Gent’s Talk: Ep. 53 - A Sit-Down w/ JP Saxe

Welcome to Episode 53 of the Gent’s Talk podcast, where we sat down with JP Saxe. JP’s emotional intelligence is a cut above the rest. It was a pleasure to get insight into some of his “working theories” on why we act the way we do. Saxe spoke about men’s mental health, his relationship with his mother, and an alternate way to make people feel safe.

Safety

JP Saxe has a particular focus on men’s mental health. He believes that there are far too many men with severe depression because of the way that they think they’re supposed to carry themselves as a man. That weight one holds on his shoulders to adhere to the traditional definition of being strong and masculine can be crippling. Saxe’s description leans towards making people feel safe. He’s learned that you can make people feel safe by showing them where you feel weak. “There’s a better way to make the people you love feel safe around you than hiding yourself from them when you feel weak,” he stated. If you talk about things that scare you, you can make someone feel safe enough to tell you something they felt weak in.

He acknowledges the privilege he holds as an artist. It’s not easy to let your guard down, and JP admits it’s a lot easier for him because he is constantly praised for being open and vulnerable. What he loves the most about his music is his lyrics connecting with an individual, allowing them to open up about a similar experience. He’s grateful to be able to use his platform to express feelings others may have trouble communicating.

Relationships

Take a listen as JP talks about his love for the Spanish language. His mother, who passed recently, spoke Spanish. Learning the language helped him connect to a Spanish-speaking version of his mother he never got a chance to appreciate before she parted. Through this, Saxe has learned that a relationship with somebody doesn’t end after they die. When he does things he wants to tell his mother about, is when he feels closest to her.

Your “best self” has to include the freedom to be a mess.
JP Saxe on showing up as the best version of yourself.

New Episode!

Please tune into Episode 53 for the entire conversation with JP Saxe. He speaks on his realization that masculinity and confidence can include sensitivity, emotional intelligence and vulnerability. He also explains how stepping into the things that he had to unlearn as a teenager has ended up being the things that, upon embracing them, made his life way better.

About Gent’s Talk

Bulova Canada presents Episode 53 of Gent’s Talk, available for streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Apple and Google Podcasts! It is filmed at StartWell Studios in Toronto. You can now catch Season 1 and 2 on all Air Canada flights! Your continued support throughout this journey is appreciated. Thank you!