This week, we have a story that is a step closer to embracing men’s tears and a step away from toxic masculinity.
Ben suffers from depression after knee surgery. Searching for ways to heal online, he finds himself trapped in toxic ideas of masculinity. It’s only when a friend takes him to his breathwork class that he finally breaks down and begins to heal, learning that recovery can come through friendship, community, and space to breathe.
Sometimes, not all healing comes with words. Sometimes it’s in the silence between breaths, in the rise and fall of your chest, as the world eases and the universe reminds you: you’re safe. Produced by Ben Haywood alongside Supervising Producer Sam Loy. Music by Blue Dot Sessions. This story was made possible by the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship. Thank you to everyone who participated, and a very special thank you to Jesse Cox’s family and friends, and to the incredible legacy he left.
Also, A very special thank you to our mentors, Karla Arnall, Sam Loy, Cristina Marras, and Miles Martignoni. For over six months, Ben worked with an industry mentor and got access to guest workshops on audio craft. Plus, thank you to our guest facilitators Belinda Lopez, Jay Gasser, Jesse Lou Lawson, Michelle Macklem, Claudia Taranto, Karishma Luthria, Mike Williams, Dan Semo, Tiffany Dimmack and Cinnamon Nippard.
All The Best Credits:
- Host: Kwame Slusher
- Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell
- Events and Partnership Coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan
- Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie
- Theme Music composed by Shining Bird
- Special shout-out to our volunteers: Ray, Sue, Sharon, Lindsay, Andrew, Ash, and Emma.