Podcast Summary: “Stephen Seidel: Gents Journey — from Isolation to Community”

Podcast: Tony Mantor: Why Not Me?
Host: Tony Mantor
Guest: Stephen Seidel, Founder of the Seidel Agency & Gents Journey
Date: February 4, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode centers on men’s mental health, the journey from isolation to building community, and the creation and growth of the “Gents Journey” platform. Stephen Seidel shares how personal adversity—including caring for a terminally ill mother and relocating across the country—catalyzed his mission to create a safe space for men to openly discuss mental health, neurodiversity, grief, and growth. The conversation highlights actionable strategies to forge genuine connection, destigmatize vulnerability, and build supportive networks through both digital and in-person means.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origin Story: Relocation and Personal Loss

[02:07–03:54]

• Stephen explains moving from California to Kentucky in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, with a one-year-old, a new house, a new business, and his mother developing cancer.
• He describes the loneliness and pressure of being a caregiver, business owner, and parent, ultimately prompting him to build an online men’s support group.

Notable Quote:

“I didn't want to burden my wife... or my friends. It was up to me to reconnect to what was most important: family, sharing stories, and rebuilding relationships... that's when we started Gents Journey.”
— Stephen Seidel, [03:20]

2. Building Community in the Virtual Era

[04:13–05:30]

• Stephen joined “Meditation Hill Sangha,” a community emphasizing sharing and connection; he stresses that “connection is your currency.”
• He started his own weekly men’s group, discussing masculinity, generational differences, and vulnerability:

  “We met every week on Monday... We talked about life, what masculinity means, how we’re different than our fathers, what trials we’re going through. It was really therapeutic.”
  — Stephen Seidel, [04:55]

3. Evolving Group Dynamics & Tools for Connection

[05:35–06:34]

• The initial core group was tightly bonded, but as it tried to scale, consistency was harder.
• Creation of the “Journey Deck”: a card deck to prompt deep, reflective discussions—“There are so many tools for men for cars or sports, but not many for mental health.”

4. Embracing Neurodiversity & Inclusivity

[06:52–08:21]

• Participants ranged widely: young men, baby boomers, people out of rehab or incarceration, veterans, and self-described “neurospicy” (neurodivergent) individuals.
• The focus is not diagnosis, but creating an “eye to eye, heart to heart” safe space.
• Memorably, a tattooed man in and out of jail broke down saying, “I have to forgive myself,” highlighting the power of vulnerability.

5. Unexpected Transformations Through Vulnerability

[08:21–09:27]

• Stephen describes how opening up has changed his ability to express emotion in daily life, for example, crying with his family watching “America’s Got Talent.”

“For me, it's allowed me to open up, really wear my heart on my sleeve, and know... what we go through, we grow through.”
— Stephen Seidel, [09:06]

6. From Online to Face-to-Face & Spreading the Model

[09:34–10:22]

• Groups started online, now also meet locally in Lexington and other cities.
• The Journey Deck is used by leaders nationwide, for example, with inner-city youth in Chicago.

7. Demographics and Expansion

[10:32–11:15]

• The focus is US-based, but with some international members.

“If we can find a bond of friendship and connection, it brings us together and hopefully our nation.”
— Stephen Seidel, [10:53]

8. Adapting to Change & Serving Different Needs

[11:26–13:53]

• The group has seven founding principles: family, freedom, finances, fulfillment, fun, and more, adapting meeting topics/tools by age and background.
• Emphasis on conscious parenting, being present, and using tech positively (e.g., AI prompts to create supportive environments).

9. Mentorship and Growth

[14:03–15:07]

• Mentorship (both peer and professional) is vital; Gents Journey has built a “locker room” as a learning and social hub.

10. Conflict Resolution & Emotional Regulation

[15:07–16:11]

• Few conflicts arise, but the group proactively teaches emotional self-regulation, like the “six-second shift” (pausing before reacting).

"Oftentimes, we need to get out of our head and into our heart. Those six seconds will really allow you to have compassion."
— Stephen Seidel, [15:48]

11. Future Vision: Retreats, Local Chapters, and Global Reach

[16:23–17:36]

• Plans for live retreats, expanding local chapters, more opportunities for outreach, and leveraging technology for broader impact.

12. Supporting Varied Mental Health Needs

[18:21–19:54]

• Gents Journey is for anyone seeking community, regardless of whether their struggles are major (OCD, anxiety, etc.) or daily stresses.
• While not a replacement for therapy, they refer those in need to professionals and focus on helping members reconnect, rebuild, and reclaim their stories.

13. Harnessing Shared Strengths

[20:11–21:31]

• Every member brings unique strengths—business acumen, storytelling, community-building—and helps others express themselves and challenge limiting beliefs.
• Members are encouraged to replace judgment with curiosity and accountability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Isolation Leading to Initiation:
  “I didn’t want to burden my wife...It was up to me to reconnect...and rebuild.” —Stephen Seidel, [03:20]

• On Vulnerability & Growth:
  “What we go through, we grow through.” —Stephen Seidel, [02:44], [09:06]

• On the Power of Presence:
  “Being there, being present, sharing that space... At the end of the day, it’s all about love. Love never ends.” —Stephen Seidel, [24:36]

• Six-Second Shift:
  “Instead of immediately reacting...just pause and allow yourself to respond from a place of love.” —Stephen Seidel, [15:52]

• On Community Mission:
  “Connection as currency is the most important thing...get out of our head, 18 inches into our heart, that's where abundance lives.” —Stephen Seidel, [25:18]

• Rumi Quote:
  "Goodbyes are for those who love with their eyes, because for those who love with their heart and soul, there’s no such thing as separation." —Stephen Seidel, [26:16]

• Practical Prompt for Listeners:
  “‘Who could use you in their corner right now?’...Call them, connect, send them a voice note—spread that love.” —Stephen Seidel, [26:42]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Background & Moving to Kentucky: [02:07]
• Starting the Online Men's Group: [04:00]
• Developing the Journey Deck: [05:35]
• Diversity within the Community: [06:52]
• Personal Transformation Through Vulnerability: [08:27]
• From Virtual to In-Person Meetings: [09:34]
• Customizing Support Across Generations: [11:26]
• Advice for Parental Communication: [12:47]
• Integrating Technology and AI: [13:53]
• Mentorship and the Locker Room Concept: [14:03]
• The Six-Second Shift (Emotional Regulation): [15:52]
• Vision for Growth & Impact: [16:23]
• Navigating Mental Health Boundaries: [18:21]
• Leveraging Shared Strengths: [20:11]
• Live Card Deck Example: [21:38]
• Examples of Memorable Family Moments: [22:20] and [24:36]
• Core Message & Call to Action: [25:12]
• Rumi Quote and Final Prompt: [26:16], [26:42]

Core Message & Takeaway

Stephen Seidel’s journey—and the Gents Journey platform—shows how personal adversity can unlock broader purpose. By creating tangible tools, open community, and a culture where men celebrate vulnerability, real connection, and growth, Stephen illustrates the power for individuals and groups to move from painful isolation into meaningful belonging.

Listeners are invited to embrace connection, share their stories, reach out to those in need, and prioritize compassion—both for themselves and others.

Contact/Resources:

• Stephen Seidel: StephenSeidel.com or The Seidel Agency
• Gents Journey & The Journey Deck: GentsJourney.co

“Who could use you in their corner right now? Call them. Connect. Spread that love.” —Stephen Seidel, [26:42]