Dr. Zac Seidler on the New Science of Men’s Mental Health: Why Connection Is the Cure

In this episode, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Zac Seidler, clinical psychologist and Global Director of Men’s Health Research at Movember, to explore the hidden crisis in men’s mental health. Together, they examine the rise of loneliness, emotional isolation, and identity strain among men, and why these challenges are emerging as one of the most urgent public health issues of our time.

Dr. Seidler shares his deeply personal entry into this work, including the loss of his father to suicide, and how it shaped his commitment to helping men feel seen, understood, and valued. He explains how the friendship recession is reshaping the mental health landscape and why connection and belonging, not self-reliance, are foundational to the well-being of men today.

Throughout the conversation, John and Dr. Seidler explore how to rethink masculinity as flexible, relational, and rooted in purpose rather than performance. This episode invites us to reconsider what it means to live, love, and lead as men in a world where the need for genuine connection has never been clearer.

Redefining Strength and Masculinity

Traditional ideas of strength often emphasize independence, emotional restraint, and self-reliance. While these qualities can be valuable, they can also leave men without tools to cope when life becomes overwhelming. Zac introduces a more flexible and adaptive model of masculinity that allows both strength and vulnerability to coexist. This expanded perspective creates space for emotional honesty, growth, and healthier relationships with ourselves and others.

Why Connection is the Cure

Connection is a core theme throughout this conversation. Research shows that meaningful relationships lower stress, improve resilience, and increase overall life satisfaction. When men feel seen and valued, they are more likely to open up, seek support, and support others in return. Zac and John discuss practical ways to build more meaningful relationships, from checking in with a friend to joining a group or community where showing up is enough.

Key Takeaways

• Why do so many men feel disconnected even when surrounded by others
• The difference between masculinity and manhood, and why flexibility matters
• How loneliness affects mental and physical health
• Why friendships are a protective factor against anxiety and depression
• What Movember is doing to rebuild connection and community
• Practical steps men can take to ask for support and deepen relationships

The Friendship Recession

One of the most striking insights from this conversation is the growing loss of close male friendships. Many men are navigating life without the support of peers who know them deeply. The data shows that one in seven men reports having no close friends at all, and loneliness has now become a critical factor in mental and physical health. Zac explains why connection is not a luxury, but a biological and psychological necessity. Rebuilding belonging starts with small, consistent acts of reaching out and spending real time together.

About Movember

Movember is a global movement dedicated to transforming the state of men’s health. What began as a small gathering of friends in Melbourne growing mustaches to spark conversation has grown into an international grassroots effort spanning more than 20 countries. The core idea is simple yet powerful: use everyday connection points to start meaningful conversations about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

Rather than relying on clinical messaging alone, Movember meets men where they already are — in community spaces, barbershops, sports leagues, neighborhood groups, and workplace teams. The movement encourages men to stay connected, check in on one another, and take proactive steps toward their physical and emotional wellness. Through research, advocacy, and community programs, Movember supports men in building stronger networks of belonging and care.

At the heart of Movember is the belief that small conversations can spark cultural change and that helping men feel seen and supported can save lives.

A Cultural Wake-Up Call

At its core, Dr. Zac Seidler’s new science of men’s mental health isn’t just about men—it’s about the systems that shape them.

We’ve built cultures that reward output over openness, success over sincerity. But if we want thriving families, communities, and workplaces, we must start by redefining strength. Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the doorway to meaning.

This movement calls for collective courage—from leaders, educators, friends, and families—to create environments where men can drop the mask of “fine” and speak from truth.

Because when men heal, relationships heal. And when relationships heal, so does society.

RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH ZAC SEIDLER

Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

1. Dr. Zac Seidler’s Site and Social HUB
2. Dr. Seidler’s movement site ‘Movember’
3. *Free companion tools on The Ignited Life (Substack): theignitedlife.net
4. *Passion Struck Network: creator-first shows built around mattering, not metrics—passionstrucknetwork.com
5. *Apparel with a message: StartMattering.com — “You Matter. Live Like It.”

Dr. Zac Seidler – Global Director of Men’s Health

Dr. Zac Seidler is a clinical psychologist and internationally recognized researcher specializing in men’s mental health and suicide prevention. As Movember’s Global Director of Men’s Health Research, he’s shaping a new conversation around healthy masculinity, connection, and purpose.

Keep the Ripple Going

You can listen to my full interview with Dr. Zac Seidler on Passion Struck (Episode 685) wherever you get your podcasts. We explore the new science of men’s mental health, why connection is protective, and how redefining masculinity can help men feel seen and supported.

And if you’re looking for a way to help the next generation understand their worth, my new children’s book You Matter, Luma—the first story in The Matteringverse™—is now available for presale. It’s a reminder for kids (and adults alike) that the smallest acts of self-respect and kindness can create ripples of change.

Stop existing. Start mattering.