How We Found Our Purpose: The Advocacy Journey, Brotherhood, and Becoming Who We Needed

How We Found Our Purpose: The Advocacy Journey, Brotherhood, and Becoming Who We Needed

In this powerful season finale of HS Brotherhood, hosts Parish and Joey sit down for one of their most honest conversations yet—opening up about how they each found their way into advocacy, what pushed them to share their HS stories publicly, and how their friendship has become a defining force in their lives and in the men’s HS community.  Brotherhood Advocacy Together, they reflect on the moments that changed everything:  • Joey battling fear and stigma before finally hitting “publish” on his first HS video  • Parish uses music to cope with pain, then discovers the impact of telling his story  • The burnout, the breakthroughs, and the unexpected opportunities that followed  • The first time they met in person—and how that moment cemented the future of the Brotherhood  • The responsibility and reality of being male advocates in a space where men are rarely visible This episode is full of gratitude, brotherhood, vulnerability, and real talk about what it means to carry this condition while trying to help others do the same. They give each other their flowers, honor how far they’ve come, and talk frankly about the emotional and physical weight of advocacy—reminding listeners that even patient leaders are still patients. If you’ve ever felt alone, misunderstood, or unsure where your story fits, this episode will remind you that your voice matters—and you don’t have to carry this alone. Explore HS resources, tools, and community support at hsconnect.org. This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

Men, Mental Health & Being Yourself: A Candid Conversation With Dr. Katelyn

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of HS Brotherhood, hosts Parish and Joey sit down with Dr. Katelyn Baker for a conversation that every man needs to hear. Recorded during Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, this crossover-style episode dives into the emotional realities men face—especially those living with HS—around identity, relationships, vulnerability, and self-worth. The guys open up about the challenges of maintaining mental well-being, the pressure to “be strong,” and the lifelong habit many men develop of putting others first while silently struggling. With compassion and clarity, Dr. Katelyn helps them unpack patterns of overcompensation, masking, and losing yourself in relationships, reminding listeners that you don’t have to earn love through performance and that authenticity matters more than perfection. Together, they explore:  • The emotional exhaustion of pretending to be “the strong one.”  • Why many men feel unworthy of love—and how to challenge that belief  • The fear of therapy and how to safely approach it  • How partners and friends can support men without enabling codependency  • The importance of reframing, emotional awareness, and slowing down  • What it really means to be a “good man” when you're learning to prioritize yourself This episode is not just a conversation—it’s a mirror. Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, relationships, or your own mental health journey, this dialogue offers powerful reminders: you are worthy, you deserve support, and taking care of yourself does not make you any less of a man. For more HS resources, mental health tools, and community programs, visit hsconnect.org. This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

Brotherhood, Real Friendships & Letting Go: Redefining What Support Really Looks Like

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of HS Brotherhood, hosts Parish and Joey dive deep into what true friendship — and true brotherhood — actually means when you’re living with HS. Using their own stories of losing friendships, gaining real ones, outgrowing old habits, and learning how to build healthier connections, they unpack the emotional reality many men with chronic illness silently navigate. Parish and Joey also share personal stories of the people who did show up — the ones who adapted, stayed, listened, and grew with them. They talk about building a new definition of brotherhood, one built not on drinking culture or shared distractions, but on vulnerability, honesty, and a mutual desire to become better men. This episode is a powerful reminder that losing friendships doesn’t mean you’ve failed — sometimes it means you’ve finally made room for the relationships you truly deserve. Find more support, education, and community for men with HS at hsconnect.org. This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

Misconceptions, Myths & Home Remedies: What Men With HS Really Face

In this unfiltered episode of HS Brotherhood, hosts Parish and Joey dive into some of the biggest misconceptions, myths, and home remedies circulating in the HS community — especially those that impact men. From the false belief that HS is caused by weight, to the widespread (and damaging) idea that HS only affects women, the guys break down what the science actually says and share real-life experiences of living with HS as men. They also tackle home remedies head-on — the helpful, the questionable, and the downright wild. From hot compresses and meditation to onions, Vicks, garlic cloves, celery juice, and crushed ibuprofen “pastes,” nothing is off-limits. With honesty and humor, they discuss where these ideas come from, what can actually support healing, and why so many people in pain are drawn to “miracle cures.” This episode also includes a conversation about snake oil salesmen — those who prey on the HS community’s vulnerability and desperation by selling fake cures and unproven treatments. Parish and Joey explain how to spot red flags, protect your wallet, and make informed decisions about your health. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with HS for years, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and a reminder that men with HS deserve representation, compassion, and real information. For trustworthy HS education, resources, and support, visit hsconnect.org. Medical Disclaimer The information provided by HS Connect (“we,” “us,” or “our”) on this website HSConnect.org] (the “Website”) is for general informational purposes only. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, is presented as an educational resource and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions or taking any action based on the information you find on this Website. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health-related advice from your healthcare provider because of something you have read on this Website. This Website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information provided on the Website, its content creators, or others appearing on the website is solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department, or call emergency services immediately. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from your use of or reliance on any information or content on this Website. By using this Website, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer in full. This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

Warriors in the Workforce: Navigating HS on the Job & Beyond

In Season 2, Episode 6 of HS Brotherhood, hosts Parish and Joey get real about what it means to be an HS warrior both in and out of the workforce. This honest, vulnerable, and deeply relatable conversation explores the challenges men face when trying to balance chronic illness, work responsibilities, financial pressures, and personal identity. Joey shares what it’s like to continue working full-time while managing unpredictable HS flares, the mental load of staying focused in a public safety role, and how supportive coworkers and accommodations have helped him keep going. Parish opens up about the emotional and financial reality of having to leave the workforce due to HS—and what it took to rebuild his confidence, rediscover purpose, and transition into advocacy. Together, they unpack:  – The pressure men face to “push through” even when their bodies are struggling  – Embarrassing moments, stigma, and the fear of being misunderstood at work  – How to communicate with supervisors and advocate for accommodations  – The mental health toll of lost income, isolation, and identity changes  – The hope found in community, purpose, and reclaiming your story This episode is for every man who has ever felt torn between showing up for others and taking care of himself, and for anyone who wants to better understand the reality of HS in everyday life. 🔗 Listen, share, and find community resources at: hsconnect.org This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.