Send us a text Confronting the lies we tell ourselves requires recognizing the deceptive voice in our heads and actively replacing falsehoods with truth to renew our minds and find inner peace. • The voice in your head that claims to know everything is often lying to you • This internal voice was formed in childhood and shaped by experiences, education, and environment • Most dangerous lies include thoughts like "I'm not enough," "I don't deserve good things," or "I'm not worthy" • Spiritual war...
Jun 27, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Send us a text Have you ever felt trapped between the person you've been and the person you're meant to become? That uncomfortable space of transformation is exactly where Aaron Thomas finds himself. Aaron opens his heart about the mental struggle he's been experiencing while trying to deepen his relationship with God. He describes the intense pressure that comes from trying to let go of an old identity while simultaneously resisting the birth of something new. "The old has gone, the new is here...
Jun 13, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Send us a text We challenge the dangerous myth that men must sacrifice their mental health to care for their families. Sharing my own experience with suicidal thoughts from trying to be everyone's hero while neglecting myself, we explore how this common pattern leads men to silent suffering and self-destruction. • Men often operate under a false hero complex, believing self-neglect equals strength • Over 75% of US suicides are men, with approximately 100 men taking their lives daily • Mental bur...
Jun 06, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Send us a text Aaron Thomas dives deep into three transformative quotes that have become guideposts in his journey toward authentic manhood. With refreshing honesty, he explores the struggle many men face—wanting to succeed independently while knowing deep down that meaningful achievement requires connection and vulnerability. "Your ability to partner with others will largely determine your potential." Aaron unpacks how this truth challenges the lone wolf mentality prevalent among men. Through p...
May 23, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Send us a text Esmeralda shares her perspective on raising two teenage boys as a single mother and discusses her views on what makes a good man in today's world. • Being a man comes with unique challenges like societal expectations to be the provider, to be tough, and to take on numerous responsibilities • Men and women have different characteristics that should complement each other rather than compete • Teaching boys practical skills like changing tires and using tools prepares them for manhoo...
May 09, 2025•54 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Send us a text Aaron Thomas explores ten barriers preventing men from reaching their full potential as open, vulnerable individuals who inspire those around them. • Societal expectations around traditional masculinity discourage emotional expression • Workplace stress puts pressure on men to prioritize work over family and personal wellbeing • Relationship issues stem from difficulty expressing emotions and needs • Financial pressure ties economic stability to self-worth causing unnecessary stre...
May 02, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Send us a text Aaron Thomas explores the evolving definition of masculinity with his wife Yanni, examining how men can find purpose beyond societal expectations and create healthier relationships through emotional intelligence. • Men today have more opportunity to be themselves beyond traditional provider roles • Creating safe spaces where men can remove their masks and express vulnerability • The energy a man brings home shapes the entire household • Emotional intelligence is often excluded fro...
Apr 25, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Send us a text Coach Q shares his journey of redefining masculinity through vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be a man in today's world. • Masculinity is evolving to include vulnerability, emotional awareness, and nurturing qualities alongside traditional strength • Finding purpose requires living in alignment with personal values rather than chasing external validation • Embracing vulnerability allows men to proc...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Send us a text Youth Pastor Branden shares insights on modern manhood, challenging cultural definitions and exploring how men can balance strength with emotional intelligence in today's world. • Being a man has become culturally defined rather than universally understood • Essential life skills include communication, confrontation, and problem-solving • Finding purpose beyond work and status involves discovering meaning in relationships • Vulnerability is critical to being heard and understood i...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 10
Send us a text Pastor Andy from Hope Alive Church shares his journey through modern masculinity, revealing how vulnerability and faith shape authentic manhood in ways our grandfathers never experienced. • Contrasting traditional masculinity with modern expectations—from his grandfather's stoic approach to today's emphasis on emotional intelligence • Finding purpose beyond wealth and status by focusing on family and faith rather than societal measures of success • Vulnerability as a cornerstone o...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Send us a text Justin Granado joins Aaron Thomas to explore the evolving landscape of modern masculinity, from defining purpose and embracing vulnerability to building meaningful friendships and leaving a positive legacy. • Defining manhood as consistently showing up for others in whatever capacity they need you • Finding purpose through difficult moments and using personal setbacks as catalysts for growth • Why vulnerability is essential to true masculinity and deep connections • The importance...
Mar 28, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Send us a text Aaron Thomas and Pastor Cliff have a profound conversation about modern masculinity, challenging traditional norms while exploring emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and purposeful living. They examine how society often contradicts itself by telling men to suppress natural instincts while celebrating these same qualities in women. • Manhood today requires awareness and confidence despite societal pressures to conform • Finding purpose beyond wealth and status means connecting ...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Send us a text Aaron Thomas launches a new podcast series exploring the state of manhood through conversations with men from diverse backgrounds about identity, purpose, emotions, relationships, and masculinity in society. He shares his own perspective while inviting others to contribute their experiences to help men navigate life's challenges. • Modern men must adapt beyond traditional provider/protector roles to inspire and motivate those around them • Finding purpose doesn't require status or...
Mar 14, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Send us a text Today's episode engages deeply with the theme of men's struggles with purpose and accountability, shedding light on how their development is influenced from a young age. Through real-life stories, we examine the pivotal transitions from youth to adulthood and the impact of societal pressures on men's self-worth. • Exploring societal expectations and their effects on young boys • Insights from the classroom: Stories of accountability and growth • The role of parental protection in ...
Feb 25, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Send us a text Aaron Thomas confronts racial misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and unity. He advocates for open dialogue about identity and encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves while challenging societal stereotypes. • Misconceptions about Black identity and humanity • Personal struggles with proving worth in a racially charged society • The need for deeper conversations around race and humanity • Critical insights on DEI and systemic barriers face...
Feb 13, 2025•16 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Send us a text This episode explores the journey of a coach learning that setbacks can be setups for a greater purpose, driven by faith in God’s timing. It emphasizes the importance of resilience, personal growth, and recognizing the unseen details guiding our paths. • The significance of divine timing amidst uncertainty • Personal experiences with the coaching application process • Turning disappointments into opportunities • The impact of faith on individual performance in sports • Lessons lea...
Feb 01, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Send us a text In Beyond Toughness: The Real Struggles of Modern Men, we dive into the timeless truth that hard times create strong men, and strong men create weak times. Exploring the mental and emotional struggles men face in today's world, we unravel how societal shifts, modern expectations, and personal growth intertwine. We also explore how strong, independent women shape the next generation, sometimes unintentionally raising weak boys, and the critical importance of building supportive com...
Jan 20, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Send us a text Have you ever felt lost in the whirlwind of life’s challenges, searching for a steadfast anchor? Join me, Aaron Thomas, as I return to podcasting after a significant break, sharing my journey of rediscovering purpose and stability. Through candid reflection, I open up about my personal struggles and the fear that has held me back from embracing a deeper spiritual connection with God. My mission is to surpass the expectations set by previous generations, embracing authenticity and ...
Oct 14, 2024•20 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Send us a text Imagine living every day on high alert, never able to relax or feel truly at ease. That's been my reality, and in this episode of Excellence Above Talent, I peel back the layers of my emotional struggles that came to light during a marriage counseling session with Pastor Mark Martha at Hope Alive Church. My wife Yanni's poignant observation that I've never been emotionally regulated hit hard, forcing me to reflect on my turbulent childhood and intense military career. From the wei...
Jun 25, 2024•16 min
Send us a text Imagine transforming your life by embracing change and uncovering your true potential. Join me, Aaron Thomas, on this soul-searching episode of Excellence Above Talent as I recount my personal journey of confronting mental barriers and negative perceptions about wealth. From childhood misconceptions that led to self-sabotage, to utilizing faith-based affirmations to reshape my mindset, we delve into the broader implications of change. This episode reveals the crucial role of emoti...
Jun 14, 2024•19 min
Send us a text What happens when a soldier returns home but finds no support to help them cope with the shadows of war? On this impactful episode of Excellence Above Talent, I, Aaron Thomas, share my deeply personal journey from the battlefields of Iraq to the daunting reality of civilian life. You'll hear about the harrowing encounters with IEDs, the tragic loss of comrades, and the ever-looming threat of death that haunted each mission. As I transitioned back home, the absence of a robust supp...
Jun 07, 2024•21 min
Send us a text As I sat across from Keelan, Darrien, and Mavrick, the gravity of our conversation about manhood and masculinity couldn't be clearer. Together, we peeled back the layers of what it means to be a man in the fabric of today's society, where the threads of traditional and modern expectations are tightly interwoven. We brought our personal definitions to the table, grappling with the ideals of leadership, provision, and the stark reality that vulnerability remains a silent struggle fo...
May 31, 2024•29 min
Send us a text Struggling with an addiction that lurks behind screens and clicks, I, Aaron Thomas, have fought a personal war against the grip of pornography. Today, I invite you into my world, not as a passive observer, but as a companion on a path paved with resilience and determination. Witness the profound impact this battle has had on my life, carving deep into the fabric of my first marriage and the valleys of my soul. It's been a year and a half of relentless pursuit towards recovery, whe...
May 24, 2024•23 min
Send us a text When I stepped into the classroom at Nimitz Middle School, I wasn't just teaching math; I was embarking on a mission to transform lives. In today's episode, I, Aaron Thomas, open up about the powerful lessons learned from both my students and influential community figures like Colin Sewell. I share the emotional journey from being a spectator in life's arena to an active combatant for positive change, informed by the ups and downs of personal loss and the drive to mentor our youth...
May 17, 2024•27 min
Send us a text When I stepped into my 7th grade math classroom, I didn't expect to confront the harsh reality of how young boys treat their female teachers. But there it was, a microcosm of the disrespect and intimidation that can seed future abusive behaviors. In my latest podcast episode, I, Aaron Thomas, take you through a journey that is both harrowing and hopeful. I invite courageous men, who once walked a troubled path, to share their stories of transformation and the conversations they wi...
May 10, 2024•19 min
Send us a text Caught in a silent struggle, many of us grapple with the heavy weight of what it means to be a man in today's society. I'm Aaron Thomas, and on our latest podcast, I bear my soul in a candid conversation about the internal wars we're too often fighting alone. We delve into the consequences of toxic masculinity, the impact of societal expectations on our mental health, and the transformative journey towards understanding our spirituality and purpose. Through my own experiences and ...
May 03, 2024•26 min
Send us a text Have you ever stood at the crossroads of self-improvement, feeling both daunted and determined? Join me, Aaron Thomas, on Excellence Above Talent, as we traverse the rocky terrain of personal growth and male leadership. This year's journey has been a profound one, wrestling with the ego and learning to let faith lead the way. It's been a battle against the lure of destructive habits and the quest to find value beyond our missteps. Through candid discussions, I delve into the power...
Dec 29, 2023•22 min
Send us a text What happens when determination, accountability, and hard work take center stage? Join us as we sit down with Justin, a man who juggles multiple thriving businesses, and learn about the grit and tenacity it takes to turn dreams into reality. From running a gym for 12 years to opening a new bar, Justin shares his journey and insights on navigating life's challenges, defining success, and the power of contributing to others' growth. How do you see success? Is it through materialisti...
Nov 20, 2023•59 min
Send us a text Ever wondered why we so often wait for life to throw us curveballs instead of stepping up and challenging ourselves? This is the fundamental question that we tackle head-on in our new episode of Excellence Above Talent. I'm Aaron Thomas, and I pull back the curtains on my personal journey, sharing how the philosophy of 'embracing the suck' has helped me adopt a healthier lifestyle and smash my personal and financial goals. I walk you through how voluntarily choosing to challenge y...
Jul 28, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Send us a text Ready for an unfiltered journey of self-discovery and personal transformation? My name is Aaron Thomas, and I'm inviting you to join me on a raw and emotional exploration through my life, insights, and experiences. From my early struggles to define my manhood to my current commitment to living an authentic life on my terms, this episode is a candid share about my journey of disruption and accountability. I have learned to find power in disruptive thinking, using it as a force to a...
Jul 21, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 12
