Normalize It Forward

Human performance is often associated with pressure. People are pushed to their limits just to achieve the best results. Although such a challenge stretches you to do whatever it takes to succeed, you may also be putting your own well-being at risk. Marc Lehman sits down with Kyle Stark, former Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who shares his insights on working with professional athletes who are constantly pressured to give their peak performance every single game. He explains what it really takes to develop people, not just performers, into high achievers who have a real sense of identity, leadership, and resilience. Discover why you do not have to sacrifice your mental health just to deliver better outputs and unlock bigger goals, but by simply being yourself and enjoying the ride.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

The silent battle of shame and secrecy behind high-functioning addiction is exposed as Emmy-award-winning journalist and podcast host of The Tangle, Kyle Ridley, sits down to share his truth. Joining host Marc Lehman, Kyle reveals how his bulimia—a struggle often compounded by the stigma against men being vulnerable—consumed his twenties and made him a prisoner in his own home. He walks listeners through the critical steps of his lifelong journey of recovery, from the terrifying moment of intervention to embracing therapy and finding the courage to talk about his anxiety and fear of rejection. This conversation offers powerful lessons on how building a solid foundation of self-acceptance and community can finally break the cycle, leading to the confidence and grounded happiness that only comes from deep, ongoing healing.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Retired Fire Captain Dave Shenbaum is a community connector known for his deep roots and commitment to others, forged through 30 years of public service in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, including the Manhattan Beach Fire Department. In this powerful conversation, Dave brings a grounded, real-world perspective to mental health, purpose, and perseverance. From navigating the challenge of dyslexia and the intensity of paramedic school, to offering honest advice for today’s youth on overcoming “overwhelming doom,” Dave provides essential wisdom. He explains why we all need to “Work on my shit first” (WOMSF), why appreciation is the key to escaping bitterness, and how turning your shortcomings into strengths is non-negotiable.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Mental health and music go hand in hand since most artists pour the contents of their hearts and minds into their songs. This is exactly what Canadian singer-songwriter and pop artist Jordyn Sugar is doing through her empowered pop music. Joining Marc Lehman, she discusses her creativity, confidence, and what it means to normalize inner work, especially among young people. Jordyn also shares how Justin Bieber inspired her to continue writing music and how she uses her art to encourage self-belief and emotional openness that help unlock your most authentic self.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Communication and connection are often the first things to erode when life gets busy, yet they are the very foundation of strong teams, healthy families, and personal well-being. Steve Shenbaum brings decades of experience working with athletes, leaders, and organizations to explore how trust is built through small, consistent actions rather than big moments. As the conversation unfolds, he reflects on the role of discipline, the impact of constant information, and the quiet power of presence, offering a perspective that feels both practical and deeply human. What emerges is a reminder that meaningful connection is not complicated, but it does require intention, awareness, and a willingness to show up differently.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Vince Benevento of Causeway Collaborative believes the conventional approach to supporting young men’s mental health is fundamentally flawed. Statistics show that 80% to 90% of boys who need help aren’t getting it. Whether they’re dealing with substance use issues, college academic probation, or just feeling “stuck,” many young men resist being dragged along to therapy. In this powerful conversation, Vince—a licensed professional counselor and a former “wayward young man” himself—shares his revolutionary methodology. He details how Causeway Collaborative empowers young men (ages 16–30) to take ownership of their own care by focusing on action, physical movement, and building structure and routine, rather than relying on quick fixes and labels. This is essential reading for any parent seeking to support their son without pushing too hard or pulling away completely.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Welcome to a powerful conversation on mental health and wellness with Elizabeth "Ellie" Haney, the visionary founder of Here For You. Born from her own journey through emotional struggles and a feeling of profound isolation, Here For You is more than just a clothing brand—it's a mission to normalize candid conversations about mental health through fashion, community, and support.

In this deeply honest interview, Ellie shares the excruciating reality of her college years, battling crippling anxiety and depression in silence, and the ultimate turning point—the three simple, yet life-changing words she finally spoke. Whether you're a student feeling overwhelmed, a parent seeking connection, or simply someone who believes in the power of vulnerability, Ellie’s story is a testament to the fact that hope and change are real, and that the only way out of the darkness is through it. Get ready to be inspired and reminded: you are not alone, and help is waiting for you.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

The path to healing from post-traumatic stress requires bravery, honesty, and a willingness to share your story. Bob Delaney‘s life truly reads like a movie script: he’s a former New Jersey State Trooper who spent three years undercover infiltrating the mob, and later became one of the NBA’s most respected referees, officiating over 1,500 games. His extraordinary journey has made him a leading voice on resilience and leadership, using his experience to help first responders, veterans, and athletes understand the human side of high-pressure lives. Bob discusses how the game of basketball became his therapy and how a common-sense approach is better than over-medicalizing the conversation. He reminds us that trauma is inescapable, and through his powerful Kintsugi analogy for healing, he proves that what is personal is universal.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Men’s mental health takes center stage as we hear a story of turning pain into purpose. Marc Lehman welcomes identical twins, fitness coaches, and mental health advocates Jake and Joe Sharp, who turned the tragedy of losing their younger brother Sam to suicide into a powerful mission to help others heal. They speak with incredible honesty about the impact of grief, the darkness of depression, and overcoming the isolating grip of shame and perfectionism. Their raw, real, and deeply human conversation explores the life-changing role that community, physical wellness, and finding hope played in their journey, showing listeners that true healing means connecting and growing strong together.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

The true strength in men’s mental health isn’t toughing it out, but taking off the mask and choosing to fight another day. Marc Lehman sits down with former athlete turned passionate mental health advocate and founder of Unbeaten, Dean Daniel, who shares his raw and incredibly powerful journey through chronic pain, eight spinal surgeries, and multiple suicide attempts. As a proud ambassador for Tough To Talk, Dean opens up about the stigma surrounding men’s emotions, the devastating effects of silence on families, and the life-changing choice he made to live and help others realize they are never truly alone.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.