Men’s Therapy Podcast

Why Nice Guys Are Secretly Narcissists (Psychology Explains)

In this introspective episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, the spotlight turns to its host, Marc Azoulay. He is a seasoned psychotherapist and group facilitator. He steps into the guest seat to explore a pattern many men know too well: being the "nice guy."
“I thought I was just being kind,” Marc shares. “But I was using niceness to avoid conflict and protect a fragile ego.” This candid admission opens the door to a deeper discussion. It focuses on the hidden motivations and emotional costs tied to being one of the so-called nice guys.
Marc reflects on how men often adopt this identity to earn approval or avoid rejection. “Nice guys tend to use self-sacrifice as a way to feel valuable,” he explains. “But underneath that is often low self-esteem and a deep need for emotional validation.”
This episode invites listeners into a raw and honest exploration of male identity. It highlights psychological manipulation and the often misunderstood traits associated with covert narcissism. Through his own story, Marc models how acknowledging these patterns can lead to healing and self-confidence.

Unmasking the Nice Guy Syndrome & Narcissism w/ Dr. Les Carter

In today’s episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay sits down with renowned psychologist Dr. Les Carter. He is an expert in narcissism and the creator of the Surviving Narcissism YouTube channel. He has over four decades of clinical experience. Dr. Carter has spent his career exploring how narcissistic tendencies manifest in men. He highlights how they damage relationships. He also focuses on why so many fall into the trap of what’s commonly called Nice Guy syndrome.
“I think the word narcissism is overused,” Dr. Carter admits early in the conversation. “It’s all over TikTok, Instagram, and pop psychology—but beneath the buzzword lies a very real and damaging set of behaviors.” Dr. Carter illustrates how many men mask their insecurities with charm and superficial kindness. This often leads to manipulation, emotional abuse in relationships, and volatile personal dynamics.
Dr. Carter's expertise isn't just academic. He has spent decades counseling men through anger issues and relationship challenges. This experience has given him deep insight into common behavioral patterns. Many of these patterns are ones most people miss. “You can tell the most about a person’s maturity by watching how they manage conflict,” he explains. This conversation isn’t just about identifying narcissists. It is about recognizing unhealthy behaviors in ourselves and finding ways to grow beyond them.

Why Victim Mentality Is the Juiciest Trap for Modern Men w/ ‘Ari In the Air’

In a powerful episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay sits down with Ari DeLashmutt. He is an extreme sports athlete, transformational men’s coach. He is also the host of his own podcast. He is known for his fearless lifestyle and equally courageous self-inquiry. Ari offers an unflinching look at how men fall into the trap of victim mentality and what it takes to reclaim personal agency.
Ari’s journey into men’s work begins with personal reckoning. “I came across a presentation on peaceful parenting on YouTube, and it turned me onto moral philosophy,” he shares. This early spark led him to years of introspection and conversations with philosophers. This eventually led to professional men’s coaching. “Developing myself as an athlete was huge, but it was always paralleled by my deep desire to be a good partner, a good person, and have great friendships.”
Ari speaks openly about pivotal life moments. He talks about particularly a painful divorce after an eight-year relationship. “It was an incredible inflection point in my life,” he recalls. Ari began to examine his own defensiveness, emotional insecurities, and relational patterns. Then the heartbreak became a catalyst for growth. “I didn’t have the skills to listen from a place of security. I took everything hyper personally.”
Now, Ari works directly with men who’ve faced similar struggles. Men navigating breakup recovery or searching for meaning in midlife, he helps them all. His message is clear. Personal responsibility is non-negotiable if you want to build emotional resilience.

Dr Jeremy Goldberg Reveals The SECRET To Taking Control

In this episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, Marc sits down with Dr. Jeremy Goldberg. He is the founder of Long Distance Love Bombs. Dr. Goldberg is a writer, speaker, and coach dedicated to promoting kindness and emotional resilience. His journey into personal development is deeply personal. It is shaped by hardships, relationship struggles, and a desire to change the way we interact with ourselves and others.
“I entered this space reluctantly and in desperation,” Dr. Goldberg shares. “I went through some dark times—got cheated on, my mom was in rehab, I was drinking too much. Eventually, I realized I needed to make a change.”
That change led him to study human behavior, self-improvement, and emotional healing. Today, through Long Distance Love Bombs, he helps men build stronger emotional foundations. He helps them navigate personal transformation and cultivate self-growth.

Therapy STRUGGLES Faced by Black Men w/ Dr. Curtis Jasper

Therapy for Black men remains an underserved and often misunderstood area of mental health care. In a powerful conversation on the Men’s Therapy Podcast, psychologist Dr. Curtis Jasper opens up about his journey. He highlights the barriers Black men face when seeking therapy. He shares how men of color can begin their healing process.
Dr. Jasper’s path to becoming a Black male therapist is one of resilience and transformation. Initially working in education, he found himself struggling after personal and financial hardships. These included the loss of his parents, a divorce, and financial ruin. “I was homeless, sleeping in my buddy’s basement, and had given up on therapy,” he recalls. But a pivotal session with a white therapist changed everything. He told me, “You’re not clinically depressed, you’re angry. You’re grieving. You’re disillusioned with a system that wasn’t built for you. That was the moment I realized therapy could work for me.”

The Path to Trauma Healing? Be Vulnerable! w/ Dan Griffin

In a world where men are told to hide their feelings and face challenges alone, healing from trauma can feel out of reach. Society often pressures men to suppress emotions, making recovery seem impossible. Breaking free from these expectations is key to overcoming pain and finding healing. On this Men’s Therapy Podcast episode, host Marc Azoulay speaks with Dan Griffin. He is a leading expert in men’s mental health, therapy, and recovery. Griffin has authored several books. These include A Man’s Way Through Relationships. He has developed groundbreaking trauma-informed therapy programs for both men and women.
Griffin has been in recovery for over 30 years. He shares his insights on why trauma healing is a crucial yet overlooked aspect of men's mental health. “Untreated trauma is one of the biggest reasons for relapse,” he explains. Griffin highlights the need for therapy for men that addresses their unique experiences.
He also emphasizes the importance of addressing societal conditioning. “For the longest time, people thought men didn’t experience trauma. Veterans did. Women did. But not men,” Griffin says. This misconception, he argues, has kept many men from seeking the help they need. His work focuses on breaking these barriers. It aims to help men embrace emotional growth without feeling like they are betraying their masculinity.

Life Coaching for Displaced Men w/ Mark McIntosh

The journey from struggle to stability is never easy. Especially for men who face homelessness, addiction recovery, or past trauma. In today's Men's Therapy Podcast episode, Host Marc Azoulay sat down with Mark McIntosh. He is the founder of Victory Productions Denver. He discusses the transformative role of life coaching and mentorship programs for displaced men.
McIntosh has spent years working with men in rehabilitation programs. He describes life coaching as more than just guidance. It's a path to rebuilding self-worth and community connections. "Men need men. Iron sharpens iron," he says. He runs a nonprofit organization called A Stronger Cord. It focuses on giving men a second chance by fostering healthy relationships. It also helps men encourage physical wellness and engage in community service.
McIntosh emphasizes the importance of building a new social network for recovery. He leads devotion sessions at the Denver Rescue Mission to support individuals in their journey. Additionally, he develops structured mentorship programs to guide people through recovery. These efforts help foster a sense of community and personal growth. "You can’t go back to old friends if they’re dragging you down. You need a new support system," he explains. His work is not just about homelessness support. It’s about reshaping a man’s mindset so he can move forward with confidence and purpose.

What is Financial Therapy & Why You Might Need it w/ Khara Croswaite

Talking about money is often uncomfortable. Especially for men expected to be providers and financial decision-makers. On a recent episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay speaks with financial therapist Khara Croswaite Brindle. They talk about the deep connection between financial stress and mental health. Brindle is a financial therapist who specializes in helping individuals with their money mindset. She is an expert in financial coaching. She works with clients to address financial trauma and improve their relationship with money. Her goal is to help people gain a healthier outlook on their finances. Brindle’s expertise focuses on guiding clients through their financial challenges.
“I will talk about anything people don’t want to talk about,” Brindle says. She notes that money is one of the most taboo topics, often ranking even higher than discussions about relationships or mental health. This avoidance can lead to financial stress, causing anxiety, shame, and even depression. “The running joke is that we’d rather talk about our sex lives than our money lives,” she adds. Kara highlights the societal reluctance to engage in honest financial discussions.
So, how can men break free from the cycle of financial avoidance and develop a healthier relationship with money? Brindle offers valuable insights into financial literacy and business coaching. She also helps clients develop strategies to overcome financial trauma.

Love Bombing and Enneagram Type 4—The Toxic Cycle w/ Tamra Sattler

Men’s relationships with Enneagram Type 4 individuals and those with BPD are often emotionally intense. Extreme highs and lows characterize these relationships. The connection is passionate and can be unpredictable. In today's episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay speaks with returning guest, Tamra Sattler. Sattler is an expert therapist. She has worked extensively with individuals with BPD and those who identify as Enneagram Type 4. She sheds light on the complex dynamics that arise in these relationships. "Enneagram Type 4 is creative, vibrant, and deeply emotional," Sattler explains. "At their healthiest, they bring depth and artistry to relationships. At their most extreme, they may struggle with self-sabotage. They may show emotional outbursts and volatile behavior."
Marc shares his insights, reflecting on past relationships. "I think every woman I dated before my wife was a Type 4. The passion is undeniable, but so are the emotional swings."
For many men, these relationships begin with intense attraction and admiration. A Type 4 partner offers emotional depth and authenticity. This can feel like a refreshing change from the emotional detachment many men have developed. The connection brings a sense of warmth and openness. When the intensity turns toxic, men may feel overwhelmed and confused. This can cause them to question their reality.

The EXPERT Guide to Overcoming Male Loneliness w/ Phil McAuliffe

Loneliness is more than just feeling alone—it’s a growing public health crisis that affects men of all ages. In today's episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay sits down with Phil McAuliffe. He is the founder of Humans Connecting. He discusses how the loneliness epidemic is impacting men and what can be done about it.
Phil, a former Australian diplomat, shares his struggle with loneliness abroad. He has a successful career and a family. But, he feels an overwhelming sense of disconnection. “I realized that beyond all the meetings, the job title, and the life I had built, something was missing,” he explains. He came across an article in The Boston Globe about male loneliness. That's when he recognized his struggles. “I thought, ‘This is me. This is exactly what I’m going through.”
Through his organization, Humans Connecting, Phil is now dedicated to helping men. He helps them navigate loneliness by fostering meaningful connections and embracing emotional vulnerability. His approach is rooted in both personal experience and extensive research. This makes his insights invaluable for men struggling with isolation.