Professional skateboarder John Gardner is not your typical speaker.
He is now a social worker and he has spent years traveling the world, learning from different communities, and finding ways to connect with people who often feel overlooked or misunderstood.
At a recent TEDx event, John shared his perspective on men’s mental health, offering an approach that challenges traditional ideas about therapy and support.
In his talk, John explains that men often struggle to express themselves or seek help, not because they don’t care, but because the systems in place don’t always meet them where they are.
Rather than confining therapy to a room and a couch, he suggests creating spaces that feel approachable and relatable. This might look like having conversations side by side or engaging in activities that naturally bring people together.
By rethinking how men can access support, John hopes to make mental health care feel less intimidating and more practical.
John’s commitment to this work comes from personal experience. He lost multiple friends to suicide, an experience that left a lasting mark and fueled his dedication to mental health awareness and prevention.
In 2021, he collaborated with DC Shoes to produce a mini documentary called This Too Shall Pass, featuring neuroscientist and skateboarder Andrew Huberman.
The film explored mental health in a raw and honest way and received widespread attention, reinforcing John’s belief that open conversations can save lives.
For those interested in learning more, you can stream the video below!