Welcome to the Men's Health Blog

Our first blog post! Read about Hearts Wide Open: The podcast, the blog, the primary author and what you can look forward to.

Welcome to Hearts Wide Open – The Men’s Health Blog!

We're thrilled to introduce you to our brand-new blog, dedicated to exploring men’s health, one conversation at a time.

What is this blog all about?

Starting today, we’ll be sharing fresh blogposts on men's health and mental health every first Thursday of the month. Here, we’ll explore engaging topics from our podcast about men’s health, offer a peek behind the scenes, and share stories from our diverse, multicultural Hearts Wide Open team.

Who’s writing?

Hello everyone! 😊 I’m Tamara, an aspiring body-oriented trauma therapist and mental health enthusiast. From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the workings of the human mind and the many facets of people’s "whys." My biggest dream is to normalize mental health care for everyone, making it a routine, as normal as brushing your teeth.

In my leisure time, I enjoy running through the woods, exploring new places around the world, and experimenting with various yoga, meditation, and breathwork styles and exercises. I also have a passion for cracking bad puns and engaging in lively conversations with friends over dinner, as well as journaling, ecstatic dancing, and much more!

Through this blog, I hope to share my enthusiasm for mental health by connecting with you through personal experiences, practical tips, and the latest insights from science.

What is Hearts Wide Open?

At Hearts Wide Open, we believe in improving everyday quality of life through open-mindedness, mental well-being, and community support. For many people, men especially, the idea of expressing feelings openly or sharing vulnerability can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. 🙏 But reconnecting with ourselves and having the support to be open is an essential part of a happy, balanced life. Whether learning to make choices that nurture well-being or tackling more complex issues like burnout or people-pleasing, our goal is to spark conversations and create a supportive, sustainable culture and community for men’s mental health.

Why another podcast on men’s health?

Men’s health podcasts can serve as a bridge for understanding and sharing daily challenges from a personal, “living room” perspective. They offer insights on how to talk to a friend, brother, son, or father about personal mental health struggles and provide practical coping-tools. Listening to and sharing experiences helps break down barriers, making mental health discussions easier and much more relatable. Our international podcast explores men’s mental health holistically, featuring stories that connect listeners worldwide and offer practical advice for supporting both yourself and each other.

About Hearts Wide Open’s mission

Hearts Wide Open was founded by Dennis, a marketer, workshop host, and dog lover, and Soroosh, an AI engineer, runner, and curious mind—two friends in Amsterdam who discovered the relief and empowerment that come from openly discussing mental health with one another. They wondered, “Why isn’t everyone doing this?” and soon after, their men's health podcast was born. Covering topics from self-worth and building your own support system to being your true authentc self, dealing with pressure at work and how physical activity supports your mental health, Hearts Wide Open offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a boost on your commute, motivation to get moving, or an inspiring listen, you’ll find it here.

Together for Men’s Health

Men’s mental health affects everyone, no matter your gender or background. There’s often a gap in how men talk about and seek support for well-being, and we hope to change that. By fostering openness, we find strength in connection and become better equipped to support each other. Together, we can reshape how therapy and mental health support are approached for men, recognize the signs of struggle, and promote helpful ways to address it.

Coming Up: Movember!

The mustache is calling! Next month, we’re excited to share our team’s involvement in Movember the month dedicated to men’s health. “Too many men are dying too young from preventable causes. It's why we must advocate for more public action to drive change”. Do you want to join us? We’ll explore ways to connect with the men in our lives, initiate conversations about their well-being, and raise awareness by supporting mental health for men through shared activities.

Thanks for stopping by, and we can’t wait to connect with you in future posts! 😊

For any questions or comments, feel free to drop a note below —let’s keep this conversation going.

Tamara <3