The Secret Struggles of Successful Men: From Isolation to Connection

Exploring Vulnerability: Nick Jonsson on Executive Loneliness and Mental Health

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant talks with Nick Jonsson, a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and mental health advocate. Nick shares his personal struggles with loneliness and isolation despite outward success, his battle with alcoholism, and how hitting rock bottom led him to ask for help. They discuss the stigma around male vulnerability, the unique pressures facing high-achieving men, and practical steps to foster emotional honesty both personally and professionally. Nick emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for men to open up and the need for cultural shifts in how masculinity is perceived.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles
00:24 Welcome to Real Men Feel
00:34 Meet Nick Johnson
01:20 Nick's Journey Through Loneliness and Isolation
02:40 The Struggles of High-Achieving Men
04:06 The Turning Point and Asking for Help
05:47 The Role of Men's Groups
06:57 Sobriety and Its Impact
09:43 Challenges of Male Executives
15:23 Cultural Differences in Expressing Loneliness
25:04 The Importance of Belonging
27:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Nick
Nick Jonsson — https://www.nickjonsson.com/
LinkedIn — https://sg.linkedin.com/in/nick-jonsson
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/jonssonnick/

Resources
Executive Loneliness by Nick Jonsson — https://amzn.to/4mmFqrA

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join me and connect with other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel Website | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 367