Across generations, men have been taught to stay strong, stay quiet, and stay in control. But those messages come at a cost—disconnection, emotional shutdown, chronic stress, and a crisis of presence that affects relationships, families, and even the health of society itself.

In this episode of Rooted & Wild, we sit down with Mark Grayson, a writer, thought leader, and founder of Trinity Spiritual Center, to explore why so many men feel detached from their bodies, emotions, intuition, and authentic inner lives—and what true reconnection looks like. Drawing from his work, his writing, and his upcoming book Getting Naked: A Field Guide for Men, Mark helps unpack both the cultural forces and personal narratives that keep men emotionally armored… and what it takes to lay those layers down.

We dive into questions like:
• Why do so many men struggle to feel present—in their bodies, relationships, and purpose?
• How do early expectations shape emotional withdrawal?
• What does healthy vulnerability look like for men today?
• How can men reconnect with compassion, intuition, and their internal landscape without abandoning strength?
• Why is the crisis of male presence also a crisis of connection in families and communities?

This conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply human—offering a framework for understanding masculinity not as a performance, but as an embodied, relational, emotionally intelligent way of moving through the world.

About Mark Grayson

Mark Grayson grew up in a small town in Ohio and in remote parts of Central Texas. He worked his way through Harvard College and Columbia Business School before beginning his career in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. Over the years, Mark helped launch and scale several innovative organizations, including Rabbit Ears, the education nonprofit All Kinds of Minds, and Rocket21, a digital platform encouraging kids to explore their dreams.

As the Founding Director of Trinity Spiritual Center, Mark has hosted widely respected conversations with leading thinkers—earning comparisons to Krista Tippett’s On Being and receiving multiple national recognitions. His civic advocacy has also contributed to the creation of the Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative at the Library of Congress, funded at $2.3 million to support American history education ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

As a Featured Columnist for The Good Men Project, Mark has authored more than 50 essays exploring masculinity, relationships, and the inner life of men. His forthcoming book, Getting Naked, distills these insights into a practical and compassionate guide for men seeking to expand beyond traditional masculine norms.

He lives in Greenfield Hill, CT with his wife, Sarah, their two sons, and their lively Havanese, Phoebe.

Explore more of Mark’s work:
• Articles for The Good Men Project: https://goodmenproject.com/author/mark-grayson/
• Getting Naked on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Naked-Field-Guide-Men-ebook/dp/B0DB3BCBNV

Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of David Allen Tracy. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.