Zander Keig - Bridge Building in a Divided World: Men, Mental Health, and Being Pro-Human - HMIO 324

In this thought-provoking episode of Hey Man; It’s Ok, Sky Bridges and licensed marriage and family therapist Ryan Heapy sit down with Zander Keig—a veteran, licensed social worker, author, and bridge-builder—to explore how men can protect their mental health in an increasingly polarized and divided world.Zander shares insights from his life growing up in a Mexican Catholic family in Los Angeles, his time working with veterans at the VA, and his work with organizations like Braver Angels and the Prohuman Foundation (http://www.prohumanfoundation.org/) . Together, the conversation digs into depolarization, empathy, identity, and why learning to see the human behind opposing beliefs is essential for personal wellbeing and societal healing.In this episode, we explore:Why polarization is destroying families, relationships, and mental healthHow men can engage in difficult conversations without losing themselvesThe difference between activism and bridge buildingWhy social media amplifies division—and what happens when you step awayHow identity, belief systems, and lived experience shape conflictWhat it really means to be “pro-human”Why time, place, and language matter in hard conversationsHow prioritizing your own wellbeing makes you a better ally and leaderZander also talks about his book The Third Space: A Non-Conformist Guide to the Universe, his podcasts The Third Space and The Umbrella Hour, and leaves listeners with a powerful call to action: invest in your own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing—because change starts with you.This episode is for men who:Feel exhausted by political and cultural conflictWant to stay connected without losing their valuesAre navigating family tension, identity, or burnoutBelieve empathy is strength—not weaknessBecause it’s ok to not be ok —and it’s okay to choose humanity over division.