Aging is one of the few things we all have in common, yet most of us spend our lives trying to resist it. In this episode, we explore how fear of time can quietly shape our mental health — from anxiety and identity loss to the grief that comes with watching others grow older around us.

I talk about the psychology behind time anxiety, how aging fears show up differently for men and women, and what really happens when we start losing the people who once made us feel timeless. You’ll also hear about how meaning, connection, and perspective can turn that fear into growth.

This isn’t about pretending not to age — it’s about learning how to do it with peace, purpose, and compassion.

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s learning to grow through time, not against it.

Referenced in This Episode:

American Psychological Association (2023): The Psychology of Time Anxiety

CDC (2023): National Vital Statistics Report on Suicide Rates by Age Group

National Institute of Mental Health (2022): Identity Loss and Midlife Mental Health

Becca Levy (Yale University, 2002–2020): Mind Over Matter: The Science of Age Beliefs

The Gerontologist (2019): Age Anxiety and Emotional Well-Being in Older Adults

Frontiers in Psychology (2020): Age Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Later Life

Greenberg, Pyszczynski, & Solomon (1986): Terror Management Theory: The Cultural Buffer Hypothesis

Hayes et al. (2012): Psychological Flexibility and Acceptance Theory

Harvard Study of Adult Development (2019): What Makes a Good Life?

In this special listener-requested episode of Clear Minds In Color, mental-health coach Robert Saint Michael explores the psychology behind homosociality — the way men form identity and belonging through the approval of other men — and how this behavior shapes emotional connection, power, and intimacy.

Originally inspired by a viral clip from beauty influencer Shamsi Rashid (@shamsiiito), this conversation takes a deeper look at how social dominance theory, gender roles, and cultural conditioning influence the way men navigate vulnerability and validation.

We unpack what these theories get right — and what they miss — about modern masculinity.

From the “protector” role in heterosexual relationships to the myth that male closeness threatens sexuality, this episode challenges stereotypes and explores how healthy brotherhood can be a space for care, empathy, and identity-building.

Key themes:

• The difference between homosociality and homosexuality

• How social dominance theory shapes belonging and approval

• The emotional cost of the “protector” role in relationships

• Gender role conflict and the struggle to be seen

• New research showing men are building vulnerability into masculinity

Hosted by: Robert Saint Michael

Presented by: Clear Minds In Color — evidence-based strategies for emotional wellness and modern mental health.

Learn more: clearmindsincolor.com

Referenced in This Episode

• Shamsi Rashid — Instagram: @shamsiiito

• Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick (1985) – Between Men: English Literature and Male Homosocial Desire

• Gayle Rubin (1975) – The Traffic in Women: Notes on the Political Economy of Sex

• Sidanius & Pratto (1999) – Social Dominance: An Intergroup Theory of Social Hierarchy and Oppression

• Michael Flood (2008) – Men, Sex, and Homosociality: How Bonds Between Men Shape Their Sexual Relations with Women

• Jeff Hearn (2012) – Men, Masculinities and Gender Relations

• Mahalik, Burns, & Syzdek (2007) – Masculinity and Perceived Normative Health Behaviors in Men

• Frederick, Fessler, & Haselton (2016) – Do Men Suppress Vulnerability in Romantic Relationships?

• O’Neil, Good, & Holmes (1995) – Gender Role Conflict Theory

• Simon & Nath (2004) – Gender and Emotion in the United States

• Levant, Wimer, & Williams (2011) – Masculinity Constructs and Relationship Quality in Men

• Eric Anderson (2009) – Inclusive Masculinity: The Changing Nature of Masculinities

• bell hooks (2004) – The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love

• Raewyn Connell (2015) – Masculinities (2nd Ed.)

• Simon Baron-Cohen (2011) – The Science of Evil: On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty

• Christopher Boehm (1999) – Hierarchy in the Forest: The Evolution of Egalitarian Behavior

In this episode of Clear Minds In Color, we explore what it really means to grow — beyond birthdays, paychecks, or appearances.

Maturity isn’t a destination. It’s a series of psychological milestones that reshape how we think, respond, and contribute. Together, we unpack the three key shifts that move us from survival to purpose: taking responsibility instead of assigning blame, learning emotional literacy, and building a life grounded in contribution rather than ego.

Drawing from research in psychology and neuroscience, we challenge the myth that age equals growth — and reflect on how accountability, empathy, and purpose create the foundation for true adulthood.

Hosted by: Robert Saint Michael | Mental Health Coach

Presented by: Clear Minds In Color — evidence-based mental-health strategies and public-health insights that promote emotional clarity and resilience.

Learn more: clearmindsincolor.com

Referenced In this Episode:

• American Psychological Association (2022) – Emotional Regulation and Maturity in Adulthood — research linking accountability and empathy with adult psychological health.

• Harvard Study of Adult Development (2019) – What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness — findings on life satisfaction and responsibility as key predictors of well-being.

• National Institute of Mental Health (2021) – Brain Maturation Continues into Adulthood — neuroscience showing emotional regulation develops beyond adolescence.

• Viktor Frankl (1946) – Man’s Search for Meaning — foundational work on purpose, contribution, and human resilience.

• Clear Minds In Color – clearmindsincolor.com — mental-health resources and strategies for modern growth.