Tim Perreira on Transforming Men's Mental Health, 3000 Miles at a Time
August 7, 2025
“Take care of yourself so you can take care of others,” is a common adage that everyone would do well to remember. Especially healthcare professionals. This episode of The Dental Economist Show examines healthcare and leadership through a different lens, as host Mike Huffaker welcomes Tim Perreria - Founder & Men’s Coach, PER Wellness, and a mental health advocate walking across America to raise awareness for men's mental health and the 34,000 men who die by suicide annually. In this deeply personal conversation, Tim shares his personal journey through depression, corporate burnout, and transformation, offering valuable insights on leadership, vulnerability, and the power of accepting help.
In an age of dentistry where every DSO is trying to scale, grow and compete, empathetic leadership and mental health advocacy are critical to professional, patient and business health. Tune in to learn why the most impactful changes often start with leaders who are brave enough to go first and show up authentically.
“Take care of yourself so you can take care of others,” is a common adage that everyone would do well to remember. Especially healthcare professionals. This episode of The Dental Economist Show examines healthcare and leadership through a different lens, as host Mike Huffaker welcomes Tim Perreria - Founder & Men’s Coach, PER Wellness and a mental health advocate walking across America to raise awareness for men's mental health.
What You’ll Learn:
- The importance of creating psychologically safe workplaces by modeling vulnerability and emotional intelligence
- Why accepting help is a sign of strength and how it impacts team dynamics
- How music can help you tap into emotions and drive personal transformation
- Why corporate wellness programs need to evolve beyond surface-level solutions to create lasting impact
- The power of surrender in leadership: maintaining calm and clarity while driving results
- How outdoor experiences and disconnecting from technology can enhance mental wellness and leadership effectiveness
- The importance of having visible role models who openly discuss mental health challenges in professional settings
As every DSO tries to scale and grow, empathetic leadership and mental health advocacy are critical to professional, patient and business health. Tune in to be the leader everyone needs today.
Episode Highlights:
16:05-21:00 It’s Okay to Ask For Help: The Power of Vulnerability
Tim reveals how accepting help from others is often misinterpreted as weakness, when it actually demonstrates strength and emotional intelligence. Healthcare leaders who model vulnerability automatically create psychologically safer workplaces where team members feel comfortable seeking support. By intentionally practicing acceptance of help, leaders can build stronger connections and demonstrate that it's safe for others to do the same, enabling a culture of trust in the organization.
24:52-28:00 Music & Emotions: The Vision Playlist Framework
Tim shares his powerful "Vision Playlist" technique for using music to tap into specific emotional states and reinforce personal and professional goals. For healthcare leaders struggling with burnout or motivation, creating a curated playlist of songs that evoke desired emotional states can be a powerful tool for maintaining focus and energy. He suggests that each song should connect to a specific aspect of your vision - whether that's confidence, compassion, or other leadership qualities. This framework provides a practical way to intentionally shape your mindset and emotional state during challenging times.
34:35 - 43:50 Why Leaders Need to Be Their Authentic Selves
Tim emphasizes that men often "heal shoulder to shoulder" rather than face-to-face, highlighting the importance of leaders who openly discuss their challenges. In healthcare environments where emotional strain is common, having visible role models who normalize discussing mental health creates psychological safety, meaning that leaders must "go first" in showing vulnerability and seeking support through coaching or other resources. As Time suggests, breaking down stigma is critical and shows team members that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
43:59 - 48:40 The Power of Surrender in Leadership
Tim reframes "surrender", from a sign of giving up to releasing the need to control everything through fear and stress. For healthcare leaders dealing with constant pressure, this mindset shift allows better decision-making from a place of clarity rather than anxiety. It doesn't mean accepting poor outcomes, but rather maintaining a calm presence while addressing challenges. Healthcare professionals who learn to "surrender" often find they perform better while experiencing less burnout.
Listen now for a story about resilience, vulnerability, and taking the first step.
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