What's The Point

Horses need dentists too.  In fact, they have more numerous and much bigger teeth, so they arguably need them even more than we do.  Clint is one such dentist.  But just because he has the kind of job every 6 year old boy would want doesn't mean life is easy.  His upbringing was tough and he had a near death experience that haunted him for years.  The best he - and you - can do is to live in the moment, not the past.

Success is a double edged sword.  For most, it primarily means financial security.  But it also means long hours, frequently bringing your work home with you, and a lot of stress.  Where there's stress, there's coping mechanisms.  And where there are coping mechanisms, alcohol seems to always be right around the corner.  Learn how Tom has managed to own a business and have young children in the house without relying on substances to help him through the day.  Yes, it can be done.

There have been a lot of inventions.  Many are good.  But what if you could erase one?  Use your power wisely.  And no, depression is unfortunately not an invention.  It is, however, an insidious force that can not only sap your energy to do anything, but it can transform into things like anxiety.  The more a wound festers, the harder it is to treat; this is true of both physical wounds as well as emotional ones.

Bill's time at sea has made him go full nautical and start growing a beard.  How will this new chapter in his life play out?  Only time will tell.  Garrett doesn't have a seaworthy beard, but he does have a tale to tell.  It's a tale of having young children, a job, and a wife.  Many of us have been there, and most would agree that domestic bliss comes with its share of stressors.  Everyone copes somehow, and luckily Face It was there to help.

If you were a boat, what kind of boat would you be?  The only reason this question makes any sense is because we all know what kind Bill would be: the kind that he's on.  For the rest of us stuck in studio, we're listening to the soundtracks of our lives rather than the sea breeze.  It might not always be your favorite song, but it's your soundtrack.  Try to write something you like.

What vegetable is best?  This may seem like an unimportant question, but it's actually vital to today's discussion.  Okay, that's not true at all.  We just wanted to talk about vegetables.  The real important topic of the day is lingering anger issues about being victimized.  It's not healthy to bury your feelings, but it's equally unhealthy to let them control you.  Finding the balance can be one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do.

In this episode we discuss the passing of Hulk Hogan, who for men in a specific age bracket was almost a father figure.  Paul's actual father died in 2013, so he can tell you what it's like to lose a father for real, and what it's like to feel the need to replace him.  He can also tell you how to keep #livin despite it all.

If you're very important, like the guy who invented the Pringles can, you probably know what you want to be remembered for.  The rest of us are still thinking.  We're also thinking about how easy it is to get stuck in a cycle of living for everyone but yourself.  Burnout is real, and it rarely ends well.  And just because you're not Pringles Can Famous doesn't mean you don't have an identity outside of what you've done for the world.

Do you have a popular name? Maybe you did, maybe you still do.  Maybe you're on the cutting edge, like kids named Liam.  Either way, it's not really important.  What is important is the ability to recognize when you're in a rut, and how to get out of it.  When a car gets stuck in the mud, does it get out by itself?  I don't think even the self-driving ones do.  Get yourself a battle buddy and level up. 

NEW! Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbOyC2nIu2k

After a couple years off, What's The Point returns!  We've been hearing from listeners and decided that our show has been making more of an impact than we thought, so we owe it to you guys to keep going.  Plus we needed an excuse to sit in an air conditioned studio every so often this summer.  We'll be releasing episodes every other week for the foreseeable future, so stay tuned.

NEW! Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1mjRZ1s-BE

Full room today in the Ardmor Construction Studio as Mark, Bill and the Coach welcome Shawn Bergeth into the Penthouse Soap Company guest hotseat. Shawn shares about struggles early on in life and some very interesting treatments he recently embarked on that has really opened his mind and his soul...but involved some travel!

With the “Coach” out teaching the youth of America about mental health, that gives Mark and Bill plenty of room to stretch out in the Ardmor Construction studio! Having the extra space, we decided to bring Robert Craig in to tell his story. Robert outlines his mental health challenges and has tried many different forms of treatment over the years. Listen in to this week's podcast to see how Robert continues to move forward in his mental health journey.

The “Coach” Mark Wick enters the Ardmor Construction studio and jumps in the hot seat for this episode. Mark shares stories about family, his mental health journey, thoughts of suicide and just how anger contributed to his dismissal from his employment as a head hockey coach. What he is doing these days...is truly inspirational!

In the latest episode, the guys turn back in house as Bill Dehkes jumps in the guest chair. Bill goes into details about a challenging childhood that in part led to depression, anxiety, OCD, shame, self-esteem and the feeling of not belonging. Not every day is perfect in Bill’s world...but he is trying!

Today's podcast takes a turn back to the younger side. Mickey Orren attends a Face It “20’s Something” group. Mickey shares his journey with shame and anxiety and how he turned many of those feelings around. You will want to hear him discuss what he describes as “Smiling Depression”.

Today we hear one of the most tragic and powerful story ever told on the “What’s the Point” Podcast. Ryan Moravetz joins the guys in the Ardmor Construction studios to discuss two life altering events, one heartbreaking and one that turned his life around. You want to make time to listen to this one!

A VERY SPECIAL guest in the Ardmor Construction studio today...Mr. Mark Meier. Numerous people have emailed us telling each of the hosts to get in the “Hot Seat”. Meier is the first one the guys to share stories and feelings that really allow the listeners to understand his journey that led him to launch the Face It Foundation.

It is Art Lundgren’s time in the Ardmore Construction studio! Art openly talks about depression, anxiety and shame in a way that many of us can relate to. A divorced, recovering alcoholic that has faced so many challenges, shares what he does to keep his life heading forward.

Matthew Shrad enters the Ardmore Studios today. Matthew has been with Face It for a few years and has certainly come a long way. Matthew shares some real life stories about living with shame and how not feeling good enough affected his life. Matthew’s life looks a bit different today, you will love to hear his passion to help young men with their mental health struggles. We are lucky to have Matthew at Face It.

Our friend Chris Hvinden joins the podcast today. Chris shares plenty of stories about family life, time in the military, homelessness and addiction. Even with all these challenges, Chris has turned into a shining light in a rather dark world for our local veterans. He really is an inspiration!

We all have a lot to be grateful for...but sometimes we get caught up in life that we forget about all the wonderful things in our lives. No guest today but the boys discuss how important it is to spend time reminding ourselves of what we are grateful for. Listen in to learn a quick tip called the “ABC’s of Gratitude”.

Today, we are joined by Chad Glader. Chad has been participating at Face it for a while now. He is on to talk about his journey with depression, anxiety and the rest that life can throw at us. This episode has a unique twist...Chad’s wife Amanda sits in to share what it is like being married to someone with depression.

In today’s episode, the guys talk about the relationship between our Physical and mental health. We chat how if we don’t exercise and focus on our physical health that our mood and the way we view ourselves can certainly be affected. Mark, Bill and Mark each share some tips and tricks that have worked for them in keeping their mental and physical health aligned.

Today, the boys are lucky enough to be joined by current Face It member Steve Silverman. Steve opens up about how his life has been affected by depression and anxiety. Steve shares his stories about relationships, children, and career choices. Again, Steve's story has so many common threads in them that we have heard from so many men. Listen in and see if you can relate.

Today, Mark, Bill, and the coach talk about shame and the role it plays in their lives. Maybe you don't think shame plays a role in your life...listen to the guys today and you might hear some things that could change your mind. We can't move forward in our lives until we FACE IT!

The guys are “Coachless” today! Mr. Wick is taking some much deserved time off so Bill and Mark Meier have to try to fill the void. The guys are joined by Shane Weinand, who shares life stories about depression, poor decisions, shame and recovery. Shane has an amazing journey of very low points to putting in the hard work to turn his life in a more positive direction.

Most of us have things in our lives that we are avoiding. Maybe it’s doctor visits, difficult conversation or confronting someone....we all do it! In todays episode, the guys chat about things they each have been avoiding to face and the problems that caused. We also have a new feature....”Email of the Week”.

Ben Steinbach joins the crew today. On the younger side, Ben shares stories of anxiety, shame and just not feeling good enough...stuff that many of us can relate to. Please give a listen and see if any of Ben’s stories sound familiar.

Since the start of our podcast, we have received many comments asking about Face It. We refer to Face It a lot, our groups and other activities in most episodes. We thought it was a good idea to take a deeper dive into what is the Face It Foundation! Listen in to hear all about the 100% FREE services that Face It has to offer men that are struggling.

Josh Marquart drops by the studio today. Josh takes us a through a tale of trying to live a life with depression and shame. Being open and honest can be very difficult and Josh lays out his struggles in ways we can all relate to.

Dan Foley joins the boys today. Dan first came through the doors of Face It in 2012.
Dan shares how anxiety and depression affected himself, his role as an elementary school teacher and the lives of his wife and children.

Another FIRST for the “What’s the Point Podcast”...Dave Peters joins the guys for a second time. Dave was in previously to share his mental health journey. Today, Dave as a 16 year military veteran, shares his thoughts and insights on Military mental health and veteran suicides.

No guests today, just the boys. This episode is about the fact that we all have things we need to “Let Go” of. We hold on to some thoughts and feelings that impact us in a negative way. Bill shares a difficult story about something that he has been holding on to for decades...and how he “Let it Go”.

Today, the guys are breaking the rules...they actually sit down with Kaitlin Daeges, Executive Director of the LIVIN Foundation...and our first female guest! Kaitlin joins the boys today to share a touching story of her father’s suicide when she was 12 and the impact that had on the family and Kaitlin specifically.

Today we are joined by Mr. Dave Peters. As a teenager, Dave started to get into trouble, so he turned to the military for direction. Dave talks openly about his childhood, his times during deployments and the mental health that impacted his life in a way that it led him to attempt to take his own life. Listen to what pushed Dave into a direction of helping others.

In today’s episode, the boys talk about stress, especially related to financial issues. Whether it is a job loss, too many bills, college tuition or worrying about retirement. It all can lead to stress, anxiety and much more. We talk about the important of being honest about your situation and using your communication skills. If money can be a point of worry for you, you will want to listen to today’s podcast.

Mark, Bill and the coach are joined by Paul Martin. Paul graduated from Elk River High School the same year he was selected “Mr. Hockey”. He went on to win two NCAA Hockey titles with the Minnesota Golden Gophers and recently concluded a 15 year career in the National Hockey League. It sure seemed like Paul had everything he could have ever wanted, but that wasn’t the case. Hear Paul talk about his struggles with depression and what he has done to turn his life in a more positive direction.

Mike Beardsley is our first guest that does not attend a regular meeting at Face It. With that said, Mike shares an incredible story of childhood drama and how it affected him and his family as he grew older. Mike has traveled around the Midwest with Mark and Bill, giving a presentation called “Real Men, Real Stories”.

The “Coach” Mark Wick, along with Bill and Mark Meier answer a variety of listener submitted questions and topics. All three men offer their thoughts on some very common questions as well as some unique ones as well.

Jonah Scholen joins the guys in this week’s episode. Jonah shares a gripping story of depression, anxiety and rage and how those three things affected his work and home life. Jonah has a great message that he would give to his former struggling self.