“I’m Fine” Isn’t Fine: Sean Hegarty on Identity, Burnout, and Men Forge Forward | Real Men Feel
Host Andy Grant talks with Sean Hegarty, founder of Men Forge Forward, about how men often hide stress behind a stoic “I’m fine” mask and carry an invisible load until they buckle. Sean shares how early caregiving shaped his servant-leadership identity, how years as a paramedic and healthcare manager intensified pressure to appear competent, and how COVID exposed the loss of men’s support outlets. After being diagnosed with complex PTSD and functional neurological disorder and giving up his paramedic registration, Sean faced depression and suicidal thoughts, then found coaching through a networking group and learned to separate his core self from his job.
He built Men Forge Forward on Skool as an accessible brotherhood offering peer support and coaching, emphasizing “you’re not finished, you’re just stuck,” and reminding men it’s okay not to be okay.
00:00 Im Fine Mask
00:23 Meet Sean Hegarty
01:11 Emergency Care Lessons
05:10 COVID Wake Up Call
06:51 Losing The Paramedic
08:38 Coaching Changed Everything
11:20 Building Men Forge Forward
17:55 Brotherhood Not Lone Wolf
21:34 Spotting Stuck Signs
25:54 How To Connect
27:11 Final Takeaways
Connect with Sean
Men Forge Forward — http://menforgeforward.com/
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanhegarty01/
Connect with Andy:
Join other like-minded men in the Authentic AF Community | https://www.realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | https://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel
#RealMenFeel ep 404
Join Sean Hegarty and Andy Grant as they discuss authentic community and personal growth. This conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue for men's mental health and self improvement. Discover how a strong mindset can lead to a more fulfilling life within the Real Men Feel community.
