I recently completed the Men and Empathy training course by Martin Smith, which focuses on mental health for men and encourages self-awareness and emotional openness. Martin Smith, who created this course, brings a unique voice because he is a gay man who has faced both battles with his sexuality and the grief of losing his husband to cancer. His personal story gives the course depth and honesty that I found refreshing. In a space where many mental health offerings feel distant or too clinical, Martin’s course stands out for its realness.
This review breaks down my experience with the course and provides insights for anyone considering it, especially men who are new to discussing emotions or looking for gentle, real-world guidance.
Course Name: Men and Empathy
Website URL: MenAndEmpathy.com
Price: $49 one-time payment
Creator: Martin Smith
Community: Email support included
Format: On demand videos and downloadable PDFs
Best For: Gay men or anyone looking to understand and talk about feelings
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Email Support: Yes, direct from Martin
Free Preview: No trial, but full access with purchase
Martin Smith’s Men and Empathy stands out by focusing on the real emotional struggles men face instead of offering generic platitudes or out-of-touch advice. The course gives practical skills, takes care with sensitive topics, and, most importantly for me, encourages opening up without judgment. Even if you’ve never tried sharing before, it feels approachable. If you’re not used to expressing your feelings, or if you’ve felt isolated because of your sexuality or grief, the course’s gentle, real tone can make all the difference.
About Martin Smith and His Story
Martin Smith’s background as a gay man who has experienced both self-acceptance and deep personal loss gives this course authenticity you don’t often see. Martin shares how his journey through accepting his sexuality and then losing his husband to cancer changed his perspective on building connections with others and his own emotions. He realized many men, regardless of background or orientation, grow up with barriers around their feelings. For those who have encountered discrimination, family pushback, or the pain of loss, these barriers can become even sturdier.
Martin talks openly about his own struggles with vulnerability and demonstrates, through video stories and writing exercises, how he found a path toward healing. He never claims to have all the answers. His willingness to share what’s helped him feels honest; he keeps the focus off empty theory or canned motivation, and instead brings real tools into play.
The whole course is presented in a gentle, supportive style. For anyone, but especially gay men not used to opening up, Martin offers examples from his life that show there isn’t a “right” way to feel or express yourself.
What’s Included in Men and Empathy
The course is laid out in a simple and easy format, blending video sessions, downloadable PDF workbooks, and direct email support from Martin. The videos aren’t flashy or packed with graphics, which actually makes the experience more relatable, like you’re having an honest chat instead of watching a performance. Martin speaks directly and thoughtfully each step of the way.
The main video modules cover topics such as:
- Understanding where emotional isolation comes from in men
- Spotting triggers and patterns that keep you stuck emotionally
- Real, everyday ways to begin expressing feelings safely
- Dealing with shame, guilt, or grief from loss or rejection
- How to reach out for support, even when you feel totally alone
The PDF files are equal parts self-reflection guides and worksheets that help you check in with your feelings and mark your progress. They stay focused on everyday, manageable situations—like writing your first honest message to a friend, or practicing how to talk about loss, anger, or hope. These exercises are far from generic; they are tailored for men who aren’t used to digging in emotionally.
The difference-maker for me was the email support. After the first module, I was stuck on how to talk about a recent family argument. I sent Martin an email, and I had a personal reply within a day. He went beyond giving generic advice, instead taking the time to respond to my story, suggesting which exercises I should repeat, and specific things to try in my next conversation. This made the course feel personal and supportive, even without a group chat or forum.
Why Men Need Help With Empathy
Growing up, I got the message to keep strong feelings under wraps. Words like "soft," "emotional," or "sensitive" were used as putdowns. Martin openly faces the fact that lots of men, especially in the gay community, are taught to stay silent about emotions, or even feel ashamed for having them. Most mental health courses skip over this reality, leaving some men feeling even more alone.
Men and Empathy tries to switch up this unhealthy narrative. Martin asks you to look honestly at your own feelings and gives you practical ways to name what you’ve felt but maybe never put into words. This isn’t just for men with serious mental health challenges; it’s great for any man who realizes he’s never really been allowed to feel or talk openly.
This is especially important for gay men who almost never see their stories represented in mental health courses. Martin speaks directly to this missing piece. He repeatedly reminds students that your feelings don’t need justification and that being open, even just with yourself, is a big brave move.
The Course Modules and What You’ll Learn
The course structure is straightforward. Here’s a closer look at the core modules and the takeaways from each:
1. Naming Your Feelings
This first module helps you learn to label what you’re really feeling. Martin uses personal stories and straightforward exercises. There’s a downloadable worksheet that asks you to jot down feelings as they pop up throughout your day—anything from anger and loneliness to relief or hope. Building this habit actually made it easier for me to track down patterns I hadn’t noticed before.
2. Understanding Your Triggers
This part digs into what sets off big emotional reactions. Martin helps you spot what situations or people tend to make you either shut down or react harshly. The method is gradual and honest; there’s no pressure for quick fixes. Slow observation and simple note-taking let you get real about what throws you off course.
3. Practicing Openness, Safely
This module is all about taking your first gentle steps toward honesty in communication. Martin shares advice for picking low-risk spots (like sending a short text or email) to try saying what you actually feel. He makes the point that getting it right doesn’t matter—what matters is showing up for yourself again and again, growing more comfortable with expressing yourself.
4. Working With Grief and Shame
Martin gets into the heartbreak of losing his husband, showing how grief can either motivate growth or keep us stuck. For anyone facing loss, long-standing shame, or regret, this module steps through basic but powerful activities focused on self-compassion. It’s not just about “moving on”—the exercises break down what being kind to yourself during tough times really looks like.
5. Reaching Out For Support
The last main section shows you how to start building a support system. Martin has tips for who to trust and how to make the first move, plus how to deal with negative responses or misunderstandings. He includes sample scripts and conversation starters—handy if it’s been years since you last reached out to anyone about your feelings.
Who Will Benefit Most From Men and Empathy?
From my experience, this course is a wonderful fit for men new to sharing or discussing feelings, but it’s especially valuable for gay men. Martin’s honesty around his own story means you don’t need to translate examples or wonder if he “gets it.” The exercises are useful for anyone, but the way Martin addresses shame, loss, and family rejection will really speak to guys who’ve battled for self-acceptance or dealt with trauma.
People who will get the most out of it include:
- Gay men who didn’t grow up talking about their emotions, or who feel isolated by their experiences
- Any man hoping to build his emotional vocabulary and skills with empathy
- Men facing grief—whether it’s from losing a loved one, the end of a relationship, or old family baggage
- Those who want affordable, hands-on guidance, not just expensive therapy or one-size-fits-all advice
It’s even more helpful for anyone who feels underserved by traditional mental health advice. The language used in this course is accessible, and the focus never drifts from the everyday struggles of real men.
Strengths of the Course
- Personal, relatable teaching style. Martin truly makes it easy to connect with both him and the material.
- Email support. Direct, one-to-one responses make a bigger impact than group chats or forums.
- Reasonable cost. At $49, it’s far more affordable than most therapy, with more depth than most self-help books.
- No judgment. You can work through the modules at your own comfort level with no pressure.
- Focus on practical tools. These are tried and tested scripts and exercises, not just abstract theories.
Areas That Could Be Improved
- No free trial. Though it’s affordable, some might prefer a preview or a money-back guarantee.
- Basic visuals. If you love highly produced course videos, this might feel plain—though it does reinforce the down-to-earth vibe.
- Primarily for solo working. No live group sessions, although you get personal email support.
- Doesn’t address all mental health topics. The main focus is emotional skills, not addiction, trauma therapy, or medical advice.
Value for Money: Is Men and Empathy Worth It?
For $49, I found Men and Empathy a strong and useful investment. For many guys—especially gay men who aren’t used to talking about feelings—the practical advice and real feedback are worth more than costly therapy. Most therapists charge $100+ per session, and many online courses deliver less substance and little personal touch. Here you get lasting resources and access, not just a quick motivational video.
If cost is your biggest concern, remember you’re getting direct, thoughtful replies as part of the deal. The material covers how to open up emotionally, work on empathy, and begin making connections, which alone makes it a valuable resource. Plus, you can revisit any module whenever you want after buying it. That has helped me, especially after tough days or when it’s easy to fall back into old habits.
Privacy is also respected; you can use the course on your schedule, and all one-on-one emails go straight to Martin. For people worried about sharing personal stories in public forums, this is a meaningful plus.
How to Get the Most Out of Men and Empathy
Based on my experience, here are some simple ways to get the best value:
- Block regular time for each section. Even setting aside 30 minutes a week brings real progress over time.
- Be truthful in your worksheets. The honesty will help you get more aware and comfortable, making growth feel natural.
- Don’t hesitate to email Martin. His answers felt both kind and specific each time I reached out for help.
- Go back to prior modules. When you hit a rough patch or discover something new, revisiting the videos or exercises makes it easier to keep improving.
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My Overall Thoughts
Men and Empathy by Martin Smith is a straightforward, no-nonsense course for men who want to get better at opening up and dealing with their real emotions. It’s built by someone who’s taken tough, painful life experiences and turned them into wisdom worth sharing. Martin’s openness and clear, practical method set this program apart from others that don’t speak to unique experiences, especially for gay men.
If you grew up believing you had to bottle up everything, or if you feel alone with your own grief, pain, or hopes, I recommend giving this course a shot. It’s approachable, affordable, and above all, compassionate. For me, the act of opening up to myself—first quietly, then out loud—triggered genuine change in how I feel each day. I’d suggest it to anyone ready to take the first steps toward sharing more openly and building empathy, both for themselves and others.
PS. Have questions about Men and Empathy, or want to know more about my experience? Feel free to reach out. I’m happy to share advice and insights from my time in the course. Sometimes, taking the first step to ask is what helps you start building real empathy—with yourself, and with the people around you.
