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Learned the Hard Way with Kier Gaines

iHeartPodcasts
Relationships
Therapy
Masculinity
Male Friendships
Marriage
Anger
Toxic Masculinity
Masking
Code Switching
Humor As Coping Mechanism
Ryan Clark
Depression
Communication In Relationships
Leadership
Money
Mental Health
Emotions
Red Pill
Double Consciousness (W. E. B. Du Bois)
Growth

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes15Founded3 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessSociety & CultureMental HealthRelationships

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Artwork for Learned the Hard Way

Latest Episodes

How do you know the voice in your head is lying to you?

In this episode, Kier Gaines sits down with comedian, media personality, Jess Hilarious, for an honest conversation about imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and what it really means to earn your p... more

Are leaders born... or do they become one decision at a time?

In this solo episode of Learned The Hard Way, Kier Gaines challenges one of the most common beliefs about leadership: that it's something you're entitled to instead of something you earn... more

What happens when being the person everyone depends on becomes the thing that's breaking you?

In this episode, Kier Gaines sits down with media personality, cultural critic, and podcast host Crissle for a conversation about empathy, emotional labor... more

Why do so many relationship problems feel impossible to solve… even when both people care?

In this special mailbag episode of Learned The Hard Way, Kier Gaines answers real voice notes from listeners navigating some of the hardest questions relatio... more

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Recent Guests

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 with Kier Gaines. Licensed therapist offering over a decade of clinical insight into growth, vulnerability, and healthier masculinity.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 154 ratings
  • Great Info

    I am female but love the nuggets I hear and take what I need, bring into my life as I draw from the well of “healthiness”. Thanks.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Artfully, me
    United States8 days ago
  • Amazing!

    I enjoy listening to this podcast. Kier is doing amazing work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lizbeth202
    United States12 days ago
  • Amazing…..

    Love every minute of this ….🙏🏾

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Coocoo13
    United States16 days ago
  • The Unspoken Coversation We Need

    Kier Gaines's podcast says what we need to hear, packaged in the presentation we will receive. I've been waiting for the raw, male, black voice that believes in mental awareness so that I could share it with the men in my life. Right on time — sir.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Edudd33
    United States19 days ago
  • Thank you. From the city!

    Brother, you don’t understand how this podcast has helped me navigate some of the same situations you covered in each episode. I honestly hold you in very high esteem and I respect the fact you gave men, a platform, a space (outside of red pill/manosphere). Keep doing what you’re doing. The city sends you love goodbrother 💯.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DonDeaux
    United States20 days ago

Listeners Say

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Talking Points

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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.

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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?

This show tackles masculine identity, vulnerability, and practical personal development through candid storytelling, therapy-informed guidance, and real-world leadership insights. Across episodes, conversations orbit growth under pressure, accountability in relationships and work, and the ongoing pursuit of healthier manhood—often weaving in race, culture, and mental health. Listeners can expect actionable exercises, concrete frameworks, and thoughtful critiques of societal norms, aimed at helping men lead with empathy, communicate more effectively, and build richer connections. A standout aspect is the blend of therapist-led perspective with lived experience and culturally resonant examples, plus a willingness to tackle tough topics with h... 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. Angie Martinez IRL
4. Grits and Eggs Podcast
5. LOVERS by Shan

How many episodes of Learned the Hard Way are there?

Learned the Hard Way launched 3 months ago and published 15 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. Crissle West
2. Noémie Gaines
3. Dustin Ross
4. Ryan Clark
5. Tripp Fontaine

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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