7 Best Podcasts for Men's Mental Health
Takeaway: Whether you’re just starting your mental health journey or looking for a new way to support your well-being, podcasts can be a helpful tool. Here, I share some of the top podcasts for men’s mental health, along with some other helpful resources.
As a men's therapist in Denver, I understand the barriers men face to getting the mental health support they need. Stigma, toxic cultural expectations around masculinity, and personal factors can prevent men from putting their well-being first.
Podcasts can be a great way to get familiar with the health and wellness world. Plus, many men's mental health podcasts feature guests who share real-life stories, which can serve as a powerful reminder that you're not alone in this.
Here, I've rounded up some of the best podcasts for men's mental health and self-improvement. Hopefully, these can act as supportive resources on your path toward wellness and fulfillment.
How we chose which men's mental health podcasts to include
There are tons of different men's mental health podcasts out there. To help narrow down your options, we chose to feature podcasts based on the following criteria:
4 stars or higher on Apple podcasts
Hosted by men
Updated within the last month
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the podcasts that may be able to help you on your mental health journey. Remember that while many men face similar struggles, each person is unique. A podcast that resonates with one person may not be the right fit for you. Give these a try and see which one you like best.
7 best podcasts for men's mental health
Here are some of my top picks for men's mental health podcasts. On Purpose with Jay Shetty is my overall top pick due to its high ratings, frequent episodes, and the way it showcases real-life stories with a variety of different guests.
However, I've also included six additional podcasts that could be helpful options if you're looking for shorter episodes, want a podcast specifically dedicated to Black men's mental health, or have other specific needs.
Let's explore each option.
1. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Overall top pick
Rating: 4.8/5.0
Host: Former monk Jay Shetty
Release Frequency: Semiweekly
Avg. Episode Length: 56 minutes
2. Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Best podcast for men looking to improve mindfulness and meditation
Rating: 4.6/5.0
Host: Retired journalist Dan Harris
Release Frequency: Semiweekly
Avg. Episode Length: 53 min
3. The Anxiety Guy Podcast
Best podcast for men struggling with anxiety
Rating: 4.8/5.0
Host: Former tennis professional Dennis Simsek
Release Frequency: Weekly
Avg. Episode Length: 10 min
4. All Black Men Need Therapy
Best podcast for Black men's mental health
Rating: 4.9/5.0
Host: Brothers Chief, Bell, and Prentice
Release Frequency: Weekly
Avg. Episode Length: 67 minutes
5. Dad Mind Matters
Best podcast for fathers' mental health
Rating: 5.0/5.0
Host: Husband and father James Macdonald
Release Frequency: Biweekly
Avg. Episode Length: 13 minutes
6. Men's Therapy Podcast
Best podcast for men who are short on time
Rating: 5.0/5.0
Host: Therapist Marc Azoulay
Release Frequency: Biweekly
Avg. Episode Length: 13 minutes
7. Young Blood - Men's Mental Health
Best podcast for young men's mental health
Rating: 5.0/5.0
Host: Creator Cal MacPherson
Release Frequency: Semiweekly
Avg. Episode Length: 32 minutes
Quick compare men's mental health podcasts
| Podcast | Rating | Release Frequency | Avg. Episode Length | Category Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Purpose with Jay Shetty | 4.8/5.0 | Semiweekly | 56 minutes | Overall top pick |
| Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris | 4.6/5.0 | Semiweekly | 53 minutes | Best podcast for men looking to improve mindfulness and meditation. |
| The Anxiety Guy Podcast | 4.8/5.0 | Weekly | 10 minutes | Best podcast for men struggling with anxiety. |
| All Black Men Need Therapy | 4.9/5.0 | Weekly | 67 minutes | Best podcast for Black men's mental health. |
| Dad Mind Matters | 5.0/5.0 | Biweekly | 13 minutes | Best podcast for fathers' mental health. |
| Men's Therapy Podcast | 5.0/5.0 | Biweekly | 13 minutes | Best podcast for men who are short on time. |
| Young Blood - Men's Mental Health | 5.0/5.0 | Semiweekly | 32 minutes | Best podcast for young men's mental health. |
Other ways to support men with mental health issues
Podcasts are only one tool to support your overall well-being. Having a variety of different outlets for learning and support can ultimately help you achieve better mental health. Here are a few other ways to support your wellness in your day-to-day life.
Take care of your physical health.
There's a strong link between physical wellness and mental well-being. Tending to your physical health can support your mental wellness and vice-versa. Make sure to move your body, get plenty of sleep, and seek medical support when you need it.
Cultivate strong relationships with other men.
Many men struggle to build and maintain deep, fulfilling relationships. In fact, loneliness in men is becoming an epidemic—check out this article from CNN. To start building connections with other men, you could consider joining a support group or parenting group, trying a new activity, or try being vulnerable with men who are already in your life.
Consider professional help.
Self-help resources and personal relationships can certainly help your mental health. At the same time, I recommend connecting with a therapist for personalized, professional support. My practice, Madrega Wellness, specializes in men's issues therapy using techniques like contemplative psychotherapy and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to help men heal.
FAQs about men's mental health
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According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over six million American men suffer from depression each year. Approximately 3 million are affected by anxiety disorders. The National Institute on Drug Abuse also reports that men are more likely than women to struggle with substance abuse.
What's most troubling is that less than half of men with various mental health issues will get the help that they need.
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Men face significant stigma around seeking mental health care. Harmful cultural expectations around masculinity often make men feel "less than" for struggling with mental or emotional difficulties. Men may feel the need to "be strong" and push their feelings away instead of talking about them.
The truth is that we are all humans regardless of our biological sex or gender identity, and all people need (and deserve) support.
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Each man is their own unique individual, so it's important that you find the support that feels best for you. Some options for talking about your mental health include support groups, meet-ups for dads, 12-step programs (if applicable), and working with a mental health professional.
Get personalized support to help you work through mental health challenges.
Whether you're living in a state of anxiety or depression, navigating grief and loss, or simply want to support your personal development, I'm here for you. As a men's therapist, I'm committed to creating a space where men can feel comfortable getting the help they need to become the best versions of themselves and live a rich, fulfilling life.
