We’re closing out the Brotherhood series with Part 4 — and we’re coming full circle on what it really takes to keep friendships strong as life changes.

We get into the laughter, the awkwardness of making new friends as adults, and the truth about how friendship circles become a “package deal” once marriage and family are involved. But we also go deeper: the cost of isolation, the reality of aging and loss, and why friendships become even more important for safety, mental health, and longevity as the years go by.

And before we wrap, we leave you with a simple tool you can use immediately: The Brotherhood Check-In:

• How’s your body? (health, energy, sleep)
• How’s your head? (stress, focus, mental health)
• How’s your heart? (relationships, family, emotions)

No fixing required. Just listen, validate, and show up.

New to the series? Start at Part 1 and watch the full Brotherhood series (linked here):

#MensMentalHealth #MenSupportingMen #Friendship #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast

In Part 3 of the 4-part Brotherhood series, Michael Maxwell and the guys get real about how friendship impacts your well-being—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

This episode digs into what happens when life changes: health scares, motivation struggles, shifting priorities, and the quiet drift that can happen in adult friendships. The conversation highlights why honest communication matters, how external motivation can be a game-changer, and why vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the foundation of real connection.

If you’ve ever wondered how to maintain strong friendships as you get older (or how to build new ones in midlife), this one is for you.

#MensMentalHealth
#Brotherhood
#AdultFriendships
#VulnerabilityIsStrength
#PersonalGrowth

In Part 2 of this 4-episode series, host Michael Maxwell is joined by two of his closest friends, Donnie Joseph and Max Mitchell, for a raw and inspiring conversation. Together, they open up about confronting health challenges, navigating ADHD diagnoses, and exploring the importance of partnership in life. Whether you’re looking for honest stories, practical insights, or just a genuine connection, this episode offers a rare look into real friendship and resilience. Tune in for laughter, vulnerability, and moments that might just change the way you see your own journey.

#MensMentalHealth

#ADHD

#MentalHealthAwareness

#RealFriendship

#VulnerabilityIsStrength

#Resilience

#MenSupportingMen

#PartnershipMatters

#OvercomingChallenges

#SayItPlainPodcast

Episode 1 of "Brotherhood: The Bonds of Men" lays the foundation for the series by exploring how deep, lasting male friendships form and are nurtured over time. Through candid conversations and personal stories, Michael Maxwell and his closest friends, Donnie and Max, reflect on the pivotal moments, challenges, and shared experiences that have shaped their brotherhood. The episode delves into vulnerability, support, health, and the importance of community among men—setting the stage for future episodes that will further examine how these bonds evolve through life’s changes. This opening chapter invites listeners to consider the value of real friendship and the impact it has on men’s well-being and growth.

You're doing more than most people could handle—so why do you still feel like you're failing? Michael breaks down why perfectionism keeps you stuck and why grace is the tool that moves you forward. You'll get the "Grace Check-In"—a simple framework to stop beating yourself up without losing accountability.

Real talk. Zero fluff. Tools you can use today.

"Perfectionism told me I wasn't enough. Grace told me I was doing my best. One kept me stuck. The other set me free. Here's why giving yourself a break is the smartest move you'll make."

I thought the ADHD test was about my brain. Turns out, it was about my heart too—literally.

When my psychiatrist asked for an EKG and bloodwork before prescribing ADHD meds, I was terrified. I hadn't seen a doctor in years. I was living in blissful ignorance—and that ignorance was killing me.

The results? Pre-diabetic. Dangerously low testosterone. Severe vitamin D deficiency. High cholesterol. Heart concerns. I was heading toward diabetes and heart disease, and I had no idea.

In this episode, I'm sharing what happened when I finally looked around the corner I'd been avoiding—and how taking control of my health changed everything. No meds yet. Just action.

What you'll get:

• Why avoiding the doctor almost cost me my life
• The wake-up call that led to an 18-pound weight loss and a healthier heart
• How I took control: 7-day juice fast, water fasting, cooking, baking, and daily exercise
• The "Peek Around the Corner" tool—how to stop avoiding what you're scared to know

Real talk. Zero fluff. Tools you can use today.

Runtime: ~22 minutes
Best for: Anyone avoiding the doctor, ignoring symptoms, or scared to face what's really going on with their health.