When was the last time you saw a man cry openly? The phrase "men don't cry" has been ingrained in our collective consciousness for generations, but at what cost? In this powerful Father's Day conversation, I sit down with Don Kester OSHIOREAME, a respected creative professional and relationship mentor, to unpack the devastating impact of this harmful stereotype.

"Crying is not a gender-assigned emotion," Don Kester states emphatically. "It's a human right." This simple yet profound declaration challenges centuries of conditioning that has taught men to suppress their tears and, by extension, their emotional lives. But as we discover throughout our discussion, these suppressed emotions don't simply vanish—they transform and resurface in destructive ways, from alcoholism and substance abuse to relationship problems and even violence.

We explore the painful reality of men's grief, particularly in situations like miscarriage where all attention focuses on the woman while men are expected to remain strong and supportive despite their own heartbreak. Don Kester shares practical strategies for dismantling this stigma, beginning with conscious parenting that models healthy emotional expression for boys. Through personal examples of how he teaches emotional intelligence to his teenage son, he demonstrates how we can raise a new generation of men who aren't afraid to acknowledge and express their feelings.

The conversation weaves through the spiritual dimension of men's lives, the challenge of forming meaningful adult friendships, and powerful advice for men currently struggling with their mental health. Don Kester's "LIP" framework—maintaining Life, Integrity, and Peace—offers a beacon of hope for men facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Whether you're a man struggling to express emotion, someone who loves a man who can't cry, or a parent raising boys, this conversation will transform how you think about masculinity and emotional expression. Share this episode with the men in your life—it might just be the permission they've been waiting for to acknowledge their full humanity, tears and all.

Don Kester Oshioreame books:
I am not disadvantaged

https://www.amazon.com/Am-Not-Disadvantaged-Don-Kester/dp/1514463555

No excuse

https://a.co/d/4Ey7TCy

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