This solo episode is a heartfelt message to every father navigating Father’s Day. Whether things are going well, feel uncertain, or feel completely overwhelming, this conversation is for you. I want to speak to the dads showing up the best they can, the ones who feel misunderstood, those who are hurting from disconnection, and the ones who don’t fit anyone’s narrative. I also want to acknowledge everyone who has stepped into a fatherhood role, regardless of title or relation.
There’s no one-size-fits-all experience when it comes to being a dad, and on a day that can carry so much weight, I just want you to know that your pain, your presence, and your effort matters. If today is hard, you are not alone. Please don’t give up on them, and please don’t give up on yourself.
Happy Father’s Day. I see you. I hear you. I appreciate you.
Disclaimer: This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult your medical and/or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.
If you are in the United States and in crisis or need someone to talk to, please contact:
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1
Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.
Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.
For comments, questions, topic ideas, or possible collaborations, please email daryl@darylperry.com
In this solo episode, I’m kicking off Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month with a daily challenge that can truly make a difference. Whether you’re a guy or not, you have a role to play in changing the way we approach men’s mental and emotional well-being. It all starts with one simple but powerful action… checking in.
If you’re not a guy, I want you to check in on a man in your life every single day. That one text, call, or message could mean more than you realize. If you are a guy, the challenge is twofold. Check in on another guy each day and also tell at least one person how you’re feeling. Start with honesty. It could be the same person. It could be someone different every day. What matters is creating the habit.
These consistent conversations are what break the silence. They build connection. They make being open and vulnerable a normal part of life. The more we do this, the more we reduce the stigma that says men have to hold everything in. The more we speak up, the easier it gets. And the lighter we begin to feel.
This challenge is starting in June, but it’s something we can all carry forward well beyond the month. Men deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported every day of the year. Let’s do this together.
Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.
Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.
For comments, questions, topic ideas, or possible collaborations, please email daryl@darylperry.com
Disclaimer:
This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and/or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.
If you are in the United States and need immediate help:
Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Or visit 988lifeline.org
In this episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about one of the most important things we can do to improve not only our mental and emotional health but our relationships as a whole. That is, creating an environment for communication. I walk through how this shows up in every kind of relationship… romantic, family, work, friends… and how often we don’t realize that we’re shutting people down when we think we’re just responding.
We touch on how triggers, insecurities, and misunderstandings can lead to defensive reactions and finger-pointing. The truth is, communication is complex. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing to observe, reflect, and try again. I also talk about how so much of what we see online, especially in men’s spaces, pushes absolutes that don’t help anyone.
Real progress starts with understanding. It starts with us. First, we have to acknowledge that we even feel things. Then we have to make space for those feelings in ourselves and the people around us. It’s not easy. It’s ongoing. But the better we get at it, the better our relationships will be.
Let this episode be a reminder that you’re allowed to feel things. That working on communication takes practice. And that therapy, especially when you find the right fit, can help you build the tools to support yourself and your connections with others.
Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.
Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.
For comments, questions, topic ideas, or possible collaborations, please email daryl@darylperry.com.
Disclaimer
This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and/or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.
If you are in the United States and are experiencing a crisis, please contact:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Or go to your nearest emergency room
In this solo episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I’m diving deep into the emotional experience that so many men carry quietly... the internal conversation we avoid. This episode is about unpacking the outdated idea that feeling emotions as a man makes you weak. We talk about what it really means to sit with your thoughts, how emotional suppression isolates us, and how vulnerability is not weakness, it’s connection.
You might have tried opening up before and been hurt by the way someone used your vulnerability against you. I hear that a lot. And while everyone’s story is different, the reality is that being open says more about your courage than it ever will about your flaws. In this episode, I’ll also share how therapy has helped me see patterns I couldn’t see on my own, and why I encourage you to keep trying even if your first experience didn’t go well.
We live in a world where it’s easier to numb than to feel. But all that pain we avoid... it catches up. Whether through unhealthy habits or quiet isolation, it’s still there. And the only way forward is through it. That starts with acknowledging it. Talking about it. Feeling it. That’s what these episodes are here for.
So let’s keep the conversation going. It starts with you. And it starts right here.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and/or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.
If you are in the United States and need immediate support, please use the following resources:
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential treatment referrals
Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.
Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.
For comments, questions, topic ideas, or possible collaborations, please email daryl@darylperry.com
In this solo episode, I’m talking directly to the guys… and to anyone who cares about the men in their life. We’re in the middle of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, but instead of just rattling off stats and moving on, I want to focus on something deeper. I want to help you start a conversation. With others, yes. But also with yourself.
This episode is all about recognizing the weight you’ve been carrying. The silence. The sadness. The pressure to “man up” and keep everything to yourself. I get why it’s hard to open up. Maybe you’ve done it before and it blew up in your face. Maybe you think no one will understand. Maybe you’ve convinced yourself it’s just easier to keep things in. But here’s the truth… those emotions are still there. And they’re going to find a way out eventually.
I talk about what it’s like to sit in your feelings. To really listen to yourself. To consider therapy. To build a circle of people who don’t just tolerate your vulnerability but actually respect it. It’s not easy. It takes work. But you can do it. And I believe it’s one of the strongest things a man can do.
You don’t have to go it alone. There are people who will support you. But the first step is to open the door. This episode is that invitation.
Disclaimer: This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and/or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a licensed mental health professional.
If you are in the United States and are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact:
- 911
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.
Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.
For comments, questions, topic ideas, or possible collaborations, email daryl@darylperry.com
In this episode, Daryl opens up about the real-life challenges men face when it comes to emotional health and therapy. Through personal experiences and feedback from his audience, he reflects on why therapy isn’t a magic fix, but an essential starting point. He unpacks the weight many men carry, how society has conditioned emotional suppression, and why trying therapy—even if it feels uncomfortable or unproductive at first—is a powerful step forward. Whether you’ve had positive or negative experiences with therapy, or haven’t tried it yet, this conversation is here to validate your feelings and remind you that you’re not alone. Daryl also discusses his new social series promoting mental health awareness and explains how wearing a message like “You can’t heal what you avoid” can help put a face to these important conversations.
If you’re a guy who has tried therapy and it didn’t work, Daryl sees you. If you haven’t tried yet, he encourages you to take the step. The message is simple... go to therapy, and let’s keep the conversation going.
This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.
If you are in the United States and are in crisis or need immediate help, please contact:
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Emergency services: Call 911
Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.
Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.
For comments, questions, topic ideas, or collaboration inquiries, email: daryl@darylperry.com
Show Links
Buy Zach’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Zachary-Fenell/author/B006M49S6A
Check Out Zach’s Blog: https://www.zacharyfenell.com/blog/
Connect with Zach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacharyfenell/
Email Zach: contact@zacharyfenell.com
In this episode, I sit down with Zachary Fenell, an author, blogger, and endurance athlete who shares his journey of self-acceptance, personal growth, and mental resilience while living with cerebral palsy. Zach opens up about how writing became a therapeutic outlet for him, helping him process emotions, reframe challenges, and embrace his identity. We also discuss the impact of teachers and mentors, the power of words, and how a simple piece of encouragement can shape a life path.
Zach shares his marathon journey—something he once believed was impossible for him. He walks us through the mental and physical hurdles of training for and completing two marathons, emphasizing the importance of competing against yourself instead of comparing yourself to others. He also talks about the importance of staying present, adapting exercises to meet his needs, and using daily affirmations to stay connected with himself.
This conversation dives deep into mental health for men, how we process emotions, and why acknowledging negative feelings is just as important as reframing them. Zach talks about his approach to mental resilience, from intentional reflection to turning physical challenges into personal growth opportunities. Whether you're navigating your own mental health journey, looking for inspiration, or just need a reminder that progress is always possible, this episode is for you.
Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.
Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.
For comments, questions, topic ideas, or possible collaborations, please email daryl@darylperry.com.
Be sure to check out The Daryl Perry Podcast, my daily pod wherever you get your episodes!
darylperrypodcast.com
Please email any questions, thoughts or requests to be on this show to daryl@darylperry.com
In this episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, Daryl Perry sits down with Sam Chang to explore the complex world of red pill culture. They discuss how people are drawn into these spaces while searching for solutions to their struggles, the role of critical thinking in breaking free, and how fitness can be a tool for personal growth—or manipulation.
The conversation touches on the deeper need for self-awareness, emotional balance, and finding authentic connections in a world that often feels disconnected. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion.
Follow Sam on Instagram: @coachsamchang.
In this episode of The Men’s Body Image Series, Daryl Perry sits down with Sam Chang to explore what it means to truly accept oneself, especially when the body presents daily challenges. Sam shares his journey with cerebral palsy, the impact of chronic pain from herniated discs, and how his relationship with his body has shifted over time. The two dive deep into the intersections of body image, masculinity, mental health, and the societal pressures to “tough it out.” Join them as they discuss the importance of community, the value of therapy, and the ongoing journey toward self-acceptance.
Follow Sam on Instagram for more insights on mental health and fitness.
https://www.instagram.com/coachsamchang/
Watch this video to see what drive Sam's work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN70ydMfeXU
In Episode 10 of Season 2 of The Men's Body Image Series, Daryl Perry sits down again with James (@tacos_gets_fit) for an in-depth conversation on the emotional and mental challenges that come with body transformation. After losing 137 pounds, James discusses his ongoing battle with body dysmorphia, the “fat guy mentality,” and how wearing smaller clothes sometimes still feels uncomfortable. He emphasizes the importance of therapy, sitting in uncomfortable emotions, and the mental work that comes alongside physical changes. This episode is a deep dive into how men perceive themselves after weight loss and the critical role mental health plays in long-term self-acceptance.
Follow James on Instagram at @tacos_gets_fit for more updates on his journey.
In this episode of The Men's Body Image Series, Daryl Perry welcomes Brett (@becomingbrett) for an honest and insightful conversation about body image and the experiences many men face but rarely discuss. Brett shares his personal journey, reflecting on how his body image has evolved over the years, the pressure to meet societal expectations, and how growing up with certain physical challenges influenced his self-perception. Together, Daryl and Brett explore the subtle ways body image affects day-to-day life, from social interactions to personal growth. They also dive into how external judgments can shape internal struggles, and the role fitness plays in redefining one’s self-view.
Join Daryl and Brett as they open up about the reality of body image for men and how embracing vulnerability can lead to healing and self-acceptance.
Follow Brett on Instagram at @becomingbrett.
In this episode of The Men’s Body Image Series, host Daryl Perry welcomes back Eric (@ericg75__) for an in-depth discussion on body image struggles and how they intersect with family dynamics, self-comparison, and consistency. Eric opens up about growing up with a brother who excelled in sports and how that influenced his self-image. He reflects on the internal battles with weight fluctuation and the pressures of "looking the part." They dive into the emotional roller coaster of seeing progress in the mirror, only to be thrown off by an unflattering photo or a plateau on the scale. Eric’s story highlights the mental hurdles that often accompany physical goals, and the importance of finding small victories in the journey. Tune in to hear how these relatable challenges impact many men’s mental health and body image.
Follow Eric on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/ericg75__/
In this episode of The Men’s Body Image Series, host Daryl Perry welcomes back J for another deep conversation on the ongoing journey of body image. J reflects on his transformation over the past four years, navigating the highs and lows of self-perception after significant weight loss. Together, they discuss the emotional roller coaster of feeling confident one day and battling old mental habits the next. J opens up about his struggles with loose skin, societal expectations of the "ideal" male body, and the constant comparison trap that many men fall into. He also shares how mental toughness practices like 75 Hard have helped him maintain a positive mindset, despite the occasional mental setbacks. The episode wraps up with an insightful discussion on the importance of finding what truly fuels your drive and taking responsibility for your own life journey.
Follow J on Instagram: @maddysdaddy_vsg.
In this episode of The Men’s Body Image Series, host Daryl Perry welcomes back David for an insightful conversation about body image, fitness, and the balance between self-acceptance and self-improvement. David shares his journey, discussing how his relationship with body image has evolved and why it’s not currently a priority for him. The discussion delves into the pressures men face in the fitness space, the internal dialogue around body image, and how to simplify health and fitness goals. David emphasizes the importance of small, sustainable changes and finding confidence in letting go of perfectionism. Tune in for an honest conversation about navigating body image, self-acceptance, and mental health.
Follow David on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/d4vid_t/
In this heartfelt episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, Daryl Perry and guest Jordon dive into a topic that often remains hidden in male conversations—body image. Jordon opens up about his personal journey, having lost over 330 pounds, and shares the ongoing mental and emotional challenges he faces when it comes to self-image. From his complex relationship with the scale to finding moments of self-acceptance, this episode sheds light on an issue many men deal with silently. Join us as we break down the stigma and encourage more open conversations around men's body image.
Follow this week’s guest, Jordon Hurd, on Instagram: @jordonhurd
In this episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, host Daryl Perry and guest Jack dive into one of the most overlooked topics in men’s health: body image. They discuss how body insecurities start early in life and persist into adulthood, despite weight loss, fitness goals, or muscle gain. Jack shares his personal journey with body image, highlighting the comparison trap and the lack of resources for men struggling with this issue. Together, they challenge societal norms and talk about how men can begin to appreciate their bodies for what they can do, not just how they look. Tune in for an honest, real conversation that aims to change the way we talk about men’s body image.
Follow Jack on Instagram: @jackattack9182
In this episode of The Men's Mental Health Series: The Body Image Series, Daryl Perry and his guest, David, dive deep into the complexities of male body image. They discuss David's personal journey through a 200-pound weight loss, the challenges of dealing with excess skin, and the mental shifts that accompany physical transformations. The conversation touches on how body image is shaped not only by society but by one's internal dialogue. They also explore the difference between focusing solely on external changes versus the importance of addressing mental and emotional health along the way.
In this episode, I sit down with Levi, who’s navigating both the weight loss and bodybuilding worlds, two communities deeply tied to body image insecurities in men. We dive into the mental and emotional scars that accompany drastic physical transformations and the ongoing struggle with body dysmorphia, even after the weight is lost or the muscle is built. Levi shares how these insecurities can take a toll on mental health, and how societal expectations often leave men feeling like they can't express their emotions.
We also talk about the damaging pressure to maintain a "perfect" physique and how it can create a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction. Levi opens up about his personal battles, including how these issues have impacted his life and mental health, touching on heavy topics like depression and suicidal thoughts. Through it all, he emphasizes the importance of loving yourself beyond just physical appearance.
Levi's story is a powerful reminder that self-acceptance is an ongoing process, and that men, too, struggle with body image and deserve the space to talk about it. This episode gets raw and real, and I hope it resonates with those of you who may be facing similar battles. We all have to start somewhere, and the first step is realizing you're not alone in this.
Stay connected with Levi on Instagram—he’s always open for conversation and support.
https://www.instagram.com/fluffygotfit/
Tune in for an authentic, heartfelt discussion on what it means to truly accept yourself, inside and out.
In this episode, Daryl Perry breaks down the YLF30 Challenge—starting tomorrow! Learn the ins and outs of how this 30-day challenge works and how practicing six daily actions can help you build a foundation for lasting health, fitness, and self-development. From positive self-statements to time outdoors, journaling, and more, this episode covers the mechanics of YLF30, the contest details, and how you can join for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Get ready to improve your mindset and lifestyle...inside and out.
Resource Links:
YLF30 ShopYLF.com $100 Monthly Gift Card Giveaway (October 2024) – Official Terms & Conditions:
https://yourlevelfitness.com/ylf30-shopylf-gift-card-giveaway-terms-october-2024
YLF30 Template Calendar:
Subscribe to The Almost Daily Email:
https://yourlevelfitness.com/almost-daily-email
Instagram Profile Pinned Explanation:
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18044071703091980/
More Info on YLF30:
