E71: What makes Logan Kafer with Bedrock and Branch a good neighbor?
E71: What makes Logan Kafer with Bedrock and Branch a good neighbor?
In our latest Good Neighbor Podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Logan Kafer, founder of Bedrock and Branch, a counseling service and community specifically designed to help men become more connected to themselves and others. The conversation shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of mental health: men's emotional wellbeing and their struggles with connection in today's society.
Logan's journey began with aspirations of becoming a pastor, driven by a desire to help people understand their identity and walk confidently through life's challenges. However, he soon realized that his true calling was in counseling, where he could sit with individuals, help them navigate their personal stories, and process how those narratives have shaped their self-perception. This realization, combined with his own experiences as a man, led him to focus specifically on counseling men and helping them discover their worth and value.
The name "Bedrock and Branch" perfectly encapsulates Logan's philosophy. The "bedrock" represents the foundational principles and identity that ground us when life throws unexpected challenges our way. As Logan explained, many of us build our identities on shifting sands – career success, financial stability, or relationships – that can suddenly disappear, leaving us grasping for who we truly are. The "branch" aspect represents how, once we're secure in our identity, we can extend outward to positively impact our families, communities, and neighbors from a place of authenticity and rest.
One of the most significant barriers Logan encounters in his work is the pervasive myth that needing help equates to weakness, particularly among men. He challenges this misconception, asserting that "to need help means you're human," not weak. This reluctance to seek assistance extends beyond therapy to everyday situations, from asking spouses for support to requesting help with unfamiliar software at work. The fear of appearing incompetent or vulnerable often prevents men from reaching out, perpetuating cycles of isolation and disconnection.
Logan primarily works with men in their late twenties to early forties, often married with young children, who find themselves at a crossroads. These clients typically fall into two categories: those who have achieved what they thought they wanted only to discover it feels empty, and those who feel they haven't progressed as far in life as they expected by their age. Both groups struggle with feelings of inadequacy, which often manifest as "not blank enough" – not successful enough, wealthy enough, or accomplished enough. These feelings of insufficiency frequently lead to various forms of addiction as coping mechanisms.
What sets Bedrock and Branch apart is its holistic approach to men's wellbeing. Beyond traditional one-on-one counseling, Logan has created monthly hangouts for men to build friendships and engage in intentional conversations. He maintains that while counseling is valuable, friendship and genuine connection are even more crucial for men's mental health. Logan also maintains a YouTube channel with bite-sized, relatable content that men can reflect on throughout their day, making mental health resources accessible in a non-intimidating format.
Logan's own journey includes valuable lessons from failure. Before Bedrock and Branch, he founded an augmented reality tech company that failed after about two years. This experience brought feelings of shame and self-doubt, making him question his capabilities and trustworthiness. Through this challenging period, Logan learned to distinguish truth from distorted thinking and discovered the importance of persistence over searching for shortcuts. This resilience now informs his approach to helping others navigate their struggles.
Bedrock and Branch aims to be a comprehensive resource for men seeking connection and growth. Whether through counseling, community hangouts, YouTube content, or future retreats, Logan is building a space where men can find the resources they need to develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. His vision represents a crucial step toward addressing the epidemic of isolation and disconnection many men experience in contemporary society, offering hope and practical pathways toward meaningful connection.
To learn more about Bedrock and Branch go to:
Bedrock and Branch
(404) 594-1169
