3 Core Struggles Men Are Facing in 2025
The Words of Life podcast recently welcomed Dr. Zach Clinton for a six-part series exploring faith, mental health, and the unique challenges facing men today. Clinton, a licensed professional counselor, serves as vice president of the American Association of Christian Counselors, hosts the Built Different podcast, and leads the Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend—an annual gathering of nearly 10,000 men in Virginia. His latest book, Even If, also serves as a touchpoint for much of the discussion.
From the outset, Clinton expressed gratitude for his upbringing, sharing that he was raised in a Christian home with parents who modeled faith, love, and stability. But like many who grow up in faith-centered environments, he admitted that for years he had “knowledge of Jesus” without truly knowing Him personally. At age 14, a chapel service led by evangelist Clayton King awakened Clinton to the reality that faith cannot be inherited—it must be made personal. That moment became the foundation of his salvation story and the beginning of his journey into ministry and counseling.
Unique Pressures Facing Men Today
In discussing his work with Ignite Men’s Ministry, Clinton outlined some of the core struggles men face in today’s culture. He organized them around what he called the “three P’s”:
1. Pressure
Men often carry the overwhelming expectation to provide for their families, protect their loved ones, and constantly perform at the highest level in every area of life. While these roles are noble, the relentless pressure to live up to them can slowly chip away at a man’s spirit, leaving him exhausted, isolated, and hesitant to admit when the burden feels too heavy. Over time, this silent struggle often results in burnout, strained relationships, and even a diminished faith. Dr. Zach Clinton emphasized that seeking help in these moments is not a sign of weakness, but rather a profound act of wisdom and humility—an acknowledgment that God never designed us to walk through life alone, but to lean on Him and the community He has given us.
2. Preoccupation
Technology and the constant lure of instant gratification have left many men distracted and disconnected from what truly matters. With just a swipe or a click, phones, social media, and endless digital outlets provide quick dopamine hits that temporarily satisfy but never truly fulfill. Over time, this cycle of chasing shallow rewards pulls men away from the richness of deeper relationships—whether with God, with family, or with friends. Instead of being fully present in the moment, many find themselves caught in a loop of constant scrolling, comparison, and noise, leaving little room for genuine connection, spiritual growth, or the quiet stillness where God’s voice is heard.
3. People (or lack thereof)
Perhaps most concerning is the loneliness epidemic. Studies show that a significant percentage of men do not have even one trusted friend with whom they can share their struggles. Throughout this conversation hosts, Chris Benjamin and Chris Hofer recognized that at a certain age, men really struggle to make friends. Yet they offered encouraging advice like joining a small group, a local baseball team, gym, and stated that in most cases, the men around you are struggling just as much to make connections. This absence of authentic connection can drive men toward destructive outlets.
Among those destructive outlets, pornography stands out as a pervasive issue. Clinton shared candidly about his own battle with pornography as a teenager, describing it as a “silent killer” fueled by secrecy, accessibility, and shame. He emphasized that healing comes through bringing struggles into the light, confessing them, and asking for help.
Clinton pointed to research showing that pornography is often chosen because it is accessible, affordable, anonymous, and increasingly normalized in digital culture. Left unchecked, it can fuel addiction and further isolate men. He believes this contributes directly to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide among men.
“While there is such a thing as toxic masculinity- there is nothing toxic about being a man,” Clinton notes. This statement highlights much of what is going on in our culture. Toxic behavior from ungodly men has often left godly men wondering where they fit in with society today. But as we dove deeper, we are reminded of our calling as husbands, fathers, friends, and spiritual leaders.
How Men Can Begin to Find Healing and Freedom
While men face immense pressures and temptations, Clinton’s message is that freedom and healing are possible through Christ and through authentic community. His ministry—whether through counseling, Ignite Men’s Weekend, or Built Different—is committed to helping men step out of isolation, surrender their burdens, and experience the power of God’s redemption.
The Words of Life team will continue the conversation with Dr. Zach Clinton in the weeks ahead, unpacking more of his insights into faith, mental health, and the transforming work of God in the lives of His people. This series with Dr. Zach Clinton will run from August 17th through September 21st. You can find all of latest episodes at Lifeaudio.com.
The Heart Behind Built Different
Clinton’s podcast, Built Different, was born out of the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Originally launched as a men’s series called Battle Cry, it was designed to encourage men who were struggling with isolation. Over time, Clinton expanded its reach to include women and the next generation, shifting the focus toward sharing powerful testimonies.
“We are overcomers because of the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony,” Clinton explained, referencing Revelation 12:11. Each episode highlights stories of athletes, ministry leaders, counselors, and everyday people who testify to how God has worked in their lives—even in seasons of hardship. The conversations often weave together themes of faith and mental health, offering listeners both spiritual encouragement and practical wisdom.
Learn more about Dr. Zach Clinton, find his books, links to his podcast and more at zachclinton.com.
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Words of Life is a 15-minute, weekly Christian show featuring testimonies, interviews, and conversations on topics impacting the church today. Check it out at wordsoflifepodcast.org to learn more and connect with us. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss a new episode!
Feature Image Credit: ©GettyImages/Lorenzo Antonucc
Originally published August 29, 2025.
