Grit and gratitude: Cason Crane on resilience and mental health

Episode 5 dives into the power of resilience, grit, and emotional vulnerability with guest Cason Crane, an entrepreneur, adventurer, and activist with a remarkable journey. Cason opens up about his personal mental health struggles, despite a life filled with privilege and achievements – such as being the first openly LGBT person to climb the Seven Summits, and founding an award-winning coffee business, Explorer Cold Brew.  

Cason shares how he navigates the complexities of being both grateful and sad, reflecting on his late mother’s battle with cancer and the lessons she taught him about perseverance. Together, they discuss the importance of holding space for dual truths—how something can be both painful and beautiful—and finding a personal “recipe” for mental health that embraces both grit and compassion. 

From the role of medication in his recovery to the value of leaning on others, Cason highlights the need for vulnerability and emotional intimacy, especially among men. Tune in as Cason, Claire, and Howard tackle what it means to embrace the messy, human side of mental health while striving for growth, balance, and connection. This episode is packed with insights for anyone seeking their own path toward healing. 

Follow our hosts Claire & Howard on IG:
@clairecalfo
@howardcooke