape how men express (or hide) their rage.

Whether it’s righteous anger or misdirected pain, this episode helps unpack what’s really going on beneath the surface—and what we can do about it.

⏱️ Topics include:

Why anger can be healthy (or harmful)

Righteous rage vs. reactive outbursts

The link between embarrassment, control, and anger

The role of therapy, physical outlets, and parenting in managing anger

00:00 Introduction to Better Mental Health Podcast

00:24 Blake's Anger Triggered by Andrew Tate

03:05 Righteous Anger and Making Change

11:23 Jamie and Blair Discuss Anger Management

14:30 Personal Stories of Anger Outbursts

27:13 Intergenerational Anger and Trauma

32:46 Small Frustrations vs. Big Issues

33:56 Therapy and Anger Exploration

34:35 Sports as an Anger Outlet

37:18 College Memories and Anger

40:42 Healthy Outlets for Anger

52:43 Alcohol and Anger

56:17 Recognizing Anger Triggers

59:38 Conclusion and Call to Action

#MensMentalHealth #Anger #BetterMentalHealthPodcast #RighteousAnger #AndrewTate #ToxicMasculinity #EmotionalHealth #TherapyForMen #MaleVulnerability #MentalHealthAwareness #Fatherhood #EmotionalIntelligence #breakingthestigma

In today's episode, Jamie, Blake, and Blair come together in person for the first time to discuss a heavy but essential topic: death. They share personal experiences, their beliefs about death, and how these experiences have shaped their lives. Blair delves into his direct encounters with the sudden loss of his parents and how these affected his mental health journey. The conversation also touches on the fears and unknowns surrounding death, the impact of experiencing someone else's death, and how to support friends going through such grief. The episode emphasizes the importance of community and the non-linear nature of grief.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Reunion

00:19 Today's Topic: Death and Personal Experiences

00:39 Blair's Personal Story of Loss

01:26 Discussing Relationships with Death

02:22 Christian Science and Death

03:42 Blair's First Experience with Death

04:52 Near-Death Experiences and Beliefs

09:03 Coping with Loss and Grief

16:27 Supporting Friends Through Grief

25:35 Therapy and Grieving Process

31:12 Facing the Unknown

31:26 Differing Views on the Afterlife

32:37 A Personal Experience with Signs

34:37 Mushroom Trip Reflections

37:45 Ayahuasca and Ego Death

39:48 Parenthood and the Fear of Death

46:15 Witnessing Death

57:34 Concluding Thoughts on Death

If you've ever struggled with loss, grief, or making sense of death, you're not alone. We hope this conversation helps you feel a little more seen.

👉 How has grief or loss shaped your own mental health journey? Share your story in the comments — we’d love to hear from you.

🧠 Subscribe for more real conversations about men's mental health, emotional growth, and building community.

📧 Email us: hello@better-mental.com

🎥 YouTube:

/ @bettermentalhealth-89

📸 Instagram:

/ bettermentalhealthpodcast

🌐 Website: www.better-mental.com

#Grief #MentalHealth #BetterMENtalHealth #Death #ChristianScience #MensMentalHealth #NearDeathExperiences #HealingJourney

In this episode of Better Mental Health, hosts Blair and Jamie delve into their friend Stefan’s powerful and personal story. Stefan opens up about his mental health journey, focusing on his experiences and challenges with family dynamics, parentification, and therapy. He discusses growing up in a small, isolated community in Northern California, dealing with a hair-picking disorder (trichotillomania), and the difficult process of setting and maintaining boundaries with his parents. The conversation emphasizes the importance of therapy, emotional fortitude, and breaking free from childhood patterns to build a healthier adult life. Stefan also shares insights on the impact of his own path to understanding mental health and how it is shaping his approach to parenting his young daughter. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, the complexities of family relationships, and the value of creating a supportive community around men's mental health.

00:00 Introduction to Better Mental Health Podcast

00:09 Meet Stefan: A Journey into Mental Health

02:00 Stefan's Background and Upbringing

04:07 The Struggle with Trichotillomania

06:01 Therapy and Emotional Unlearning

08:22 Blair's Therapy Breakthrough

12:08 Childhood Emotional Dynamics

17:52 Navigating Family Boundaries

25:27 The Challenge of Setting Boundaries

34:25 Learning About Parenthood

34:35 The Power Dynamic in Parent-Child Relationships

35:18 Acceptance and Parenting Decisions

36:22 Personal Stories of Acceptance

41:48 Therapy and Emotional Growth

43:13 Exploring Different Therapy Techniques

53:35 The Impact of Family Therapy

57:27 Finding the Right Therapist

59:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in this episode:

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23129659-adult-children-of-emotionally-immature-parents

Share Your Thoughts, drop a comment, and give us a follow!

📧 Email us: hello@better-mental.com

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bettermentalhealth-89

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettermentalhealthpodcast

🌐 Website: www.better-mental.com

#BetterMentalHealthPodcast #MensMentalHealth #TherapyJourney #BreakingGenerationalCycles #FamilyDynamics #Parentification #TrichotillomaniaAwareness #EmotionalHealing #CycleBreakers #ConsciousParenting #MentalHealthMatters #VulnerabilityIsStrength #ShareYourStory #SupportEachOther

In this episode of Better Mental Health, hosts Jamie, Blake, and Blair dive deep into the often-taboo topic of sex and its impact on relationships and mental health. They discuss personal experiences with sex therapy, the challenges of initiating sex, and the stigma surrounding therapy. Topics include the influence of porn, the importance of foreplay, and strategies for better sexual communication in marriages. Join them for an honest conversation aimed at de-stigmatizing these important issues and fostering better mental health for men.

00:00 Introduction to Better Mental Health Podcast

00:10 Diving into the Topic of Sex

00:25 Jamie’s Experience with Sex Therapy

01:13 Stigma Around Therapy

01:47 Challenges in Sexual Relationships

03:10 The Role of Porn in Relationships

05:00 Initiating Sex and Communication

14:35 Scheduling Sex and Its Impact

17:38 The Importance of Open Communication

23:49 Exploring Kink and Uncommunicated Desires

26:16 Addressing Awful Behavior and Lack of Education

26:20 The Impact of Porn on Perceptions of Sex

26:44 The Importance of Discussing Sex and Toxic Behavior

28:18 Understanding Incel Culture

29:45 The Role of Community and Influence

31:12 Respect and Boundaries in BDSM and Kink

33:02 Exploring Sex Therapy and Media

37:11 The Concept of Foreplay and Communication

42:40 The Orgasm Gap and Men's Role in Sexual Satisfaction

45:47 Healthy Relationships with Porn

50:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Namita Caen - Sex Therapist: https://sexandintimacycoaching.com/

Sex, Love, and Goop - Netflix Series: https://www.netflix.com/title/81459349

Sex Box - Sex Therapy Reality Show: https://www.hulu.com/series/sex-box-300da4cd-a8cd-49a8-9193-488e275b1070

Share Your Thoughts, drop a comment, give us a follow!

📧 Email us: hello@better-mental.com

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bettermentalhealth-89

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettermentalhealthpodcast

🌐 Website: www.better-mental.com

#MentalHealthForMen #SexTherapy #BetterRelationships #DeStigmatizeTherapy #PornInfluence #CommunicationInMarriage #MensMentalHealth #NormalizeSex

In this episode of Better Mental Health, we dive into the challenges of loneliness and its impact on mental health. We share personal experiences of moving to new cities, feeling isolated, and how we coped with loneliness. We also discuss the value of community, the role of therapy, and how modern societal changes affect our sense of connection. Join us for a heartfelt conversation aimed at destigmatizing loneliness and fostering deeper community ties.

Topics Covered:

00:00 Introduction to Better Mental Health

00:28 Discussing Loneliness and Personal Experiences

03:48 Challenges of Making New Connections

09:02 The Impact of Life Transitions

11:42 High School Loneliness and Its Long-Term Effects

20:38 Strategies for Overcoming Loneliness

27:25 The Role of Community in Mental Health

28:59 Exploring Jordan Peterson's Influence

29:48 The Vacuum of Liberal Male Leadership

30:53 The Role of Masculinity in Society

34:42 COVID-19 and the Impact on Social Connections

39:49 The Romanticization of the Past

42:42 Embracing Loneliness and Solitude

50:27 The Importance of Therapy and Community

52:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you've ever felt lonely or are seeking ways to build a supportive community, this episode is for you. You’re not alone! Let’s navigate these challenges together.

Share Your Thoughts: Have you had a similar experience?

Drop a comment!

📧 Email us: hello@better-mental.com

🎥 YouTube: /@bettermentalhealth-89

📸 Instagram: /bettermentalhealthpodcast

🌐 Website: www.better-mental.com

#Loneliness #MentalHealthMatters #Community #BuildingConnection #BetterMentalHealth #MaleLonelinessEpidemic #LonelinessEpidemic #MensMentalHealth