Man, Listen - Mental Health Conversations for Black Men

Mental Health

Man, Listen is a real-talk podcast where Black men and men of color can safely unpack mental health, masculinity, trauma, healing, and emotional growth. Hosted by a black male veteran broadcaster, Mark McCray, each episode explores therapy, self-care, overcoming stigmas, traumas, addressing real life issues and wellness with cultural relevance and honesty. It’s time to break the silence and build a space where mental health that is relevant to you. Let’s open up!

Man, Listen Podcast (INTRO EPISODE)

Welcome to the "Man, Listen" podcast! Gives you an insight on the host Mark McCray, the purpose of the podcast and what we hope to accomplishment. This podcast has a target audience of black men, men of color. However, the conversations here may be beneficial to anyone seeking to understand men, black men and men of color.

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Brother Kyle Shares his Insight...Why Hasn't He Been to Therapy

Brother Kyle Stewart is an ex-marine, a father, voice over talent, brother and more. He has an interesting insight on how many men think and why he hasn't been to therapy himself. I think many men can see themselves in Kyle. He is cerebral, deep thinking and challenges us to think deeper.

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Is Social Media Hurting My Mental Health?

If you spent anytime on social media, you have run across some disturbing content. ESPECIALLY if you read the comments. The comment section will have you infuriated if you aren't prepared for the hate. People of color seem to be to the target of comments affecting race the most. That along with the unrealistic dating expectations and opposite sex bickering online can take a toll. Let's discuss...

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What are Black Men Dealing With? A Conversation with A Mental Health Counselor

Licensed mental health counselor Heather K, talks with us about the problems that she sees with black men in therapy. The challenges and underrepresentation of men, black men in particular, using and working in therapy.

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Be Positive...Unless its A Blood Test

Positivity is a vital component for a healthy life. Mark McCray shares a life changing moment where he employed positive thinking to sway the outcome of his life and progression of his healing. Mark is a brain tumor survivor and he shares this dark time for him and how he used the power of positive thinking to overcome this rare challenge. Its a good conversation to share that may help anyone who struggles with negative thoughts. Maybe share with someone who can benefit from this conversation.

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Make It Happen or Make Excuses

In this episode, we sit down with retired record executive Mike Kelly — a thoughtful, driven Black man who’s worn many hats: industry leader, father, mentor, and survivor.

From being abandoned before reaching puberty, Mike opens up about the men who stepped in, the ones who showed him what strength and love could look like, and how he turned pain into power. Through storytelling and reflection, we explore his evolution — from broken beginnings to a legacy built on resilience, fatherhood, and career excellence.

Mike’s journey reminds us that where you start doesn't define you — it's how you finish. This episode is rich with lived experience, wisdom, and the kind of truth that speaks directly to the hearts of Black men navigating life, healing, and responsibility.

Let’s talk.

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What is the Thief of Joy?

In this episode we discuss a thought that many of us have that keeps us down and slows down our progress. Mark McCray dives into this sensitive issue that we may not realize is robbing us of our joy. It's something small we all do, but the people who are truly happy have learned to stop doing this. Intrigued? Let's discuss.

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The Holidays Aren't Always Happy - Discussion about Holiday Depression and Trauma

The holidays aren’t always happy for everyone and that's ok to talk about. In this episode, we sit down with Heather, a mental health counselor, to talk about navigating the season when you find yourself in a dark or difficult place. It’s more common than many realize to feel down this time of year due to family dynamics, lack of community, past trauma, grief, and more.

We explore practical coping strategies, how to break free from ancestral and social pressures, and share relatable stories. We also discuss ways to handle challenging family situations, financial limitations, and feelings of loneliness during the holiday season.

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Tough Love or Terrible Legacy

In this episode we talk about abuse masked as "tough love". It is important that we understand the difference and make sure when we are fathering, mentoring and coaching it comes from a good place. Being tough is fine, but it has to have elements of love in it, or its abuse. Generationally, this toxic abuse can be disguised as tough love and it is important that we know the difference.

We discuss some of the obvious differences of tough love v/s abuse and share some personal stories that might be beneficial.

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If You're Looking For A Sign...This is It!

Ever feel like you're waiting on the universe to tell you what to do next? This episode is that sign. In “If You’re Looking for a Sign… This Is It,” host Mark McCray invites listeners to pause, reflect, and take action—whether it's checking in with a friend, finally scheduling that therapy session, or just drinking some water and breathing deep.

Backed by honest reflection, a powerful list of real-life calls to action, and the kind of grounded motivation we all need, this episode is your reminder that growth doesn’t require perfection—just intention. From fatherhood and forgiveness to physical health and emotional healing, this is an invitation to do one thing today that future-you will thank you for.

If you’ve been stuck, doubting, or just going through the motions—this moment, this message, this podcast? It’s your sign.

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