Hey Man; It's Ok | Podcast Guru

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Hey Man; It’s Ok is a men’s mental health podcast that breaks down the stigma around vulnerability, emotions, and personal struggles. Hosted by Sky Bridges and licensed marriage and family therapist Ryan Heapy, this podcast creates a space for real, unfiltered conversations about mental health, relationships, masculinity, and the challenges men face every day.

Each episode features honest discussions, personal stories, and expert insights to help men navigate their emotions, break free from outdated expectations, and know that it’s okay to not be okay. Whether we’re diving into deep topics, sharing laughs, or learning from guest experts, Hey Man; It’s Ok is here to remind you that you’re not alone.

Join us on this journey toward self-acceptance, growth, and mental wellness—because every man deserves to be heard, understood, and supported.

Find us wherever you listen to podcasts or visit www.heymanitsok.com to learn more.

Recent Episodes

Navigating The Complexities of Men's Mental Health: Insights from Mark Wigginton - Hey Man; It's Ok Episode 317

NOV 14, 2025

Navigating The Complexities of Men's Mental Health: Insights from Mark Wigginton - Hey Man; It's Ok Episode 317

<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>

47 MIN

Hey Man; It's Ok Episode 316 - From Challenges to Change: Josh Cutler's Journey

NOV 7, 2025

Hey Man; It's Ok Episode 316 - From Challenges to Change: Josh Cutler's Journey

<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>

35 MIN

Hey Man; It's OK - Episode 315- Dad Bods & Beards: Logan Peterson's Path to Mental Health Advocacy

OCT 31, 2025

Hey Man; It's OK - Episode 315- Dad Bods & Beards: Logan Peterson's Path to Mental Health Advocacy

<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 & 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>

51 MIN

Hey Man; It's Ok - Episode 314 - We all Die with Bela Biro and Jim Cunningham

OCT 24, 2025

Hey Man; It's Ok - Episode 314 - We all Die with Bela Biro and Jim Cunningham

<p>In this powerful episode of <em>Hey Man; It’s Ok</em>, Sky and Ryan sit down with authors Jim and Bela, whose book We All Die - Healthcare Insiders Pull no Punches on Our Failed System. Together, they unpack how money, policy, and burnout have shaped a system that often forgets the human beings it’s meant to serve.</p><p>Through honest conversation, they explore the emotional toll on both patients and providers, the impossible choices families face, and the need for a complete reimagining of how we approach care in this country. Jim and Bayla share personal stories, eye-opening data, and hopeful ideas for rebuilding a system centered on compassion, equity, and mental well-being.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt frustrated, unseen, or overwhelmed navigating healthcare—or you simply care about creating a system that truly helps people—this one’s for you.</p><p></p><p>0:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome</p><p>00:32 Overview of the Book and Healthcare System Critique</p><p>02:37 Healthcare System Failures and Comparisons</p><p>05:21 Mental Health and Systemic Issues</p><p>09:05 Challenges in the Healthcare Profession</p><p>12:40 Personal Experiences and Career Reflections</p><p>16:39 The Need for Systemic Change</p><p>22:21 Grassroots Efforts and Future Outlook</p><p>23:58 The Healthcare System's Breaking Point</p><p>24:09 Comparing Global Healthcare Models</p><p>24:32 The Need for a Complete Redesign</p><p>25:14 Political and Cultural Influences</p><p>25:50 Employment Tied Healthcare Issues</p><p>26:29 Healthcare as a Business</p><p>27:29 Physician Compensation Dilemmas</p><p>29:43 The Cost of Medical Education</p><p>32:08 Potential Solutions and Influencers</p><p>37:00 The Role of Big Pharma</p><p>40:31 Mental Health in the Healthcare System</p><p>43:57 Final Thoughts and Call to Action</p>

47 MIN

Hey Man; It's Ok Episode 312 -Navigating Grief and Finding Equanimity: An Intimate Conversation with G. Scott Graham

OCT 10, 2025

Hey Man; It's Ok Episode 312 -Navigating Grief and Finding Equanimity: An Intimate Conversation with G. Scott Graham

<p>In this deeply moving episode of <em>Hey Man; It’s Ok</em>, hosts <strong>Sky Bridges</strong> and licensed psychotherapist <strong>Ryan Heapy</strong> welcome author and coach <strong>G. Scott Graham</strong> for a conversation about <strong>grief, healing, meditation, and radical acceptance.</strong></p><p>Scott opens up with raw honesty about losing his spouse during the COVID-19 pandemic and how writing about his grief became a way of honoring love. He also shares his unique adventures with <strong>paddleboarding with dogs</strong>, the myths surrounding happiness, the role of <strong>equanimity</strong>, and how embracing adversity can lead to a more authentic life.</p><p>This episode is a powerful reminder that grief and love are deeply connected, and that resilience often comes from radical acceptance.</p><p>⏱️ <strong>Chapters</strong> 00:00 Welcome to <em>Hey Man, It’s Okay</em> </p><p>00:18 Meet G. Scott Graham </p><p>00:44 Paddleboarding with Dogs </p><p>03:03 Grieving the Loss of a Spouse </p><p>09:47 Love, Grief, and Healing </p><p>16:09 The Myth of Happiness </p><p>20:36 Understanding Equanimity </p><p>24:00 Navigating Emotional Turmoil </p><p>25:14 Radical Acceptance Explained </p><p>28:34 Why Radical Acceptance Matters </p><p>31:23 Meditation: Myths vs. Reality </p><p>33:20 The Challenge of Consistency </p><p>39:25 Instant Gratification vs. Growth 4</p><p>41:52 Closing Thoughts + How to Connect with Scott</p>

45 MIN