Men’s Mental Health, Military Spouse Life & Being Strong Enough to Ask for Help with Shaun Hawley

In this episode, I bring Shawn Hawley back on the podcast —  veteran, competitive bodybuilder, and big-time advocate for men’s mental health — for another raw conversation that needed to happen.

We talk about the old-school mentality a lot of men were raised with — don’t cry, don’t feel, don’t talk, just grind — and how that version of “toughness” has turned into silent suffering, isolation, and in the worst cases, suicide. Shawn opens up about PTSD, deployment, and the things you can’t unsee, plus how therapy, structure, lifting, and helping others have become his lifelines.

We also dig into the mental health of military spouses — the quiet house, constant low-level anxiety, extra responsibilities, and the emotional crash when your person isn’t there to ground you.

Inside this episode, we dive into:

• Why “my worst day is my worst day” — and why pain isn’t a competition
• The middle ground between emotionless hardass and professional victim
• How training, nutrition, and routine impact your mental health
• The power of purpose, gratitude, and having those “3 a.m. people”
• Why therapy isn’t just for “crazy” people — and how to actually start talking

This episode includes honest discussion around suicidal thoughts and self-harm, so please listen with care.

If you’re struggling right now:

• Reach out to someone you trust
• Find a therapist or professional in your area
• And if you feel like you have nobody, our DMs are open

You are not less of a man for having feelings. You are not weak for needing help.

When you’re done listening, share this with a friend who needs to hear it, and tag us with your biggest takeaway.

Follow Shawn on IG - https://www.instagram.com/the_beardedgorilla/

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