The Visibility Gap

Men’s mental health is shaped by their closest relationships—from partners and friends to family and community. But many men are taught to push feelings aside, downplay what they’re going through, or avoid naming it altogether. Instead of acknowledging emotional strain, they often withdraw or isolate without fully recognizing why. What matters most isn’t status or success, but whether those close relationships are supportive and co...

When men are under emotional strain, they often turn to familiar habits just to get through the day. In Episode 4 of The Visibility Gap, hosted by Dr. Guy Winch, we explore how behaviors like binge eating, overworking, or constant distraction can quietly become ways of numbing mental health challenges—sometimes without realizing it.

This episode looks at the difference between coping and numbing, and how habits meant to relieve stre...

Work pressure, financial strain, and breadwinner expectations can quietly wear men down. In Episode 3 of The Visibility Gap, hosted by Dr. Guy Winch, we explore how irritability, overwork, and withdrawal are often dismissed as “normal stress”, and how that can cause deeper mental health challenges to go unnoticed.

This episode looks at how work and money shape men’s mental health, from burnout and job insecurity to financial anxiety...

Depression and anxiety don’t just affect how men feel, they can also shape physical health in powerful ways. In Episode 2 of The Visibility Gap, hosted by Dr. Guy Winch, we explore how men’s mental health is often misunderstood, overlooked, or treated as separate from medical care.

In this episode, we connect mood and medicine, examining how depression and anxiety can raise health risks, disrupt care plans, and worsen outcomes when ...

The first episode of The Visibility Gap Season 3, hosted by Dr. Guy Winch, looks at the growing disconnect between how men appear and how they actually feel. Many men misread their symptoms, push through emotional strain alone, or stay silent—even as the mental and physical consequences build.

In Episode 1, we examine how traditional ideas of masculinity can keep men quiet, contribute to loneliness, and delay getting help. We also e...

Despite the many uncomfortable symptoms which may accompany menopause, women often struggle in silence. 

In episode 9, the season finale of The Visibility Gap, Dr. Jen Ashton and her guests, Dr. Margaret Rutherford and Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens, discuss the physical and emotional impact of menopause and why it is frequently ignored, including cultural factors and gaps in medical training. The doctors also offer ways for women to rece...

In this episode of The Visibility Gap, Dr. Jen Ashton sheds light on the alarming rise of cancer rates in people under 50. Regular screenings and early diagnoses are key to surviving the disease.

Nicole Seagriff shares her compelling journey from nurse practitioner to breast cancer patient to thriver―all at the shocking age of 26. Nicole’s experience has helped her become not only a better healthcare provider but also an inspiring b...

Chronic pain affects millions of women, yet it is often dismissed, leaving countless women undiagnosed and struggling in silence.

To begin this episode of The Visibility Gap, Dr. Jen Ashton speaks with Kiara Randolph, who shares her experience living with chronic pain. Kiara details her challenge to receive a diagnosis and, afterwards, her struggle to be taken seriously by health care providers. 

In the second half, Dr. Margaret Ruth...

In this episode of The Visibility Gap, Dr. Jen Ashton and her guests discuss what researchers have known for years--that women are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as men.  

First, guest Joy Allen reflects on cultural stigmas that have impacted women of color for generations. Attempting to break the cycle of dysfunction in her own life, Joy reveals her struggles and victories in both her personal and professiona...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women, yet it frequently remains unrecognized, undiagnosed, and untreated. 

In this episode of The Visibility Gap, Dr. Jen Ashton introduces you to Tiffany Storrs who shares her story of an unexpected bradycardia diagnosis and her struggle for validation by medical professionals. 

Later, Dr. Alana Biggers and Dr. Margaret Rutherford delve into the emotional, physical, and sys...

Having health benefits is crucial when taking steps to build a family. 

In episode 4 of The Visibility Gap, Dr. Jen Ashton talks to Kelly Donahue about her personal experience that included many setbacks but ultimately led to a beautiful family. This discussion highlights the importance of emotional well-being and support for those navigating this challenging journey. 

Later in the episode, Dr. Alana Biggers and Dr. Margaret Rutherfo...

Teen girls are experiencing increased rates of depression due many factors including the impact of social media. 

In this episode of The Visibility Gap, meet Hailey Hardcastle, who talks to our host, Dr. Jen Ashton, about how she turned childhood adversity into a mission to help others with their mental health.

Dr. Margaret Rutherford and Dr. Wendy Kline join the conversation, offering actionable insights for families, friends, and o...

Women in the United States face significant health care disparities compared to men. Season two of The Visibility Gap podcast, hosted by Dr. Jen Ashton, addresses various women's health issues, including mental health, maternity health and family building, menopause, and more.​

In Episode 1, guest Marisa Zeppieri shares her difficult but inspiring health journey, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy.​

Health experts Dr. W...

In the U.S., pregnancy-related illness and mortality are more likely to affect black women than white or hispanic women. This maternal health crisis, rooted in bias and inequality, is explored by Dr. Jen Ashton and her expert guests in episode 2 of The Visibility Gap.

Guest Charity Watkins shares her personal story of diagnosis and discovery of a multi-generational maternal health condition.

Next, health experts Dr. Margaret Rutherfo...

Simply asking your employees how they’re doing may not be enough to help them feel seen and understood.

For our season's close, host Holly Robinson Peete is joined by our experts Jackye Clayton and Jennifer Brown, who dive straight into a crucial conversation around DEI and the hidden challenges of diverse issues that can impact employee health.

In this episode, packed with valuable insights, listen in to hear their perspectives...

Working parents often have to balance multiple roles at home and at work. 

Host Holly Robinson Peete is joined by Kelli Royals, project manager and mother of five, as well as Ivy Bryant, a corporate executive and mother of a child with a chronic illness. They discuss the unseen challenges they’ve each faced at work, sharing with us how caregiving for loved ones has impacted their careers and lives.   

Then Holly speaks to e...

Burnout has been a hot topic. Sometimes, it’s caused by our biggest problems. Sometimes, it causes our biggest problems.  

Host Holly Robinson Peete is joined by HR leader Kim Rohrer and tech industry professional Dennis Yu to discuss the unseen challenges they each faced at work, sharing with us how burnout and stress at work has impacted their careers and lives.  

Then Holly speaks to expert guests Jackye Clayton and Jennifer Brown...

We go to work every day without really seeing each other, or understanding the unseen struggles we’re all dealing with. 

Host Holly Robinson Peete is joined by C-suite executive Victoria Pelletier to discuss the unseen challenges Victoria has faced at work. 

Then Holly speaks to expert guests Jay Van Bavel and Jennifer Brown about Victoria’s remarkable story and what these kinds of problems mean for the health of our employ...