In this episode, Daryl opens up about the real-life challenges men face when it comes to emotional health and therapy. Through personal experiences and feedback from his audience, he reflects on why therapy isn’t a magic fix, but an essential starting point. He unpacks the weight many men carry, how society has conditioned emotional suppression, and why trying therapy—even if it feels uncomfortable or unproductive at first—is a powerful step forward. Whether you’ve had positive or negative experiences with therapy, or haven’t tried it yet, this conversation is here to validate your feelings and remind you that you’re not alone. Daryl also discusses his new social series promoting mental health awareness and explains how wearing a message like “You can’t heal what you avoid” can help put a face to these important conversations.

If you’re a guy who has tried therapy and it didn’t work, Daryl sees you. If you haven’t tried yet, he encourages you to take the step. The message is simple... go to therapy, and let’s keep the conversation going.

This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.

If you are in the United States and are in crisis or need immediate help, please contact:

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• Emergency services: Call 911

Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.

Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.

For comments, questions, topic ideas, or collaboration inquiries, email: daryl@darylperry.com

Show Links

Buy Zach’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Zachary-Fenell/author/B006M49S6A

Check Out Zach’s Blog: https://www.zacharyfenell.com/blog/

Connect with Zach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacharyfenell/

Email Zach: contact@zacharyfenell.com

In this episode, I sit down with Zachary Fenell, an author, blogger, and endurance athlete who shares his journey of self-acceptance, personal growth, and mental resilience while living with cerebral palsy. Zach opens up about how writing became a therapeutic outlet for him, helping him process emotions, reframe challenges, and embrace his identity. We also discuss the impact of teachers and mentors, the power of words, and how a simple piece of encouragement can shape a life path.

Zach shares his marathon journey—something he once believed was impossible for him. He walks us through the mental and physical hurdles of training for and completing two marathons, emphasizing the importance of competing against yourself instead of comparing yourself to others. He also talks about the importance of staying present, adapting exercises to meet his needs, and using daily affirmations to stay connected with himself.

This conversation dives deep into mental health for men, how we process emotions, and why acknowledging negative feelings is just as important as reframing them. Zach talks about his approach to mental resilience, from intentional reflection to turning physical challenges into personal growth opportunities. Whether you're navigating your own mental health journey, looking for inspiration, or just need a reminder that progress is always possible, this episode is for you.

Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.

Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.

For comments, questions, topic ideas, or possible collaborations, please email daryl@darylperry.com.

Be sure to check out The Daryl Perry Podcast, my daily pod wherever you get your episodes!

darylperrypodcast.com

Please email any questions, thoughts or requests to be on this show to daryl@darylperry.com