Don Talk - Conversations with Mike Turner

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Welcome to Don Talk — Conversations with Mike Turner, where real men have real conversations about life, legacy, leadership, and everything we carry in between. I’m Mike Turner, and this is a space for conversations that challenge us to think deeper, heal stronger, grow intentionally, and become better men. Because being a Don isn’t about power. It isn’t about ego or pretending to have all the answers. It’s about responsibility. It’s about growth. It’s about showing up—for ourselves and for the people we love. We’re talking relationships, mental health, fatherhood, purpose, faith, culture, success, failure, and the things men experience but don’t always know how to say out loud. And ladies, you’re invited into the conversation too. Because sometimes understanding the men in your life starts with hearing the conversations they don't always have in front of you. This is Don Talk — Conversations with Mike Turner. Real Men. Real Talk. Real Life.

  1. 6d ago

    The Hidden Cost of Success: Building a Business, Losing Yourself | John Rossiter

    The hidden cost of success: entrepreneur burnout, pressure to prove yourself, and the relationships that suffer when business comes first. On this episode of Don Talk Conversation with Mike Turner, Mike and R. Manasseh Thornton sit down with UK entrepreneur John Rossiter for an honest conversation about ambition, self-worth, and building a business without losing yourself. From selling sweets in a Wrexham schoolyard to co-founding Zolato, John shares the lessons behind his entrepreneurial journey—including burning out twice, betting on himself, and spending $16,000 on mentorship he says he didn’t need. What happens when success becomes the way a man proves he belongs? And how do you recognize when the pressure to succeed is costing too much? In this episode, we discuss: • Entrepreneur burnout and the changes John noticed in his patience, focus, and habits • Family expectations and the pressure to make your parents proud • Ego, fear of failure, and tying your identity to achievement • Protecting your relationship while growing a business • Prioritizing sleep, fitness, personal time, and boundaries • Why asking for help matters—and how to build your own “Avengers” • How losing his mother at 11 shaped John’s resilience • Defining success through peace, freedom, and fulfillment • Zolato’s vision for home service businesses, CRM, automation, and AI Chapters 00:00 The Hidden Cost of Success09:47 Navigating Academic Pressure20:03 The Entrepreneurial Journey30:10 Overcoming Fear and Burnout30:39 The Importance of Self-Care31:11 Vision and Goals in Business34:09 Navigating the Fear of Selling Out36:21 Recognizing Burnout40:04 The Importance of Self-Care40:40 Sacrifices for Success43:25 The Need for Support46:48 Asking for Help47:33 Validation in Relationships52:17 Entrepreneurial Confessions55:54 The Cost of Accountability57:17 Impact of Loss on Personal Growth01:02:39 Building Meaningful Relationships01:03:06 Entrepreneurial Wisdom and Values01:10:05 Creating Your Ideal SelfIf you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or someone who feels the constant need to prove yourself, this conversation offers a reason to pause and rethink what you’re building—and why. CONNECT WITH JOHN Facebook: Search John Rossiter LinkedIn: Search John Rossiter Instagram: Search John Rossiter Official What has pursuing success cost you—and what are you no longer willing to sacrifice? Share your thoughts in the comments. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@official_DonTalk Or follow the podcast on your other favorite platforms... • Apple Podcasts: Don Talk - Conversations with Mike Turner • Spotify: Don Talk - Conversations with Mike Turner • Like Don Talk on Facebook: Don Talk Podcast • Follow Don Talk on Instagram: @officialdontalk • Follow Don Talk on TikTok: @dontalkwithmiketurner #Entrepreneurship #Burnout #DonTalk

  2. Oct 8

    When the Game Ends, Who Are You?

    The conversation explores the experiences of former athletes Mike Turner and Jarius Hayes, focusing on their journeys through sports, the impact of injuries on their careers, and the lessons learned from their athletic experiences. They discuss the duality of their personas as athletes and individuals, the importance of sports in shaping their identities, and the challenges they faced in transitioning from competitive sports to life afterward. The conversation delves into the experiences of athletes dealing with injuries, the emotional toll of being cut from teams, and the societal pressures faced by black male athletes. It highlights the importance of mental health support and the need to address emotional struggles in a healthy manner. The conversation explores the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on college athletes, reflecting on how it has changed the landscape of college sports. The discussion also delves into the emotional challenges faced by athletes when transitioning out of their sports careers, particularly when injuries force them to retire prematurely. The conversation explores the emotional and psychological challenges faced by athletes after their sports careers, focusing on coping mechanisms, identity struggles, and the impact of societal changes on sports culture. The speakers reflect on their personal experiences with pain, addiction, and the transition to life beyond athletics, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-discovery. Takeaways Athletics shape identity and characterTransitioning from sports can be challenging Injury timing affects careersMental health support is crucial NIL has transformed college sportsTransitioning from sports is emotionally challenging Coping with post-athletic identityImpact of societal changes on sportsChapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage02:11 Athletic Backgrounds and Career Highlights04:12 Ego and Confidence in Sports10:01 Transforming on the Field vs. Off the Field12:51 Managing Adrenaline and Emotions16:42 The Role of Sports in Personal Development25:10 Hazing and Bullying in Sports Culture29:55 Rookie Hazing and Veteran Expectations31:00 The Impact of Injuries on Athletes39:36 Coping with Injury and Fear of Failure44:34 Playing Hurt: The Athlete's Dilemma52:23 Transitioning from Athlete to Civilian Life59:32 NIL Deals and the Changing Landscape of College Sports01:01:45 The Impact of NIL on College Sports01:06:02 Navigating Career Endings and Injuries01:19:41 Mental Health and Life After Sports01:20:24 Adjusting to Life Beyond Athletics01:28:25 Coping Mechanisms and Identity Struggles01:30:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery01:32:40 The Shift in Sports Culture01:34:24 The Love for the Game01:39:25 Parental Pressure and Expectations01:41:01 The Pay-to-Play Culture01:43:01 The Impact of NIL and Social Media01:45:39 Reflections on Athletic Identity If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@official_DonTalk Or follow the podcast on your other favorite platforms... • Apple Podcasts: Don Talk - Conversations with Mike Turner • Spotify: Don Talk - Conversations with Mike Turner • Like Don Talk on Facebook: Don Talk Podcast • Follow Don Talk on Instagram: @officialdontalk • Follow Don Talk on TikTok: @dontalkwithmiketurner ABOUT DON TALK Don Talk, Conversations with Mike Turner is a space for real men having real conversations about life, legacy, leadership, mental health, fatherhood, faith, relationships, and everything men carry but rarely say out loud. Real Men. Real Talk. Real Life.

  3. Oct 1

    The Failure that Changed My Life

    In this engaging conversation, Mike Turner and Tyrone Miller explore the theme of motivation, particularly focusing on the impact of public failure and the drive to prove others wrong. Through personal anecdotes, they discuss how experiences in competition, especially in the realms of rap battles and sports, shape one's character and future aspirations. In this conversation, the speakers discuss their personal journeys as fathers, the challenges and rewards of being stay-at-home dads, and the motivations behind writing books that resonate with their experiences. They also share insights on the cultural significance of barbershops and the importance of self-care in their lives. In this conversation, the speakers delve into personal anecdotes and life lessons, emphasizing the importance of emotional expression, support systems, and the value of genuine connections. They share insights on how unexpected encounters can lead to profound realizations and the significance of nurturing relationships as one navigates life's challenges. Takeaways Public failure can drive successMotivation evolves over time Fatherhood brings unexpected challengesWriting can be a form of therapy Embrace emotional vulnerabilityCultivate meaningful relationships Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Renaissance Man02:27 The Cost of Competition04:14 The Infamous Rap Battle10:17 Lessons from Public Embarrassment12:40 The Drive to Prove Others Wrong16:13 The Athlete's Mindset20:01 Shifting Motivations29:29 The Journey to Fatherhood31:44 Transitioning to Stay-at-Home Dad36:20 The Motivation Behind Writing37:44 Connecting Through Shared Experiences43:39 The Barbershop Experience and Self-Care45:00 The Forty Jewels of Life48:00 Life Lessons from Unexpected Encounters49:04 The Importance of Brotherhood and Support50:03 Emotional Expression and Vulnerability in Fatherhood57:04 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

  4. Sep 24

    Prayer Doesn't Replace the Work

    Can prayer be part of your healing while also becoming a way to avoid doing the work? In this episode of Don Talk, Mike Turner sits down with clinical psychologist, minister, professor, author and MMA fighter Dr. Marshall Thompson Jr. for an honest conversation about faith, therapy, men’s mental health and the pressure men feel to have everything together. Dr. Thompson challenges the idea that needing therapy means a man is weak, broken or lacking faith. Instead, he explains why prayer and professional mental-health support can work together—and why healing still requires personal responsibility. The conversation goes beyond therapy. Mike and Dr. Thompson unpack why men say “I’m good” when they may not be, how childhood experiences can create performance-based identity, why some coping mechanisms that helped us survive as children stop serving us as adults, and how unresolved patterns can follow us into marriage, relationships and adulthood. They also tackle a difficult question for people of faith: Where should the pastor’s role end and the therapist’s role begin? Dr. Thompson explains why trauma and deeper psychological issues may require trained professional support, while faith, church and spiritual community can still play important roles in healing. And underneath the entire conversation is one recurring message: Prayer doesn’t replace the work. If you’ve ever felt like you were supposed to carry everything yourself, questioned whether therapy fits with your faith, or wondered why the same patterns keep showing up in your life, this conversation is for you. CHAPTERS 00:00 Faith, Therapy & Having It All Together 01:34 When Prayer Becomes Avoidance 03:11 What Men Really Mean by “I’m Good” 06:03 “I Don’t Need Anybody” 06:52 Prayer Without Doing the Work 08:09 The Phrases Men Use to Avoid Accountability 13:14 Why Men Avoid Therapy 15:09 Validation & Performance-Based Identity 21:22 Where Does the Healing Work Begin? 23:04 Childhood Coping Patterns in Adulthood 26:01 “I Can’t Afford Therapy” 27:26 Family Systems & Relationship Advice 31:01 If I Have God, Why Do I Need a Therapist? 31:58 What Therapy Can Teach That Faith May Not 36:00 Where the Church Can Fall Short 38:04 When the Psychologist Has to Do the Work 41:22 Faith Without Taking Action 45:06 Pastor, Therapist—or Both? 45:55 When Your Pastor Isn’t Your Therapist 47:55 “I Don’t Know Who I Am Anymore” 49:10 When Everyone Depends on You 51:51 Where the Pastor’s Role Should End 53:14 How Churches Can Better Support Men 54:20 Who Takes Care of the Man Helping Everyone Else? 57:27 Who Fills Your Cup? 59:21 Why Nobody Else Can Make You Happy 1:01:15 Final Thoughts Subscribe to Don Talk for honest conversations about manhood, mental health, relationships, fatherhood, faith, identity and the things men often carry in silence. Real men. Real talk. Real life. #MensMentalHealth #FaithAndTherapy #BlackMenMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #DonTalk

  5. Sep 17

    What Men Don't Understand About Postpartum

    What do men actually understand about what happens to a woman after childbirth? Postpartum recovery is more than a six-week checkup. The physical, hormonal, emotional, and psychological changes can continue long after the baby arrives—and sometimes the people closest to a mother may not recognize that she’s struggling. On this episode of Don Talk: Conversations with Mike Turner, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Malaika Brown, executive and entrepreneur Chakeyla Anderson, and husband and father Tim Upshur for an honest conversation about postpartum mental health, motherhood, race, relationships, and what support from men should actually look like. We discuss why some women don’t feel safe telling their partners what they’re experiencing, how men can create emotionally safe relationships, and why simply being present doesn’t always mean we recognize when something is wrong. The conversation also examines the cases of Andrea Yates, Latarsha Sanders, and Lindsay Clancy and raises a difficult question: when severe mental illness enters the conversation, who gets afforded empathy—and who gets seen only through their actions? Dr. Brown discusses what she describes as an empathy gap in perceptions of mental illness, while Chakeyla shares the additional pressures Black women can face navigating healthcare, motherhood, careers, and expectations of strength. But this conversation isn’t only about extreme cases. It’s about the mother who goes to work, takes care of her children, answers texts, handles responsibilities and appears fine—while the people around her may have no idea what she’s carrying. And it’s about what men can do differently. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — The racial empathy gap in mental health 01:39 — Welcome to Don Talk 02:35 — Who was prepared for the first baby? 07:27 — Parenting questions nobody prepares you for 13:10 — Who complains about losing sleep? 19:58 — What people misunderstand about postpartum 20:56 — Psychological changes after childbirth 22:01 — Chakeyla’s postpartum experience with twins 24:39 — What could a partner completely miss? 29:20 — Why some women don’t feel safe opening up 33:18 — What makes a man emotionally safe? 35:42 — What fathers are afraid to admit 40:40 — Yates, Sanders & Clancy 43:01 — The racial empathy gap around mental illness 44:32 — Black women, healthcare & expectations of strength 47:57 — Do women need men as allies? 51:54 — Are we failing women experiencing postpartum illness? 54:03 — What men need to become better allies 58:57 — Postpartum stigma in the workplace 1:03:12 — Pregnancy discrimination at work 1:07:45 — Motherhood, work & pressure to push through 1:14:21 — What pregnancy and postpartum do to the body 1:28:43 — “Why are you crying?” 1:32:38 — What does real support from men look like? 1:33:14 — Signs partners should pay attention to 1:36:04 — When it’s time to involve a professional 1:36:42 — Advocating for your partner’s healthcare This isn’t about men pretending we fully understand what women experience. It’s about paying attention, asking better questions, creating safe spaces, educating ourselves, and knowing when someone we love needs more support than we can provide ourselves. Who checks on Mom? Real men. Real talk. Real life. Don Talk — Conversations with Mike Turner #PostpartumMentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #PostpartumDepression #BlackMaternalHealth #DonTalk

  6. Sep 10

    We Don’t Have a Black Boy Problem — We Have an Adult Problem

    What happens to a young Black boy when everyone recognizes what he can DO—but nobody helps him understand who he IS? Dr. Brian Dinkins went from graduating high school with a 1.9 GPA and arriving at Purdue University focused almost entirely on football to earning five degrees from four universities and dedicating his career to emotional intelligence, education, and helping Black boys thrive. But that transformation came at a cost. In this episode of Don Talk — Conversations with Mike Turner, Brian and Mike reconnect decades after their Purdue days for a powerful conversation about identity, athletics, childhood trauma, fatherhood, emotional intelligence, discipline, education, and what Black boys actually need from the adults responsible for developing them. Brian opens up about losing his football identity, struggling to figure out what came next, discovering the impact of childhood experiences later in adulthood, and learning how emotional intelligence changed the way he understood himself. The conversation also tackles a bigger question: Do we really have a problem with children—or do we have a problem with adults who haven't been equipped to understand and develop them? Brian explains the four components of emotional intelligence, why discipline without emotional awareness can fail children, how men can create healthier emotional outlets, and why Black boys need more than expectations—they need relationships, support, emotional skills, and exposure to identities beyond athletics and entertainment. This isn't just a conversation about Black boys. It's about the men they become. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — We Don't Have a Child Issue—We Have an Adult Issue 01:52 — Welcome to Don Talk: Dr. Brian Dinkins 03:19 — Purdue Football, Childhood & a 1.9 GPA 06:56 — When Football Becomes Your Entire Identity 09:04 — The Emotional Cost of Waiting for Your Opportunity 10:54 — From 1.9 GPA to Five Degrees 11:55 — “What Did It Cost You?” 12:43 — Men, Mental Health & the “Suck It Up” Generation 14:31 — Finding Purpose After Football 16:28 — What Happens When the Game Ends? 18:49 — Turning an Athlete's Work Ethic Into a Career 20:25 — Discovering Trauma & Emotional Intelligence 22:38 — Becoming What He Needed as a Child 24:34 — The Child We Carry Into Adulthood 26:34 — Mike's Own Journey of Understanding His Younger Self 30:58 — Can Emotional Intelligence & Strict Discipline Coexist? 31:29 — The Four Skills of Emotional Intelligence 35:04 — Why We're Living Through a “Trust Recession” 36:02 — Dr. Dinkins as a Husband & Father 40:23 — Why Men Need Other Men They Can Be Vulnerable With 41:28 — Men, Crying & Emotional Release 43:58 — Finding Healthy Outlets for Anger 45:17 — Knowing When to Walk Away 46:45 — Why Black Men & Black Women Need Better Conversations 49:30 — Understanding Experiences Different From Our Own 51:43 — Locker Room vs. Classroom: Rapid Fire 56:44 — What Football Can Teach Educators 58:03 — What Teachers Can Teach Football Coaches 59:34 — What Do Black Boys Actually Need? 1:02:40 — “We Have an Adult Issue” 1:05:23 — Final Thoughts & Closing If this conversation gives you something to think about, like the episode, subscribe to Don Talk, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Real men. Real talk. Real life. #DonTalk #BlackBoys #EmotionalIntelligence #MensMentalHealth #BlackMen

  7. Sep 9

    Why Men Say “I’m Good” When They’re Not | Carl Donaldson

    Why do men say “I’m good” when they’re exhausted, angry, overwhelmed, or struggling in their relationships? In this episode of Don Talk, Mike Turner sits down with Dr. Carl Donaldson to explore what happens when men spend years surviving instead of addressing what they’re carrying. From the pressure to provide and the fear of vulnerability to childhood experiences, fatherhood, and the need for approval, this conversation examines how unresolved stress can become a normal part of everyday life. Mike also shares a personal story about his father, his athletic career, and how seeking approval affected his identity. Carl discusses his approach to traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong, meditation, and reconnecting with yourself. The conversation also explores the difference between coping and healing, the importance of asking for help, and why taking care of yourself matters for the people who depend on you. In this episode, we discuss: Why men hide behind “I’m good”Survival mode and the pressure Black men carryEmotional stress, self-awareness, and forgivenessFatherhood, approval, and breaking generational patternsQigong, meditation, and traditional Chinese medicineJournaling versus talking things outSleep, nutrition, and building healthier habitsWhat it means to live according to your own purpose CHAPTERS 00:00 Why men say “I’m good” 02:12 Rapid-fire: What is real self-care? 08:32 Are men just moving stress from one place to another? 10:35 Surviving versus processing emotions 11:38 Forgiveness and personal responsibility 16:14 Survival mode and the Black male experience 21:43 Carl Donaldson’s background and medical training 24:29 Moving from survival toward thriving 28:25 What the body may reveal about stress 34:27 When prolonged stress starts to feel normal 37:03 Asking for help and exploring healing approaches 41:02 The Alchemy Project and emotional healing 43:17 Generational trauma and epigenetics 45:56 Recognizing patterns that need attention 47:54 Mike’s personal story about seeking approval 51:15 Breath, movement, and Qigong 54:30 “This isn’t going to pay the bills” 55:27 What “I’m good” can really mean 59:00 Healthy or not: Therapy, meditation, and sleep 1:04:15 Golf, Qigong, and taking time for yourself 1:05:15 Journaling versus talking it out 1:21:01 Nutrition and the challenges of changing habits 1:28:47 Closing reflections 1:29:19 The meaning of your birthright Don Talk is about giving men language for the things they carry in silence. Women are invited into the conversation, too, because understanding each other starts with honest dialogue. If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who always says they’re good. Subscribe, like, and leave a comment: What is one thing you’ve been carrying that you haven’t made time to address? Subscribe to Don Talk — Conversations with Mike Turner for more conversations about men’s mental health, relationships, fatherhood, identity, and personal growth. This episode features the guest’s personal perspectives and traditional medicine practices. It is intended for conversation and education, not as a substitute for qualified medical or mental health care. Do not discontinue prescribed treatment based on this discussion. #DonTalk #MensMentalHealth #CarlDonaldson #BlackMensMentalHealth #PersonalGrowth

  8. Sep 3

    Do Men Lose Themselves When They Become Fathers?

    Do men lose themselves when they become fathers? Becoming a dad can be one of the greatest experiences of a man’s life — but nobody talks enough about what fatherhood can cost you emotionally. Your priorities change. Your freedom changes. Your relationships change. And somewhere between providing, protecting, parenting and trying to be the man your family needs, you may start wondering: Who am I outside of being a father? In this episode of Don Talk — Conversations with Mike Turner, we have an honest conversation about the side of fatherhood men don't always say out loud. We talk about: • Losing your sense of identity after becoming a father • The anxiety and pressure that comes with raising children • Why dads sometimes feel guilty for wanting time for themselves • Balancing fatherhood, relationships and personal fulfillment • How our own childhood experiences shape the fathers we become • The emotional support fathers often don't receive • Whether becoming a parent means giving up part of your freedom • The complicated feelings of sacrifice, responsibility and even regret • Why taking care of yourself can actually make you a better father Fatherhood can give a man tremendous purpose. But that doesn't mean the transition is easy. Sometimes becoming a good father requires figuring out how to remain a whole man at the same time. So here's the question: Can you be a great father without losing the man you were before you had children? Drop your answer in the comments. Fathers especially — what changed most about YOU after having kids? If conversations like this matter to you, subscribe to Don Talk and join us for real conversations about fatherhood, relationships, identity, mental health and the things men carry but don't always say. CHAPTERS 00:00 Reflections on Fatherhood & Future Aspirations 25:00 Parenthood, Identity & Self-Discovery 42:16 The Anxiety of Parenthood 42:59 Fatherhood: A Different Kind of Fun 53:08 The Truth About Parenthood 1:28:41 Self-Care, Guilt & Personal Fulfillment 1:43:23 What Society Expects From Fathers 2:05:28 Regret, Responsibility & Parenthood #Fatherhood #MensMentalHealth #DadLife #Parenting #BlackFathers #MensHealth #FatherhoodJourney #ModernFatherhood #DonTalk #MikeTurner

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Welcome to Don Talk — Conversations with Mike Turner, where real men have real conversations about life, legacy, leadership, and everything we carry in between. I’m Mike Turner, and this is a space for conversations that challenge us to think deeper, heal stronger, grow intentionally, and become better men. Because being a Don isn’t about power. It isn’t about ego or pretending to have all the answers. It’s about responsibility. It’s about growth. It’s about showing up—for ourselves and for the people we love. We’re talking relationships, mental health, fatherhood, purpose, faith, culture, success, failure, and the things men experience but don’t always know how to say out loud. And ladies, you’re invited into the conversation too. Because sometimes understanding the men in your life starts with hearing the conversations they don't always have in front of you. This is Don Talk — Conversations with Mike Turner. Real Men. Real Talk. Real Life.

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