Real Men Do Cry

Today we wrap up Season 1 of Real Men Do Cry. Jaron shares his motivation behind starting the podcast, Ana and Jaron both tell their respective stories, and the episode closes with plans for Season 2. Thank you to everyone that has listened to, shared, and supported RMDC. Stay tuned for updates on Season 2 coming soon! RMDC IG: @rmdcpod RMDC email: jaron@rmdcpod.com National suicide prevention lifeline: 1800273TALK (8255) Crisis text line: text HOME to 741741 American foundation for suicide prevention: afsp.org

Joining the pod is RMDC's brand new co-host Ana Amelia! Ana has a background in clinical psychology and is immensely passionate about de-stigmatizing conversations around mental health, and helping folks find happiness and light even if we also experience darkness. She looks forward to sharing more about herself next season (sneak peek.. don't tell anyone). Today we sit down with Amanda Stern, author of “Little Panic - dispatches from an anxious life". The book is a beautifully written memoir about suffering from a panic disorder. Amanda takes the reader on a journey through her childhood and teen years. This is an episode you don't want to miss. Enjoy! Amanda's links: Website - http://amandastern.com/ Little Panic - https://www.amazon.com/Little-Panic-Dispatches-Anxious-Life/dp/1538711923 Bookable podcast - https://loudtreemedia.com/shows/bookable/ Instagram - @alittlestern Amanda's dog - @busyinbk RMDC: Instagram - @rmdcpod Email - jaron@rmdcpod.com

Today I sit down with Sarah Wilson, a New York Times bestselling author. She has written a number of books including ‘First, We Make the Beast Beautiful', ‘I Quit Sugar', and most recently, ‘This One Wild and Precious Life'. The current times can seem overwhelming and we've fallen into this "crisis of disconnection", leading us to retreat both morally and psychologically. In her book, Sarah talks about how these things can actually unite us, along with a number of ways to do this through joyful practices and being wildly awake. Enjoy! sarahwilson.com Podcast: Wild with Sarah Wilson IG: @_sarahwilson_

Today I sit down with Samantha Schmidt, a reporter for The Washington Post. She recently published an article titled, “No game days. No bars. The pandemic is forcing some men to realize they need deeper friendships.” In the article she addresses the changes in our friendships, how men have started to actively search for deeper connections as a result of the pandemic's isolating effects, and insight from a study by Geoffrey Greif (a professor at the University of Maryland), as well as from a book by Niobe Way (a professor of developmental psychology). Enjoy! Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/road-to-recovery/2020/11/30/male-bonding-covid/

Today I sit down with two well-respected and knowledgeable, LA-based psychiatrists. First, I chat with Dr. Mark McDonald, a clinical psychiatrist board-certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, with extensive training in adult psychoanalysis. He has a private practice located in West LA. We then cut to Dr. Sheenie Ambardar, the founder of Happiness Psychiatry. Dr. Ambardar was recently chosen as a 2021 Southern California Super Doctor by the LA Times, and LA Magazine named her a Top Doctor in 2018. Dr. McDonald sheds some light on the state of the youth, both positive and negative. And Dr. Ambardar discusses ways to live a more positive and mindful life. Enjoy! Dr. Sheenie Ambardar: happinesspsychiatrist.com Dr. Mark McDonald: https://www.markmcdonaldmd.com/ RMDC IG: @rmdcpod

Today I sit down with Andrew Jensen, a professional golfer from Ontario, Canada. During our conversation, he shares his personal struggles with mental health (from his teen years into his career as a pro golfer), and how he has used this ongoing battle as a positive in his life instead of a crutch. He is now a major advocate for mental health across Canada, an active public speaker, as well as an ambassador for Bell Let's Talk. Enjoy! Bell Let's Talk: letstalk.bell.ca Bell Let's Talk Day (1/28): https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/bell-lets-talk-day Andrew's IG: @andrewjensen Andrew's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC122tKLa59z-ORFl2UUWC6Q RMDC IG: @rmdcpod Contact: jaron@rmdcpod.com

Today I sit down with Seth Shelley. He had a Ted Talk in December of 2017 called “Men Need To Talk About Their Sexual Abuse”. In the talk, Seth shares his own very emotional and difficult story about sexual abuse he experienced as a child, and asks men to open up about their personal stories as well. During our conversation we discuss a number of topics surrounding mental health, finding your identity, and much more. Enjoy! Seth's Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4CIop1zlVM Seth's website: sethshelley.com RMDC IG: @rmdc_pod Contact: jaron@rmdcpod.com

Today I sit down with Dr. Timothy Golden, a professor at Walla Walla University with a PhD and law degree. Dr. Golden had a Ted Talk called 'Suffering in Silence: The Emotional Abuse of Men', which has over one million views to date. In our interview he tells his story of ongoing emotional abuse that almost cost him his life, how to know if you're in an unhealthy relationship, and the importance of therapy. Enjoy! Dr. Golden's Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyIQFI865_w RMDC IG: @rmdc_pod Contact: jaron@rmdcpod.com

Today I sit down with Dr. John B. Arden, a neuropsychologist with over 40 years of experience, recently retired as the previous Director of Training for Mental Health for the Northern California Region in the Kaiser Permanente healthcare system. He's the author of 15 books, some of which include ‘Improving Your Memory for Dummies', ‘Rewire Your Brain', ‘The Brain Bible', and most recently ‘Mind-Brain-Gene: Toward Psychotherapy Integration'. Big words with simple takeaways. The book explores recent research in neuroscience and psychology that shows the mind is not one thing, but is composed of ongoing interactions between mental operating networks. Dr. Arden provides insights into how today's psychotherapy necessitates the integration of the mind and body instead of the past practice of compartmentalization of physical and mental health. Follow @rmdc_pod on Instagram for all your Real Men Do Cry updates. Enjoy! Contact: jaron@rmdcpod.com

Today I sit down with Dr. Ryan McKelley, a licensed psychologist and Associate Professor of Clinical & Counseling Communication at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Dr. McKelley co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and is quoted in the New York Times, USA Today, among others. He had a Ted Talk 2013 called 'Unmasking Masculinity - Helping Boys Become Connected Men'. In the talk, he discussed the ties between masculinity and social connectedness, how we socialize men to mask their emotions, and many more topics. Enjoy! Contact: jaron@rmdcpod.com