In this powerful reintroduction, I share why I’m pivoting the podcast from stories of failure to real conversations about men’s mental health—starting with my own journey living with bipolar disorder.

Too many men are suffering in silence.

We’re taught to stay strong, stay quiet, and push through the pain.

But that silence?

It’s killing us.

This season, I’m breaking the stigma. No filters. No shame. Just the truth.

👉 What to expect from the new Xander Speaks:

• Candid stories about mental health struggles

• Conversations with men who’ve faced the darkness and fought back

• A safe space for vulnerability, strength, healing, and hope

• Veteran mental health, bipolar disorder, depression, masculinity & more

🧠 Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s human. And it’s time we talk about it.

🔥 Subscribe for weekly videos that challenge stigma and open up space for healing.

👍 Like, comment, and share if this message hit home—you never know who might need it.

📌 New episodes every week.

🎧 Also available wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, we talk with two individuals who are in the 40 under 40 and one that should be. Ryan cox is the Altana Federal Credit Union, Branch Manager and Project Christmas Miracle, President/Founder. Saskia Boogman is a University of Montana graduate and Director of Social & Content for KOA. Bryce Turcotte is a graphic designer, photographer and co-owner of Advrt Lab here in Billings. All three of these individuals come from difference fields with different backgrounds but all three have failed in their journeys. 

In this episode we talk to Steve Arveschoug, the Executive Director of Big Sky Economic Development here in Billings, MT. Steve talks about leaving a great job because of the pressure, dropping his son on his head, and letting his job own him.  

In this episode we talk to Clementine Lindley, the owner of Limber Tree Yoga here in Billings, MT. Prior to this popular yoga studio, Clementine has had a few failures along her journey to advocate and owner.  Listen along to hear her journey of failure 

Jim Markel joins us on episode 2 to talk about his failures. Jim has succeeded but to get there he had to fail. On this episode, we talk about his journey from parachute rigging to top utility gear in the world.

The Red Oxx story continues with the world’s finest nylon luggage and sporting gear. It’s all meticulously made by hand by dedicated craftsmen and craftswomen right here in America. Red Oxx has forged to build a culture of true quality. We highly value customers to the point there isn’t any middle-man to come between us. This business philosophy has led to our credo "Not sold at a store near you."

In this episode, we explore Leif’s failures and what he thinks is the best way to overcome fear