In today’s compelling Men's Therapy Podcast episode, host Marc Azoulay explores the world of men’s mental health with Dr. Ronald F. Levant. He is an eminent voice in the psychology of masculinity. Dr. Levant is Professor Emeritus at the University of Akron. He is former American Psychological Association’s Division of Men and Masculinities president. He brings decades of expertise to the conversation. He shares groundbreaking insights into fatherhood, alexithymia, and emotional inexpressiveness. He sheds light on the psychological barriers many men face.  

“Many men, myself included, grew up with difficult fathers,” Dr. Levant recalls. This raw honesty sets the tone. He explores how generational trauma and societal norms have shaped men’s emotional landscapes. He also tackles alexithymia. It is a condition where individuals struggle to identify and articulate their emotions. This is a phenomenon that Dr. Levant refers to as "normative male alexithymia."

This episode highlights the pressing need for emotional education. Whether it's redefining fatherhood to reshaping masculinity for the modern era. It highlights the importance of positive male mentorship.

Dr. Ronald Levant is no stranger to breaking boundaries. He is a clinical psychologist and a professor emeritus at the University of Akron. He is also a former president of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Levant has spent decades studying men’s mental health and masculinity. His journey is marked by overcoming abuse, bullying, and self-discovery. It drives his mission to help men redefine their emotional lives. Today's episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast hosts Dr. Levant. He explores the challenges men face when addressing their emotional health. He also shares tools to help them grow.

"I grew up in a world where showing emotions was seen as weakness," Dr. Levant shares. "Boys are taught from a young age to suppress feelings. This restrictive emotionality has long-term consequences." Dr. Levant reflects on his transformation from a troubled youth to an esteemed psychologist. He underscores the importance of emotional alchemy. "It’s not just about naming emotions. It’s about understanding and expressing them in ways that improve our relationships and well-being."

What if the key to transforming your relationship lies not in fixing your partner? What if it is all about mastering mindfulness together through couples therapy? In today’s episode of the Men's Therapy Podcast, Marc Azoulay welcomes back Donald Bialkowski. He is a clinical social worker specializing in mindful relating and relational leadership. Bialkowski brings a unique perspective to couples therapy. He emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in creating healthy relationships. "The relationship isn't the problem. It just reveals the problem within you," Bialkowski shares. He highlights how relationships serve as mirrors for personal growth. His approach focuses on helping couples move from confrontational positions to collaborative partnerships. He helps in addressing both traditional and modern relationship challenges.

In today’s episode of Men’s Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay welcomes Owen Marcus. He is a seasoned expert in somatic therapy and emotional development. Owen sheds light on the complexities of emotionally unavailable men. He has years of experience helping men embrace vulnerability and heal from trauma. He provides valuable insights into the impact of toxic masculinity on emotional detachment. Additionally, he examines how societal expectations play a role in this issue.

Owen shares, "For many men, emotional unavailability is a defense mechanism. It's not a trait, but a learned response to years of conditioning. Where vulnerability was often seen as weakness." He emphasizes the importance of healing emotional wounds and taking time to focus on personal growth. Owen emphasizes that embracing vulnerability fosters deeper connections with oneself and others. This approach can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Owen examines how men often adopt coping mechanisms like suppression and avoidance. These behaviours can hinder their ability to form meaningful connections. As a result, men may struggle to build deeper relationships. Owen's somatic therapy approach targets both the mind and body. It is an effective tool for men looking to break free from harmful cycles. This therapy helps them heal emotionally.

In today’s Men's Therapy Podcast episode, host Marc Azoulay explores modern fatherhood with therapist Ben White. He is a father of two and a mental health professional. He specializes in men's therapy and parenting support. As society's expectations of fathers continue to evolve. White brings a unique perspective that bridges professional expertise with personal experience. He offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that contemporary dads face. Especially when it comes to navigating family relationships and emotional intelligence. He began as an outdoor enthusiast but grew into a dedicated father. This journey reveals the transformative nature of parenthood. He stresses the importance of maintaining a personal identity while raising children. Balancing both is key.

Through their candid discussion, White shares his journey from an outdoor enthusiast to a dedicated father. He highlights the transformative nature of fatherhood and its impact on masculine identity. The conversation explores crucial aspects of modern parenting. It highlights the balance between personal identity and parental duties. Both are equally important. White highlights the importance of emotional awareness in raising boys. He focuses on the challenges of postpartum experiences for men. This discussion is helpful for fathers wanting to improve their role in their children's lives. It emphasizes the importance of staying connected to themselves and their partners. Effective communication is key to this process. Couples therapy can also strengthen these connections.

On today's episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay sits down with Noah Galloway. He is a decorated combat veteran, speaker, and advocate for men's mental health. Galloway is known for his openness about his struggles. He shares how his personal experiences with trauma, fatherhood, and relationships have shaped his life. His journey has inspired others to seek healing.

“When we take that journey, it can put us in darker places,” Galloway reflects. He explains the challenges he faced during his mental health journey. He describes how processing trauma can be painful but necessary to find true healing. Galloway discusses losing limbs in combat and navigating failed relationships. He talks about the role of therapy in understanding his emotions. Therapy has also helped him improve his relationships with his family.

Galloway credits therapy with helping him confront deep-seated trauma. He highlights techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These methods have played a key role in his healing.“I’ve had realizations that explained so much about my childhood and why I reacted the way I did,” he shares. These breakthroughs have transformed his life and inspired his mission. He encourages men to embrace vulnerability and take control of their emotional health.

In today’s episode of the Men's Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay welcomes back Dr. Matt Zakreski. He is a prominent voice in the field of neurodiversity. Today we explore the complexities of a neurodivergent individual. Dr. Zakreski discusses the intricacies of sensory processing, masking, and navigating social dynamics. He offers listeners an invaluable guide to understanding and embracing their neurodivergent identities. He shares how neurodivergent individuals can navigate a neurotypical society. "It feels like everybody else got a secret code, and I didn't," Dr. Zakreski reflects. 

Zakreski authored a book called "The Neurodiversity Playbook." It aims to provide the "instruction manual" that neurodivergent individuals never received. It helps them understand their unique brains and how to thrive. It captures the essence of feeling out of place. This is a feeling that many neurodivergent people experience. Through engaging storytelling, Dr. Zakreski offers a roadmap for embracing neurodiversity. He aims to empower men seeking to enhance their mental health and personal growth.

Today's episode of Men's Therapy Podcast features Eliot Andre. He is the founder of Connected Roots. It is a therapy practice that supports individuals exploring alternative lifestyles like non-monogamy. He shares profound insights into the evolving landscape of modern relationships. He has seven years of personal experience in ethical non-monogamy. Andre offers a unique perspective on navigating alternative lifestyles. "If we lived in a society where non-monogamy or polyamory was the norm, people would do that. Humans need connection and more than one connection," Andre explains. He highlights the natural human desire for diverse relationships.

As loneliness grows among men, Andre's work at Connected Roots fosters authentic connections. His efforts are part of a broader movement. This aims to address growing social challenges. His practice supports individuals in non-monogamous, LGBTQ+, kink, and polyamorous communities. He wants to help people navigate these diverse lifestyles. It has become a beacon for those seeking to explore relationships beyond traditional boundaries. "The percentage of people that I work with at this point that open up their marriage. Or they engage in kink or BDSM to kind of save a relationship is pretty high," Andre notes. He emphasizes both the opportunities and challenges that come with exploring alternative lifestyles. His work shows how polyamory and ethical non-monogamy can build deeper connections. He also addresses the emotional and practical challenges that come with these choices. He highlights the potential benefits of non-traditional relationship structures.

In a world filled with digital distractions, reclaiming true intimacy can be challenging. It often starts with facing the reality of porn addiction. Today's episode of the Men’s Therapy podcast focuses on insights on it from Matt Wenger. He is the Clinical Director at Begin Again Institute. He discusses the complicated connection between intimacy and childhood trauma. This relationship plays a key role in recovering from porn addiction. Wenger’s unique approach integrates empathy and trauma therapy. This sets a clear path for men seeking real change in their relationships, self-perception, and mental health.

“One thing I’ve learned over the years,” Wenger shares, “is that there’s this huge overlap between childhood trauma and porn or sex addictions.” He elaborates that recovery isn’t simply about stopping addictive behaviors. It is about rediscovering intimacy on a personal level. Wenger’s insights shed light on why true intimacy is so much more than physical connection. He focuses on how trauma can distort our understanding of it. His approach helps individuals manage compulsive behavior. It also emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with themselves.

Wenger also emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in healing. He explains, “Intimacy isn’t just sex; it’s about being yourself with someone and feeling safe in doing so.” His perspective has helped countless individuals and couples redefine their relationships. He has helped them move beyond shame and secrecy toward a deeper, more fulfilling connection. Wenger’s advice is both practical and transformative for overcoming compulsive behaviors. It also helps individuals understand the role of trauma and develop true intimacy.

In the latest episode of the Men's Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay sits down with Gina Hendrix. She is a renowned matchmaker for affluent me. She discusses the intricacies of compatibility in relationships. Gina has an extensive career that spans matchmaking, fashion, and even animal rescue. She brings a multifaceted perspective to the conversation. Her journey into matchmaking began after a successful stint as a celebrity stylist. She worked with high-profile clients and developed a deep understanding of what it takes to make lasting connections. Transitioning to matchmaking was a natural step for her. It was driven by her passion for connecting people in meaningful ways. "I've always been a connector," she reflects. "It's naturally who I am. Whether it’s matching people, animals, or opportunities, it’s about finding the right fit." She aims to help men through matchmaking to become successful men.

Gina emphasizes that compatibility isn’t just about finding someone who shares similar interests or values. It requires understanding and aligning with the deeper aspects of a person's lifestyle and goals. This also includes recognizing their emotional needs. "People have layers upon layers," she explains. Gina points out that the factors that make or break a relationship often lie beneath the surface. These layers include how a person manages stress. They also encompass their approach to financial decisions. Additionally, they involve how they navigate family dynamics. Compatibility extends into areas that many overlook during the initial stages of dating. These include lifestyle habits, expectations for plans, and personal development goals. Gina’s insights highlight the importance of taking a holistic approach to matchmaking. She considers every aspect of a person’s life when determining a match.