In this episode, we are excited to dive into all things men’s mental health & the power of gaming with one of The Gaia Center’s team members, Sam DiMartino!

In his clinical work, Sam supports individuals and couples through an array of topics like grief, trauma, toxic masculinity + men’s issues, systemic oppression, identity exploration etc and also leads our men’s group Tearing Down The Walls! As our Client Journey Liaison he assists our leadership team with ensuring excellent client care and experience, and he does a damn good job. When he’s not therapizing, you can find him gaming, creating, being a literal comedian and sharing his love with his wife Ruby and their two cats Sophie and Claus. 

This episode covers:

• 00:03:24 - Tea & Crumpets: forRest Mind Ambiance YouTube channel, Heartstopper, and Donkey Kong Bananza
• 00:09:12 - Step Into My Office: Is my little brother addicted to video games?
• 00:18:09 - The DSM: Men’s mental health and the impact of video games in today’s culture
• 00:44:10 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAAY!
• 00:46:12 - Sam Pick: "ZZZ Top" by Aesop Rock
• 00:46:53 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: Older aged folks finding connection through gaming, a city-run program in Seoul, SK is combating isolation among adults of all ages who live alone, and Sam’s cat Claus
• 00:50:14 - Sam Quizzes Val & Em on Gaming
• 00:59:56 - Rapid Fire Q&A

Resources + Stuff  Mentioned in This Episode:

• forRest Mind Ambiance YouTube channel
• Heartstopper
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Aesop Rock - ZZZ Top (Official Video)
• Gaming in their golden years article
• Seoul, South Korea community program

Connect with Us:

• Send a story or ask for advice: butforrealpod@gmail.com 
• But For Real on IG: @butforrealpod
• Now That's What I Call... OKAAAAY Playlist
• The Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenter
• Val on IG: @valkaymartin
• The Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co 

DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.