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Learned the Hard Way with Kier Gaines

iHeartPodcasts
Male Friendships
Masculinity
Toxic Masculinity
Masking
Code Switching
Humor As Coping Mechanism
Ryan Clark
Depression
Mental Health
Therapy
Relationships
Red Pill
Double Consciousness (W. E. B. Du Bois)
Growth
Curiosity
Black Men
Dustin Ross
Comedy
Tripp Fontaine
Kier Gaines

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes10Founded2 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
RelationshipsMental HealthSociety & CultureHealth & Fitness

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Artwork for Learned the Hard Way

Latest Episodes

How do two people build a healthy relationship… when both of them are carrying invisible weight the other can’t fully see?

In this episode of Learned The Hard Way, Kier Gaines sits down with his wife, NoƩmie Gaines for a honest conversation about m... more

How do you know when you’re becoming yourself… instead of just surviving?

In this episode, Kier Gaines sits down with media personality, comedian, and podcast host Dustin Ross for one of the most layered conversations the show has had yet.

What s... more

How do you know you’re struggling… when your life still looks ā€œfineā€ from the outside?

In this episode, Kier Gaines opens up about being clinically diagnosed with depression while still showing up every day as a husband, father, therapist, provider... more

What happens when the life you worked for finally arrives… and suddenly everybody is watching?

In this episode, Kier Gaines sits down with Super Bowl champion, ESPN analyst, and The Pivot co-founder Ryan Clark for an honest conversation about visib... more

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Recent Guests

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

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 Statesa month 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
    Canadaa month 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 šŸ’•

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    HM Stew
    United States2 months 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 States2 months ago
  • Entertainingggg & Healing

    10/10

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Splvsh Gvd
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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?

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1. Not My Best Moment with KevOnStage
2. Ellis Ever After
3. Angie Martinez IRL
4. The Breakfast Club
5. Grits and Eggs Podcast

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Learned the Hard Way launched 2 months ago and published 10 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. Dustin Ross
2. Ryan Clark
3. Tripp Fontaine

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