Men's Resource Center of West Michigan

10/03/2025

New Episode of Revealing Men

Mass shootings and politically motivated violence dominate the headlines. Politicians frame them to score points. Commentators debate ideology. But one question often gets overlooked: Why are men—especially young men—so often the ones pulling the trigger?

In this solo episode, Randy Flood digs into an issue he's been wrestling with for decades: what causes manhood to turn deadly?

He talks about:
• Why blaming “politics” or “rhetoric” misses the deeper story.
• The role masculinity plays in fueling 98% of mass shootings.
• What we must face if we want real solutions instead of repeating cycles of violence.
• What we can do differently in socializing males so they are more apt to talk about what ails them, rather than act it out onto others.

If you care about men, our communities, and our collective future, take a minute or two to listen in.

Current events prompt Randy Flood to take on a question he’s been wrestling with for decades: what causes manhood to turn deadly?

09/15/2025

Anger isn’t just about explosions. For many men, it’s about implosions — when powerful feelings get turned inward and show up as depression, addiction, or disconnection.

At the Men’s Resource Center, we see anger as part of a man’s life force. Counseling helps men reclaim that energy, express it in healthy ways, and transform it into strength and connection.

The self you fear is also the self that longs to be free.

09/08/2025

We’re excited to share that the Revealing Men Podcast, created and hosted by our co-founder and director, Randy Flood, was recently recognized by Rapid Growth Media as one of 10 Grand Rapids podcasts that “deliver big.” 🎙️

The Revealing Men Podcast grew out of the Men’s Resource Center’s mission—to provide honest conversations about men’s lives, struggles, and growth. This recognition affirms how important it is to keep lifting up these voices.

We’re grateful to our listeners, guests, and community for supporting this work.

Read the full article below:
Explore the podcast: www.menscenter.org/revealing-men-podcast

Author and podcaster Christopher Tallon spotlights 10 Grand Rapids podcasts that are diverse, original, and refreshing alternatives to mainstream, celebrity-driven shows.

09/04/2025

Before he retired from the Men’s Resource Center, Al Heystek wrote about the deliberative, collaborative work involved in launching Kent County's Youthful S*x Offender Treatment Program (YSOTP). He reflects on what is possible when “legal, mental health, and community professionals come together with courage, compassion, and commitment. …. Through this work, we’ve been able to protect public safety, reduce risk, and offer transformative, growth-producing counseling to young men on the margins of society." We are thankful for the work of Al, Randy Flood, and all who helped create this successful program.

Al Heystek describes how a team of community stakeholders created YSOTP, a successful, transformational diversion program for young men.

09/02/2025

After 23 remarkable years of devoted service, Al Heystek, MDiv, MA, LPC retired from his role at the Men’s Resource Center. At his retirement celebration, Randy Flood, co-founder and Director of the Men's Resource Center presented this tribute to a man whose "rare gift of compassion and deep understanding of men’s emotional journeys have left an indelible mark on the lives he touched. His presence, guidance, and care not only transformed individuals but also helped shape the mission and spirit of the Men’s Resource Center. ... [a man whose]legacy will continue to shine through the lives he helped change and the work we carry forward in his honor."

Randy Flood honors his friend Al Heystek after more than 20 years of working together helping men create better lives for themselves.

08/27/2025

More and more men are coming to the Men’s Resource Center of West Michigan feeling unmoored — searching for purpose, meaning, and connection.
Too often, they’re carrying loneliness, stress, and a quiet sense of malaise.

You don’t have to navigate that alone.
We offer in-person and virtual individual and group counseling designed specifically for men.

🌐 www.menscenter.org
📞 616-456-1178

Helping men find direction, strength, and community

https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/most-men-live-a-life-of-quiet-desperation-a-personal-story-kpkn/

08/18/2025

A crucial article examining the crisis and proposing a vision for specialized programming designed for boys and men. We mark 25 years of delivering specialized counseling and life coaching services specifically for males. Initially restricted to in-person services in the early 2000s, we have expanded to provide virtual counseling and coaching, including both one-on-one and group counseling.

It takes a village to raise a child. But some of the villagers must be men.

08/05/2025

A simple adage, but it can be difficult for the competitive spirits and stubborn souls. We can help!

In disagreements with your wife, choose strengthening the relationship over being right.

07/24/2025

Are you or have you been called “abusive” toward your partner? If you’ve struggled in your relationship — lashing out, shutting down, or repeating patterns that cause harm — and you know something needs to change, here’s your chance to set things right.

Randy Flood has worked in the field of domestic violence for more than three decades, including 20 years running domestic violence groups. He just released his video “Accept These Four Hard Truths and Stop Hurting the Woman You Love.” It offers:
• A quick but deep dose of truth and direction.
• Self-awareness without shame.
• The opportunity to learn at your own pace, wherever you are.
• A rare chance to learn from a seasoned professional at a fraction of the cost of coaching, counseling, or therapy.
• A rare chance to learn from a seasoned professional at a fraction of the cost of coaching, counseling, or therapy.
Follow the link below to view the preview. Or share it with someone you know.

Let’s be frank. You didn’t set out to be the kind of man who hurts the woman you love. The good news is: you can stop. The Four Hard Truths video is for you.

07/11/2025

One of my favorite authors writes about the masculinity crisis including honest experiences with alcoholism and incarceration.

The father of three sons and the author of three Oprah’s Book Club picks knows a thing or two about developing male minds.

07/05/2025

Randy Flood shares his thoughts on a masculine upgrade for a feature article for men’s mental health awareness month

https://fountainhillcenter.org/the-masculine-upgrade-redefining-strength-from-the-inside-out/ee

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month - The Masculine Upgrade: Redefining Strength from the Inside Out

06/30/2025

Today is the last day of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. But, as Randy Flood noted in a recent Revealing Men podcast, let's not limit our concern for men's mental health to just one month out of the year. Over the last few months, Randy featured three authors on his podcast: Dr. Ronald Levant, Doug Crandell, and Marcel Price. Each author brings a unique perspective into the inner lives of men (and boys). They create a space and words for raising awareness about what many see as an ongoing identity crisis for men. Read our recent e-letter for more information and for links to the podcasts. Join us in elevating the much-needed conversation about men and their well-being. https://mailchi.mp/d5a9f89f2fd4/a-masculinity-upgrade

We invite you to listen to a recent set of Revealing Men podcasts.