Guys Dealings with Feelings

Aaron

For men who say "I'm fine" when they're not. Guys Dealings With Feelings is a podcast about what men actually carry — anger, grief, shutdown, the things they don't say out loud. Aaron Gray, who lost his infant son Joel in 2012, hosts with his childhood friend Jason, a therapist with 18 years of clinical experience. One of them has lived it. The other knows the language. Together they talk about identity, trauma, presence, being a man, and what it takes to feel anything again — without judgment or performative toughness. Also searchable as Guys Dealing With Feelings.

  1. How to Let Go of the Past Without Reliving It

    5d ago

    How to Let Go of the Past Without Reliving It

    You've tried to "just let go" of the past. You've thought about it, journaled it, talked it out. And it's still there — still running you. In this episode, Jason and Aaron break down why the past doesn't live in your mind. It lives in your body. And why no amount of thinking, reframing, or analyzing will ever release it. What you'll learn: Why "letting go" isn't about erasing the past — it's about moving the energy it stored in your nervous systemHow the body contracts to hold unprocessed experiences in place, and what actually allows that contraction to releaseWhy men in particular get stuck "in their head" trying to think their way out — and what to do insteadHow modern life conditions us out of the body awareness we need to heal — and why the standard of living has gone up while our suffering has tooAaron's reflection on losing his son Joel, and what real letting go looked like for him after years of being stuckWhy integrating the past — not avoiding it — is the foundation of presence, intuition, and a calmer lifePractical entry points: sitting practice, breathing, somatic awareness, and when professional help is the right next stepIf you've felt like there's a backlog you can't get to, this is the episode that names what's actually in it — and shows you why your body has been quietly trying to help you all along. You don't have to wait for something catastrophic to start this work. The guy in the mirror is the one in control of how you feel. Once you really understand that, the work begins. — If this episode resonated, please like, follow, and share wherever you're listening or watching — it's how we reach other men who need this. Find us on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts as Guys Dealings With Feelings, and on socials at the same. As always, thanks for giving us your time. Stay in the fight. The world is a much better place with you in it.  #MensMentalHealth #LettingGo #SomaticHealing #Trauma #NervousSystem #EmotionalAwareness #HealingTrauma #MensWellness #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness #InnerWork #EmotionalIntelligence #VagusNerve #PresentMoment #Mindfulness #BodyMind #HealingJourney #MensPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastForMen #GuysDealingsWithFeelings

    45 min
  2. Loneliness: Why We Feel So Alone (Even Around Other People)

    Jun 3

    Loneliness: Why We Feel So Alone (Even Around Other People)

    Loneliness isn't simply being by yourself. Some of the loneliest moments in life happen when we're surrounded by people, yet still feel unseen, disconnected, or misunderstood. In this episode of Guys Dealings With Feelings, Aaron and Jason explore the growing epidemic of loneliness affecting men today. We discuss why so many men struggle to build meaningful connections, how emotional walls are created over time, and why isolation often becomes a coping mechanism rather than a choice. We also examine the difference between solitude and loneliness, the impact of technology and social media on connection, and why vulnerability is often the missing piece in creating deeper relationships. If you've ever felt disconnected from your spouse, family, friends, coworkers, or even yourself, this conversation offers practical insights and tools to help you reconnect. In this episode:  The difference between loneliness and being alone  Why many men feel disconnected despite having relationships  How fear, shame, and past experiences create emotional isolation  The hidden cost of self-reliance  Why vulnerability is essential for meaningful connection  How social media can increase feelings of loneliness  Practical ways to build deeper relationships  The importance of community, purpose, and belonging Loneliness isn't a sign of weakness. It's a signal that something important is missing—and that connection is still possible. Subscribe for more conversations on men's mental health, emotional growth, resilience, relationships, and personal development. #GuysDealingsWithFeelings #MensMentalHealth #Loneliness #MentalHealthPodcast #EmotionalHealth #Relationships #Connection #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfImprovement #EmotionalIntelligence #MenSupportingMen #Healing #Purpose #Belonging

    34 min
  3. Fear Is Running More of Your Life Than You Think

    May 27

    Fear Is Running More of Your Life Than You Think

    Fear doesn’t always show up as panic or anxiety.  Sometimes it shows up as procrastination, control, anger, perfectionism, isolation, or staying stuck in a life we’ve outgrown. In this episode of Guys Dealings With Feelings, Aaron and Jason break down how fear quietly shapes our decisions, relationships, identity, and future — often without us even realizing it. We talk about the fear of failure, rejection, judgment, loss, vulnerability, success, and change… and why so many men spend years building their lives around avoiding pain instead of pursuing fulfillment. This conversation isn’t about pretending fear disappears. It’s about understanding it, confronting it, and learning how to move forward anyway. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, emotionally guarded, or trapped between comfort and growth, this episode is for you. In this episode:  How fear disguises itself in everyday life  Why avoidance creates long-term suffering  The connection between fear and control  How fear impacts relationships and communication  Why many men struggle to take emotional risks  The difference between caution and living defensively  How growth often requires discomfort and uncertainty  Practical ways to stop letting fear make your decisions Fear may be part of being human… but it doesn’t have to be in charge. #GuysDealingsWithFeelings #MensMentalHealth #Fear #SelfAwareness #EmotionalHealth #MentalHealthPodcast #PersonalGrowth #Healing #Mindset #Anxiety #SelfImprovement #EmotionalIntelligence #Trauma #Growth #MentalHealthAwareness

    44 min
  4. Resentment Is Quietly Destroying Your Relationships (Here’s Why)

    May 13

    Resentment Is Quietly Destroying Your Relationships (Here’s Why)

    Resentment doesn’t show up all at once—it builds over time. In this episode of Guys Dealings With Feelings, we break down why resentment forms, why so many men carry it without realizing it, and how it slowly damages relationships, communication, and your overall mindset. It usually starts small—something you didn’t say, something you let slide, something you told yourself wasn’t a big deal. But over time, those moments stack up, and what was once frustration turns into distance, irritation, and disconnection. Most people think resentment is caused by others. But in reality, it’s often built by what we don’t communicate. In this conversation, we cover:  What resentment actually is (and why it’s more than just anger)  How unspoken expectations and lack of boundaries create it  Why men tend to avoid speaking up  The emotional and relational damage resentment causes over time  How to address issues early before they build  A simple way to communicate without creating conflict If you’ve ever felt frustrated with people in your life but couldn’t quite explain why—or found yourself pulling away instead of speaking up—this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and what to do about it. Resentment isn’t just something you feel.  It’s something you build. Subscribe for real conversations on men’s mental health, emotional awareness, and personal growth. #GuysDealingsWithFeelings #MensMentalHealth #Resentment #Communication #EmotionalAwareness #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness

    35 min
  5. Inner Strength: Why You Feel Weak (And How to Build Real Mental Strength)

    Apr 22

    Inner Strength: Why You Feel Weak (And How to Build Real Mental Strength)

    Inner strength isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. In this episode of Guys Dealings With Feelings, we break down what inner strength actually is, why so many men feel weak or overwhelmed, and how to develop real mental and emotional strength that holds up under pressure. Most people think strength means pushing through, shutting emotions down, or just “toughing it out.” But that approach eventually breaks. Real strength looks different—and if you don’t understand it, you’ll keep trying to build it the wrong way. In this conversation, we cover:  What inner strength really is (and what it isn’t)  Why emotional avoidance makes you weaker, not stronger  The connection between self-awareness and strength  How pressure exposes your level of internal stability  Why discipline alone isn’t enough  Practical ways to start building real inner strength If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you’re not as strong as you should be—this episode will give you a clearer understanding of what’s actually going on and how to change it. Real strength isn’t about pretending nothing affects you—it’s about being able to handle what does. Subscribe for real conversations on men’s mental health, emotional awareness, and personal growth.  #GuysDealingsWithFeelings #MensMentalHealth #InnerStrength #MentalStrength #EmotionalStrength #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness

    30 min
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

For men who say "I'm fine" when they're not. Guys Dealings With Feelings is a podcast about what men actually carry — anger, grief, shutdown, the things they don't say out loud. Aaron Gray, who lost his infant son Joel in 2012, hosts with his childhood friend Jason, a therapist with 18 years of clinical experience. One of them has lived it. The other knows the language. Together they talk about identity, trauma, presence, being a man, and what it takes to feel anything again — without judgment or performative toughness. Also searchable as Guys Dealing With Feelings.