Why Men Struggle with Sharing Their Feelings
Breaking the Silence: Brad Perry on Men’s Mental Health and Emotional Vulnerability
For generations, men have been cast as stoic protectors—expected to shoulder the world’s burdens without showing a crack in their armor. That outdated ideal has left many men struggling to express vulnerability, talk about emotions, or reach out for help. Emmy Award-winning TV host Brad Perry is determined to change that narrative.
From Morning TV to Honest Conversations
For more than 20 years, Brad has been a familiar face on Good Morning Arizona, Good Morning San Diego, and now Arizona Daily Mix. Viewers know him as the upbeat host who starts their day with a smile. What they don’t always see is the man behind the camera—navigating divorce, parenting challenges, and his own personal growth.
His podcast, “Things Men Don’t Talk About,” is a platform for the very conversations society tells men to keep quiet.
Why Men Stay Silent
Brad points to a deep-rooted fear of being seen as weak.
“The reason why men don’t share is because we don’t, as men, know how to share without being made fun of or being considered weak,” he says.
That conditioning starts early. Boys are told to “rub some dirt on it” when they fall, or to stop crying because “real men don’t cry.” These messages lead to suppressed emotions that can surface as illness, destructive behaviors, or even suicide.
Rethinking Father–Son Dynamics
Fathers often feel they need to “toughen up” their sons more than their daughters. Brad believes the opposite is needed—boys crave nurturing and permission to express their full emotional range.
“Go cry, guys. Go cry in the shower. Have that good cry,” he urges.
Tears release stress hormones and offer physical and emotional healing.
The Hidden Jealousy of New Fathers
Brad also highlights a less-discussed issue: jealousy when a baby enters the family. Often misread as male postpartum depression, it’s really about attention shifting from the partnership to the newborn.
“When someone else—especially a child—is giving you that shining moment that I can’t give you... we get jealous and resentful,” Brad explains.
His advice: schedule regular date nights starting a month after birth and create a physical bond with the baby—like letting them listen to dad’s heartbeat.
Divorce Without Destruction
When his own marriage ended, Brad and his ex-wife chose communication over conflict. Instead of waging a legal war, they focused on what mattered most—their children. They agreed on finances, set boundaries, and refused to speak negatively about one another. The outcome was so healthy that their kids later asked, “Why did you even get divorced? You’re such good friends.”
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Whether through daily cold plunges, meditation, or simple stillness, Brad makes time to recharge.
“I’ve learned how to take that time for me, and that means I’m okay to take care of everybody else,” he shares.
This practice runs counter to the idea that men should constantly give without pause.
Redefining Strength
By telling his story and creating a space for others, Brad Perry is challenging outdated ideas of masculinity. Real strength isn’t about stoicism—it’s about authentic expression, emotional intelligence, and the courage to be vulnerable.
“It’s okay at times not to be able to give,” Brad reminds us.
Setting boundaries, asking for help, and showing emotion aren’t weaknesses—they’re the foundation of a healthy, fulfilling life.