Season 1 Ep. 25 - Embracing Men's Mental Health with Alex Terranova

In this episode, Mariel, Josh, and Alex delve into the crucial topic of men's mental health, emphasizing the importance of emotional expression and management. They discuss the unique challenges men face in accessing and articulating their emotions, as well as the difficulties women encounter in supporting their male partners' emotional well-being. The trio explores the necessity of open communication and emotional understanding within relationships, highlighting the significance of creating safe spaces for vulnerable discussions.

Alex, a passionate advocate for men's mental health, shares his personal journey towards emotional well-being and the transformative impact of embracing a wider range of emotions. He recounts how societal expectations initially led him to suppress his feelings, but through practices such as private emotional release and mindful vulnerability, he found greater joy and a stronger sense of self. Alex introduces his retreat program, "The Alchemy of Men," which aims to help men connect with their emotions and build a supportive community.

The conversation covers practical strategies for managing emotions healthily and constructively. Alex talks about the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions when feeling angry and the benefits of expressing anger in controlled ways. Josh emphasizes the power of accurately labeling sensations to cope with cravings and addictions, sharing insights from therapy and the book "It's Not Always Depression."

Mariel steers the discussion towards the challenges women face in supporting their male partners, particularly in creating safe spaces for emotional vulnerability. Alex and Josh underscore the importance of both partners doing their own emotional work and practicing empathy, even when emotions are uncomfortable. They discuss how cultural awareness plays a role in this dynamic and the necessity of continuous effort and learning in relationships.

Alex shares a poignant account of his and his wife's emotional journey following a miscarriage, emphasizing the importance of processing grief and its impact on their relationship. He also highlights the challenges men face in being vulnerable within their peer groups and the need for safe, accepting communities.

Tune in to hear more about Alex's transformative retreat program, "The Alchemy of Men," and join Mariel, Josh, and Alex in exploring the path towards better mental health for men through meaningful conversations, emotional expression, and community support.