Into the Dark Blue

TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide. Zach and James talk more in depth about the aftermath of suicide and the importance of speaking up when you're struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. Remember, it's okay to not be okay. If you would like to support the STAND STRONG mission and message, they are offering a special 20% discount on their merch to Into the Dark Blue listeners with promo code DARKBLU...

TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide. Today is world suicide prevention day, and James Mackert of StandStrong.co tells the heart wrenching, yet inspiring story of his father's suicide when he was only eighteen years old. Zach and James talk about the aftermath of suicide and the importance of speaking up when you're struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. Remember, it's okay to not be okay. If you wo...

It takes more than just a tough work out or two to be able to compete in a full on body building competition. It takes mental agility, will-power, and a true desire for self improvement of the mind, body and spirit. John Alex talks to Zach about the road of self improvement and the aha moment, involving a bag of Skittles, which led him on the wellness journey of a lifetime.  This episode pairs wel...

He's soft spoken, but his words are sharp! Rohan King is a self made Slam Poety aficionado from a small town in southwestern Australia. In a very short period of time Rohan went from small town poetry slam to performing at the Sydney Opera House, and to his surprise, winning competitions! Zach and Rohan carry on the conversation with Owen Morgan of Man Cove Wellbeing about the power of creativity,...

WARNING! The methods of enlightenment and self improvement discussed in this episode may be shocking or controversial to some. We do not encourage you to randomly buy an RV and move your family across country, or attempt to find your inner self on 28 grams of magic mushrooms. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! In this episode The Immortal Lion tells Zach all about the journey which took him from unhealthy i...

Into the Dark Blue and Man Cove Wellbeing join forces for this positively poetic episode! Zach and Owen talk about the difference between English and American Ciders, and the path that led them to finding solace in poetry and art. From childhood traumas to mild lingering mental struggles, creativity can help cope in so many ways. Pairs well with: The Dry Side from Tieton Cider Works, 6.9% ABV. Sup...

"What one man can do, another man can do." It's one of Phillip Sudore's favorite movie quotes, and it leaves a lasting impression. Taking risks and pursuing our true passions is hard, but Phillip is after it anyway. He had the balls to open a restaurant in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, lo and behold The Spot in West Seattle is becoming a thriving shining light in the community. In this epis...

On this week's episode we raise a tasty glass of Dirty Couch Brew to Travis Harth, a Seattle Movember representative and avid men's health advocate. Zach and Travis talk about great ways to give to the cause of men's health, as well as some tips on how to maintain your own health and wellness. Yes guys, this includes the dreaded annual physical. If you know someone who is struggling with their phy...

Zach learns how to review a beer in 90 seconds or less with Howard and Ryan from 90 Second Beer Review! These guys have a wealth of knowledge about the beer industry and how to properly taste your beer so you can recommend it to friends. Beer tastings of choice today include: Full Steam Brewing - All Together IPA, Root and Branch - Life and Fate 4, Matchless - Essential Beer, Burley Oak/Evil Twin...

Let's get real, guys... Anger is not an easy emotion to deal with. Thankfully, mindset coach John Eli is here to help you figure that shit out. Listen in for 5 simple steps to start understanding your anger.  Also, summer is coming, so cool off your angry testes with 25% off your underwear purchase at www.sheathunderwear.com using promo code: DARKBLUE. Drink smart, guys. Cheers!

Being an online influencer (or the spouse of one) isn't all sunshine and glamour. Those flawless photos and sponsorships don't just appear out of thin air, it requires hours of hard work and perseverance... and ideally a solid life partner to top it off. In this episode Zach sits down with close friends and legit grass roots online influence power couple, Mikey and Frilancy Hoyle, to talk about Wh...

It's our first episode from the southern hemisphere! Zach has a chat with Tom Ahern of the Mind Mate podcast to talk about the best way to eradicate shame from our lives, and Zach dares to ask the question that's on everyone's mind... why the hell did Tom cut off those gorgeous locks of his? Buy Tom's book, Yes I'm Fine, Just Tired, on Amazon to hear more wise words from the man himself. Get 25% o...

Zach sits down at Beveridge Place Pub in West Seattle to talk about mental health in black families. Lonnie Franklin from, Crisis Connections, and his long time friend Derrick Elliot have some great insights on the importance of communicating with our children, pressures and pitfalls of being a talented high school athlete, and parallels between cultures that defy stereotypes. The cherry on top? W...

Zach is on location at the Brewdog Outpost in Dublin, Ireland talking with resident beer school expert Daire O'Cionnaoith and general manager extraordinaire Paul Markey about refining your beer palate, growing up in Dublin, and drinking like a man in the land of saints and scholars. Get 25% off at www.sheathunderwear.com with promo code: DARKBLUE and give the boys some room to breathe.

Crisis Connections' Senior Director of Development & Community Relations Lauren Rigert talks about the value of local crisis intervention organizations and the importance of breaking the pattern of isolation through peer support. Don't hesitate to talk to your loved ones if you think they might be struggling. If you need help, or know someone who might need help, contact Crisis Connections at (866...

In this week's episode, Zach picks up a girl at a bus stop in Scotland and Leith gets arrested in Bangkok... almost. Listen in and learn why it's important to travel, even if only for a day trip, and how to make it cheap. We enjoy lovely beers from Matchless Brewing and Machine House in the process.  Meanwhile, Sheath underwear is the only travel buddy you need. Get 25% off at www.sheathunder...

Zach gets physical with Kyle Mims, the owner of Hotbox kickboxing gym in Nashville, TN, to talk about the importance of maintaining our physical and mental health simultaneously, building confidence through positivity and acceptance, and dealing with depression in the face of the stresses of life. Get 25% of your order at www.sheathunderwear.com with promo code: DARKBLUE. Donate to Mental Health A...

Is your relationship an earthquake waiting to happen? We've got news for you: It's your fault. Zach and Leith are here to tell you why, and how you can work to repair the cracks in your logic. And as always, get 25% off the best underwear you'll ever wear at www.sheathunderwear.com.

Zach talks with his colleague and mushroom curating extraordinaire, Leith Suriel, about the paths and pitfalls of the daily grind. How to cope when you're doing what you hate, and how to get yourself to a place of doing what you love. Black Boss porter and Sheath Underwear (25% off with code: DARKBLUE) get us through this episode in pure comfort.

Zach is walking a tight rope with guest co-host J. Moreno of Masculinity Mastered to attempt to find a little balance. It's all about the mind, the body, AND the spirit in this fresh episode of Into the Dark Blue featuring white peach cider from Incline Cider Conpany. Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy! Also, get 25% off the best underwear ever at www.sheathunderwear.com. Your junk w...

One part wanderlust, three parts heart. Adam Asher tells Zach all about his life passion, The Edge of Adventure, and everything from the woes and wonders of technology to some great advice about taking a dream and making it reality. Settle in with a nice beverage and join the journey! Get 25% off your first order with promo code DARKBLUE at www.sheathunderwear.com! Happy Movember everyone!

Zach sits down with nationally renowned hip-hop artist Chris Conde to talk about what it's like growing up gay. Addiction, American Christianity, and self acceptance are all on the menu in this installment of Real Guys, Real Talk. Visit www.chrisconde.com to listen to his debut album, Growing Up Gay. Get 15% off at www.foursigmatic.com with coupon code DARKBLUE.

Zach gets a chance to sit down with Wayne and Stacey Jehlik of Obec Brewing to talk about building a business, maintaining a relationship, and the importance of community. Settle in and share a pont with us! Go to www.obecbrewing.com for more info! Also, get 25% off at www.sheathunderwear.com!

Do not fear the tears. Embrace them. At some point in life we’ve heard that a man doesn’t cry. With a bit of honesty you can open yourself up to what’s deep inside you. Let the floodgates open.

Easier said than done. How far do we go to make things copacetic? Coping mechanisms we use, both positive and negative, can make a huge difference in our lives.