February 10, 2025

415. When Money Isn't Enough: MATTers of the Mind: Matt Gerlach

56 minutes

"Your life is sending you wake-up calls, and they'll just keep getting louder until you finally listen."

"I think that people who have been through adversity are a lot more equipped to change the world."

In this extremely vulnerable episode of the Better Call Daddy podcast, host Reena Friedman Watts welcomes Matt Gerlach, a man who made the bold decision to walk away from a million-dollar paycheck in pursuit of a more fulfilling life.

Matt opens up about his transformative journey, navigating through panic attacks, mental health challenges, and the quest for self-acceptance.

Matt shares the harrowing experience of living in fear while driving in Los Angeles, the panic attacks that led him to confront his mental health, and the pivotal moment when he received the diagnosis of anxiety.

He reflects on his childhood struggles, including feelings of abandonment and the challenges of coming to terms with his identity as a gay man. Through therapy and self-discovery, Matt has learned the importance of vulnerability, setting boundaries, and the power of community.

As the conversation unfolds, Reena’s dad, Wayne, offers his insights, emphasizing the significance of self-validation and the journey of healing. Together, they discuss the generational differences in dealing with trauma, the importance of open communication, and the value of personal growth.

Matt’s story is one of resilience and hope, showcasing how he is now channeling his experiences into helping others navigate their own challenges. With exciting plans for surrogacy on the horizon, Matt is ready to embrace fatherhood and create a legacy built on love and understanding. Join us for an inspiring episode filled with heartfelt reflections, valuable lessons, and the reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

(00:00) The Better Call Daddy Show features interviews with influential fathers and controversial people

(01:38) Matt Gerlach walked away from a million a year paycheck to focus on mental health

(03:28) Matt says he thought he had a brain tumor during his first panic attack

(07:49) You've been in therapy for 20 years and working on a memoir

(12:10) Matt says it's important for people to normalize talking about emotions

(17:29) I think you learn to work with adversity, to answer your question

(19:26) Do friends really matter? What does your friend group look like now

(23:41) Let's talk a little bit about your career journey. It's super interesting because you did the nine to five

(29:15) Every year for the past 20 years, I've looked at the success

(30:37) Matt says his parents taught him a lot about responsibility and integrity

(32:12) You never told your dad about being gay, but your brother did

(37:06) We do need validation, I think, and a lot of

(40:18) Tell me about some of the exciting changes that you're looking forward to

(41:20) Glennon Doyle says she never thought she'd be a parent

(42:51) What did you learn about surrogacy that you had no idea about

(48:13) I'm writing a memoir about my journey from panic attacks

(48:49) You've gotten feedback from people of your dad's generation on how to handle this

(50:38) You work with men that have had trauma and help them get over it

(52:13) Matt Gerlach is looking for validation from his father through therapy

Connect with Matt Gerlach:

- Website: Matt's Website

- Instagram: Matt's Instagram

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:

- Website: bettercalldaddy.com

- LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts

- Twitter: @reenareena

- Instagram: @Reena Friedman Watts

- YouTube: Better Call Daddy

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who values personal growth and the power of vulnerability!

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By Reena Friedman Watts

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