This episode: Speak Your Mind: Mario Spano From Trauma to Truth and the Power of Men’s Mental Health.   Here’s what you’ll learn about: Introduction and Purpose of the Interview (0:07) Host Drew Deraney welcomes Guest Mario Spano and thanks him for joining the podcast. Drew explains the purpose of the interview, emphasizing the importance of guests being good human beings and contributing to the community. He mentions that Mario stands out from his competitors due to his unique approach and contributions. Drew introduces the concept of life's non-linear nature and the three types of men: those who are blind to adversity, those who see it as a barrier, and those who see it as an opportunity. Mario's Defining Moment (3:05) Drew asks Mario about the defining moment that transformed him from his past self to his current self. Mario reflects on his childhood and the dissonance he felt, including family trauma and substance abuse. He shares his decision to move out of his father's house at 18 and his intense focus on achieving success through hard work and education. Mario discusses the impact of his first child's birth, which was traumatic and led to a deep realization of his disconnection from his true self. Impact of Son’s Traumatic Childbirth (8:19) Mario describes the traumatic birth experience of his son Oliver, including a 36-hour labor and a C-section. He explains how the traumatic birth led to his first experience with depression and a realization of his disconnection from his heart and soul. Mario reflects on his previous life of overachieving and living for others, and how the birth of his child forced him to confront his true self. Drew and Mario discuss the concept of "gifts wrapped in sandpaper" and how difficult experiences can lead to personal growth. Personal and Professional Changes (14:46) Mario talks about the end of his marriage and the challenges of co-parenting from a distance. He shares his journey of self-discovery, including yoga, meditation, and spiritual exploration. Mario explains his transition from a corporate job to pursuing his passion for starting businesses and solving problems. He discusses the creation of his nonprofit, Speak Your Mind, which focuses on mental health awareness for men. Growth of Speak Your Mind (16:12) Mario provides an update on the growth of Speak Your Mind, including its social media presen...