Hey Collective Crew, Shaun here. This week on The Gold Mine, in the midst of Men’s Mental Health Month, Chance and I had the pleasure of welcoming back Zak from Mentell.ca to spotlight their incredible initiative. We discussed the evolution of Mentell over the last three years, the profound impact it’s having, and the importance of creating authentic, human-centric spaces for men to connect and share.
The conversation also touched on our own journeys, the therapeutic role of pets in our lives, and the shared responsibility we have to support one another through life’s inevitable challenges.
This Week’s Community Builder:
– Zak: The founder, driving force and dedicated interface behind the powerful men’s mental health initiative, Mentell.ca.
Key Insights from Our Mentell Spotlight:
1. The Journey & Evolution of Mentell
Zak shared his personal journey, admitting he started with a degree of imposter syndrome as he was being poked in the chest to get something going, but his desire to make a positive change for others provided the necessary action within himself. Mentell began as a simple idea and has grown exponentially, with this year’s reach already surpassing 300,000 people. This growth signifies a real need and a resonance with the initiative’s core message.
2. Pets as a Part of Mental Health
The podcast conversation began with a candid discussion about the profound impact our pets have on our mental health, sparked by both my own dog Strider’s final phase and Zak’s recent vet scare. We acknowledged the deep bond and the real grief associated with losing a pet, framing it as a valid and significant part of the mental health landscape.
3. From Superficial to Soulful – The Message is Deepening
We all observed that the content being shared for Mentell has evolved year after year. The videos are becoming more nuanced and sophisticated, moving beyond surface-level statements to deeper, more soulful expressions. This reflects the growing comfort and confidence of the men participating.
4. The Courage to “Press Record”
I emphasized how difficult it is for anyone (even seasoned podcasters like Chance and I) to record a solo video for the world. The struggle, the multiple takes, isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you care deeply about the message and its delivery. Engaging in this process, regardless of the final product, is an act of courage.
5. Authenticity over Perfection
Zak highlighted that major organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) have taken notice of Mentell, precisely because the content is raw and human, not a polished corporate campaign. This authenticity is what resonates and builds genuine connection.
6. The Power of a Flare – Inspiring Others to Act
Zak shared his belief in being a “flare” – in a way, leading from the front to inspire others. The goal of Mentell isn’t just to talk, but to create a cascade effect where men feel empowered to engage, share, and support one another, creating a community of real-world interaction, as evidenced by a comment from Fahad (as we were live) about meeting up with other Mentell participants.
7. The Final Push & Owning the Mission
With June wrapping up, we discussed the final push. My challenge to Zak was to fully own his role as the leader of this successful initiative, shedding any remaining imposter syndrome. My challenge to the community was to finish strong, perhaps by sharing a message that is uniquely different and personal this year, or this week.
Final Thought: Mentell is More Than a Campaign, It’s a Community
The evolution of Mentell is a powerful testament to what can happen when one person’s good idea is met with collective action and authentic sharing. It has become a vital interface, bridging the gap between individuals and larger organizations, all while maintaining a raw, human-centric core. It proves that simple acts of courage – like hitting “record” on your phone – can create powerful ripples of connection and support.
What message do you need to share?
Support and participate in the initiative at Mentell.ca
Listen to the full “Mentell” discussion here: MenTell
Keep supporting each other,
Shaun & The Collective Crew
