Manage episode 518110688 series 3000178
A mustache can start a conversation, but the real goal is changing the rules men grew up with. This episode digs into Movember as a catalyst for men’s mental health, exploring why so many guys carry stress, anxiety, and depression in silence and what it takes to make sharing feel safe. We talk candidly about the phrases that shape boys—man up, boys don’t cry—and how those scripts follow men into adulthood, where vulnerability can feel like breaking the code.
I share a simple ritual that helped my son and me build trust: a monthly hour where he spoke and I listened without judgment or quick fixes. It began awkwardly and grew into easy “man dinners” where anything or nothing could be the topic. From there, we map out practical tools you can use right away: lead with your own truth to lower the bar, ask open-ended questions that invite stories, and give silence room to work. When words come, resist the urge to solve. A sincere that sounds tough, I get it can be more powerful than a dozen solutions.
We also spotlight ways to engage with Movember beyond facial hair. Move for Movember turns empathy into action with 60 miles to honor the 60 men lost to suicide every hour around the world. Hosting a moment—a simple gathering—creates community, connects men to resources, and chips away at stigma one conversation at a time. The throughline is clear: culture change happens in living rooms, on sidewalks, over wings, and with small, honest check-ins that make help feel normal. If this resonates, share it with someone who needs a nudge, subscribe for more conversations that matter, and leave a review to help others find the show. Who will you check in with today?
Movember https://us.movember.com/
Donate here https://movember.com/m/thescotttownsendshow?mc=1
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The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2
Resources and Links
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My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327
Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend
Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu
Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe
Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbox/androzguitar
Chapters
1. Welcome And Movember Focus (00:00:00)
2. Why Men Stay Silent (00:03:09)
3. A Father’s Listening Practice (00:04:34)
4. How To Help Men Open Up (00:06:15)
5. Ways To Support Movember (00:07:42)
6. Culture Change And Call To Care (00:08:51)
7. Closing And Where To Listen (00:09:24)
241 episodes