My Blood Felt Like Sand: The Secret Life of a Depressed Comedian | Brad and Victoria

My Blood Felt Like Sand: The Secret Life of a Depressed Comedian | Brad and Victoria

In this episode, Brad Bonner shares his lived experience with depression and the long road to realizing that suffering in silence isn't the only option. From the outside, his life as a comedian and magician was filled with laughter and applause. But internally, he was battling a decades-long darkness that eventually led to a critical turning point and a 72-hour mental health hold. Brad and his wife, Victoria, talk about what led to that low point and the moment that shifted everything. This conversation highlights a reality that many face but rarely talk about—the pressure to mask our pain behind a happy face and keep moving forward no matter what. Together, they explain what began to change, how they learned to communicate using a simple "1 to 10" scale, and why having an actionable tool to start talking about depression matters more than most realize. What you'll hear: How unaddressed trauma and pain build up over time Breaking down the stigma of psychiatric holds (5150 vs 5250) Why trying to fix someone's depression often makes it worse How laughter and comedy can actively change brain chemistry How the 1 Degree of Separation show is providing suicide prevention training for the military The 5 simple questions you can use right now to help a loved one feel seen and heard If anything in this episode resonates with you, Stay Mentally Strong is a place to find support, tools, and guidance. https://staymentallystrong.com [https://staymentallystrong.com/] Check out our Instagram: @staymentallystrong

The 3 Buckets of a Meaningful Life | Justin Weeks

Welcome to the Stay Mentally Strong podcast. June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this episode, we are diving deep into an incredible resource and a powerful personal story with Justin Weeks, Managing Partner at Ampelis. From the outside, Justin's life looked like the absolute picture of success. He was thriving in business and providing an exciting lifestyle for his family. But internally, he and his wife realized they needed to slow down and pivot toward a life built on deeper values rather than valuable things. Justin shares the pivotal moment that shifted everything for him, leading to a massive lifestyle downsize and a brand-new mission to fix a broken mental healthcare system. He introduces the research-backed "three buckets" of meaning—self-development, connection with others, and spirituality—and how balancing them can radically transform your mental wellness. If you or a man in your life has been struggling in silence, dealing with chronic stress, or wondering why "having it all" still feels empty, this conversation provides the exact tools and perspectives needed to start working through it. What you'll hear: The transition from a lifestyle of luxury to a life of deep value Understanding the "three buckets" of meaning Why modern society is facing a loneliness epidemic despite being so connected The flaws of standard 10-minute "medication management" appointments How Ampelis uses collaborative care (nutrition, exercise, and therapy) to heal the brain Inspiring real-life success stories of recovery and renewed hope If anything in this episode resonates with you, Stay Mentally Strong is a place to find support, tools, and guidance. https://staymentallystrong.com [https://staymentallystrong.com/] Check out our Instagram: @staymentallystrong

Men's Mental Health: Unlocking the Subconscious to Improve Mental Health | Felicia Marie

In this episode, Felicia Marie shares her powerful journey of overcoming a history of extreme trauma, addiction, and toxic cycles. From the outside, she was a mother of four and a high-achieving entrepreneur, but internally, she was battling compounded traumas and a nervous system in survival mode. This conversation highlights a reality many men face but rarely talk about: the deep-seated habit of suppressing emotions and the "mother wound" that often prevents men from accessing the nurturing they need to heal. As a certified hypnotherapist, Felicia explains what began to change for her when she discovered the power of subconscious reprogramming. She discusses how shifting the internal "filter" of our reality can lead to profound changes in wealth, leadership, and personal peace. What you'll hear: Why men often struggle in silence The pressure to appear fine How unaddressed pain builds over time A turning point in Felicia's life What starting to change looked like The role of community and support Ready to stop suppressing and start performing at your highest level? Connect with the Stay Mentally Strong community for resources and tools designed to help you regain control of your mental fitness. https://staymentallystrong.com [https://staymentallystrong.com/] Check out our Instagram: @staymentallystrong youtube video link: https://youtu.be/s5Csq9q-vhs [https://youtu.be/s5Csq9q-vhs] FOLLOW UP: Felicia Marie Podcast video on YouTube and Libsyn. Episode Title: "Men's Mental Health: Unlocking the Subconscious to Improve Mental Health | Felicia Marie" Description: In this episode, Felicia Marie shares her powerful journey of overcoming a history of extreme trauma, addiction, and toxic cycles. From the outside, she was a mother of four and a high-achieving entrepreneur, but internally, she was battling compounded traumas and a nervous system in survival mode. This conversation highlights a reality many men face but rarely talk about: the deep-seated habit of suppressing emotions and the "mother wound" that often prevents men from accessing the nurturing they need to heal. As a certified hypnotherapist, Felicia explains what began to change for her when she discovered the power of subconscious reprogramming. She discusses how shifting the internal "filter" of our reality can lead to profound changes in wealth, leadership, and personal peace. What you'll hear: Why men often struggle in silence The pressure to appear fine How unaddressed pain builds over time A turning point in Felicia's life What starting to change looked like The role of community and support Ready to stop suppressing and start performing at your highest level? Connect with the Stay Mentally Strong community for resources and tools designed to help you regain control of your mental fitness. https://staymentallystrong.com [https://staymentallystrong.com/] Check out our Instagram: @staymentallystrong

Why So Many Men Are Quietly Struggling | Jeff Lowe

In this episode, Jeff Lowe shares his experience with struggling in silence for years. From the outside, his life looked normal. He was working, providing, and showing up for his family. But internally, he was dealing with pain that no one could see. Jeff talks about what led him to one of the lowest points of his life and the moment that shifted everything. This conversation highlights a reality many men face but rarely talk about. The pressure to hold everything in, avoid showing emotion, and keep moving forward no matter what. Jeff explains what began to change for him, what helped him start working through it, and why having people around you matters more than most realize. What you'll hear: Why men often struggle in silence The pressure to appear fine How unaddressed pain builds over time A turning point in Jeff's life What starting to change looked like The role of community and support If anything in this episode resonates with you, Stay Mentally Strong is a place to find support, tools, and guidance. https://staymentallystrong.com

The Next Generation of Men's Mental Health Leaders with Jaxon Smith

In this episode of the Stay Mentally Strong Podcast, we sit down with Jaxon Smith, a young leader who is redefining what men's mental health support can look like. Instead of waiting for men to reach a breaking point, Jaxon created a community built around something powerful but often missing in today's world: brotherhood. Through his Men's Mental Health Community Club, guys gather in a place most wouldn't expect: Costco. No formal setting. No pressure. Just men walking side by side, talking, connecting, and realizing they're not alone. In this conversation, we explore why informal spaces can open doors that traditional settings sometimes can't, how community and accountability help men grow, and why connection might be one of the most important tools we have in preventing mental health crises. This episode is about leadership, vulnerability, and the next generation of men choosing connection over silence. If you're a man who has ever felt like you had to carry everything on your own, or someone who wants to better support the men in your life, this conversation is for you.