Hey Man; It's Ok

<p>What happens when the identity you’ve worn for decades disappears? When the job, the role, the mask — all of it — gets stripped away by pain, loss, or life itself?</p><p>In this deeply human episode of <strong><em>Hey Man; It’s Ok</em></strong>, Sky Bridges and Ryan Heapy sit down with artist, musician, and creative visionary <strong>Deborah Weed</strong>, founder of <strong>Paisley’s Fashion Forest</strong>, for a conversation about radical acceptance, healing through creativity, and rediscovering joy when everything familiar feels gone.</p><p>Deborah shares how creativity — the thing you were <em>meant</em> to do — can become a bridge back to life, even in moments of isolation, doubt, and worthlessness. Together, we explore what it means to live with chronic pain, release rigid professional identities, and ask the vulnerable question so many of us avoid: <strong>Who am I when the mask comes off?</strong></p><p>This episode dives into:</p><ul><li>Radical acceptance as a pathway through trauma and self-doubt</li><li>Why creativity isn’t optional — it’s often essential to healing</li><li>The danger of tying our worth to productivity and professional identity</li><li>Reclaiming fun, joy, and authenticity as adults</li><li>Overcoming fear of judgment and leaning into your passions</li><li>Deborah’s journey as a musician and the birth of <em>Paisley’s Fashion Forest</em>, a global creative collaboration</li></ul><p>This is a conversation about compassion, purpose, and remembering that you are more than what you produce — and that your creative spark might be the very thing that brings you home to yourself.</p><p><strong>If you’ve ever felt lost, burned out, or unsure of who you are anymore — this episode is for you.</strong></p><p><strong>Episode Timeline</strong></p><p>00:00 Understanding Emotions and Healing 16:12 Radical Acceptance and Self-Worth 18:48 The Power of Compassion 22:35 Embracing Authenticity and Fun 25:03 Love and Healing 27:03 Dealing with Disappointment 31:48 Rediscovering Fun in Relationships 33:08 Incorporating Creativity to Overcome Disappointment 34:22 Embracing Your Creative Gifts 35:01 The Healing Power of Creativity 37:27 Overcoming Fear of Judgment 39:42 Leaning into Your Passions 40:54 Deborah’s Musical Journey 44:24 Final Thoughts and Farewell </p>

<p>In this powerful episode of <em>Hey Man; It’s Okay</em>, hosts <strong>Sky Bridges</strong> and <strong>Ryan Heapy, LMFT</strong>, sit down with Seattle radio legend <strong>BJ Shea</strong> for a candid, vulnerable, and surprisingly uplifting conversation about men’s mental health.</p><p>Sky shares how BJ’s voice helped carry him through some of his darkest moments, setting the tone for an open and deeply human discussion about identity, art, grief, therapy, and the emotional lives men are often discouraged from showing.</p><p>BJ reflects on his own mental health journey—from personal struggles to becoming a vocal advocate for suicide awareness and co-creating the nationwide <em>I’m Listening</em> campaign. He talks about the emotional landscape of radio and the Seattle music scene, how therapy transformed his life and career, and why authentic expression is essential for men of all ages.</p><p>Ryan offers a therapist’s perspective, exploring emotional language, behavioral science, and why learning to name your feelings—<em>even when you don’t know the “why”</em>—is a crucial step toward healing.</p><p>Together, the three dive deep into:</p><ul><li>BJ Shea’s personal mental health journey</li><li>The influence of radio, community, and Seattle’s music culture</li><li>How therapy supports creativity, accountability, and emotional growth</li><li>Breaking gender norms and expanding emotional vocabulary for men</li><li>The role of behavioral science in healing</li><li>Why artists and everyday guys alike benefit from vulnerability</li><li>Rewriting the outdated narrative of what it means to “be a man”</li></ul><p>This episode is brimming with profound insights, personal stories, and actionable takeaways—perfect for anyone navigating their own mental health journey or supporting someone who is.</p><p><strong>Hey man… it’s okay to feel it. It’s okay to name it. And it’s okay to talk about it.</strong></p><p><strong>Episode Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 — Introduction 00:25 — Meet Our Guest: BJ Shea </p><p>00:59 — BJ’s Mental Health Journey </p><p>03:46 — Seattle Radio &amp; Music Culture </p><p>10:10 — Therapy &amp; Personal Growth </p><p>20:06 — Behavioral Science in Practice </p><p>27:26 — How Therapy Shapes Work &amp; Life </p><p>27:43 — “I Use My Job as Therapy” </p><p>28:04 — Challenging Gender Norms in Seattle </p><p>31:50 — Participation Trophies &amp; Modern Masculinity </p><p>35:02 — Encouraging Men to Speak Up </p><p>46:20 — Why Behavioral Science Matters </p><p>48:21 — Final Takeaways</p>

<p>In this impactful episode of Hey Man; It's Ok, hosts Sky Bridges and Ryan Heapy dive deep into the critical issues surrounding men's mental health with special guest Mark Wigginton, an author and seasoned career coach. Mark offers a candid look into his personal and professional journey, including his experiences working in mental health within the criminal justice system and his later career as a licensed professional counselor. From discussing the staggering statistical realities of men's mental health issues to exploring the significance of radical acceptance and effective coping strategies, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice. Whether you're grappling with personal challenges or looking to support loved ones better, Mark's insights on navigating midlife transitions and fostering resilience will resonate profoundly. Tune in to understand the value of empathy, the power of acceptance, and the importance of continuous growth in mental health. </p><p>00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Welcome </p><p>00:55 Introducing Today's Guest: Mark Wigginton 0</p><p>5:50 Mark's Journey: From Military to Mental Health </p><p>07:43 The Impact of Working in Prisons </p><p>09:54 Reconnecting with Family 14:27 Lessons on Fatherhood and Mentorship </p><p>21:51 Coping Skills and Personal Struggles </p><p>23:46 Embracing Change and Harm Reduction </p><p>24:47 Mark's Fitness Journey: From Overweight to Ironman </p><p>25:43 Endurance Training and Life Changes </p><p>26:06 Coping Skills and Stability </p><p>28:16 Career Transitions and Coaching </p><p>29:54 Dealing with Depression and Introspection </p><p>30:38 Midlife Transition and Career Coaching </p><p>34:59 Radical Acceptance and Overcoming Challenges </p><p>43:59 Parting Words and Final Thoughts</p>

<p>In this powerful episode of <em>Hey Man; It’s Ok</em>, hosts <strong>Sky Bridges</strong> and <strong>licensed therapist Ryan Heapy</strong> sit down with <strong>Josh Cutler</strong>, an influential mental health professional and advocate for men’s emotional wellness.</p><p>Josh opens up about his remarkable journey from a leader in the mental health field to facing his own <strong>bipolar disorder, depression, and recovery after a traumatic brain injury</strong> — and how those experiences transformed his understanding of healing, purpose, and connection.</p><p>Together, Sky, Ryan, and Josh explore the power of <strong>vulnerability, community, and honest conversation</strong>, breaking down barriers that keep men silent about their struggles.</p><p>From <strong>motorcycle rides for suicide awareness</strong> to <strong>psychedelic therapy training</strong> and the real-life stories that shaped him, Josh offers raw insight into both the <strong>clinical and deeply personal sides of mental health care</strong>.</p><p>If you’ve ever wrestled with <strong>self-doubt, burnout, or the fear of opening up</strong>, this episode reminds you that <strong>it’s okay to not be okay — and it’s even stronger to talk about it.</strong></p><p>🎧 <strong>Tune in for a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation</strong> that blends professional wisdom with lived experience, inspiring hope for anyone on the path toward healing.</p><p>🕒 <strong>Episode Chapters:</strong> 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome </p><p>00:20 – Meet Josh Cutler </p><p>04:29 – Josh’s Journey and Professional Background 1</p><p>6:06 – Challenges in Mental Health Access </p><p>21:14 – Josh’s Personal Struggles and Recovery </p><p>33:51 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p>

<p>In this heartfelt episode of <em>Hey Man; It’s Ok</em>, Sky and Ryan sit down with Logan Petersen, one of the creators behind <em>Dad Bods and Beards</em> — a community redefining what it means to be a man today. Logan opens up about his journey with bipolar disorder, sharing the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that shaped his path toward healing and self-acceptance.</p><p>Together, they explore what it really means to be strong — how vulnerability, honesty, and emotional awareness can coexist with resilience. From the power of proper diagnosis to the importance of support systems, sleep, and self-love, this conversation reminds us that asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s courage.</p><p>If you’ve ever struggled with your mental health or wanted to better support someone who has, this episode is for you. It’s a raw, real, and deeply hopeful reminder that we’re all in this together — and it’s okay to not be okay.</p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong> </p><p>00:00 Welcome &amp; Introductions </p><p>01:16 Meet Logan Peterson: Social Media Influencer and Mental Health Advocate 0</p><p>3:52 Understanding Bipolar Disorder </p><p>05:56 Logan’s Personal Struggles and Turning Points </p><p>08:59 The Role of Support Systems in Mental Health </p><p>12:49 The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment 2</p><p>1:22 Logan’s Mission: Encouraging Men to Open Up </p><p>25:19 Trigger Management and Vulnerability </p><p>26:02 Early Steps in Healing </p><p>26:46 The Importance of Sleep </p><p>27:28 Direct Communication and Therapy </p><p>28:26 Affirmations and Self-Love </p><p>30:48 Setting Boundaries and Accountability </p><p>31:31 Stories of Struggle and Resilience 3</p><p>4:36 Authenticity and Social Media </p><p>41:15 <em>Dad Bods and Beards</em>: A New Masculinity </p><p>49:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement</p>