“I got this.”

For a lot of men, those three words feel like strength.

But they can also be the loneliest words you’ll ever say.

The “I got this” mentality often starts as resilience, but can turn into isolation. Learning to speak up, lean on others, and build support can actually make you stronger.

In this episode of the Don’t Change Much Podcast, hosts Mike Cameron and Trevor Botkin sit down with Shawn Underhill and James Boseley. Two men who’ve spent years working in the trades and construction industry and know firsthand what it means to push through pain, stay silent, and carry more than they should.

They share real stories from the job site. Long hours. Injuries. Chronic pain. Pressure to keep going no matter what.

And what happens when you never stop?

Because in the trades, asking for help doesn’t always feel like an option. The expectation is to be tough, to handle it, to figure it out on your own.

But that mindset can come at a cost.

Physical injuries that get worse over time.

Mental health struggles that stay hidden.

Pain that doesn’t just go away.

Because you don’t need to hit rock bottom to make a change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “I got this” can be both strength and a warning sign
• The hidden mental and physical cost of toughing it out
• How trades culture impacts men’s health and help-seeking behavior
• The connection between chronic pain, stress, and mental health
• Why many men avoid asking for help (and how to change that)
• How community and support can actually build resilience
• What real strength looks like in today’s world
• Simple ways to start opening up and getting support

Support This Podcast and Canadian Men's Health Foundation

https://menshealthfoundation.ca/donate/

If you, a friend or a family member is looking for support to live better with chronic pain, please reach out to Pain BC https://painbc.ca/ 

Follow Canadian Men’s Health Foundation

• Website - https://menshealthfoundation.ca/
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Follow Mike Cameron

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• X - Mike Cameron (@axiommike) / X 
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• Website - https://mikecameron.ca/
• TedX Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/mike_cameron_redefining_badass_the_way_we_think_about_strong_is_wrong

Follow Trevor Botkin

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gsnscreative
• Muster Point IG - https://www.instagram.com/the_musterpoint
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• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-botkin-869ab5143/