Men's Mental Health and Training - With Mike & Justin

About this episode

Ariana Scalfo discusses men's mental health and the challenges of fatherhood with new CHP coaches Mike Thompson and Justin Jones.

Join Director of Coaching Ariana Scalfo as she chats with new CHP coaches Mike Thompson and Justin Jones about men's mental health and how it plays out in lifestyle, health, and ability/motivation to train. Mike and Justin are relatively new fathers, and they discuss with Ariana (a new mother) the loneliness and pressure that comes with fatherhood, and the dangers of depression, and lack of clearly defined paternal support during that time. [tw: discussion about depression, anxiety, mentions of suicide, body dysmorphia] Dealing with interalized shame; are men's health issues framed more as "their own fault" (insufficient preparedness, "toxic masculinity") vs the fault of external factors as women's are typically framed? Is the messaging "fix yourself" instead of "get help" even when help is available? What major life changes were the catalyst for realizing you needed more help? Do you see the same trends with clients? Body image issues, steroids, and body image issues and dysmorphia in male athletes - steroid abuse and "bigorexia" The pressures of being a new dad - "I need to lock in," not being a burden, pressure to provide, pressure to be more present and contradicting demands…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ariana Scalfo, Mike, Ariana

Guests: Mike Thompson, Justin Jones

Topics covered

• men's mental health
• fatherhood
• depression
• body image issues
• fitness
• self efficacy

Keywords

• toxic masculinity
• bigorexia
• chronic illness
• internalized shame

More episodes of Complete Human Performance Radio

• Anthony and Ariana Discuss: Injuries for Athletes · April 18, 2026 · 1h 9m
• HYBRD + Alex Viada: Let Them Cook · February 20, 2026 · 50 min
• Fitness Industry Myths - With Raquel, Sofia, and Anthony · October 9, 2025 · 1h 9m
• Training with Chronic Disease(s) - With Ariana and Mike · August 14, 2025 · 1h 30m
• How to Train with Limited Time: Establishing Priorities · July 23, 2025 · 57 min
• Clayton Foster: Crucible Champ 2024 · February 6, 2025 · 55 min