Show notes
What does it mean to use tragic circumstances as a means to serve others? How can men take the fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability that often accompany their darkest moments and turn it into a chance to connect with others and free themselves of the social stigma surrounding men and being vulnerable?Beyond this, what does it look like to create an environment where men can be vulnerable and open without fear of criticism or judgment?Shawn Nason speaks with Trevor Maxwell on today’s episode to discuss his journey as a cancer survivor, what it was like to overcome his darkest moments, the mental health component that often goes unnoticed in illnesses like cancer, and how he used his cancer battle as a springboard to set an example and serve others in a similar struggle.In This Episode((((((15:34) How Trevor’s background helped him write his book, Open Heart, Warrior Spirit.(((((What We Learned From TrevorMen are culturally conditioned to see asking for help as a sign of weakness, so even in cases such as a cancer diagnosis, men are more prone to isolate and “tough it out” than women.There is a gap in healthcare organizations, leaving the mental health component often undervalued despite the heavy emotional burden that accompanies illnesses like cancer.Men crave a space that allows them to share struggles with other men who understand their struggles and can offer support and understanding.The best time to start turning your life experiences into something that serves the world is right now - start where you are.Notable Quotes[4:41] “The cancer world needs guys who are going to step up, be honest about it, start talkingabout it.”[7:10] “A lot of us have been conditioned to think that if we ask for help, that that is weakness.”[20:33] “I needed to connect with others who were around the same age, you know, raising kids, going through the same challenge, like to know that I wasn't alone.”[27:02] “If we’re gonna enter this era of precision medicine, we need to do it so that everyone gets on the train.”Our GuestTrevor Maxwell is the owner of Maxwell Media and PR, which is a media/public relations consulting firm. He is also an author and founder of Man Up To Cancer, a purpose-driven company that sets out to inspire men to forge connections and avoid isolation when battling cancer. With a background in consulting, writing, journalism, public relations, and being a survivor of stage 4 colon cancer, his focus is changing what the phrase “man up” means in the context of fighting cancer. He believes men are stronger as a pack than flying solo as a lone wolf. Trevor works tirelessly to spread the message that if you’re a man battling cancer, you are not alone. Resources & LinksTrevor MaxwellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuptocancerWebsite: https://www.manuptocancer.com/Shawn NasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasonshawn/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonfiresocial/Twitter: https://twitter.com/manonfiresocialWebsite: https://shawnnason.com/MOFI: https://www.mofi.co/The Combustion Chronicles PodcastWebsite: https://shawnnason.com/combustion-chronicles-episodes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
