What does it really mean to show up as a man?

In the first episode of CivicMen Conversations, Sean Eldridge sits down with Avery Faucet for an honest conversation about manhood, fatherhood, faith, vulnerability, community, responsibility, and the experiences that changed the way Avery sees his life.

Avery shares how surviving a heart attack gave him a new sense of urgency and gratitude, how the men who showed up in his life helped shape his understanding of manhood, and why becoming a father changed the way he communicates, listens, and thinks about his purpose.

The conversation also goes deeper into things men often struggle to talk about: asking for help, relationships, mental health, vulnerability, supporting other men, and simply saying, "I love you."

For Avery, manhood ultimately comes back to something simple: showing up.

Showing up for your children.

Showing up for your family.

Showing up for other men.

Showing up for your community.

In this conversation:

• Surviving a heart attack and seeing life differently

• The men who shaped Avery's understanding of manhood

• Fatherhood, presence, and purpose

• What men owe their families and communities

• Why men struggle with vulnerability

• Mental health and learning to ask for help

• Why saying "I love you" to another man shouldn't make us uncomfortable

• What it really means to show up

CivicMen Conversations creates space for men to tell the fuller story of who they are, what shaped them, what challenged them, and who they're becoming.

This is more than a conversation. It's a chance to be heard.

Follow Avery and learn more about his work:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neguskemet/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hope4humanityinc/

Hope for Humanity Email: hope4humanityinc@gmail.com

WATCH THE CONVERSATION

Watch the full video conversation on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/3aic5VJDQBg

CONTENT NOTE

This episode includes a brief discussion of suicidal thoughts and mental health.

ABOUT CIVICMEN

CivicMen Conversations is an original ARISE series born from the CivicMen documentary and created to continue these conversations with men across the country.

CivicMen is an initiative of The ARISE Foundation.

Welcome to CivicMen Conversations.

People are more than the moment you meet them.

In this official preview, host Sean Eldridge introduces CivicMen Conversations, a new documentary-style podcast built around honest conversations with men about leadership, purpose, identity, service, struggle, resilience, community, and the experiences that shape who we become.

You'll hear from public servants, educators, veterans, entrepreneurs, pastors, artists, community leaders, fathers, mentors, and everyday men whose stories deserve to be heard.

CivicMen Conversations isn't about debate, gotcha questions, or viral moments. It's about asking better questions, listening more deeply, and making room for stories that too often go unheard.

CivicMen Conversations premieres Tuesday, August 18, with new episodes every other Tuesday.

Follow or subscribe now so you don't miss the first conversation.

Because every person has a story.

Never judge a story by the chapter you walked in on.

CivicMen Conversations is an ARISE production.