In this episode of the Greenfork Food for Thought podcast, host Stephen Zabala and guest Whelden Graziano openly discuss men's mental health, sharing personal struggles with depression, overwhelm, relationship failures, and the societal pressures on masculinity. They explore coping strategies such as exercise, yoga, meditation, journaling, building a supportive tribe, and embracing vulnerability for personal growth and resilience.

Whelden Graziano can be found training at his sister's training studio, Battleground Fitness.

00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest Whelden Graziano

03:43 Shifting gender roles and the "attack on masculinity"

07:26 Importance of vulnerability and leaning on friends during low points

11:09 Whelden shares how exercise and running help silence negative thoughts

14:52 Reflecting on a summer of business threats, family struggles, and relationship collapse

18:35 Jordan Peterson’s take on depression: biological vs. circumstantial

22:18 Accepting hard times, sitting in discomfort, and giving yourself grace

26:01 The power of small daily wins and the "1% better" mindset

29:44 Trimming the fat: focusing only on what truly matters during overwhelm

33:27 Coping tools: yoga, meditation, community, and breaking negative loops

37:10 Men craving connection and avoiding the "lone wolf" trap

40:53 Building a men’s group and the value of real, in-person talks

44:36 Relationships as growth challenges—Bruce Lee’s "sparring" analogy

48:19 Setting boundaries early and protecting your heart

52:02 Choosing a partner wisely: values, faith, and long-term alignment

55:45 Heartbreak after self-improvement—why it still hurts and how to keep going

59:28 Law of attraction, manifestation, and not choosing from loneliness

1:03:11 Pushing forward after failure: "don’t give in to the voices"

1:06:54 Final reflections on healing, bravery, and starting over

1:10:37 Closing advice