A Raw Conversation on Men’s Mental Health | Food for Thought #25

In this episode of the Greenfork Food for Thought podcast, host Stephen Zabala and guest Whelden Graziano openly discuss men's mental health, sharing personal struggles with depression, overwhelm, relationship failures, and the societal pressures on masculinity. They explore coping strategies such as exercise, yoga, meditation, journaling, building a supportive tribe, and embracing vulnerability for personal growth and resilience.

Whelden Graziano can be found training at his sister's training studio, Battleground Fitness.

00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest Whelden Graziano
03:43 Shifting gender roles and the "attack on masculinity"
07:26 Importance of vulnerability and leaning on friends during low points
11:09 Whelden shares how exercise and running help silence negative thoughts
14:52 Reflecting on a summer of business threats, family struggles, and relationship collapse
18:35 Jordan Peterson’s take on depression: biological vs. circumstantial
22:18 Accepting hard times, sitting in discomfort, and giving yourself grace
26:01 The power of small daily wins and the "1% better" mindset
29:44 Trimming the fat: focusing only on what truly matters during overwhelm
33:27 Coping tools: yoga, meditation, community, and breaking negative loops
37:10 Men craving connection and avoiding the "lone wolf" trap
40:53 Building a men’s group and the value of real, in-person talks
44:36 Relationships as growth challenges—Bruce Lee’s "sparring" analogy
48:19 Setting boundaries early and protecting your heart
52:02 Choosing a partner wisely: values, faith, and long-term alignment
55:45 Heartbreak after self-improvement—why it still hurts and how to keep going
59:28 Law of attraction, manifestation, and not choosing from loneliness
1:03:11 Pushing forward after failure: "don’t give in to the voices"
1:06:54 Final reflections on healing, bravery, and starting over
1:10:37 Closing advice