The American Masculinity Podcast

Not Weak, Just Worn Down: Masculinity, Suicide, and What Actually Helps

Timothy Wienecke, MA, LPC, LAC Season 1 Episode 9

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Most men don’t talk about suicide—until it’s too late. This episode breaks that silence.

Interview with Khara Croswaite, TEDx Speaker & Suicide Prevention Expert

Full show notes + transcript: https://empoweredchangece.com/american-masculinity-podcast


Booklist https://bookshop.org/lists/amp-9-not-weak-just-worn-down-masculinity-suicide-and-what-actually-helps

 Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for men in their late 20s and early 30s. Most of us were never taught how to ask for help—or even name what hurts.

In this episode, we sit down with Khara Croswaite, a TEDx speaker and suicide prevention expert who’s worked with men in crisis for over 20 years. Together, we explore what actually helps men who are struggling, how masculinity interacts with isolation and emotional suppression, and what signs we often miss when men are in danger.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever thought, “I should be able to handle this on my own.”

🎧 Subscribe for more grounded, honest conversations about masculinity and mental health.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Cold Open: Why This Conversation Matters
 05:23 – What the Data Misses About Men and Suicide
 13:02 – Why “He Didn’t Seem Like the Type” Is a Dangerous Myth
 24:11 – Emotional Repression, Masculinity, and Warning Signs
 36:00 – Internal Competence vs. Self-Sufficiency
 47:28 – What Actually Helps: Practical Suicide Prevention
 56:55 – The Role of Connection and Language in Recovery
 01:06:40 – Cold Close + Crisis Resources

Tags: masculinity, suicide, mental health, men and therapy, depression, emotional health, Khara Croswaite, TEDx speaker, American Masculinity Podcast, Tim Wienecke

The American Masculinity Podcast™ is hosted by Timothy Wienecke — licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, and men’s advocate.
Real conversations about masculinity, mental health, growth, and how men can show up better — as partners, leaders, and friends.
We focus on grounded tools, not yelling or clichés. If you have questions or want a tool for something you're wrestling with, leave a comment or send a message — your feedback shapes what we build next.
Note: While this doesn’t replace therapy, it might help you notice something worth exploring.

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