You Always Have a Choice: Why Kindness Still Matters in a Gen Z World w/ Carter Helbig

What happens when an 18-year-old says out loud what most adults are afraid to admit?

In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Carter Helbig—the youngest guest in the show’s history and the voice behind a viral graduation speech that reached millions.

Carter speaks openly about grief, suicide loss, gratitude, and growing up under constant pressure. Through his own story, he reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: you always have a choice in how you show up for other people.

Together, they explore how silence, comparison, and social media algorithms are shaping young men’s mental health—and why choosing kindness, presence, and responsibility still matters, even when life feels heavy.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Why “you always have a choice” became the core of Carter’s message
• How grief and gratitude can exist at the same time
• Why you never know what someone is carrying
• The danger of assuming malice instead of humanity
• How social media pressure impacts Gen Z men
• Why asking for help is an act of strength
• What fathers, mentors, and leaders can do to make young men feel seen

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to show up for others, this conversation is a reminder that small choices still matter.

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Links & Resources
Join the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026

More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com
Mental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.com
Book Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.com

If this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who’s trying to hold it all together.

This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.com

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