THE FILM
Currently in Production
A Look at Masculinity through a Different Lens
Masculinity can mean many different things to different people in different times and places. 30% of the population are likely highly sensitive, 1 billion are men. Our hope is to spark a necessary in-depth conversation about what men can be versus what they are “expected” to be by culture.
Based on over 25 years of rigorous, peer-reviewed science, the film, Sensitive Men Rising, shares the lived emotional experiences of heightened sensitivity in men. It explores the challenges of the unwritten rules of the infamous “boy code” that is enforced by many fathers.
The film is designed to shatter myths, misconceptions, stereotypes, and sayings about sensory processing sensitivity in men.
It acknowledges the suffering and bliss that many highly sensitive men endure on their path to self-discovery and self-acceptance of the perceived norms of masculinity.
And it recognizes the neurological and cognitive impacts of sensory processing sensitivity in men, and the benefits other men can employ.
Masculinity can mean many different things to different people in different times and places. 30% of the population are likely highly sensitive, 1 billion are men. Our hope is to spark a necessary in-depth conversation about what men can be versus what they are “expected” to be by culture.
Based on over 25 years of rigorous, peer-reviewed science, the film shares the lived emotional experiences of heightened sensitivity in men. The challenges of the unwritten rules of the infamous “boy code” that is enforced by many fathers…
The film is designed to shatter myths, misconceptions, stereotypes, and sayings about High Sensory Processing Sensitivity men…
Acknowledging the suffering and bliss that many highly sensitive men endure on their path to self-discovery and self-acceptance of the perceived norms of masculinity.
And recognizing the neurological and cognitive impacts of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in men, and the benefits the non-Sensitive male can employ.
Sensitive Men Rising
The Documentary
The film embraces dramatic, stylized cinematic and memorable images along with classic and transparent storytelling. Its images and stories connect instantly with viewers and open doors to personal and societal transformation. As a reality-based documentary, Sensitive Men Rising does not shy away from controversy. It courageously states a particular point of view based on scientific evidence and interviews from sensitive people as well as others. The film will be engaging, educational, and emancipating.
This film is inspired by the best-selling author of The Highly Sensitive Person and many other science-based publications, psychologist and highly sensitive Elaine Aron Ph.D. Dr. Aron’s research reporting on the innate trait is profound and honest. She says:
“[The research] must be methodologically sound and arrive at conclusions based on data! Frankly, I think you will agree when you see it (SMR) that this film could have a huge positive impact on the world. As some of you know, I have a special place in my heart for Highly Sensory processing Sensitivity Men. I really do like them. That is part of why I want to see this film made about them. What makes them different from other men?”
S
Strategic, or depth of processing in action, since males must act and keep an eye on other males, especially those who are more aggressive.
T
Testosterone — you cannot explain an hsim by thinking he is more “feminine”.
Y
wise yielding — or calm, intelligent, precise actions at the right time.
L
Leadership — or becoming leaders in their chosen fields: the arts, the sciences, business, athletics, or any field they endeavor, using their unique style.
E
Empathy, which can be used in close relationships and leadership, but also in knowing, for strategic purposes, what others are up to, sometimes even before they know.
Expect the Unexpected
Our documentary will unlock the truth about Sensory Processing Sensitivity in Men
Looking Back...
Look back at the evolution of male behavior over time to form a context for the film.
The Science...
Understand the science behind the trait and how it is evolving in depth and breadth (scope).
The Boy Code...
Challenge the unwritten rules of the "boy code" that highly sensitive boys may come into conflict with, especially angry fathers. Discover how we may better support boys’ healthy development and flourishing.
The Myths...
Shatter myths, misconceptions, stereotypes, and cliches about highly sensitive men - especially the word ‘sensitive’ in sensory processing sensitivity.
The Blues...
Acknowledge the suffering that many sensitive men endure on their way to self-acceptance, self-love, and ultimately, empowerment.
Cultural Intersections...
Address the cultural problem of conformity to a perceived norm of masculinity that few openly question. Redefine a broader, more meaningful, benevolent, and beneficent masculinity.
The Think Tank...
Explore the thinking problem and how we can become better critical and creative thinkers to create better societies and better lives.
Fearlessness...
Impact the world as fearless, intuitive leaders, healers, collaborators, creators, and ‘coders’ of wisdom.
RENOWNED ‘Sensory Processing Sensitivity’ EXPERTS
In the nearly ten years since the release of Sensitive—The Untold Story, people born with the genetic trait of sensory processing sensitivity (popularly known as highly sensitive people) have found their lives transformed. Awareness of their empathy, more elaborate cognitive processing, and keen sensitivity to subtle cues meant sensitive people no longer had to feel alone, different, or defective.
Indeed, the mainstream appeal of Grammy Award-winning rock star Alanis Morissette instantly connected millions of highly sensitive people around the globe with a relatable life story. Morissette helped raise Sensitive—The Untold Story to a genuine success story! Marketing analytics continue to prove as much. The film remains on Amazon’s top 10 documentary film list as well as Gaia’s favorite documentary to watch.
Now the time is right to tell the stories of men born with the same trait. The need is greater than ever before for compassionate leadership, expansive visioning, and conscious awareness of our potential. Sensitive Men Rising-The Documentary will be the quintessential, contemporary telling of sensitive men rising to meet the challenges of the future, now.
Luke Goss
the Exemplary
Sensitive Man
Musician, artist, actor, author
In the vast scope of our existence on this planet, 25 years of empirical scientific research may sound like a drop in the ocean. However, much like each new dawn, the growing body of work offers new possibilities for understanding the power of sensory processing sensitivity, especially in the study of sensitivity in men.
Luke Goss: “I love to contemplate, I don’t like to see people suffering, or somebody having a bad a day, it really hurts me. It’s lovely talking about our emotions and our vulnerabilities, it’s like thank goodness we can! I recently found out about this innate trait, and it is a relief for me and other men I know; the understanding, the clarity, and I have to be honest, I have found ‘hot eyes’ (tears) in myself for the newfound freedom…it is great to see the beauty and grace that sensitivity brings.”
Luke will truly wear his emotions and scientific understanding on his sleeve – he will not hold back on what he thinks and feels.
He will unlock his truth about being highly sensitive.
Luke goss is the perfect example of one sensitive man’s ability to play the role of a grizzled tough guy, while still retaining the empathy, intuition, joy, creativity, and keen sensibility about how to connect people together.
Free: our theme song
by Luke Goss
In the vast scope of our existence on this planet, 25 years of empirical scientific research may sound like a drop in the ocean. However, much like each new dawn, the growing body of work offers new possibilities for understanding the power of sensory processing sensitivity, especially in the study of sensitivity in men.
Luke’s 30-year career in pop culture entertainment for the masses has been the catalyst for this journey of consciousness and enlightenment. A true renaissance artist, Luke’s musical prowess was predestined for the theme song for Sensitive Men Rising. This song is sensitive to subtleties in full affect. After a 25-year break from the famed BROS mega pop band, Luke penned the beacon lyrics to this perfect fit at the perfect time.
He wrote “FREE” in 2021, met sensitive Director Will Harper in 2022, and here we are free to tell the story of the Sensitive Man Rising! The lyrics in “FREE” speak to men who are searching for their inner sensitive warrior – ‘I want to be a man running free, I want to wake up in morning and face the daylight sun and tell those I know I love them, and that life has just begun’.
It’s a song about Sensitive men with a warrior’s soul.
“Sensitive warriors are magnetically attractive mainly because when a man is not afraid to connect to his sensitive side and then expose it, it shows huge amounts of courage and that he has found freedom within”.
Luke:
“I do think we want to spread our wings wide open. It’s about life has just begun we can SHAPE this as a new beginning whether its favorable or not, let’s just do it, let’s make it better.”
This Film is RESPECTFULLY
dedicated to Ted Zeff Ph.D.
This film is notably dedicated to Ted Zeff for his tenacity, bravery, drive, and insight to embrace this one-time divisive innate trait. Some men described it as a “superpower,” while some shunned it as an inhibited man’s feature, and others said it was the smart gentleman’s trait.
Dr. Zeff’s accuracy about how and why the trait works in so many positive ways is cause to commemorate and pay tribute to Ted Zeff, Ph.D. – author, therapist, and passionate champion for high sensory boys and men. He was likely the first man to deeply embrace this wonderful and powerful trait.
He spent the 30+ years of his life tirelessly mentoring, teaching, and spreading the message that being sensitive and sensory intelligent was something to feel pride in, not to be ashamed of!
Ted once said he wanted to “scream it from the rooftops!” His work directly challenged what he termed the “cruel boy code,” while speaking from a truth he felt deeply. Sensitive Men Rising is partly dedicated to his tireless efforts to create a more compassionate and just vision for all men and all people!
Sensitive Men Rising’s inaugural film will share exclusive interviews never before broadcasted by the late Ted Zeff. His voice will never be silenced, and his vision will continue to shine the light as we immortalize his perspective on the sensory processing sensitive man.
Sensitive Interviews
Unlock the Truth
Stop, look and listen! to some of Sensitive Men Rising’s wealth of experts (researchers, psychologists and scientists) and global citizen’s (doctors, lawyers, parents, artists, students and entrepreneurs) that will educate, inspire, and unlock the truth about men with real heightened sensitivity in the real world!
Alanis Morissette (USA/Canadian)
“When raising a HS Boy, do it with love, encouragement, and empathy!”
Alanis Morissette
The world knows Alanis Morissette has a singer, songwriter and advocate of female empowerment and spiritual, psychological, and physical wellness. Our story centers around her being a Highly Sensitive Mother and raising a Highly sensitive boy. Profound is an understatement for this prolific woman of words.
Alanis was the featured keynote speaker in the hit documentary Sensitive -The Untold Story. She introduced her then 6-year-old HS son Ever to the world. We have invited them back to Sensitive Men Rising to see how Ever is getting along in this fast-paced place we call home.
Andy Lightfoot
A former Special Forces weapon mechanic, undercover cop reveals the dark side of being an HSP.
Andy Lightfoot
His stories of struggling with severe CPTSD are emotionally charged and inspiring as he champions first-responder and veteran’s mental health and well-being. Andy has been to hell and back many times and has stories that must be told.
Andy is an HSS/HSP man, in his own words, “I’ve held random life occupations from weapon system mechanic for special forces groups, I’ve been a downtown street cop, undercover cop, crime scene technician, locomotive switch man, conductor, and engineer. I built a successful real estate business, sold my share, and now I’m diving as deep as quantum allows to best help my fellow first responders with CPTSD.”
Sandra Rodriguez-Kennedy
“I was raised by a strong-willed, male musical maverick, it was a bumpy ride for an HSP.”
Sandra Rodriguez-Kennedy
The daughter of Sixto ‘Sugarman’ Rodriguez, a man who does NOT carry the innate trait. Sandra shares her story of having a father who did not realize that he was raising a HSC – It was not an easy relationship but ultimately turned into an emotional win/win for her and her celebrated father.
Harold Charles (Haiti)
Overwhelmed by severe poverty, Harold finds opportunity and a mission within his sensitivity.
Harold Charles
Recently, the British Govern of the Turks and Caicos Islands appointed Harold to the post of Parliament because of his keen sensitivity to the needs of people. Harold’s story is the epitome of an HSC who experienced rags to riches in the realest sense.
Born in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, Harold was able to navigate himself out of poverty because of his ability to apply the enormous potential of sensitivity to bettering his life. Since then, he has touched the hearts of millions and left an indelible imprint on the world with his immeasurable give-back story. Watch and feel how Harold’s ability to synthesize, integrate, and apply sensitivity saved his and many other people’s lives.
Susan Crooks
In 2019, my HIGHLY SENSITIVE SON died from treatment-resistant anxiety and depression – lost to suicide.
Susan Crooks
"In 2019, my beautiful son, Walt, died from treatment-resistant anxiety and depression," Crooks said. She is now on a mission to reduce suffering, destigmatize mental health care, and prevent suicide through the non-profit organization she founded after Walt’s own suicide.
Susan passionately champions the need to enlist ALL sectors of society to normalize seeking help, lobbying for funding for much-needed new research into epigenetics and clinical research, and building Walt’s Waltz into a megaphone and a mouthpiece for those who suffer in silence.
Susan’s mission is one that can and will save lives! This MOONSHOT for mental health care could be a breakthrough in the world of science.
Dr. Saamdu Chetri (Bhutan)
An unhappy HS Boy grows up to be the Minister of Happiness.
Dr. Saamdu Chetri
Former Executive Director/Minister of Gross National Happiness for Bhutan. World acclaimed Author of How to Bring up Happy Children and Tashi: A Gross National Happiness Journal. His emotional and insightful story is the essence of differential susceptibility and environmental sensitivity. His life trials and tribulations are the foundation for his book on raising happy children.
Boy Abunda (Philippines)
Bullied by bad boys during his adolescence this HS boy’s survival strategy paid off!
Boy Abunda
The #1 Talk Show host in the Philippines, aka the Male version of Oprah in the Philippines. He grew up gay and with the sensitive trait in one the poorest regions in the country. He dealt with painful rejection but accredits his trait for his perseverance and understanding of negative complexities. A lifting and moving testimonial!
Scott Barry Kaufman
Undervalued, stigmatized, and bullied, today he’s the world’s #1 psychology podcaster!
Scott Barry Kaufman
At the age of 6, he was placed in a Special Education program and bullied. Scott never imagined he would amount to much! Today, Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D. is a globally known author, cognitive scientist and humanistic psychologist exploring the mind, creativity, and the depths of human potential. With over 20 million downloads, he is one of the most prominent cognitive science bloggers of his generation.
Listen to our exclusive, no-holds-barred candid interview about sensitive men. Kaufman will reveal how he made the transition from an anxious, shy, and withdrawn kid to a confident, capable, and driven advocate for the realization of human potential.
Soborno Isaac Bari
President Obama said, “This (HS) kid was/is a great role model for young people.”
Soborno Isaac Bari
President Obama said, “This kid was/is a great role model for young people.” We know him as a boy who processes information deeply, is overwhelmed by many decisions adults are making, e.g., about school yard shootings, creating pointless wars, and climate change. He is empathetic towards all species and is sensitive to subtleties. When Soborno speaks about his innate trait, kids and adults alike are all ears.
Kai Martin
“Growing up as a HSP of color was a taboo. Now it is happening to my son.”
Kai Martin
A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in private practice (Path to Healing Counseling and Wellness), recording artist, and a Single Mother of a sensitive boy. Kai’s story focuses on growing up as a tabooed highly sensitive person of color. Today, she is single-handedly raising a highly sensitive son. Her husband wasn’t highly sensitive and was a classic image of the man’s man. He did not understand his son’s trait causing friction on the home front.
Listen and find out how Kai got her son out of the clouds and on a course to success. Today, her son is a blossoming musician and straight-A student. She shares the complexities of her tumultuous relationship and raising a sensitive child.
Andre Singleton
Stage 4 cancer, and a POC. Andre shares an emotional, compelling, and complex roller coaster life as a sensitive man.
Andre Singleton
Former employee for Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee, the 35-year-old transgender African American is a multimedia artist in Oakland. He shares an emotional, compelling, and complex roller coaster life as a sensitive man. He is currently suffering from stage 4 cancer. He is dealing with it, as well as seeing and understanding his enlightened perspectives on his multifaceted life.
Dr. Keith Black
I am like a thief in the night, sneaking into the brain to steal the tumor while leaving healthy tissue untouched.
Dr. Keith Black
World class neurosurgeon at Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles, CA. Since a child, this sensitive gentle giant of a man has always been empathic. He penned Inspiring Encounters with Mortality and Miracles, where he invites readers to shadow his breathtaking journeys into the brain as he battles some of the deadliest and most feared tumors. Along the way, he shares his sensitive insights about the inner workings of the brain, and his unwavering optimism for the future of medicine.
Marco Barruffaldi
Being a sensitive man in a country where sensitivity is largely rejected can be a hazard.
Marco Barruffaldi
Marco is an Italian sensitive man, a nutrition counselor, and an executive chef who is a great example of being a sensitive man in a country where sensitivity is largely still rejected by men. Marco’s inspiring story of overcoming food addictions and obesity as a young man, and then deciding to help others, demonstrated to him the value of sensitivity and going against the grain of the prevailing culture.
Mel Baker
Aussie veteran with PTSD on a new mission helping fellow veterans heal from the hell of war.
Mel Baker
An HSS/HSP from Australia, Mel champions healing for men in crisis returning from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Her inspiring story of facilitating healing for men conditioned to conform to Australia’s unique history of violent and unyielding masculinity will move you to tears! Through equine-assisted therapies and arts-based modalities, Mel is a true warrior!
John Hughes
“Highly sensitive men are not more superior than other men. We just lead with vulnerability, and that ain’t bad!”
John Hugues
John is an IT executive, author, and a well-versed public speaker – he along with Dr. Elaine Aron and Dr. Tracy Cooper facilitated the first highly sensitive men’s seminar in 2020. John’s hardships growing up in a masculinity conundrum nearly drove him over the edge.
Through self-regulated discipline and his strong faith, John learned to find his way out of troubled waters. Today, he is a successful businessman with a loving family. John will share his insights on the 3 golden reasons why HS men make great leaders.