Men's Resource Center of West Michigan

12/03/2025

Scott Galloway’s new book has brought a lot of attention to the idea of a “masculinity crisis.”

At MRC, we’ve been supporting men through these challenges for years. And while the crisis is real, what we see every day is hope — men choosing to show up, take responsibility, and build more empathy, connection, and confidence in their lives.

Through our groups, counselling, and coaching, we’re here for anyone ready to make positive change. If you or someone you know needs support, we’re only a message away.

When his book Notes on Being a Man was released last month, it raced to the top of the bestseller lists. The US author, tech entrepreneur and podcaster explains his theories on dating, crying – and the rise of Donald Trump

11/24/2025

"An Audacious Idea Thrives at 25!" Shelley Irwin talks with Randy Flood about celebrating the Men's Resource Center's 25th anniversary (their conversation starts at 24:00). In 2000, men were 3x less likely than women to seek mental health services. In 2025, they are 2x less likely. The stigma is decreasing, but the struggle remains. You don't have to be in crisis to seek our services; think of us as where you go for a mental health tune-up. We'll be here when you need us. Call 616-456-1178; visit menscenter.org.

Mackinac Island, The Purse Project, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, Men's Resource Center, and the Michigan Wine Collaborative.

11/11/2025

Did you know that the Men’s Resource Center has been helping men grow into healthier partners, fathers, and human beings for a quarter-century?!

We were founded in 2000, built upon the "audacious" idea that men could be encouraged to use and would benefit from mental health services.

Read more on our website “Celebrating 25 Years of Giving Men the Tools to Heal, Grow, and Succeed,” and/or listen to Randy Flood and Al Heystek on a special episode of the Revealing Men podcast for insights into what has made this endeavor a success. Here’s to the next 25 years of helping men live with courage, humility, and heart!

The Men's Resource Center of West Michigan helps men think beyond stereotypes and build lives of courage, compassion, and connection.

11/08/2025

This new book provides some provocatively thoughtful "notes" on being a man in today's world. Professor Galloway speaks both as a grounded academic and from experiences as a boy and father. In a world where some cling to fabrications of masculinity absent of deeper character and emotional intelligence, Scott's "notes" are a beacon of insight and vision.

The statistics on modern young men are jarring.

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.