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Learned the Hard Way with Kier Gaines

iHeartPodcasts
Relationships
Therapy
Marriage
Masculinity
Mental Health
Male Friendships
Anger
Masking
Code Switching
Toxic Masculinity
Depression
Ryan Clark
Humor As Coping Mechanism
Leadership
Communication In Relationships
Parenthood
Money
Emotions
Fatherhood
Imposter Syndrome

No fluff. No judgment. Just real talk. Licensed therapist Kier Gaines brings over a decade of insight to break down what it really means to be a man today the pressure, the innovation, the grief, the joy, the grind, and the opportunities to thrive. With honest stories, actionable tips, and unfiltered insights, this is the space to level up, heal, and grow. On your terms.

Edited and produced by Id... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes23Founded5 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Mental HealthHealth & FitnessRelationshipsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Learned the Hard Way

Latest Episodes

It’s hard to appreciate your own life when you’re constantly measuring it against somebody else’s.

Their career is moving faster. They bought the house. They got married. Their business is growing. Their family looks perfect. And thanks to social m... more

You can love your kids with everything in you and still not love being a parent all the time.

The pickups. The drop-offs. The schedules. The sleepless nights. The endless questions. The responsibility of being needed every single day. Parenthood ca... more

What if the smartest thing you could say is, “I don’t know”?

In this episode of Learned the Hard Way, Kier Gaines sits down with astrophysicist and former Division I football player Dr. Dakotah Tyler (Dr. Star Kid) for a conversation about curiosit... more

Sometimes the people we love are carrying more than we can see.

A new baby. A growing career. Depression. Anxiety. Burnout. The pressure of leadership. The weight of trying to hold a family together. When someone you love is struggling, your first ... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Dakotah Tyler
Astrophysicist, Dr. StarKid
Dr. StarKid / astrophysics community
Episode: EP 20: Why Men Are Afraid to Say “I Don’t Know” ft. Dr. Dakotah Tyler
Tiffany Aliche
Financial educator known as The Budgetnista
The Budgetnista / getgoodwithmoney.com
Episode: EP 18: Money Won't Make You Feel Safe ft Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista)
Savon Slater
Producer, podcaster, co-host of Can't Afford Therapy
Can't Afford Therapy
Episode: EP 16: The Performance Tax: The Price Black People Pay to Succeed (Ft. Savon & Antoinette from the Can’t Afford Therapy Podcast)
Jess Hilarious
Author, comedian, radio host; public figure known for Jess with the Mess
Self / Jess Hilarious brand
Episode: EP 14: Imposter Syndrome Is Lying to You Ft. Jess Hilarious
Crissle West
Media personality and cultural critic, co-host of The Read and host of Crissle's Couch
Episode: EP 12: How Much Should You Care? Ft. Crissle West
Noémie Gaines
Wife of the host; former lawyer, intellectual property and trademark; educator and professional copywriter
None specified in episode
Episode: EP 9: The Invisible Load Nobody Talks About ft. Noémie Gaines
Dustin Ross
Host, writer, producer, comedian, media personality
The Friend Zone; various media ventures
Episode: EP 8: Are You Living… Or Just Performing Survival? ft Dustin Ross
Ryan Clark
Super Bowl Champion, ESPN Analyst, former NFL safety
NFL, ESPN
Episode: EP 6: Built In Public: The Cost of Being Seen ft. Ryan Clark
Tripp Fontaine
Poet, speaker, educator, and social commentator
Tripp Fontaine (social media/panel discussions)
Episode: EP 2: This is What Patriarchy Actually Does to Men (And Why Nobody's Taking About It) (Ft. Tripp Fontaine)

Host

Kier Gaines
Host of Learned The Hard Way, a licensed therapist who shares personal experiences while guiding discussions on masculinity, mental health, leadership, and relationships.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 184 ratings
  • Our men need this!

    This podcast is so needed for men and even for the ladies too. We need to hear more from men who put mental health and wellness first and Kier does that. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mommy Consults
    United Statesa month ago
  • Thank you

    I just watch to make sure I’m not asking to much as a human man. Thank you for allowing me to be seen as a person and not a machine.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    angrytwittervoicetweet man
    United Statesa month ago
  • Supplemental Therapy

    I’m a huge believe on mental health and seeing a therapist. Just as you will take your vitamin supplement for your body this podcast is a great mental supplement for your mind and spirit.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MLDChi
    United Statesa month ago
  • Thank you, coming from a black man who's been married for nine years

    I've been married for nine years now, I have two kids ages seven and three. It is really hard to find content that is grounded, sensible, not rooted in quick bait and division, and rooted in research and culture. I've been following your content for a couple years via YouTube and Instagram. I'm grateful for this podcast, it gets me to and from work, and it helps me unpack some of the things that show up in my life as a black father, a black husband, and so much more and my professional and perso... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    John Doe 89985438838
    United Statesa month ago
  • Hands down one of the best podcasts by far

    Man… I’ve been listening to Kier for some years now and the insight and perspective that he provides is very valuable. So, I may be biased when I write this. lol! I started out following him on social media which lead me to start listening to the podcast with him and his wife. Mental health is sooo very important to me, and Kier talks about mental health in a way that is unmatched. He digs deep which makes you really reflect and put things into practice to invoke change for the better. Honestly,... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Adoremarie
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audience notes the show blends therapy-informed guidance with relatable storytelling.
Guests and topics are repeatedly described as authentic and valuable for personal growth.
Listeners praise the host's honesty and actionable insights.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

EP 19: You Can't Fix People You Love
Q: How should a spouse support someone dealing with anxiety or depression when the other person isn't ready to seek help?
Start with a light touch: notice and name what you see without diagnosing, express genuine care, and avoid pressuring for immediate change; focus on your own reactions and invite dialogue rather than forcing therapy.
EP 8: Are You Living… Or Just Performing Survival? ft Dustin Ross
Q: What does success look like for you now, compared to earlier goals?
Success now is about squeezing every drop out of life and leaving a meaningful legacy by making people feel and think, not just laugh; it's about serendipity in creative work and continual reinvention.
EP 8: Are You Living… Or Just Performing Survival? ft Dustin Ross
Q: How do you handle external validation in the context of stand-up and public life?
He explains that long-term success comes from a healthy balance—using external feedback as a signal, but anchoring self-worth in preparation, consistency, and the belief in his own craft.
EP 8: Are You Living… Or Just Performing Survival? ft Dustin Ross
Q: What was the turning point that led you to pivot toward comedy and podcasting?
Dustin describes a sequence of auditions, street-level hustle, and recognizing that opportunities came from showing depth beyond screen roles, which led to his long-running podcast and stand-up trajectory. He emphasizes taking chances and staying authentic as the driver of opportunity.
EP 6: Built In Public: The Cost of Being Seen ft. Ryan Clark
Q: What failure shaped you the most and why?
Clark reframes not being drafted as a catalyst for growth, using it to fuel preparation, discipline, and the decision to pursue a career with intentionality rather than entitlement.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Learned the Hard Way

What is Learned the Hard Way about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A no-nonsense, therapy-informed conversation about modern manhood, relationships, leadership, and personal growth. Episodes blend personal stories, practical frameworks, and mental-health insights to help listeners navigate authenticity, vulnerability, and tough life decisions in work, family, and community. Notable for honest banter between Kier Gaines and guests, including partners and high-profile voices, and for bridging clinical psychology with real-world applications. The show frequently covers topics like masking, code-switching, emotional health in Black communities, and balancing creative life with financial realities, making it helpful for professionals seeking actionable self-improvement and better workplace and relationship dyna... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Learned the Hard Way?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Learned the Hard Way:

1. Ellis Ever After
2. Not My Best Moment with KevOnStage
3. LOVERS by Shan
4. Angie Martinez IRL
5. Awf The Record

How many episodes of Learned the Hard Way are there?

Learned the Hard Way launched 5 months ago and published 23 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Learned the Hard Way?

Recent guests on Learned the Hard Way include:

1. Dakotah Tyler
2. Tiffany Aliche
3. Savon Slater
4. Jess Hilarious
5. Crissle West
6. Noémie Gaines
7. Dustin Ross
8. Ryan Clark

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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