This is a men's mental health podcast as told through the stories of everyday men.
In this podcast, I interview men to discuss their childhoods, relationships with their parents and the impact it has on their adult life, friendships, marriage and more. This podcast is my way of learning more about myself through hearing the stories of other men and their own struggles with mental health. My hope is others will find value in these conversations as well.
If you enjoy this podcast, then please give us a follow @UnturnedStonesPodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
If you'd prefer to watch the interview's then visit @UnturnedStonesPodcast on YouTube.
If you have any questions or thoughts you'd like to share, feel free to email me at UnturnedStonesPodcast@gmail.com
Family, Health, and Entrepreneurship w/ Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson, the Executive Director of the Technology Innovation Center at Milwaukee County Research Park, shares a narrative that ties entrepreneurship, personal growth, and family dynamics into an engaging tale. From his aviation career to becoming a host for entrepreneurs in Wisconsin, Mark reveals how his upbringing in a family beset by challenges, including a household affected by alcoholism, shaped him. His candid reflections on the powerful influence of family dynamics on personal dev...
15 Jul 2025
Cultural Identity and Emotional Resilience w/ Francisco Rivera
Cisco's journey from Milwaukee to Green Bay is more than just a geographical move—it's a story filled with heartfelt lessons and candid reflections. Growing up in a large diverse family with financial constraints, Cisco navigated a world where joy coexisted with economic challenges. His stories offer a window into the complexities of cultural identity and familial bonds that defined his upbringing. Cisco's relationship with his father adds another layer to his story, one marked by absence and...
4 Jul 2025
Fostering Community Growth Through Mental Health Advocacy w/ Justin Kubeck
Justin Kubeck, founder of Feronus, shares his personal journey with ADHD and how it led him to advocate for mental health and foster community growth in this interview.
15 Jan 2025
From Catholic Roots to Zen Wisdom - A Journey of Growth w/ Frank Berg
Frank Berg shares his inspiring journey from Catholic roots to Zen wisdom, discovering values of tolerance and service that empower personal growth and spiritual evolution.
30 Aug 2024
Brotherhood & Resilience: Navigating Career Transitions & Parenthood w/ Jared Hinsenkamp
Join us on this captivating episode of Unturned Stones as we reconnect with my long-time friend, Jared Hinsenkamp. Our journey together started in seventh grade and blossomed through our shared passion for wrestling. Jared opens up about his upbringing in Milwaukee, detailing his family dynamics with his firefighter father, teacher's aide mother, and his relationships with his three brothers and one sister. He shares the unique challenges and bonds formed as the youngest sibling and reflects ...
29 Feb 2024
Behind the Badge: George Opelt's Personal and Professional Odyssey
Step into the gripping world of law enforcement with George Opelt, as he shares a lifetime's worth of experiences. His personal and professional saga is a testament to growth, resilience, and the relentless search for understanding. Uncover how formative relationships shape us, the humor in George's early career challenges, and the profound impact of critical incidents on a police officer's life.
Embark on a narrative that traverses the highs and lows of police work and the fundamental human experiences they intertwine with. George opens up about the camaraderie among officers, the emotional complexities of handling traumatic events, and the evolution from a rookie to a mature, confident individual. His story isn't just one of a man in uniform; it's about the bonds, the emotional milestones, and the personal development that resonate with all of us.
This episode is not just a peek behind the badge but also a broader exploration of male vulnerability, communication struggles, and the pursuit of mastery in high-stakes professions. George's narrative illustrates the multifaceted nature of law enforcement, from the intense pressures to the communal bonds that sustain those who serve. Tune in for an episode that not only paints a vivid portrait of a life in uniform but also delves into the universal challenges and triumphs that connect us all
28 Jan 2024
The Untold Struggles Behind Triumph w/Joe Wanner
In this episode we dive into Joe Wanner's life story, a narrative rich with Hawaiian heritage, familial bonds, and personal growth. Joe, eldest of six siblings, opens up about the complex interplay of cultural expectations, mental health challenges, and the relentless pursuit of success. From the basketball court to the corporate arena, Joe's experiences illuminate the strength and courage required to overcome adversity and the significance of emotional support throughout his journey.
Discover how Joe navigates the waters of cultural identity, the pressures of being the firstborn, and the transformative power of storytelling. His candid conversation with us is not just a reflection on his life's struggles and triumphs but also an invitation for listeners to introspect and find courage in their own paths. This episode is a testament to the resilience we can forge from our roots and the emotional triumphs that await when we embrace our vulnerabilities.
13 Dec 2023
Surviving Substance Abuse: A Veteran's Journey to Sobriety w/ Ryan Baudhuin
In this episode, I interview my friend, Ryan Baudhuin, a Marine Corps veteran and advocate for men's mental health, to discuss his personal growth and his journey of overcoming struggles. Ryan openly shares his experiences with substance abuse, PTSD, and how he found peace and purpose through hunting. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a supportive community and the therapeutic power of nature.
What stands out in the conversation with Ryan is his candor. He brings to light, not just his struggle with alcoholism and eventual sobriety, but also his battle with PTSD. It's not every day that we meet someone willing to bear their soul as Ryan did. Delving deeper into his life, we discuss the joys and challenges of parenting, his encounter with grief, and his journey towards emotional maturity. Ryan shares insightful thoughts on handling cravings for alcohol, the importance of mindfulness, and the role of daily commitment to maintaining sobriety.
We also explore a range of topics in this episode. From the potential of psychedelics as medicines to the implications of globalization and cultural identity, we hope to provide a balanced perspective on these issues. Our discussion on traditional masculine roles, hunting, and the creation of brotherhood among veterans through hunting experiences is particularly enlightening. We wrap up with reflections on the power of discipline, the importance of staying present, and how every day presents a new opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Join us for this profound conversation and allow Ryan's journey to inspire you towards personal growth and resilience.
4 Nov 2023
From Prison to Powerlifting: The Redemption Journey of Shaun Kopplin
In this episode, I interview my friend Shaun Kopplin, who shares his compelling story of redemption and transformation. We journey through Shaun's tumultuous past, engaging in impactful discussions about his challenging relationship with his stepdad, his rebellious youth, his incarceration, and his eventual journey towards self-acceptance and success.
We uncover the stimulating world of powerlifting and the structure it brought to Shaun's life, offering him a sanctuary from the pressures of his past. Shaun openly discusses his felonies and his struggle with substance abuse, which didn’t deter his spirit. Instead, it fueled his determination to build something of his own, resulting in a successful roofing business and a respected place in the powerlifting community. We delve into the ways this discipline brought Shaun mental solace, a sense of self-worth, and a community that supported and inspired him.
18 Sept 2023
Battles of Life, Love, and Mind: Embracing the Inner Child w/ Nate Gorski
In this episode, we dive into the journey of Nate Gorski, a man shaped by diverse experiences and life roles as a son, a husband, and a father. Nate shares with us the complexities of his family life like learning his father was not his biological father when he was young.
The conversation also delves into the challenges faced by veterans dealing with PTSD, highlighting the drastic shift from military to civilian life and the concept of trauma bonding.
We also dive into the topic of fatherhood, examining the differences between a mother-child and father-child bond, the challenges of parenting, and the wisdom that children can offer us. We wrap up with a reflection on the importance of embracing our inner child's power, reminding us of the beauty in simplicity and authenticity.
29 Aug 2023
Addiction, Suicide and Recovery: A Deep Dive into Mental Health w/ Josh Zurawski
In this episode, I interview Josh Zurawski who opens up about his family dynamics, his childhood, and his personal struggles with mental health. We navigate through his life, dipping into his brother's addiction and loss, which paints a clear picture of the ripple effects that addiction and mental health issues can have on families.
This isn't just a story of addiction and loss; it's also a story of resilience and the power of familial bonds. Through Josh's eyes, we get to experience the process of healing, the importance of mental health awareness, and the struggle of balancing personal responsibilities with his inherent role as the oldest sibling in the family. He discusses his experience with anxiety and panic attacks, his family's grief, and how they came together in the face of adversity, proving that there's strength in vulnerability and unity.
As we close this heartfelt conversation, we touch on the importance of mental health awareness, volunteering, and providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment for those dealing with mental health issues. Josh sheds light on the need for open conversations around men's mental health and different coping mechanisms. His experiences and insights offer a stark reminder of the compassion and understanding required when dealing with mental health and addiction. Tune in, listen, and allow Josh's journey to enlighten and inspire you.
14 Aug 2023
Resilience, Growth and Honesty: An Introspective Journey w/ Joey Nielsen
In this episode, I interview Joey Nielsen who pulls back the curtain on his life, complete with the ups and downs, joys, and struggles that have contributed to his personal growth. Raised amidst the hardworking ethos of North Central Iowa, Joey unpacks the unique family dynamics from his childhood, marked by his biological father's absence and the unwavering support of his mother and adoptive father.
We explore Joey's adolescence, detailing his battles with mental health, and how these experiences shaped his relationships and communication skills. We'll also touch upon his intriguing journey with therapy, revealing how it led to significant personal growth, gave him insight into his coping mechanisms, and helped him understand the influence of his past on his relationships.
4 Jun 2023
Transforming Struggles into Strengths in Fitness and Fatherhood w/ Kirk Remer
In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with personal trainer and owner of Winners Edge Gym , Kirk Remer, to explore his journey of personal growth and how his childhood experiences have shaped him. We dove into the importance of being open and honest in relationships, his passion for weightlifting, which began in his teenage years, and the mentors and coaches that guided him along the way. This discussion prompted reflection on Kirk's journey through college, the challenges he faced, and how he persevered to become the person he is today. In the final part of our conversation, we delve into Kirk's experiences with marriage and self-parenting, the importance of putting in the effort to ensure a successful relationship, and how his admiration for his wife has inspired him to continue learning and growing.
11 May 2023
From Childhood Struggle to Mindful Mornings: Navigating Life w/ Tory Dewalt
In this heartfelt episode, I interview my long-time friend Tory Dewalt. We reflect on our relationships with our fathers and our roles as older siblings, contemplating the lessons we've learned and how we can share them with younger generations. Our talk spans from the difficulties of frugality, shaped by our upbringings, to the appreciation of both the good and bad experiences in life. Don't miss this profound and insightful conversation as we explore the complexities of friendship, personal growth, and mental health.
6 May 2023
Overcoming Insecurities & Cultivating Self-Awareness w/ Jay Carpenter
In this episode, I interview my cousin-in-law, Jay Carpenter, who is currently a registered behavior technician working with autistic children while pursuing a graduate degree in clinical mental health. We dive into many great subjects such as cultivating self-awareness, self-esteem and social positioning, overcoming perfectionism, and the continuous path to self improvement. Jay's story is a powerful reminder that growth and self-improvement are ongoing processes requiring effort and momentum. Whether it's enhancing social skills in high school or taking actionable steps toward acceptance, Jay's experiences demonstrate that true change is possible.
29 Apr 2023
The Power of Seeking Therapy w/ Chris Mackenzie
In this episode, I interview Chris Mackenzie who has been the athletic trainer at Greendale High School for the past 23 years working with kids in all sports. Chris was the first person to speak openly about mental health with me and had a big impact on starting my own journey to dealing with mental health. We discuss some very vulnerable subjects around mental health in a marriage and the impact it can have. How stress can build and cause us to rely on ways to cope with it. As well as the evolving mental health of kids in school.
15 Apr 2023
Powerlifting, Mental Health and the Pursuit of Personal Growth w/ Dom Calvano
In this episode, I interview my friend Dom Calvano who I have known for almost 10 years through Winners Edge gym. We discuss his transition to college and its effect on his mental health as well as the impact playing soccer had on his life. We also talk about Dom’s inclination towards awareness of his mental health and his desire to work on it.
8 Apr 2023
How to Embrace Self-Improvement w/ John Battikha
In this episode, I talk more about the origin of this podcast and some of the events in my life that have lead me to this point. I dive into how I came to realizations regarding seeking validation, learning to let go of my ego and the important of meeting my wife.
18 Mar 2023
Should Men Be Vulnerable? w/ Justin Quintero
In this episode, I interview my long time friend, Justin Quintero, for the first episode of Unturned Stones. We discuss a variety of topics revolving around mental health like the effect of his parent relationship on him in his younger years leading up to adulthood, men being vulnerable, expectations that society puts on men, and the inner voice that guides us through life.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
6,483
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
3.4 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
45
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
67
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