Talking points: anger, trauma, relationships This is an essential episode for two reasons. One, it clearly shows how emotions and behaviors get passed down not just in mind but in body. Two, this episode also shows there are men out there doing real work—and they're committed to it; my guest was already familiar with the somatic part of his feelings. If you grew up in a volatile family, this is doubly worth listening to. *** Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a missio...
Mar 31, 2025•32 min•Ep. 536
Talking points: archetypes, psychology, relationships I genuinely feel this is one of the most important concepts we as men should understand. It affects a lot of us, and it definitely affected me. It definitely fits the word "complex", but it's absolutely something you can work on. So grab a notepad, dig in, and share with any man you think would benefit. (00:00:00) - Intro, definition, and why knowing about this is useful (00:08:09) - What causes this split? (00:21:55) - Rounding up what kind ...
Mar 27, 2025•34 min
Talking points: relationships, evolutionary psychology, culture You know it, I know it, and Michael Sartain knows it: there are a LOT of men out there facing extreme difficulty. I wanted to pick Michael’s brain on how to help men understand why this is, but from the perspective of evolutionary psychology, and the boots-on-ground experience of a fellow coach. I appreciate Michael’s ability to follow (and focus) the data without getting lost in reactionary antics. Listen in. (00:00:00) - How Micha...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 535
Talking points: attachment, relationships, culture I recently brought in an attachment specialist for the Alliance because a lot of men are noticing an uptick in women who are emotionally distant, avoid vulnerability, and break it off the second things get serious. There are a ton of ways to look at this, and lots of factors, but I wanted to dig in a bit—and give some insight into what YOU can do if you're dating an avoidant woman. *** Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau ...
Mar 20, 2025•18 min
Talking points: attachment, marriage, trauma There’s a lot of attachment content out there. I should know, I make a fair bit myself. But in my work with this week’s anonymous guest, you can see just how complex things can get. My guest is managing the anxious-avoidant dance really well, but processing what causes it is something that requires deeper work. Listen in. (00:00:00) - Intro, handling the anxious/avoidant dance in marriage, and the what it felt like losing a father (00:11:21) - Who was...
Mar 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 534
Talking points: relationships, attachment There's one significant trap a lot of men fall into when they're anxiously attached. Good news? It's manageable—as long as you know where it's coming from. If you or your partner has this attachment style, dig in. (00:00:00) - Defining the trap, and why it happens (00:04:29) - What you’re really up against, and the first step in escaping the trap (00:09:15) - Uncovering where it shows up in your relationship, and taking action (00:12:09) - Don’t just pra...
Mar 13, 2025•16 min
Talking points: culture, marketing, relationships I consider it an achievement to have Tad on the show. He's a soulful and wise person who can cut through the BS quickly—and do it kindly, no less. We sat down to discuss the parallels in ethically presenting your case in both the business and dating realms. You'll be surprised at how similar some aspects are! (00:00:00) - How is dating an extension of marketing? (00:13:24) - The meaning of “gauging” a potential partner, and what to look for (00:1...
Mar 10, 2025•56 min•Ep. 533
Talking points: attachment, relationships The way you connect with others really can change for the better, and it's important to know when you're headed in the right direction. If you or your partner has an avoidant attachment style—aka shutdown in conflict, emotional distancing, etc.—this one's for you. Listen in. Not sure what avoidant attachment is? Check out A Man's Guide To Avoidant Attachment: https://lnk.to/3anA6L (00:00:00) - Intro and what you need to understand first (00:02:25) - Sign...
Mar 06, 2025•12 min
Talking points: relationships, conflict, love, culture There aren’t many folks in the wellness space as frank, wise, and empathetic as Jillian, and I always love having her on the show. This time, we sat down to dig into everything relationships, from culture and social media’s effects (read: not always great) to defining lust vs love, and much more. Strongly recommend this one for a couple’s listen. (00:00:00) - Why are people so disenfranchised with relationships these days, and is there...
Mar 03, 2025•57 min•Ep. 532
Talking point: dating, relationships, risk I recently came across some work by Alexander (aka @DatePsych), where he put together some fascinating data. Turns out 45% of men between 18-25 haven't asked a woman out. Ever. What's the deal? Well, here are two of my theories, and I'd love to hear yours. Link to the study: https://datepsychology.com/risk-aversion-and-dating/ *** Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business own...
Feb 27, 2025•12 min
Talking points: friendship, masculinity, Ryan Michler and I have been in the men's work biz for a long time, and we've seen the changes—some good, some bad—in how men are talked about and marketed to by our culture and by the wellness and therapy industries. We dig into the necessity of male friendship in the face of growing isolationism, the upcoming Men's Forge, and a whole lot more. Listen in, team. (00:00:00) - Intro and why does it seem like men are having a harder time maintaining relation...
Feb 24, 2025•51 min•Ep. 531
Talking points: mindset This is something I’ve seen a LOT of men battle, and with no success—and I include myself in that. This week, I want to reframe the idea of self-worth and give you a few insights that will likely change the game for you. Dig in. (00:00:00) - Reframing self-worth, and why many men struggle with it (00:04:27) - Reasons why self-worth gets damaged (00:07:26) - You don’t build it by winning all the time; recognize effort instead. Here’s why it works (00:12:00) - Release...
Feb 20, 2025•15 min
Talking points: trauma, validation, mindset, relationships Recently, I put out a call on Instagram: who wants to join me for a short, recorded Q&A. We had a TON of respondents, but I wanted to highlight four in particular that I feel are unique, but at the same time offer a window into what so many men endure. These are everyday men from completely different walks of life, all different ages, but united in a single fact: they’re doing the work. I’m deeply grateful to each of them for a...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 530
Talking points: mythology, masculinity, trauma Myth isn't just old story. It's also a powerful way to frame the workings of the world, the mind, and everything in between. The story of Perseus is just one example of this, with insights on boyhood vs manhood, facing risk, and much more. Dig in. (00:00:00) - Intro and the first lesson of the Perseus’ story (00:06:09) - The second lesson (00:09:36) - Lessons behind Perseus and Medusa (00:16:09) - How the role of a mother and the initiation into man...
Feb 13, 2025•19 min
Talking points: masculinity, culture, gratitude, anger, poetry I don’t typically get starstruck or awed in interviews, even though I’ve talked to many incredible people. But David? Well, he’s had an immense impact on my life, and so much of my work and way of thinking lives inspired by him. He joined me in Seattle and shared so much wisdom, beauty, and of course, poetry. Dig into this one. (00:00:00) - What is the “conversational nature of reality”, why the unknown is so uncomfortable, and the f...
Feb 10, 2025•2 hr 36 min•Ep. 529
Talking points: psychology, the shadow, attachment theory Now there's a mouthful of psych words! All jokes aside, a Jungian perspective on attachment theory is a powerful combo. This week, I'm laying out a simple definition for the shadow and anxious attachment, and a straightforward way to begin the work yourself right away. Listen in. (00:00:00) - A quick primer on anxious attachment and the shadow (00:05:17) - The first thing you need to figure out, and some common causes of anxious attachmen...
Feb 06, 2025•16 min
Talking points: culture, masculinity Broad-brushing things doesn't help us progress. Broad-brushing people is even worse. Young men are facing what feels to them a hostile landscape, and it's causing some serious issues. Listen in. (00:00:00) - The abusive relationship analogy (00:05:36) - Porn DOES contribute (00:08:16) - The new narrative (00:11:03) - Is there a more positive vision for men and masculinity? And a message to guys who are struggling *** Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, a...
Feb 04, 2025•16 min
Talking points: mindset, attraction, relationships I was surprised at the sheer volume of basic advice there is out there on being a more attractive man. This week, we're going to go a little beyond "hit the gym" and "smoke less". How do you build your attractiveness from the inside out AND stay authentically you? Listen in. (00:00:00) - Be untameable—somewhat (00:09:50) - Develop emotional sovereignty (00:12:11) - Develop direction and discipline (00:14:14) - Have some non-negotiables. Please. ...
Jan 30, 2025•21 min
Talking points: masculinity, culture, race It's always a highlight of my life speaking with Jason. This man and his tireless work shaping comprehensive, authentic men is nothing short of inspiring. Deeply grateful to have sat down with him to dig into the nuances of his new book (out Jan 28!), the manosphere, Black America, and what modern men miss out on. Listen. To. This. (00:00:00) - How Jason’s environment shaped his perception of manhood, and the challenges of hypermasculinity (00:11:02) - ...
Jan 27, 2025•57 min•Ep. 528
Talking points: psychology You've probably seen this idea floating around social media for a while, and it's a solid framework for healing. But what does it actually mean, how does it work, and is it worthwhile if you're a man? This week, let's talk about what inner child work entails. (00:00:00) - “What’s hidden in the father is revealed in the son”, and what inner child work actually means (00:10:10) - The main benefits of this kind of work, and where to start (00:17:35) - Two useful journalin...
Jan 23, 2025•30 min•Ep. 527
Talking points: relationships, infidelity, betrayal The damage from infidelity in a relationship can be complex, traumatic, and last far longer than you might think. What's more, there aren't a lot of men-specific resources out there. Fortunately Adam is changing that. If you or someone you know has experienced infidelity, strongly encourage you to share this one. (00:00:00) - Why Adam wrote his book, and the stigmas men experience when they’re cheated on (00:05:13) - How important is it that al...
Jan 20, 2025•47 min•Ep. 526
Talking points: attachment, relationships We all have parts of us that are hard to handle. But if you're in a relationship with someone who's got an avoidant attachment style, there's ONE behavior that's tougher than the rest. Here's what it is, and how to handle it. (00:00:00) - Intro, and “the flip” (00:03:55) - The real challenge dealing with an avoidant partner (00:05:52) - So what do you do? *** Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as ...
Jan 16, 2025•12 min
Talking points: masculinity, culture Honored to have connected with the Barefoot Dutchman himself this week. In case you hadn't heard, Anton Nootenboom recently finished walking over 3100 miles—barefoot—from LA to NYC to support men's mental health. Yes. Barefoot. We dig into the why, the how, and Anton's core philosophies. Listen in, team. (00:00:00) - Intro, and what the mental and emotional strain was like (00:15:39) - Why Anton wanted to raise awareness for men’s mental health (00:22:04) - W...
Jan 13, 2025•55 min•Ep. 525
Talking points: relationships, marriage Not an easy topic for anyone, but there ARE things you can do that can help things go more smoothly. Whether you chose it or it got chosen for you, I've laid out what you need to ask yourself and how you should proceed. Listen in. (00:00:00) - Intro, and the best question to ask yourself first (00:07:18) - How do you know when it’s time to go, and midlife changes (00:16:12) - Divorcing in anger, and the first thing I say to men who have decided (00:20:26) ...
Jan 09, 2025•31 min•Ep. 525
Talking points: attachment, mindset, psychology Diving into the deep end for 2025, team. The disorganized attachment style is complex, hard to manage, and my heart goes out to anyone who struggles with this. But over the years of training and study, and working with clients with disorganized attachment, I've found some things that help. Here's your primer, team. (00:00:00) - Why disorganized attachment is so challenging, what makes it different, and the biggest origin points (00:09:26) - Digging...
Jan 06, 2025•50 min•Ep. 524
Talking points: new year, goals, mindset Goals don’t always work, especially when the end result requires a more flexible approach, like having a healthier internal dialogue or more intimacy in your relationship. This week, let’s dig into a different approach: non-linear goal setting. (00:00:00) - Why step-by-step goals may not work, and how to have an aim (00:06:07) - Let go of the idea that paint-by-numbers is always the way to go, and embrace experimentation (00:10:424) - Learn how to read th...
Jan 02, 2025•22 min
Talking points: trauma, culture, attachment, masculinity Maybe you’re new (or new-ish) to the podcast. Maybe you’re gunning for new insights so you kick off 2025 right. Either way, we here at ManTalks have got your back. In this episode, you’ll find extended clips from 2024’s top interviews, from the veteran perspectives of Michael Meade to the attachment expertise of Sarah Baldwin. Happy New Year, team. (00:00:00) - Peter Levine on the symptoms of trauma and using active imagination (00:19:41) ...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 523
Talking points: mindset, new year new you Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a big fan of New Year's Resolutions. So instead of adding another thing to do, be, or try to your list, why not take something away? These ten things come from my own experience as well as helping high-performing men in multiple fields. Listen in. (00:00:00) - Stop self-deprecating, and start taking “clean accountability” (00:04:16) - Stop blaming women for all your problems (00:07:40) - Stop consuming mindless content. ...
Dec 26, 2024•30 min
No bells and whistles this Monday, team. Just a few reminders and a simple, honest, and massive thank you for tuning in. Wherever you are, however you celebrate, whatever you do, I wish you and yours peace, grace, and happiness. *** Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men's Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491 Pic...
Dec 23, 2024•7 min
Talking points: relationships, masculinity, culture This is a question I get all the time from men. They date a woman who takes on what feels like a very masculine energy, and they're not sure how to handle that without doubling down on battles, roles, and standoffs. Here's how to build a grounded, fulfilling, satisfying partnership instead. (00:00:00) - Intro and the reasons women adopt traditionally masculine traits (00:08:40) - What do you do? Number one: let go of “who’s right” battles (00:1...
Dec 19, 2024•22 min
