Here’s a bold truth: Men’s mental health is a silent crisis, and one Cincinnati native is breaking the silence in a way that’s turning heads nationwide. But here’s where it gets controversial—Brandon Saho, a former sports reporter, is now a mental health advocate, and his story challenges the very idea of what it means to be 'strong' in a world that tells men to tough it out. On the December 2 episode of The Oprah Podcast, Saho joined a powerful conversation about the loneliness epidemic among young men and the toxic pressure to hide pain behind a mask of composure. And this is the part most people miss—while he was covering the Bengals, Reds, and Bearcats with a smile, he was secretly battling severe depression. 'I faked a smile on TV for a long time,' Saho admitted. 'The moment I’d toss back to the studio, I’d revert to that depressed, sad person.'
Saho’s journey from Cincinnati to Los Angeles is more than a career shift—it’s a mission. Now hosting The Mental Game, a podcast where athletes, musicians, and celebrities share their own struggles, he’s creating a safe space for vulnerability. Here’s the kicker: He also led a campaign to place mental health awareness signs on Cincinnati-area bridges, like The Purple People Bridge, turning public spaces into reminders that it’s okay to ask for help. This move has sparked debate—some see it as a lifeline, while others question its effectiveness. What do you think? Is this the kind of bold action we need, or is it just a band-aid on a bigger issue?
Saho’s story, first spotlighted by WCPO’s Kristen Skovira last year, is a call to action. Whether you’re in Cincinnati or Los Angeles, his message is clear: It’s time to start the conversation. But here’s the question that lingers: If someone as successful as Saho could suffer in silence, how many others are doing the same? Let’s talk about it—because healing starts with one brave step. Listen to Saho’s podcast below and ask yourself: What’s stopping you from reaching out?
