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Learned the Hard Way with Kier Gaines

iHeartPodcasts
Male Friendships
Masculinity
Toxic Masculinity
Masking
Code Switching
Relationships
Red Pill
Double Consciousness (W. E. B. Du Bois)
Growth
Curiosity
Tripp Fontaine
Kier Gaines
Black Masculinity
Intimacy Among Men
Patriarchy
Mental Health
Therapy
Pop Culture References (the Best Man, Breakfast Club)
Uncertainty
Money

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes7Foundeda month ago
Number of ListenersCategories
RelationshipsMental HealthHealth & FitnessSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Learned the Hard Way

Latest Episodes

What are you protecting every time you make yourself the punchline?

In this episode, Kier Gaines breaks down the psychology behind humor as armor and how something that feels harmless can quietly become a barrier to real self-awareness. Starting wi... more

You want to have the answers. You want to be solid. You want to be the one people can rely on. But here’s the question most men don’t ask themselves: What is it costing you to always be right?

In this solo episode, Kier unpacks the hidden price of ... more

Why Men Stay Loyal to Friends Who Don't Really Know Them

You'd go to war for your boys. You've known them for years, maybe decades. But here's the question that might stop you in your tracks: Do they actually know you?

In this solo episode, Kier ... more

You’ve been doing it so long you don’t even notice anymore. Adjusting your tone, softening your edges, shrinking yourself just enough to fit the room. And at the end of the day you’re exhausted not from the work, but from who you had to be to do it. more

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Recent Guests

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

4.9 out of 5 stars from 58 ratings
  • Love this!

    Episode 4 ended up being the first episode I heard. I actually learned a lot from this episode and want to apply some of the things discussed. I know this is geared towards men but I felt like I could also apply some things to myself as well. Very interesting and informative, while being super relatable. Going back to episode 1!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Miss_TBlue
    United States13 days ago
  • A Beacon.

    A fresh direct talk on some of the difficulties men face about themselves and in society. Not only defining and exploring these topics but identifying actions and steps you can take to do the work.

    In the choppy sea of podcasts about the male space in this world, I feel this is a lighthouse built on bedrock.

    Thank you Kier.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Davieg3
    Canada19 days ago
  • I sent it to every man I care about!

    Kier, Thank you for being a voice that loves, supports & hears men, especially black men. Love 💕

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    HM Stew
    United States24 days ago
  • Top Shelf

    When I heard Kier was starting this pod, I couldn’t hit the follow button quick enough. Kier is thoughtful and intentional about creating this space and having real conversations with real people. I’m along for the ride however long the trip is!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    The Big Duderino
    United States24 days ago
  • Entertainingggg & Healing

    10/10

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Splvsh Gvd
    United Statesa month ago

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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. Pivot Podcast
2. The Joe Budden Podcast
3. Earn Your Leisure
4. The Secret To Success with CJ, Karl, Jemal & Eric Thomas
5. Here's The Thing

How many episodes of Learned the Hard Way are there?

Learned the Hard Way launched a month ago and published 7 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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Recent guests on Learned the Hard Way include:

1. Tripp Fontaine

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