Oct. 3, 2025

Transforming Trauma and Preventing Male Suicide

Transforming Trauma and Preventing Male Suicide

Transforming Trauma and Preventing Male Suicide Ep 373, October 3, 2025

Transforming Lives Through Vulnerability and Connection
In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant converses with Aaron Gambel, a life coach focused on reducing male suicide by creating safe spaces for emotional growth. Aaron shares his personal journey through a mental health crisis, stemming from an unhappy life and culminating in a transformative 'mental health college' experience.
He emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, connection, and rewriting personal stories to overcome past traumas and live a purposeful life. The discussion highlights the need for men to feel safe expressing their emotions, breaking societal norms about masculinity, and finding strength through vulnerability and community support.

Aaron Gambel, who has lived through substantial personal upheavals, including divorce and a profound career transformation, shares his journey of hitting rock bottom. He recounts a pivotal moment five days after his 43rd birthday, when he stood at the precipice of ending his life but instead chose to seek help and check himself into UCLA Medical Center. This marked the beginning of his own "Phoenix Rising" – a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Understanding Emotions
Both Andy and Aaron discuss the primary obstacle for men asking for help: societal programming that discourages emotional expression. Aaron explains that, traditionally, men have been conditioned to suppress emotions, allowing themselves to express anger, but little else. This suppression can lead to detrimental outcomes, including suicide, when emotions finally bubble up without an outlet.
A Path to Healing
Gambel emphasizes the importance of processing emotions and learning to regulate them. He highlights the impact of his "mental health college," an intense psychological education that equipped him with tools like emotional regulation, gratitude, and breathwork. One transformative realization for him was the need to address oneself first – heal the individual to become a better partner, parent, and community member.
Vulnerability as Strength
Men's groups play a crucial role in Aaron's mission by offering a space for vulnerability without judgment. Gambel shares that men often face shame and fear when discussing their emotions with friends whose reactions might be emotionally distant due to societal norms. The men's groups combat this by providing genuine connections and understanding through shared experiences, breaking down the "lone wolf syndrome" prevalent among men.
Taking the First Step
Aaron encourages men feeling trapped in isolation or hopelessness to tune into their bodies as a first step. By identifying where emotions manifest physically and practicing mindfulness through breathwork, men can begin managing their emotions constructively.
Finding Purpose in Service
Aaron's journey also underscores a vital transformation from self-care to serving others. Realizing his calling through discussions that naturally flowed to him while working in the film industry, Gambel transitioned into full-time coaching. His mission is clear: to help men feel heard, supported, and understood so they can avoid walking the emotional tightrope alone.

#RealMenFeel

Conclusion

The conversation between Andy Grant and Aaron Gambel is a reminder of the transformative power of vulnerability and connection. Through platforms like "Real Men Feel" and initiatives by individuals like Aaron, men can find the support they need to live fulfilling lives. The lingering message is clear – transformation happens when men feel safe to be their authentic selves. 
For further connections and discussions, listeners are encouraged to join the Authentic AF Community at realmenfeel.org/group, where men can share and support one another.

Watch this episode on YouTube.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Enjoy Real Men Feel on Spotify
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Resources
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson — https://amzn.to/3KT6VLm
The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. — https://amzn.to/3KStzn9
Still Here: How to Succeed In Life After Failing at Suicide by Andy Grant — https://amzn.to/4mSvk17
From the Core by John Wineland — https://amzn.to/433os9Z

Transforming Trauma and Preventing Male Suicide Ep 373 with Aaron Gambel

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