In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Roro Asmar, a first-generation Lebanese-American chef, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who opens up about his journey through depression, suicide attempts, and redefining what it means to be a man.

Growing up in a culture that equated masculinity with toughness and silence, Roro was taught to “man up” and suppress his emotions. But ignoring his pain only deepened his depression and eventually led him to a breaking point. Today, he shares how acknowledging his struggles—and rejecting toxic definitions of manhood—has given him more strength than any performance of toughness ever could.

This episode challenges the dangerous stigma men face when it comes to mental health and highlights how honesty, connection, and vulnerability can save lives.

Whether you’re a man struggling with depression, a loved one trying to understand, or someone who wants to change how we talk about masculinity, this episode offers hope and courage.

Primary Topics Covered:

How childhood messages about masculinity can fuel depression in men
Why “man up” is one of the most harmful phrases for men’s mental health
The connection between toxic masculinity and male suicide rates
Roro’s story of depression, suicide attempt, and recovery
Redefining masculinity through vulnerability, honesty, and emotional connection
How open conversations can reduce stigma and literally save lives

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Men, depression, and stigma
01:19 – Why depression looks different for men
02:01 – Roro Asmar’s background and his article How Depression Made Me a Man
03:01 – Reading his story: masculinity, pain, and depression
07:30 – The mask of toughness and living as a “character”
09:14 – Suicide attempt and the breaking point
10:32 – Discovering depression as early as childhood
11:20 – What families and communities can do to help boys open up
12:27 – The dangers of isolation and lack of conversation
13:13 – Challenging stigma: “snowflake” and “sissy” labels
14:26 – Redefining strength and masculinity
15:22 – Why “man up” is one of the most damaging cultural messages
16:19 – Depression as pressing down pain and emotions
16:58 – The power of telling your story openly
18:04 – Closing thoughts and resources

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