In this episode I bring you another great conversation with  Dr. John Ogrodniczuk. This is the third time he’s been on the podcast and it’s always an honour to speak with him.

John is a Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the UBC Psychotherapy Program, one of North America’s largest medically based psychotherapy training programs.  His research program focuses on a variety of psychotherapies and patient populations, with a particular focus on personality disorders and men’s mental health. Dr. Ogrodniczuk has held several grants to support his research, which has led to over 300 scientific publications. John is also the Founder of HeadsUpGuys, a leading global resource for supporting men with depression. This episode marks a special occasion as his organization, HeadsUpGuys, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

In addition to his research, Dr. Ogrodniczuk is involved with teaching medical students and psychiatry residents, serves as a mental health consultant for various organizations, and maintains a psychotherapy practice.

We had a lot to talk about in this episode, including a Heads Up Guys campaign called Step up for Him a campaign taking action in support of the millions of men across the globe – our brothers, fathers, partners, sons, friends, colleagues – who struggle with their mental health, often in silence. Clink the link to learn more about how you can get involved.

HeadsUpGuys is the world’s leading online resource for men’s mental health. Over 10,000 people use it every week—but they have so many more men that we need to reach.

STEP UP FOR HIM

Hey there! Want a simple way to support men’s mental health while also taking care of your own? Heads Up Guys has something for you — it’s called Step Up For Him, and it’s all about moving with purpose.

Here’s how it works:

First — get moving.

Walk, run, hike, bike — whatever feels good. You can join in anytime between June 1st and 15th. Do it once, every day, or just when you can. Totally your call.

This two-week stretch includes Men’s Health Week and wraps up on Father’s Day, so it’s a meaningful way to show up — for yourself, and for the men in your life.

Next — bring a buddy.

Grab a friend, coworker, partner, whoever. Movement is always better with someone else, and sharing the experience does wonders for mental health. It’s a simple way to build connection and have some fun along the way.

Then — share it.

Take a photo or video of your movement, add some of our custom “HeadsUpGuys” stickers (just search us up), and post it using the hashtag #StepUpForHim. Tag some friends to join in, and help spread the word.

Head’s up guys will be on the lookout for your posts to share on our socials — so yeah, you might get a shoutout!

And finally — if you’re able, consider donating.

Every dollar goes directly toward programs that help men heal, cope, and thrive. Just $1 helps us get self-check tools to 8 guys. $5? That can help one man connect with a qualified therapist. That’s a real impact.

So, however you choose to Step Up — by moving, sharing, donating, or just talking about it — you’re helping change the conversation around men’s mental health.

Let’s do this together. Let’s Step Up For Him.

Huge thanks to Mannmade Cycles for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!