Men's Mental Health Series

Daryl Perry

Guys having honest conversations around men's mental health and everything tied to it. Daryl also leads solo episodes on his personal experience working through these topics in his life. Nothing you hear on this podcast should be taken as mental health advice. Please advocate your needs in your unique situation, seeking qualified mental health and/or medical professionals when necessary.

  1. Sep 13

    Being Strong Does Not Mean Suppressing Your Emotions

    What if emotional softness is actually part of what makes us strong? In this episode of The Almost Daily Podcast and the Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about the relationship between vulnerability, emotional awareness, and the version of strength many of us were taught to value. For a lot of men, the message was pretty straightforward. Be tough. Handle it. Do not show too much emotion. Keep moving. The problem is that having emotions was never optional. We were still feeling everything. A lot of us simply were not taught what to do with those feelings once they showed up. I talk about why being connected to your emotions can actually help you handle pressure, why a productive relationship with a therapist can provide tools you can use outside of therapy, and why vulnerability does not take anything away from focus, consistency, resilience, or follow through. In many ways, I think the softer parts help hold the stronger parts together. I also talk about why this can take time. If someone has spent decades suppressing emotions or tying their identity to being the strong one, opening up can challenge the way they see themselves. That deserves patience. At the same time, struggling to process emotions never removes our responsibility for how we treat other people. We can give ourselves compassion while still taking responsibility for our actions and responses. And although I spend a lot of time talking specifically with men about this, the larger message applies to everybody. Human beings have emotions. We need room to feel them, understand them, work through them, express them constructively, and sometimes let them go. If you are in the United States and experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat through the 988 Lifeline online. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

  2. Sep 4

    The Emptiness Most Men Don’t Talk About: Love, Vulnerability and Self Worth

    What happens when you grow up never really learning what love is supposed to feel like? Jeremy joins me again for The Men’s Mental Health Series, and this conversation starts with something a lot of men experience but may struggle to put into words, emptiness. Jeremy talks openly about growing up in a broken home, not feeling loved as a kid, and spending years trying to fill that void through alcohol, drugs, food, and other escapes. Eventually, he realized that none of those things could actually give him what he was looking for. That led us into a much bigger conversation about self love, discipline, vulnerability, fatherhood, relationships, and the kind of man he wants to be today. We talk about what love actually looks like in everyday life. For Jeremy, it can be waking his boys up for school, making breakfast, encouraging them, spending time together, or hearing that his partner is proud of him. It is not necessarily one huge emotional moment. It is something that gets built through the way we consistently show up for the people we care about. We also get into something I think a lot of men from our generation can relate to, the difference between tough love and actually feeling loved. You can appreciate lessons that came through toughness while still recognizing that you needed softness too. You needed the hug. You needed someone to tell you they were proud of you. You needed opportunities to talk about how something made you feel. And you may still need those things now. Jeremy also shares how discipline has helped him develop a better relationship with himself. His running, training, family responsibilities, and the promises he keeps to himself have become ways of building self respect rather than simply escaping what he feels. But underneath all of that discipline is something softer. Honesty. Vulnerability. Connection. Love. We talk about being honest about the character you are when nobody else is around, allowing different versions of yourself to show up authentically in different parts of your life, and recognizing that every day gives you another opportunity to decide how you want to show up. For the man who feels empty right now, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to solve your entire life today. Start by doing something you can genuinely be proud of. Then keep building. Connect with Jeremy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22 If You Need Immediate Support If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are outside the United States, contact your local emergency services or a crisis support service in your country.

  3. Jul 26

    Why Men Stay Silent: Jeremy Opens Up About Addiction and Self Love

    Every man has a story. Some stories stay hidden for years. In this episode of The Men's Mental Health Series, I sit down with Jeremy for one of our deepest conversations yet. Jeremy shares his journey through childhood trauma, addiction, recovery, forgiveness, self worth, and the daily discipline that has completely changed the direction of his life. What makes this conversation so powerful is its honesty. We talk about the emotional roots behind addiction, why so many men suppress what they're feeling, how anger often masks deeper pain, and why learning to love yourself is one of the hardest, but most important, things any of us can do. Jeremy also explains how replacing destructive habits with purposeful ones, including running, fitness, and serving others, helped him build a completely different life. Throughout the episode, we explore what it means to take ownership of your story without allowing your past to define your future. If you've ever struggled with anxiety, addiction, self doubt, shame, or simply wondered whether life can look different than it does today, this conversation is for you. In this episode we discuss • Jeremy's childhood and the lasting impact of family trauma • Why addiction often begins as an attempt to quiet emotional pain • Replacing destructive habits with healthy purpose • The connection between fitness and mental health • Forgiving yourself and letting go of your past • Why men struggle to express emotions • Understanding anger as a symptom, not the root cause • Learning to build self love one day at a time • The power of helping others during your own healing journey • Why hope often begins with one small decision Connect with Jeremy Follow Jeremy on TikTok for more conversations about mental health, resilience, and personal growth: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22 Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please know that you are not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are experiencing emotional distress or are in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States and Canada. Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide free and confidential support. If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services right away. No matter how difficult today feels, help is available, and there are people who care. You do not have to face it alone.

  4. Jul 13

    Keeping Promises to Yourself Changes Everything

    What does discipline actually look like in real life? In this conversation, Jeremy shares how sobriety, purpose, and consistent daily action have completely transformed the way he approaches fitness and life. From running a single mile to completing a full marathon on a treadmill and consistently logging more than 50 miles each week, he explains why discipline isn't about motivation. It's about keeping the promises you make to yourself. We also discuss why most people place limits on themselves long before they reach their true potential, how to gradually push beyond your comfort zone, and why building confidence comes from repeatedly following through on your commitments. Whether you're working toward a fitness goal, building a business, pursuing personal growth, or simply trying to become more consistent, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful progress comes from showing up, taking action, and believing you're capable of more than you think. In this episode, we discuss: • What discipline really means beyond motivation • Why keeping promises to yourself builds lasting confidence • Going from one mile to marathon distance through consistent progression • Using fitness to strengthen your mindset for every area of life • Why purpose naturally creates discipline • The role sobriety played in creating long term change • How to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own progress Connect with Jeremy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22

  5. Jul 7

    From Rock Bottom to 75 Pounds Lost

    Sometimes the greatest transformations don't begin with a workout plan or a new diet. They begin with surviving your darkest day. In this episode, I'm joined by Kyle Fry, who shares an incredibly honest conversation about living through chronic pain, surviving suicidal thoughts, rebuilding his life after multiple back surgeries, and ultimately losing more than 75 pounds by changing far more than his body. Together, we explore how mindset, personal responsibility, supportive relationships, and daily action helped Kyle move from simply surviving to creating a life he genuinely enjoys living. In this episode, we discuss: • Kyle's battle with chronic pain and multiple back surgeries • The day he nearly lost his life to suicide • How one unexpected moment changed everything • The mental and emotional side of long-term weight gain • Why rock bottom became the turning point in his journey • Losing more than 75 pounds through sustainable lifestyle changes • Food addiction, habits, and rebuilding a healthier relationship with yourself • The importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed • Why small, consistent goals often lead to the biggest transformations • Making peace with your past without allowing it to define your future This conversation goes far beyond weight loss. It's about resilience, choosing hope during incredibly difficult seasons of life, and recognizing that lasting change begins long before you see it reflected on the scale. Whether you're navigating your own health journey, struggling with your mental health, or simply looking for encouragement to take the next step, I believe you'll find something meaningful in Kyle's story. Connect with Kyle Fry TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kilofree86 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kilofree86 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kyle.fry.9210 Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, please know that help is available. United States & Canada 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day. https://988lifeline.org If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. You are not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

  6. Jul 3

    How to Adapt When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan | With Bill Streetman | From The Your Level Fitness Podcast

    Life rarely unfolds exactly the way we expect. In this episode of The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I'm joined by Bill Streetman for a conversation about identity, resilience, adapting to change, and learning to move forward when life takes an unexpected turn. While many people know Bill through his remarkable weight loss journey, this conversation goes much deeper. We explore how major life events can reshape our identity, why flexibility often matters more than having the perfect plan, and how trusting yourself becomes one of the most important skills you can develop. Bill shares the story of having a non-cancerous tumor removed from his carotid artery, the unexpected complications that followed, and how losing his voice forced him to redefine not only how he communicated with others, but how he viewed himself. Rather than allowing that challenge to become the end of his story, he found a new way to continue speaking, teaching, and encouraging others. Throughout our conversation, we discuss what it means to adapt when life changes, why proper planning and flexibility go hand in hand, and how our body, mind, and spirit all influence our ability to navigate difficult seasons. In this episode, we discuss: • Why identity is constantly evolving throughout life • The importance of adapting instead of resisting change • What Bill learned after losing his voice • Why flexibility often matters more than having the perfect plan • How body, mind, and spirit work together • Building confidence by trusting yourself to overcome challenges • Why your "why" should be personal instead of borrowed from someone else • Learning to adjust without giving up on your goals • The difference between planning and expecting everything to go perfectly • Why you're capable of more than you think If you've ever felt like life forced you to change direction, I hope this conversation reminds you that your circumstances don't have to define your future. Sometimes the greatest growth comes from learning to adapt while continuing to move toward the life you want to build. Connect with Bill Streetman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.streetman Purchase Bill's book: https://a.co/d/ivdughV Thank you for listening to The Your Level Fitness Podcast. If this conversation encouraged you, please consider following the podcast and sharing this episode with someone who may need the reminder that it's never too late to adapt, grow, and keep moving forward.

  7. Jun 30

    Breaking the Stigma Around Men's Mental Illness, Therapy and Asking for Help

    Some conversations have the power to remind us that we are never as alone as we think we are. In this episode of The Men's Mental Health Series, I sit down with Daron for an honest conversation about the thoughts many men carry in silence, the stigma surrounding diagnosed mental illness, and why seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Daron shares his personal experience with a suicide attempt during the pandemic, the journey that led him to therapy, and how learning to open up has changed his life. Together, we discuss why so many men suppress their emotions, the importance of finding a therapist who is the right fit, the misconceptions surrounding mental health diagnoses and medication, and how recovery looks different for everyone. Our hope is that this conversation encourages someone listening to take the first step toward getting the support they deserve. In this episode, we discuss: Daron's personal journey through depression and a suicide attempt Why men often struggle to talk about what they're experiencing The value of therapy and finding the right therapist Breaking the stigma surrounding diagnosed mental illness Understanding medication as one possible treatment tool Why healing is a process and looks different for every person Creating more open conversations around men's mental health Connect with Daron: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@menstalkshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daronseals1234/ If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is experiencing a mental health crisis, please know that help is available. In the United States and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S. or Canada, please contact your local emergency services or crisis support line. You do not have to face this alone. Thank you for listening to The Men's Mental Health Series. If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. Honest conversations help break stigma, encourage healing, and remind us that asking for help is one of the strongest things we can do.

  8. Jun 25

    Wellness, Men's Mental Health and Finding Common Ground With Kevyn J | From The Your Level Fitness Podcast

    on The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by Kevyn J for a conversation that goes far beyond weight loss. We discuss Kevyn's nearly 10-year wellness journey, including his experience using a GLP-1 medication as one tool to improve his health, the importance of strength training, working alongside your healthcare team, and what it really means to pursue long-term wellness instead of chasing quick fixes. From there, the conversation naturally expands into men's mental health, emotional awareness, community, lifelong learning, artificial intelligence, social media, and why genuine human connection may be one of the most important parts of living a healthy life. Some of the topics we explore include: • Viewing GLP-1 medications as one tool within a broader wellness strategy. • Building strength, protecting muscle, and improving long-term quality of life. • The importance of finding healthcare professionals who truly partner with you. • Why men need safe spaces to talk openly about mental and emotional health. • Creating authentic community instead of relying solely on social media. • Lifelong learning, adapting to change, and embracing new technology without losing human creativity. • Finding common ground with others through fitness, music, conversation, and shared experiences. This episode is a reminder that wellness isn't just about changing your body. It's about building a life that allows you to stay active, stay curious, develop meaningful relationships, and continue growing into the person you want to become. A huge thank you to Kevyn for joining me again and for continuing to advocate for wellness, inclusion, and authentic connection. Follow Kevyn and continue the conversation: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevyn_j/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kevyn_j/ If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow Kevyn on social media and stay connected with the positive work he's doing in the wellness and advocacy communities.

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Guys having honest conversations around men's mental health and everything tied to it. Daryl also leads solo episodes on his personal experience working through these topics in his life. Nothing you hear on this podcast should be taken as mental health advice. Please advocate your needs in your unique situation, seeking qualified mental health and/or medical professionals when necessary.

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