This story is a step closer to embracing men’s tears and a step away from toxic masculinity.
Ben suffers from depression after knee surgery. Searching for ways to heal online, he finds himself trapped in toxic ideas of masculinity. It’s only when a friend takes him to his breathwork class that he finally breaks down and begins to heal, learning that recovery can come through friendship, community, and space to breathe.
Sometimes, not all healing comes with words.
Sometimes it’s in the silence between breaths, in the rise and fall of your chest, as the world eases and the universe reminds you: you’re safe.
Produced by: Ben Haywood
Supervising producer: Sam Loy
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
This story was made possible by the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship.
For over six months, Ben worked with an industry mentor and got access to guest workshops on audio craft.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2025, and a very special thank you to Jesse Cox’s family and friends, and to the incredible legacy he left
A very special thank you to our mentors, Karla Arnall, Sam Loy, Cristina Marras, and Miles Martignoni.
And thank you to our guest facilitators Belinda Lopez, Jay Gasser, Jesse Lou Lawson, Michelle Macklem, Claudia Taranto, Karishma Luthria, Mike Williams, Dan Semo, Tiffany Dimmack and Cinnamon Nippard.
Applications to the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2026 are live! Apply here. Applications close November 18.
All The Best Credits
Host: Kwame Slusher
Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell
Events and Partnership Coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan
Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie
Theme Music composed by Shining Bird
Special shout-out to our volunteers: Ray, Sue, Sharon, Lindsay, Andrew, Ash, and Emma.