S2, Ep7: The Meaning of Poetry | How writing helps men process grief & anxiety

2025-05-06

What if the first step toward healing isn’t talking, but writing? Creative expression can be a powerful tool for men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to poet and author Drew Horner about how writing, poetry, and creative outlets can help men navigate grief, anxiety, and emotional isolation. Drew shares his journey of using poetry as therapy during the pandemic and reflects on insights from his book My Life in Pieces. In this episode you will learn: How writing and creative expression support mental health, emotional processing, and self-awareness The role of ...

What if the first step toward healing isn’t talking, but writing? Creative expression can be a powerful tool for men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to poet and author Drew Horner about how writing, poetry, and creative outlets can help men navigate grief, anxiety, and emotional isolation. Drew shares his journey of using poetry as therapy during the pandemic and reflects on insights from his book My Life in Pieces.

In this episode you will learn:

How writing and creative expression support mental health, emotional processing, and self-awareness
The role of poetry in navigating grief, anxiety, and emotional isolation
Practical ways for men to begin expressing emotions safely, even when talking feels difficult
How creative outlets can foster resilience, healing, and personal growth
Why putting feelings into words contributes to mental health awareness and emotional wellbeing

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, creative therapy, emotional expression, grief processing, and personal growth, offering inspiration and practical insight into using writing as a tool for healing and self-discovery.

Hear more from Drew:

My Life in Pieces: https://linktr.ee/TalesoftheNook?lt_utm_source=lt_share_link#275948678
The Rage Whale movie podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FSLdhTwH9WNMqcePFW31x?si=i_D4fXQfQMySjgRAqKQNXA&nd=1&dlsi=4e32c5bce1fd4008 (also on Instagram: @ragewhale_podcast)

Timestamps:

03:39: The Power of Poetry as Emotional Expression

06:51: The Journey of Discovering Poetry

13:38: Life in Pieces: The Meaning Behind the Title

20:48: Resilience and Rebuilding Through Adversity

25:35: The Essence of Poetry and Self-Expression

31:38: The Power of Poetry in Public Spaces

35:34: Exploring the Depths of Emotion

38:29: Mental Health and Vulnerability

41:29: Finding Meaning Through Poetry

44:29: Getting Started with Writing

52:19: Legacy and Impact of Drew's Poetry