Goodman: Men, here’s how to survive the worst pain imaginable

This is an opinion column.

Most of the men's health columns I write for 205focus.com will blend practical encouragement with a healthy dose of bro-science humor, but this entry carries a heavier tone. Sometimes, the weight we carry extends far beyond the iron in the gym.

Finding a Why

I am a sports guy and a self-described SEC provocateur—certainly not a licensed health expert. I’m writing these pieces to connect with other men, hopefully offer some value, and keep things interesting. But behind the pursuit of being 'conspicuously jacked,' there is a sincere, personal drive. While there is plenty of room for gym talk, today we need to address the reality of mental health.

If you live long enough, you will eventually face immense pain. It is part of the human condition, yet many men continue to suffer in silence. We are taught to be resilient, to provide, and to push through, often mirroring the stoic resolve of fictional characters like Fred Flintstone. But acting like nothing is wrong doesn't make the pain disappear.

Surviving the Unimaginable

My own struggle stems from the death of my son, who died in 2019. In the immediate wake of such a tragedy, the focus is simply on survival. While I turned to alcohol in the past, I realized that substances were not a solution, merely an attempt to destroy myself. I quit drinking four years ago, which served as a vital first step out of the dark.

The best medicine is not found in a drug. I have found that true progress comes from putting in the work: exercising daily, eating clean, staying busy, and leaning on loved ones. Whether it is hiking with heavy gear, tending to a garden dedicated to my son, or taking up birding, these activities have helped me process a grief that never truly goes away.

The Progress Report

As for the 'bro-science' experiment, the results are tangible. I am down 12 pounds in three weeks, moving from 188 pounds to 176. Using a GLP-1 stack has been effective, but the training remains the real therapy. My goal is to get shredded—because if you aren't paying for your health now, you'll be paying for it later.

Mailbag Sound Off

Men's health covers a lot of ground, and I plan to explore all of it. If you have a topic you want me to cover or a story you want to share, send me an email. I appreciate the feedback and will feature reader voices along the way.

Catch up on last week's column: I started micro-dosing GLP-1 and here’s what happened.