Raw Minds

Raw minds

Raw Minds is a raw, unapologetic podcast focused on men’s mental health, grief, resilience, and the battles we fight in silence. Hosted by Erick, Raw Minds is for men who feel broken, overwhelmed, numb, angry, lost, or alone and don’t know where to put it. This isn’t surface-level motivation. This is real life. The ugly parts. The quiet pain. Each episode features honest, vulnerable conversations with guests from all walks of life sharing real stories of depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, loss, fatherhood, recovery, and rebuilding after everything falls apart. No masks. No b******t.

  1. 3D AGO

    He Had Everything Then Collapsed: Gary Smart | Raw Minds S2 Ep. 83

    He had the career. The family. The success.Then his body shut down.In this episode of Raw Minds, Erick sits down with Gary Smart, a former high-performing tech leader who pushed through life for decades until he hit a full collapse.No warning. No slow down. Just done.Gary opens up about what happens when you ignore stress, suppress emotions, and live your life in constant grind mode.This is the side most men never talk about.From prescription medication dependency to rehab, depression, and rebuilding from nothing, Gary breaks down the reality of what it takes to come back when your entire identity falls apart.This conversation is about more than burnout.It is about facing yourself.If you feel like you are holding everything together on the outside but falling apart inside, this episode will hit.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE• Why high-performing men silently burn out• The danger of suppressing stress and emotions• How pushing through can destroy your mental health• The reality of prescription medication dependency• What rock bottom actually feels like• Why most men avoid asking for help• The truth about recovery and rebuilding your life• How to give yourself permission to stop• The role of fitness and movement in recovery• How to rebuild your identity after collapseABOUT GARY SMARTGary Smart is a former tech leader turned coach who helps high-performing men reconnect with themselves before they hit burnout.After years of pushing through stress, ignoring his mental health, and relying on medication to function, he experienced a full physical and mental collapse.He rebuilt his life from the ground up and now works with executives and founders to help them avoid the same path.His focus is simple. Awareness, honesty, and real change.GARY SMART LINKSWebsitehttps://garrismart.com.auVIDEO CHAPTERS00:00 The Collapse That Changed Everything01:30 Meet Gary Smart03:00 Growing Up With “Push Through” Mentality06:00 Living As A High Performer10:00 The Slow Burn Of Stress14:00 Medication And Dependency18:00 The Moment Of Collapse22:00 Rehab And Reality Check26:00 The Truth About Recovery30:00 Depression And Suicidal Thoughts34:00 Rebuilding From Nothing38:00 Permission To Stop42:00 Finding Purpose After Pain46:00 Final AdviceFOLLOW RAW MINDSYouTubehttps://youtube.com/@rawminds-cs3ciInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/rawmindspodcastTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@rawmindspodcastFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1CRWJaV5qh/Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2DTczix6Egs7fscQiqCpfaWebsitehttps://www.rawminds.caEmailrawmindspodcast@gmail.comIf you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, addiction, or suicidal thoughts, reach out.Canada Crisis LineCall or text 988You are not alone.

    58 min
  2. APR 10

    Why Most Men Fail In Relationships | Mr. J Raw Minds S2 Ep. 83

    Why do men keep ending up in the same toxic relationships? In this Raw Minds Podcast episode Erick sits down with Mr. J, a relationship coach and betrayal trauma practitioner, to break down why most men struggle in relationships and keep repeating the same patterns. This is not surface-level advice. This is real work. Mr. J explains how childhood trauma, lack of emotional awareness, and avoidance shape the way men show up in relationships. From betrayal and cheating to codependency and emotional shutdown, this conversation exposes what is actually happening beneath the surface. They dive into why men avoid hard conversations, why boundaries are rarely enforced, and how most people enter relationships without even knowing who they are. If you have ever been cheated on, felt lost in a relationship, or keep attracting the same problems, this episode will hit. This is about taking responsibility, facing your past, and building something real. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE • Why most men repeat toxic relationship patterns• How childhood trauma affects adult relationships• The truth about cheating and betrayal• Why men avoid emotional conversations• How codependency actually forms• The role of boundaries and why most people fail to enforce them• What it takes to rebuild trust after betrayal• Why relationships fail without self-awareness• How to stop avoiding pain and start facing it• The mindset needed for a healthy relationship ABOUT MR. J Mr. J is a relationship coach and betrayal trauma practitioner who helps individuals and couples navigate broken trust and rebuild their lives. He focuses on intrapersonal relationships, helping people understand themselves first so they can build stronger relationships with others. His work centers on accountability, emotional awareness, and real change. No shortcuts. MR. J LINKS All Linkshttps://linktr.ee/traumapractitionerjay VIDEO CHAPTERS 00:00 Why Most Men Struggle In Relationships01:40 Meet Mr. J03:20 What Is Betrayal Trauma06:00 Why Rebuilding Trust Is So Hard10:00 The Pain Of Being Cheated On14:00 Why People Stay In Toxic Relationships18:00 The Truth About Affairs22:00 The “Bermuda Triangle” Of Cheating26:00 Why Men Avoid Emotions30:00 Codependency And Losing Yourself34:00 How To Build A Healthy Relationship38:00 Facing Your Trauma42:00 Fear, Growth, And Change46:00 Final Advice FOLLOW RAW MINDS YouTubehttps://youtube.com/@rawminds-cs3ci Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/rawmindspodcast TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@rawmindspodcast Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1CRWJaV5qh/ Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2DTczix6Egs7fscQiqCpfa Websitehttps://www.rawminds.ca Emailrawmindspodcast@gmail.com If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, addiction, or suicidal thoughts, reach out. Canada Crisis LineCall or text 988 You are not alone.

    1 hr
  3. APR 3

    The Raw Truth About Addiction and Coming Back | Raw Minds S2 Ep. 82

    What does rock bottom really look like? In this Raw Minds Podcast episode Erick sits down with Karyn Ward, a recovery leader who went from addiction, prison, and losing everything to helping others rebuild their lives from the ground up. Karyn shares her raw story. From losing children, battling addiction, and living a life of crime, to hitting rock bottom and choosing a different path. This is not theory. This is lived experience. She now leads sober living homes, helps people stay clean, and builds real systems that give people a second chance at life. This conversation breaks down what addiction actually takes from you, why most people relapse, and what it really takes to rebuild when everything falls apart. If you have ever felt lost, stuck, or like you are fighting your way back alone, this episode matters. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE • What rock bottom actually looks like• How addiction takes everything from you• Why most people relapse after treatment• The truth about recovery and rebuilding your life• What it takes to stay clean long term• The role of structure and community in recovery• Why men struggle to open up emotionally• How trauma shapes addiction• The power of second chances• What real accountability looks like ABOUT KARYN WARD Karyn Ward is the Director of Eau Claire Sober Living, where she leads multiple recovery homes focused on helping individuals rebuild their lives after addiction. After spending years in addiction, prison, and losing everything, she turned her life around and now works on the front lines of recovery. She is actively involved in sober living communities, public speaking, and is working toward becoming a substance abuse counselor. Her mission is simple. Help people who are struggling find a path forward and build a life that does not fall apart again. KARYN WARD LINKS Websitehttps://www.ecsoberliving.com Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ecsoberliving VIDEO CHAPTERS 00:00 Why You Need To Hear This01:10 What Rock Bottom Really Looks Like02:30 Meet Karyn Ward04:00 Losing Everything Early In Life08:00 Addiction And Entering The Drug World12:00 Crime, Prison, And Survival16:00 The Moment Everything Changed20:00 Facing Consequences And Letting Go24:00 Starting Recovery From Nothing28:00 Building Trust And Structure32:00 Why Men Struggle Emotionally36:00 Recovery, Relapse, And Reality40:00 Rebuilding A Life That Lasts44:00 Final Thoughts FOLLOW RAW MINDS YouTubehttps://youtube.com/@rawminds-cs3ci?si=GyaUB-JNhmxF-tv1 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/rawmindspodcast TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@rawmindspodcast Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1CRWJaV5qh/ Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3I7hBJgYDdS8UQpbMl9bdt Emailrawmindspodcast@gmail.com Websitewww.rawminds.ca If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health addiction or suicidal thoughts reach out. Canada Crisis LineCall or text 988 You are not alone.

    54 min
  4. APR 3

    Nobody Teaches You How To Grieve | Krista McDonald | Raw Minds S2 Ep. 81

    Nobody teaches you how to grieve.It just hits you.In this episode of Raw Minds, Erick sits down with Krista McDonald to break down what grief actually looks like and how people rebuild after loss.Most people are not prepared for death.Even less are prepared for what comes after.Krista has spent years working around death as an EMT and hospice nurse. She has seen what happens in the final moments and what families go through after.The problem is not death.The problem is there is no system for grief.This conversation gets into:Why grief feels overwhelmingWhat actually happens when someone diesWhy grief hits in wavesWhy people avoid dealing with itHow to process loss without shutting downWhat rebuilding your life actually looks likeIf you have ever lost someone or feel stuck after loss, this will hit.WHAT YOU WILL LEARNWhy most people are unprepared for griefWhat happens in the moment of deathWhy grief comes in wavesWhy people suppress emotionsHow to process grief in real timeHow to rebuild after lossWhy grief changes your identityHow to move forward without forgettingABOUT KRISTA MCDONALDKrista McDonald works in end of life care and grief support.She has experience as an EMT and hospice nurse and has helped people through both death and what comes after.Her focus is simple. Help people face loss, process it, and rebuild their life with awareness.KRISTA MCDONALD LINKSWebsitehttps://www.gledcommunity.comGLAAD LaunchJune 17Live Event and Book LaunchApril 14VIDEO CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:18 What Raw Minds is about00:50 The Legacy Method02:45 Meet Krista McDonald03:11 What GLAAD Community is04:14 Early exposure to death05:07 First experiences with loss08:01 Trauma and early life10:19 No system for grief12:02 EMT experiences13:26 PTSD and impact14:43 Hospice work18:33 Personal loss20:28 What happens when someone dies22:22 The moment of death24:14 Creating GLAAD25:30 How grief shows up27:37 Grief support systems28:34 Why men struggle with grief30:08 Why people delay change32:00 Presence and awareness34:29 Perspective on life and death37:02 Mindset and regret40:54 Understanding grief43:19 How grief evolves44:54 Processing emotions46:02 Avoidance of death48:20 Mental health and grief49:27 Turning pain into purpose50:08 Rebuilding after lossFOLLOW RAW MINDSYouTubehttps://youtube.com/@rawminds-cs3ciInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/rawmindspodcastTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@rawmindspodcastFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1CRWJaV5qh/Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2DTczix6Egs7fscQiqCpfaWebsitehttps://www.rawminds.caEmailrawmindspodcast@gmail.comIf you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, addiction, or suicidal thoughts, reach out.Canada Crisis LineCall or text 988You are not alone.

    52 min
  5. MAR 20

    Why Most Men Stay Stuck | Matt Young l Raw Minds S2 Ep. 80

    Why do so many men feel stuck in life? In this Raw Minds Podcast episode Erick sits down with Matt Young to break down why most men struggle to change, stay consistent, and follow through on their goals. Many people start strong. They feel motivated, confident, and ready to level up their life. Then reality hits. Discipline fades. Old habits creep back in. Progress stops. Matt explains that the real issue is not motivation. It is the lack of structure, identity, and systems behind the goals people set. This conversation goes deep into what it actually takes to build discipline, create lasting change, and take control of your life when everything feels off track. Matt shares how men can stop relying on motivation and start building a system that forces growth, even on the days they do not feel like it. If you feel stuck, lost, or tired of starting over, this episode will hit. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE • Why most men feel stuck in life• The truth about motivation and why it fails• How to build discipline that actually lasts• The role of identity in personal growth• Why systems matter more than goals• How to stay consistent when life gets hard• The mindset required to take control of your life• How to break out of cycles of failure• What real accountability looks like• How to rebuild when everything falls apart ABOUT MATT YOUNG Matt Young is a mindset and performance coach focused on helping men take control of their lives through discipline, structure, and accountability. He works with individuals and teams to improve mental strength, build consistency, and create systems that lead to real results in both life and performance. Matt’s approach focuses on removing excuses, building strong habits, and developing the mindset required to push forward no matter the situation. MATT YOUNG LINKS Websitehttps://www.mattyounglc.com VIDEO CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction01:10 Why Most Men Feel Stuck03:40 Meet Matt Young05:20 The Problem With Motivation08:00 Discipline vs Motivation11:30 Building Structure In Your Life15:00 The Role Of Identity18:20 Why Most People Fail22:10 Creating Real Accountability26:00 Breaking Bad Habits30:15 Staying Consistent Under Pressure34:40 Rebuilding After Failure39:00 Final Advice For Men FOLLOW RAW MINDS YouTubehttps://youtube.com/@rawminds-cs3ci?si=GyaUB-JNhmxF-tv1 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/rawmindspodcast TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@rawmindspodcast Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1CRWJaV5qh/ Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3I7hBJgYDdS8UQpbMl9bdt Emailrawmindspodcast@gmail.com Websitewww.rawminds.ca If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health addiction or suicidal thoughts reach out. Canada Crisis LineCall or text 988 You are not alone.

    54 min
  6. MAR 17

    Why Most Men Fail Their Goals | The System Behind Discipline and Identity | Raw Minds S2 Ep. 79

    Why do most men fail their goals, habits, and New Year resolutions? In this episode of Raw Minds Podcast, Erick sits down with mindset coach, author, and speaker Joey Chandler to break down why most people never follow through on the goals they set. The truth is simple. Motivation is not enough. Most people do not fail because they are lazy. They fail because they do not have the right system behind the goal. Joey shares how burnout forced him to ask a deeper question. Who am I, and how do I become more of that person? That question changed everything. It led him to build a framework rooted in core values, identity, aligned goals, consistent action, and recovery when life hits hard. Joey also explains his 3D Printed Life framework, a practical way to build your life layer by layer instead of trying to fix one area while the rest falls apart. This conversation dives into identity, discipline, burnout recovery, consistency, and how real growth happens over time. If you have ever quit on yourself, lost momentum, or felt stuck trying to become better, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: Why most New Year resolutions fail Why motivation always fades How to identify your core values How to build goals that align with your identity The action system needed for real progress Why recovery matters when life throws you off track The difference between who you are and how you operate How celebrating progress builds discipline How the 3D Printed Life framework works How to create lasting growth across every area of life About Joey Chandler Joey Chandler is a mindset coach, author, and speaker focused on helping people align their goals with their identity and core values. After experiencing burnout, Joey developed systems that help people define who they are, build goals that actually fit their values, take consistent action, and recover quickly when life disrupts progress. He is also the creator of the 3D Printed Life framework, which helps people grow layer by layer across fitness, relationships, business, and personal development. Joey Chandler Links Website https://www.joeychandler.net 3D Printed Life Framework https://certaingrowth.com/3dprinted LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeychandler Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joeychandler YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@joeychandler Video Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Why Most People Fail Their Goals 03:30 Meet Joey Chandler 05:10 The Problem With New Year Resolutions 07:40 Burnout And Identity Questions 10:10 Identifying Core Values 13:00 Building Goals From Your Values 16:20 Creating An Action System 19:00 Why Motivation Fades 21:30 Celebrating Progress And Discipline 24:10 The Recovery Tool When Life Happens 27:00 The 3D Printed Life Framework 30:20 How Layered Growth Works 33:10 Building Momentum Across Life Areas 36:00 Final Advice For People Struggling With Consistency Follow Raw Minds YouTube https://youtube.com/@rawminds-cs3ci?si=GyaUB-JNhmxF-tv1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rawmindspodcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rawmindspodcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1CRWJaV5qh/ Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3I7hBJgYDdS8UQpbMl9bdt Email rawmindspodcast@gmail.com Website https://www.rawminds.ca If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, addiction, or suicidal thoughts, reach out. Canada Crisis Line Call or text 988 You are not alone.

    55 min
  7. MAR 6

    640 Pounds, Prison, and Redemption | Adam’s Story | Raw Minds S2 Ep. 78

    mens mental health addiction recovery masculinity identity discipline and personal transformation are at the center of this powerful Raw Minds Podcast episode. In this conversation Erick sits down with Adam, a mens mental health advocate, entrepreneur, author, and father of four who rebuilt his life after complete collapse. Adam once weighed over 640 pounds and battled severe food addiction, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, and depression. His spiral led to the loss of more than one million dollars and eventually prison time. Instead of hiding from his past, Adam chose radical accountability. This episode is not about theory. It is about the hard truth of rebuilding yourself when everything falls apart. Erick also opens up about the Legacy Method coaching app he is building. The platform focuses on helping men rebuild their lives mentally physically emotionally and financially through discipline daily habits and real accountability. This conversation goes deep into identity masculinity addiction discipline and what it really takes to become a stronger man after hitting rock bottom. If you have ever struggled with addiction depression shame or rebuilding your life after failure this episode will hit hard. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE • How addiction destroys identity and discipline• The mental battle of weighing over 640 pounds• How gambling addiction can destroy a life financially and emotionally• The reality of losing over one million dollars to addiction• The mindset shift required to rebuild after prison• Why accountability is the foundation of real transformation• The truth about masculinity and responsibility• How men rebuild their lives after hitting rock bottom• Why brotherhood and loyalty matter in modern society• The power of discipline in mental health recovery ABOUT ADAM Adam is a mens mental health advocate entrepreneur author and speaker who openly shares his journey through addiction prison and personal transformation. After reaching over 640 pounds and losing everything to addiction Adam chose to rebuild his life through discipline accountability and purpose. His message focuses on masculinity responsibility and helping men reclaim their identity. His book Saints and Sinners explores brotherhood loyalty identity and the difficult road to redemption. VIDEO CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction01:10 Erick Talks About The Legacy Method Coaching App03:30 Meet Adam05:20 Adam Weighing Over 640 Pounds08:40 Addiction To Food Alcohol And Gambling12:15 Losing Over One Million Dollars16:10 Hitting Rock Bottom19:30 Prison And Facing Reality23:00 The Mental Shift That Changed Everything27:10 Masculinity Identity And Accountability31:20 Rebuilding Life After Collapse35:00 Brotherhood Loyalty And Trust39:00 Lessons For Men Fighting Addiction43:20 Final Advice For Men Trying To Rebuild FOLLOW RAW MINDS YouTubehttps://youtube.com/@rawminds-cs3ci?si=GyaUB-JNhmxF-tv1 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/rawmindspodcast TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@rawmindspodcast Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1CRWJaV5qh/ Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3I7hBJgYDdS8UQpbMl9bdt Emailrawmindspodcast@gmail.com Websitewww.rawminds.ca If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health addiction or suicidal thoughts please reach out. Canada Crisis LineCall or text 988 You are not alone.

    1h 1m
  8. MAR 6

    Naplab Exposes What 500 Mattresses Revealed About Sleep | Raw Minds Podcast Ep 77

    Sleep and mental health are deeply connected. In this Raw Minds Podcast episode Erick sits down with Derek from NAPLAB, a company that has tested over 500 mattresses using real data to uncover how sleep affects anxiety, depression, performance, discipline, and recovery.Most men ignore sleep while chasing success. They grind late, wake up exhausted, drink more coffee, and wonder why their focus, patience, and mental health begin to fall apart.In this conversation we break down the real science behind sleep, the mattress industry myths that cost people thousands of dollars, and why poor sleep quietly destroys your discipline, hormones, clarity, and emotional stability.Erick also opens up about the reality of running the Raw Minds Podcast, building the Legacy Method coaching app, being a single father, and pushing through months of sleep deprivation while trying to build something meaningful.If your sleep is garbage your mindset is garbage.Your patience drops.Your clarity disappears.Your discipline fades.This episode will change how you think about sleep, recovery, and mental performance.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE• Why sleep is one of the most important factors for mental health• How poor sleep increases anxiety and depression in men• The biggest lie the mattress industry tells consumers• How Derek tested over 500 mattresses using real data• The best mattress under 2000 dollars according to lab testing• Why expensive mattresses are often marketing hype• How sleep affects testosterone discipline and emotional regulation• Why entrepreneurs and busy parents sabotage their own sleep• The science behind mattress testing cooling motion transfer and durability• How to find the right mattress for your body and sleep styleABOUT NAPLABNAPLAB is one of the most detailed mattress testing platforms in the world. Derek and his team test mattresses using 43 different data points and 10 objective performance tests including thermal imaging motion transfer measurements cooling tests and durability simulations.Their mission is simple. Cut through marketing hype and help people actually sleep better.Derek bio / background - https://naplab.com/about/derek-hales/NapLab website - https://naplab.com/NapLab quiz - https://naplab.com/mattress-quiz/ - here users can answer a few questions about their needs, preferences, budget, etc. That info goes straight to me or a member of my team and we'll then respond with a personalized mattress recommendation within 24 hours.Mattress Finder QuizAnswer a few questions about your sleep style and get a personalized mattress recommendation.VIDEO CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:00 Why Sleep Is Destroying Men's Mental Health02:40 Meet Derek From NAPLAB04:20 How Derek Started Testing Mattresses07:50 The Science Behind Mattress Testing10:30 Best Mattresses For Sleep Performance12:30 The Biggest Mattress Industry Lie14:05 How Sleep Impacts Anxiety And Depression17:00 Erick Talks About Running On 4 Hours Of Sleep20:10 Work From Home Burnout And Sleep Debt23:30 Parenting Work And Sleep Balance26:15 The Truth About Mattress Marketing28:30 Worst Mattress Derek Ever Tested29:50 The Best Mattress Under 2000 Dollars31:15 Online Mattress Industry Explained33:00 NAPLAB Mattress Finder Quiz35:10 New Mattress Durability Testing Machine37:00 Final Thoughts On Sleep And Mental HealthFOLLOW RAW MINDSYouTubehttps://youtube.com/@rawminds-cs3ci?si=GyaUB-JNhmxF-tv1Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/rawmindspodcastTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@rawmindspodcastFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1CRWJaV5qh/Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3I7hBJgYDdS8UQpbMl9bdtEmailrawmindspodcast@gmail.comIf you are struggling with anxiety depression grief or mental health please reach out for help.Canada Crisis LineCall or text 988You are not alone.

    35 min

About

Raw Minds is a raw, unapologetic podcast focused on men’s mental health, grief, resilience, and the battles we fight in silence. Hosted by Erick, Raw Minds is for men who feel broken, overwhelmed, numb, angry, lost, or alone and don’t know where to put it. This isn’t surface-level motivation. This is real life. The ugly parts. The quiet pain. Each episode features honest, vulnerable conversations with guests from all walks of life sharing real stories of depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, loss, fatherhood, recovery, and rebuilding after everything falls apart. No masks. No b******t.