This week, Anton Nootenboom (aka The Barefoot Dutchman) joins us to talk all things men’s mental health. Anton shares his own vulnerable stories, how he got so close to suicide, what got him out of depression and back on his (bare) feet, and what we can all do to improve men’s mental health on the planet. Illustrated by powerful and emotional stories Anton shows us how opening up and sharing your story can lead to vital support, healing and a renewed connection to ourselves and our loved ones.

DONATE - Every minute we lose a man to suicide. Please help raise funds for Men’s Mental Health through Anton’s platform #BraveMenTalk. The donations will go to the following foundations: Movember, Mind and Brave Men Talk Foundation. Please consider donating and save lives. For every $25 they can include a man in one of the programs to prevent suicide. Donate here: https://bravementalk.com/ 

Follow the Spirit Unfolding podcast:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/spiritunfolding 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritUnfolding 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/686nVE9z28r8AryvhgWWk0 

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Preview

01:03 - Podcast intro

01:46 - Anton’s Journey of Mental Health

08:10 - The Numbness of Depression

12:19 - The Turning Point: Seeking Help

16:18 - The Power of Sharing Stories

20:02 - Changing the Narrative: Vulnerability in Men

25:15 - Real Conversations: Stories from the Road

31:24 - The Weight of Military 

35:08 - Preventing the Build-Up of Pressure

39:09 - Embracing Resistance and Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

43:10 - The Power of Connection and Support

44:47 - Rites of Passage and Masculinity

51:41 - The Role of Men in Relationships

56:36 - Vulnerability and Communication in Relationships

01:07:30 - The Importance of Sharing Stories

01:12:01 - Men's Circles and Community Support

01:16:21 - The Story of Peter

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Anton Nootenboom is a Dutch army veteran and mental health advocate. After spending 10 years in the army, with 3 missions to Afghanistan, he found himself in Australia, depressed and at the brink of suicide. Overcoming this, in 2019, he began extreme barefoot walks to raise awareness about men's mental health. First by being the first person every to walk to Mount Everest Base Camp barefoot, then by setting the (now beaten) Guinness World Record for the longest barefoot hike in 2021, conquering 1800+ miles along the East coast of Australia, and finally in 2024 he broke his own record by walking barefoot across the United States from LA to NYC. Anton is the founder of the platform #BraveMenTalk, together with Barebarics barefoot sneakers, that aims to reduce depression and suicide rates to zero. His new book about his journey across the USA comes out later this year.

Website: https://bravementalk.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarefoot_dutchman/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barefootdutchie 

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The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. Every episode I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.

Follow the Spirit Unfolding podcast:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/spiritunfolding 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritUnfolding 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/686nVE9z28r8AryvhgWWk0 

Website: https://larsveenstra.com/podcast 

Lars Veenstra

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/larsveenstra