About this episode
Introducing How We Can Help Men Open Up from Mind If We Talk?. Follow the show: Mind If We Talk? Many men grow up receiving the same messages: be strong, stay tough, don’t show too much emotion. But what actually happens when vulnerability, creativity, or sensitivity start to feel like things that need to be hidden? In this episode, host and therapist Sreela Roy-Greene sits down with author and podcast host Cory Allen, as well as writer and poet James McCrae for a deeply personal conversation about masculinity, emotional suppression, and learning how to reconnect with themselves. As a child, James felt he had to hide his love of poetry, while Cory was raised by a father he calls a “Texas Tony Soprano.” Together with Sreela, they each explore how vulnerability ultimately became a path toward deeper connection and understanding their childhood traumas. Later in the episode, BetterHelp therapist David Yadush joins Sreela to unpack the psychology behind emotional literacy, affect labeling, and why so many men struggle to express what they’re feeling.00:00 The Challenge of Emotional Expression for Men01:42 Cory Allen on Childhood, Safety, and Emotional Development05:35 Why Vulnerability Feels Risky10:16 Masculinity, Trauma, and Cultural Expectations12:34 A Practical Framework for Understanding Emotions16:51 Emotional Armor and Its Impact on Relationships20:00 Rethinking Strength and Healthy Masculinity24:42 How Vulnerability Creates Connection30:57 What Cory and James Wish You Knew About Emotional Expression32:45 Why Many Men Struggle to Express Their Feelings33:31 Expert Perspective: Shame, Self-Protection, and Emotional Openness40:53 Movement, Mental Health, and Emotional Processing44:54 Recognizing Emotional Safety in Relationships54:07 Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].