In this premiere episode of the Money Talks: Wealth Beyond Numbers podcast, Dr. Constance Craig-Mason sits down with licensed clinical mental health counselor Blaise Harris to dive deep into the powerful connection between mental health, masculinity, and financial wellbeing. Together, they unpack the hidden weight men carry—the pressure to be strong, silent, and unshaken—and how that impacts everything from self-worth to wealth-building.

From the mental toll of first responders, to the process of navigating grief, to the courage it takes to seek professional help, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to invest in yourself. Blaise also shares actionable insights on building community support and creating spaces where men can speak openly about mental health.

🔥 This episode challenges stereotypes, sparks honest reflection, and reminds us that wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about becoming whole.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Money Matters

02:50 Masculinity and Vulnerability

05:47 The Impact of First Responders on Mental Health

08:53 Stress Management in Everyday Life

11:53 The Importance of Professional Help

14:53 Navigating Therapy and Mental Health Stigma

23:33 Navigating Loss and Grief

28:03 Self-Assessment and Emotional Awareness

34:41 Investing in Self-Worth and Growth

39:22 Community Engagement and Support

Blaise is a LCMHC (licensed clinical mental health counselor) and EMDR certified therapist. With almost 15 years’ experience as a firefighter, Blaise became a fixture in the Fire and Life Safety Education world. Although he is no longer part of the fire service, his ties run deep. Blaise became The Dope Black Therapist, initially, because he wanted to be a therapist for first responders. He knows that we will not talk to just anyone and we want to talk to someone that actually “gets it.” Blaise later realized that he wanted to be a voice, an ear, and support for Black males and people of color dealing with their mental health. After going through his own problems with depression, divorce, and grief, Blaise brings a unique perspective to how he does therapy. Blaise’s focus is trauma and he utilizes several treatment modalities in sessions including expressive and martial arts. Blaise is a published author of Becoming The Dope Black Therapist, runs a men’s support group every other Thursday, and hosts a bi-weekly podcast called, The Dope Black Therapist.

You can find Blaise's book "Becoming The Dope Black Therapist" on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW283RSW?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_97NCK5ZY4BSJK3J37T1Y&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_97NCK5ZY4BSJK3J37T1Y&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_97NCK5ZY4BSJK3J37T1Y&bestFormat=true .

Listen To The Dope Black Therapist Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/5hFq5VYu4s2wedUaJqW2pj?si=0e5a1722bd1340eb&nd=1&dlsi=49382ab945c94000

Men's Support Group That Meets Twice Per Month Contact Us On Website

https://www.thedopeblacktherapist.com

Takeaways:

Mental health and financial wellbeing are interconnected. Men often feel societal pressure to suppress emotions. Vulnerability is essential for emotional health. First responders face unique mental health challenges. Stress management techniques can be applied in everyday life.

Seeking professional help is a sign of strength. Grief can manifest in various forms beyond loss of loved ones. Self-worth is crucial for personal and professional growth. Investing in oneself can lead to significant personal development. Community support is vital for mental health awareness. Ready to heal your money story—and build lasting wealth from the inside out?

If you're curious about how to confront money trauma and empower your financial journey with heart, check out the Financial Empowerment Tool Kit—an inspiring, multi-sensory planner packed with budgeting templates, journal prompts, affirmations, coloring pages, and more. It’s not just a financial tool—it’s a path to deeper self-understanding and emotional wellness. Visit https://moneytalksmovement.com to start your transformation.

Keywords mental health, masculinity, vulnerability, first responders, stress management, professional help, grief, self-worth, therapy, community support