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Mental health is an important topic that affects everyone, regardless of gender identity. However, men are less likely to seek support due to the stigma around mental health and societal pressures. Unfortunately, men are also 3.5x more likely to commit suicide, twice as likely to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and drink alcohol more heavily than women.
As men, society pressures us to keep our emotions in check. When we’re depressed, anxious, or stressed, the only emotion that feels acceptable to release publicly is anger. This conditions us to be angry and unhappy. Additionally, many men feel that admitting they struggle is a sign of weakness or failure. The truth is that having the courage to be open about your emotions and ask for help when you need it is one of the strongest things you can do.
As I struggled with mental health throughout my life, I was brave enough to seek help, but I often felt like I was on an island alone. I was never able to find other men I could relate to when it came to dealing with depression, anxiety, and anger. I don’t want you to experience the same journey I did. Luckily, podcasts provide an accessible way for you to find your community.
If you’re a man, or you have one in your life that you love, then here are 15 life-changing mental health podcasts for men worth listening to.
1. Not Quite Zen
Obviously, I had to put my podcast on the list, but I didn’t put it at number one because I think it’s the best. No, Not Quite Zen is at the top spot because of the inspiration behind my podcast.
As I said above, I struggled with mental health throughout my life. Actually, I struggled with mental health most of my life. Depression, anxiety, and anger were often the hallmarks of my personality. In fact, my nickname in high school was “Angry Tony,” which pissed me off and made me angrier. But it was true I was often angry. I also contemplated suicide many times in my life and wished I wasn’t alive.
Luckily, after years of starting and stopping therapy, voluntarily taking anger management classes, and discovering Acceptance and Commitment Therapy I’ve changed. I am a calmer, happier, and more balanced person.
But here’s the dirty truth, I still struggle sometimes. There will always be good days and bad, and that’s why I created Not Quite Zen. The podcast is all about taking small steps toward a better life, but it’s also about accepting that at times life is going to suck. Not Quite Zen is for people who struggle, want to get better but haven’t had luck in the past.
Click the links below to be taken to the show page, and I highly recommend starting with Episode 1: Does Therapy Really Work to learn more about my mental health journey. Or click here to read the blog post.
Where to listen:
2. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Jay Shetty is a former monk, New York Times Bestselling Author, Calm app personality, and podcast host. You’ve probably heard of him if you’re not new to the mental health space. Shetty’s self-proclaimed goal with the On Purpose podcast is “to make wisdom go viral.”
My take, if you are looking for a rising star in the world of mental health and motivation, and a podcast that features big-name celebrities and mental health influencers then look no further than On Purpose. That’s not to say Shetty is out of touch. Quite the opposite in fact. He has a calm soothing demeanor that’s easy to listen to. I also recommend checking out his book, “Think Like A Monk: Train Your Life for Peace and Purpose Every Day.”
Where to listen:
3. The Mental Illness Happy Hour
If you search for “mental health” in any podcast app, then chances are that The Mental Illness Happy Hour will pop up. It’s a weekly online podcast that interviews comedians, artists, friends, and the occasional doctor. Each episode explores mental illness, trauma, addiction, and negative thinking.
The show is hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin. If you’re an elder millennial like me, you may remember him from his stint co-hosting TBS’ Dinner and a Movie. Gilmartin’s show is truly unique because he brings levity to the topic of mental health, which is an underrated coping mechanism. Though I absolutely despise the show’s podcast cover art, If you want to improve your well-being without getting too serious then this is the podcast for you.
Where to listen:
4. Ten Percent Happier
If you’re not familiar with Dan Harris, his story is pretty interesting. Harris was a broadcast journalist for ABC News, and he had a panic attack on live television while anchoring a news segment on Good Morning America (GMA). As a former journalist and ABC affiliate news producer myself, I can tell you this would be the stuff of nightmares for any reporter.
Like most men, Harris wasn’t prioritizing his mental health. Unfortunately, when you try to push problems down, they will force their way to the surface.
“That on-air meltdown was the culmination of something that had been building for years,” Harris said, describing the pull he felt to succeed while also battling doubts that he was “good enough.”
After the episode, Harris did the work to get better and wrote a book about it, called “10 Percent Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works-A True Story.”
Eventually, he started a podcast of a similar name, left broadcasting, and founded the Ten Percent Happier company.
With an upbeat, intelligent tone, Harris has a variety of expert guests to help you discover that happiness is a skill worth learning.
Where to listen:
5. Jocko Podcast
Jocko Willink, is a highly decorated former Navy Seal, executive coach, and host of the Jocko podcast. If you’re looking for a podcast to improve your resiliency mindset and personal motivation look no further.
As an Army veteran, I can easily relate to many of the topics Willink discusses on his podcast including never giving up, embracing the suck, and ownership over your own psychological wellbeing.
Some people have accused him of being a conservative Trump supporter, but I’ve found no evidence to support that. In fact, I would say he’s one of the more balanced voices I’ve come across that sees issues from both sides, something we need more of nowadays. He even discussed this position on the Joe Rogan Podcast. I know Joe Rogan is also polarizing but the linked clip is only five minutes and will give you a good idea of the type of person Willinik is.
I mention all of this in hopes that you don’t simply dismiss him because of something you think may be true that probably isn’t. He’s highly motivating and it’s a podcast that should be on your must-listen list. However, if you struggle with mental health I also suggest checking out other podcasts on this list of mental health podcasts for men.
Where to listen:
6. New Mindset, Who Dis?
Case Kenny is a writer and podcaster who refers to himself as “dudebroguy.” He started the “New Mindset, Who Dis?” podcast in 2018 and it has since grown to more than eight million downloads.
The show will help you learn how to get out of your own way, have more gratitude (the secret to happiness), and focus on acceptance. In his own words, Kenny describes the show as, “just a dude living his life sharing some perspective. No gurus, no fluff, and no preaching of generic life advice.” Perfect for millennial men, but with content that’s helpful for all.
Where to listen:
7. The Anxious Truth
I couldn’t include a podcast for millennial men without including one that Gen Xers and boomers could easily relate to. Enter The Anxious Truth.
Like me, Drew Linsalata struggled with mental health for a good chunk of his life. Over the course of 20 years, he suffered from anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and depression. But, in 2008, Linsalata turned his life around.
For the past couple of decades, Linsalata has shared what he learned through his books and podcast. The show offers a practical, concise, no-nonsense approach to overcoming mental health problems. Though his references on social media can be dated, The Anxious Truth is a really great mental health podcast for men, and everyone else.
Listen today to start your path towards recovery.
Where to listen:
8. The Hardcore Self Help Podcast
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast is hosted by psychologist Dr. Robert Duff, but don’t assume he’s like other therapists. On his podcast site he states, “When you are already struggling with emotional difficulties, the last thing that you need is some huge psychobabble manual thrown at you. My specialty is taking complex psychological issues and breaking them down into plain language.”
He’s also the best-selling author of books with provocative titles such as “F**k Anxiety” and “F**K Depression.” Duff describes them as self-help books for people that normally hate self-help books.
If you want no B.S. actionable self-help advice, then the Hardcore Self Help Podcast is for you. However, if profanity offends you then I would steer clear.
Where to listen:
9. The Mindset Mentor™
Rob Dial has gained a huge following on social and through his podcast. He approaches mental health by mixing neurology, neurobiology, psychology, early childhood development, and cognitive behavioral therapy, to help people better understand the brain-body connection.
The Mindset Mentor™ podcast is great for anyone looking for more motivation, direction, and focus in their life.
Where to listen:
10. The Anxiety Guy
Dennis Simsek, AKA “The Anxiety Guy” is a former pro tennis player who struggled with panic disorder, health anxiety, and suicidal ideations. Eventually, he figured out how to turn his life around and he shares his knowledge in the hopes of helping others.
I heard about Simsek before I even started a podcast. He’s well known and highly recommended in anxiety groups. The Anxiety Guy podcast is one of the top podcasts on the subject, and reviews from his listeners make it apparent why. One recent review reads, “I never thought I would get better, and then I found this podcast. It’s been a lifesaver. Thank you, Dennis, from the bottom of my heart.”
Where to listen:
11. The Men’s Self Help Podcast
The reason to listen to this one is right in the title. Like many other shows on this list, host Dr. John Moore talks about various mental health issues and how to overcome them. However, his show is narrowly focused on men’s mental health problems.
The podcast is described as “a show for men and the people who love them that focuses on psychology, mental health, relationships, and guy issues.”
I do want to note that this podcast hasn’t been updated since February of 2022, as of the time this was published. However, the back catalog of episodes is still worth checking out.
Where to listen:
12. From Survivor to Thriver
Co-hosted by Erik DaRosa and Marc Fernandes, the pair seek to change the stigma of mental health through honest relatable “kitchen table” conversations. They often interview “real people” who are helping to change the way we think and talk about mental health struggles.
If you’re looking for community and relatable mental health stories, then I highly recommend checking out From Survivor to Thriver.
Where to listen:
13. The Black Mental Health Podcast
Reginald A. Howard is a mental health survivor. He struggled with intrusive thoughts and abandonment as a child, depression, and thoughts of suicide. His story is very similar to mine, but he offers a unique and valuable perspective as a voice in the African American community.
Howard is on a mission to overcome the stigma that therapy is a “white people thing,” and provide resources for black people who are left to deal with mental health issues alone. He describes the podcast as, “an alternative thought-provoking option that showcases real-life stories to help connect people who feel alone in their struggles.”
The Black Mental Health Podcast is great for black men who struggle but can also appeal to anyone.
Where to listen:
14. The Angry Therapist
If you’re looking for a quick dose of hard-hitting truth, check out The Angry Therapist aka licensed therapist and life coach John Kim. This is truly a podcast that most men can get on board with. Kim offers honesty, and transparency while cutting through the B.S. to get to the heart of many mental health topics.
To give you further insight into Kim’s mindset he wrote some books with interesting titles including:
- “I Used To Be A Miserable F*ck: An Everyman’s Guide to Meaningful Life”
- “Single On Purpose: Redefine Everything, Find Yourself First”
- “It’s Not Me, It’s You: Break the Blame Cycle. Relationship Better.”
Kim’s style is unpolished. He doesn’t prep for shows, and the audio quality can be less than perfect at times. However, if you want a show that is short, to the point, and real, I recommend checking it out.
Where to listen:
15. Gay Men Going Deeper
Mental health challenges are unique for gay men, and so enter Gay Men Going Deeper. This is a show about personal development, sexuality, and mental health for the gay community. Hosts Calan Breckon, Matt Landsiedel, and Michael DiIorio make up the Gay Men’s Brotherhood, which aims to offer support and connection.
If you’re a gay man who struggles with mental health and is looking for community and support to help be your authentic self, then this podcast is for you.
Where to listen:
There are not a lot of mental health podcasts for men out there, but I did my best to compile a list that would have something for everyone. I hope you find it valuable. If you’re a man who struggles, know that you’re not alone. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter by clicking the link, or entering your email in the form at the bottom of the page. No spam, just life-changing, uplifting mental health content delivered every Tuesday.
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