Tell us about you and what has motivated you to do your work into the mental health space?
I’m Brian, and my passion for mental health—especially men’s mental health—comes from both personal experience and what I’ve seen around me. For years, I carried the belief that men always had to “be strong,” “tough it out,” or “handle things alone.” That mindset left me—and many men I know—battling stress, anxiety, and even depression in silence.
What truly motivated me to step into this work was realizing how many men suffer quietly because they feel it’s not acceptable to admit they’re struggling. I decided I wanted to be an advocate and a voice to say: it’s okay not to be okay, and it’s more than okay to ask for help.
Why do you think so many men are struggling with mental health?
There are a few key reasons:
- Stigma & Culture: Many men were raised with the idea that vulnerability equals weakness. That conditioning makes it hard to reach out.
- Isolation: Men often don’t have the same level of emotional support systems as women. Friendships can be more surface-level, and when life gets tough, it can feel very lonely.
- Pressure to Perform: Whether in careers, finances, or as fathers and husbands, men can feel the constant weight of expectations. That pressure builds up when there’s no safe outlet.
- Lack of Awareness: Many don’t realize how much physical health, gut health, and lifestyle choices play into their mental well-being.
Tell us about Happy Juice—its story and what is it?
Happy Juice is a natural, science-backed product designed to support mental clarity, calmness, energy, and overall well-being through the gut-brain axis. For those unfamiliar, the gut-brain axis is the communication system between our gut and our brain, where over 90% of serotonin and a large portion of dopamine and GABA—the “feel good” neurotransmitters—are actually produced.
Happy Juice is a blend of clean-label, plant-based ingredients including prebiotics, probiotics, and adaptogens. It helps restore balance in the gut, which in turn improves how the brain functions. For me personally, I didn’t even realize how much brain fog I had until it started lifting. Since then, I’ve experienced calmer moods, less stress, and more consistent energy.
The story is simple: it’s not about a “magic pill.” It’s about giving our body the natural tools it needs to communicate properly and thrive.
4. What are your hopes for the juice and what would you like to see the future for men’s mental health look like?
My hope for Happy Juice is that it becomes a gateway to awareness. It’s not the only solution, but it’s a powerful tool that can help men experience what it feels like to actually have clarity, calmness, and balance again. Sometimes that first small step can open the door to deeper conversations, therapy, community, and other healing practices.
As for the future of men’s mental health, I’d love to see:
- Conversations normalized so that talking about mental health is as common as talking about going to the gym.
- Accessible tools and education so men know their options—whether that’s professional help, natural products, or lifestyle changes.
- Stronger communities where men lift each other up, share honestly, and know they don’t have to walk alone.
At the end of the day, I want every man to know: You don’t have to suffer in silence. You matter. And taking care of your mental health is one of the strongest, bravest things you can do.
