Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready?
Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor.
John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog.
Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.
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Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready?
Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor.
John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog.
Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.
Taking Off the Mask: The Conversation Every Man Needs - Episode 108
Grit Meets Growth
32 minutes
4 months ago
Taking Off the Mask: The Conversation Every Man Needs - Episode 108
On today’s episode, we’re hitting record on a Friday—our favorite day to sit down and reflect—and we’ve got a lot to unpack. With June being Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, this conversation goes deep into what it really means to be strong, to wear the mask, and more importantly, what it looks like to take it off. We’re talking about the internal battles men face daily, the lies we tell ourselves, and the need for real conversations, real community, and real healing. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to be "fine" when you’re not, this one’s for you.
It’s time to drop the act and get honest—because that’s where the growth happens. Let’s go.
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5 Insights from This Episode: Strength Isn't Silence — It's Honesty. Real strength comes from vulnerability and truth, not from pretending everything’s okay. Being willing to say “I’m not doing great” takes more courage than staying silent.
The Mask We Wear Is Heavy. Men often wear a mask of strength, success, and control—but underneath, many are struggling. Taking off the mask starts with real conversations and safe spaces to be yourself.
You’re Not Meant to Do Life Alone. The lone wolf mindset doesn’t work. Growth, healing, and strength are found in the pack—in community, accountability, and surrounding yourself with people who care enough to check in and stay for the answer.
Journaling Helps Reveal Patterns. Writing down your thoughts consistently creates clarity. It helps you recognize emotional patterns and mental health red flags you might otherwise miss in the daily chaos.
Your Struggles Are a Calling, Not a Punishment. That weight you're carrying isn’t a curse—it’s a sign you’re built for more. Instead of asking for the load to be lifted, ask for the strength to carry it and grow through it.
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One Truth:You can’t fix what you won’t face. Healing starts when you stop ignoring the hard stuff and choose to look it in the eye.
Grit Meets Growth
Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready?
Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor.
John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog.
Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.