Daron Seals Makes Room for Black Men to Be Heard
Updated: Oct 2
Published October 1, 2026 at 6:00 AM EDT
Daron Seals (File Photo)
BRUNSWICK, OH — Many men carry pressure, grief, and personal struggles quietly. Daron Seals, 32, created The King’s Effect Podcast to give those experiences a voice—and remind Black men that asking for support does not diminish their strength.
Seals, the show’s founder and host, studied Information Systems at Cleveland State University and Information Technology at Cuyahoga Community College. His background spans technology support and education, but his podcast’s mission is personal: experiences with grief and witnessing men struggle to express themselves inspired him to create a space for conversation without shame or judgment.
Seals, who attempted suicide six years ago, understands the need for such a space better than most.
“When I was 26, I reached a point where the weight of my past and the loneliness I felt seemed impossible to carry,” Seals recalled. “I was exhausted by family relationships that felt fake, friendships that did not feel dependable, and the lasting hurt of being physically and verbally abused by my father as a child. Those experiences left me struggling to trust people and unsure how to keep moving forward. The isolation of that period forced me to face memories and pain I had spent years trying to push aside.”
During one of his darkest moments, Seals went into his kitchen and began cutting his arm with a knife while considering ending his life. He stopped after thinking about the people he loved and the life he had worked hard to build.
Afterward, he sought help and began speaking openly with a therapist. Seals said that support helped him understand that rejection and the harmful relationships he had experienced throughout his life did not define his worth.
“I am still learning that I do not have to carry everything alone or pretend to be strong all the time. My story includes deep pain, but it also includes survival, healing, and the choice to keep going.”
The King’s Effect refers to the positive change that can happen when men are honored, helped, and supported in healing. The show centers Black men while welcoming men from different backgrounds. Seals hopes listeners feel less alone, become more comfortable speaking up, and seek support when they need it.
His message challenges the idea that strength requires silence. Black men have different lives, needs, and experiences, he emphasizes, and mental health support should reflect that individuality. Strength and vulnerability can exist together.
Seals is preparing Season 3, featuring conversations with co-hosts and guests, alongside community projects focused on men’s wellness and storytelling.
For an introduction to the show, watch Seals’ recommended episode. Follow The King’s Effect Podcast on YouTube for upcoming conversations.
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