In this episode, therapist and author Alex unpacks how even “normal” childhoods can leave lasting emotional imprints. He shares his personal story of fatherlessness and family mental health struggles, offering a rare, vulnerable look at how early emotional needs shape adult behavior. We explore how men often suppress emotions due to societal pressures and why mentorship and healthy male role models are critical. Alex’s reflections offer a compassionate lens on healing, resilience, and redefining masculinity.Episode Highlights:00:35 - Unmet needs in childhood drive over-functioning in adulthood04:17 - The absence of a male role model left a gap08:26 - Helping others means also doing the work on yourself10:52 - We say we’re ready—but until it costs us comfort, we’re not16:30 - Depression is numbness, not sadness18:21 - We don’t see the world as it is—we see it as we are21:36 - When being right matters more than being close, love doesn’t stand a chance26:39 - Old wounds speak loud when you're under pressure33:29 - What happens when struggle is skipped?38:20 - Having protection changes how the world treats you43:42 - A huge part of the problem is men not talking48:40 - What true therapy needs55:17 - Feeling leads to healing01:01:28 - Generational gap in financial expectations01:04:35 - Parental love can coexist with emotional neglect01:13:44 - We All Inherit Pain. What We Do With It Is Our PowerLearn more about AlexWebsite: https://www.alexhoward.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexhowardtherapy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexhowardtherapyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexHowardtvFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569194087083

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