Hey Man; It's Ok

Deborah Weed - When the Mask Falls Off: Radical Acceptance, Creativity, and Finding Your Way Back to Yourself - Episode 319

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?In this deeply human episode of Hey Man; It’s Ok, Sky Bridges and Ryan Heapy sit down with artist, musician, and creative visionary Deborah Weed, founder of Paisley’s Fashion Forest, for a conversation about radical acceptance, healing through creativity, and rediscovering joy when everything familiar feels gone.Deborah shares how creativity — the thing you were meant 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: Who am I when the mask comes off?This episode dives into:Radical acceptance as a pathway through trauma and self-doubtWhy creativity isn’t optional — it’s often essential to healingThe danger of tying our worth to productivity and professional identityReclaiming fun, joy, and authenticity as adultsOvercoming fear of judgment and leaning into your passionsDeborah’s journey as a musician and the birth of Paisley’s Fashion Forest, a global creative collaborationThis 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.If you’ve ever felt lost, burned out, or unsure of who you are anymore — this episode is for you.Episode Timeline00:00 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

BJ Shea: Uncovering Men's Mental Health- Hey Man; it's Ok Episode 318

In this powerful episode of Hey Man; It’s Okay, hosts Sky Bridges and Ryan Heapy, LMFT, sit down with Seattle radio legend BJ Shea for a candid, vulnerable, and surprisingly uplifting conversation about men’s mental health.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.BJ reflects on his own mental health journey—from personal struggles to becoming a vocal advocate for suicide awareness and co-creating the nationwide I’m Listening 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.Ryan offers a therapist’s perspective, exploring emotional language, behavioral science, and why learning to name your feelings—even when you don’t know the “why”—is a crucial step toward healing.Together, the three dive deep into:BJ Shea’s personal mental health journeyThe influence of radio, community, and Seattle’s music cultureHow therapy supports creativity, accountability, and emotional growthBreaking gender norms and expanding emotional vocabulary for menThe role of behavioral science in healingWhy artists and everyday guys alike benefit from vulnerabilityRewriting the outdated narrative of what it means to “be a man”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.Hey man… it’s okay to feel it. It’s okay to name it. And it’s okay to talk about it.Episode Chapters00:00 — Introduction 00:25 — Meet Our Guest: BJ Shea 00:59 — BJ’s Mental Health Journey 03:46 — Seattle Radio & Music Culture 10:10 — Therapy & Personal Growth 20:06 — Behavioral Science in Practice 27:26 — How Therapy Shapes Work & Life 27:43 — “I Use My Job as Therapy” 28:04 — Challenging Gender Norms in Seattle 31:50 — Participation Trophies & Modern Masculinity 35:02 — Encouraging Men to Speak Up 46:20 — Why Behavioral Science Matters 48:21 — Final Takeaways

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

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. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Welcome 00:55 Introducing Today's Guest: Mark Wigginton 05:50 Mark's Journey: From Military to Mental Health 07:43 The Impact of Working in Prisons 09:54 Reconnecting with Family 14:27 Lessons on Fatherhood and Mentorship 21:51 Coping Skills and Personal Struggles 23:46 Embracing Change and Harm Reduction 24:47 Mark's Fitness Journey: From Overweight to Ironman 25:43 Endurance Training and Life Changes 26:06 Coping Skills and Stability 28:16 Career Transitions and Coaching 29:54 Dealing with Depression and Introspection 30:38 Midlife Transition and Career Coaching 34:59 Radical Acceptance and Overcoming Challenges 43:59 Parting Words and Final Thoughts

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

In this powerful episode of Hey Man; It’s Ok, hosts Sky Bridges and licensed therapist Ryan Heapy sit down with Josh Cutler, an influential mental health professional and advocate for men’s emotional wellness.Josh opens up about his remarkable journey from a leader in the mental health field to facing his own bipolar disorder, depression, and recovery after a traumatic brain injury — and how those experiences transformed his understanding of healing, purpose, and connection.Together, Sky, Ryan, and Josh explore the power of vulnerability, community, and honest conversation, breaking down barriers that keep men silent about their struggles.From motorcycle rides for suicide awareness to psychedelic therapy training and the real-life stories that shaped him, Josh offers raw insight into both the clinical and deeply personal sides of mental health care.If you’ve ever wrestled with self-doubt, burnout, or the fear of opening up, this episode reminds you that it’s okay to not be okay — and it’s even stronger to talk about it.🎧 Tune in for a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation that blends professional wisdom with lived experience, inspiring hope for anyone on the path toward healing.🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 00:20 – Meet Josh Cutler 04:29 – Josh’s Journey and Professional Background 16:06 – Challenges in Mental Health Access 21:14 – Josh’s Personal Struggles and Recovery 33:51 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

In this heartfelt episode of Hey Man; It’s Ok, Sky and Ryan sit down with Logan Petersen, one of the creators behind Dad Bods and Beards — 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.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.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.Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Introductions 01:16 Meet Logan Peterson: Social Media Influencer and Mental Health Advocate 03:52 Understanding Bipolar Disorder 05:56 Logan’s Personal Struggles and Turning Points 08:59 The Role of Support Systems in Mental Health 12:49 The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment 21:22 Logan’s Mission: Encouraging Men to Open Up 25:19 Trigger Management and Vulnerability 26:02 Early Steps in Healing 26:46 The Importance of Sleep 27:28 Direct Communication and Therapy 28:26 Affirmations and Self-Love 30:48 Setting Boundaries and Accountability 31:31 Stories of Struggle and Resilience 34:36 Authenticity and Social Media 41:15 Dad Bods and Beards: A New Masculinity 49:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement