Men, Mental Health, and the Wild: Nick Mann on the Power of Coaching and Community

In this powerful episode Will welcomes Nick Mann—Marine Corps veteran, former wilderness therapy program director, and founder of Dad’s Project—for an honest and inspiring conversation about the mental health challenges men and boys face today. Nick shares his journey from military service to working in wilderness therapy and now coaching fathers, highlighting how leadership, emotional presence, and outdoor experiences can help men reconnect with their purpose. Together, Will and Nick dive into why boys and men are increasingly disconnected from nature and community, and how rites of passage in outdoor settings can play a vital role in mental well-being. Nick opens up about leaving a high-demand leadership role in wilderness therapy to be more present for his daughter, reflecting on how modern fatherhood often means navigating the tension between providing financially and being emotionally available. He and Will explore why men often resist therapy but may be more open to coaching, and why building intentional male support networks is essential to combating isolation and depression. With warmth, wisdom, and vulnerability, this episode sets the tone for a season focused on men’s mental health and the healing power of the outdoors. Nick’s podcast link on Apple Podcast is: https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/the-dads-project-podcast/id1794615330 Stories from the Field is supported by WMAI.org We are now on Youtube so check us out there:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkYx-8fTbZg&list=PL-RD5KVsxmkwqzjuhyghJGve6Uv7ikkGl