Man, Listen - Mental Health Conversations for Black Men

In this deeply personal episode of Man, Listen, host Mark McCray shares the emotional journey of surviving a brain tumor — from diagnosis to recovery — and how the physical battle sparked a mental health awakening. Mark opens up about confronting mortality, the emotional toll of being strong when you're feeling weak, and the psychological aftermath of navigating a serious illness. This episode isn...

In this episode of Man, Listen, I sit down with licensed mental health counselor Heather to unpack what really happens in a therapy session. We share personal stories, real talk, and social truths — especially around why turning to friends and family for mental health advice might not always be the move. If you’ve ever been curious, cautious, or just confused about therapy… this one’s for you. Let...

In this episode, we sit down with Al Harper, a father of two, for an honest and vulnerable conversation about fatherhood, identity, and emotional resilience. Al opens up about the moment he learned that one of his children was not biologically his—and the shock, pain, and confusion that followed. Together, we explore what it means to process betrayal while still showing up as a father, how Black m...

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...

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...

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...

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not...

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...

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...

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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......

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-...

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Noti...