In this raw and deeply moving episode of Rise with Roxie, Roxie Nafousi sits down with Danny Gray, founder of War Paint for Men and JAAQ, to explore his extraordinary journey through Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), mental health struggles, and resilience. From being bullied for his appearance as a child to launching a game-changing men’s makeup brand, Danny shares how his toughest battles became the fuel for his mission—to challenge toxic masculinity, break the stigma around men’s beauty, and empower others to take ownership of their confidence. Danny doesn’t hold back as he revisits the moment he realised he ticked every box for BDD, after years of silent suffering. He reflects on the darkest chapters of his mental health journey, the unwavering support of his fiancée and family, and how those experiences ignited a movement—not just through War Paint for Men, but also JAAQ (Just Ask A Question), a revolutionary mental health platform designed to offer guidance and hope to those struggling. This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action. Whether you’ve faced self-esteem struggles, battled with mental health, or want to better understand the impact of BDD, Danny’s honest, unfiltered story will challenge you to rethink confidence, redefine self-worth, and stand in your power. If you have been impacted by any of the topics discussed in this episode, you can find support here: https://www.wheresyourheadat.org/advice/#advice-help www.hubofhope.co.uk

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related