I sit down once again with Stephen Jenkinson to explore his latest work on matrimony, ritual, and the mothering of culture. We talk about how weddings have lost much of their meaning, what it means to return to vows with real weight, and how ritual can nourish not just a couple but an entire community. Stephen shares how he reconstructs ceremony from broken shards of tradition and why it matters now more than ever. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 01:19 - Matrimony vs. Marriage 06:10 - The M...
Oct 13, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 582
I break down what complex trauma really is - and how it quietly shapes the way many men think, love, and connect. I share the difference between acute trauma and complex trauma, how it’s formed in childhood through neglect or inconsistency, and how these early wounds show up in adult relationships. Most importantly, I give you real, actionable tools to begin healing and reconnecting with your sense of safety and self-worth. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The hidden struggle many men face 02:23 - What c...
Oct 09, 2025•30 min•Ep. 581
I dive deep into what really happens to men in a sexless marriage — emotionally, psychologically, and biologically. I break down why rejection cuts so deeply, how it impacts a man’s confidence and identity, and what couples can do to rebuild trust, safety, and intimacy. Whether you’re in a relationship that’s lost its spark or trying to understand your partner better, this conversation offers a roadmap back to connection. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Why a sexless marriage hurts men 02:53 – Rejection...
Oct 06, 2025•34 min•Ep. 580
I explore the real roots of self-worth and why so many of us struggle with it despite doing “all the right things.” I share how childhood experiences shape attachment and how that impacts our ability to value ourselves as adults. I also break down the crucial practices that build self-worth — from expressing needs and boundaries to taking healthy risks. Finally, I open up about my own journey of failing my way to success and how you can begin your own process of healing. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – ...
Oct 02, 2025•27 min•Ep. 579
I dive into the three “dark traits” that every great leader throughout history has had to master. From unpredictability to high stress tolerance to a lack of empathy, these qualities can make or break your leadership in relationships, business, and self-mastery. I unpack how to wield them without being consumed by them, drawing from history, psychology, and personal experience. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Why great leaders need dark traits 02:05 – Trait #1: Unpredictability 10:20 – Trait #2: High St...
Sep 29, 2025•32 min•Ep. 578
I dive into the anxious attachment trap and why it keeps sabotaging relationships. I share the hidden beliefs and behaviors that fuel insecurity, and I break down practical strategies to move toward secure attachment. You’ll learn how to interrupt the cycle, communicate clearly, and start building safety and stability in your relationships. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Understanding anxious attachment 02:44 - Why it’s not your fault 03:57 - Common red flags and behaviors 05:54 - Pre-breakup anxiety e...
Sep 25, 2025•23 min•Ep. 577
I explore the rise of misanthropy and why so many people seem to be losing faith in humanity. I unpack how social media, economics, and cultural conflicts fuel this growing sense of distrust and despair. I also share why I believe practicing a radical faith in humanity is not only possible but necessary. Join me as I challenge the narratives of fear and invite you to see a different way forward. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction: What is misanthropy? 00:58 – Social media and amplified otherin...
Sep 22, 2025•26 min•Ep. 576
I dive into Carl Jung’s concept of the Puer Aeternus—the eternal child, or what we might call the “man-child.” I explore how this archetype shows up in our lives through procrastination, fantasy, and avoidance of responsibility. I share myths like Icarus and Peter Pan, the shadow side of this archetype, and practical steps to move from the eternal boy to the integrated man. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:01 – The Puer Aeternus: Eternal Child 02:42 – Fixation on Youth vs. Responsibility 04:12 – The Provision...
Sep 18, 2025•30 min•Ep. 575
I sit down with Sandy to explore how childhood experiences and family dynamics shaped the way he shows up in his marriage and new role as a father. We dive into themes of complex trauma, feeling alone, and learning how to connect in the moment rather than after the fact. Together, we work through practical exercises on presence, nervous system awareness, and building safety in relationships. This is a raw, vulnerable dialogue about healing, fatherhood, and not carrying old patterns into the futu...
Sep 15, 2025•50 min•Ep. 574
Today, I discuss the common belief that men are intimidated by successful women. We explore where this narrative comes from, why it persists, and what’s really going on beneath the surface. Instead of intimidation, attraction often breaks down when certain traits and behaviors enter the relationship dynamic. Tune in for an honest look at success, gender roles, and what makes relationships thrive or fail. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Are men really intimidated by women? 01:04 – The origins of this nar...
Sep 12, 2025•12 min•Ep. 573
I dive into the archetype of the Trickster—the part of us that thrives on chaos, sabotage, and disruption, yet also carries the medicine of transformation. I explore how the Trickster shows up in mythology, film, and our daily lives, and why learning to embrace him can free us from stagnancy. You’ll discover how to build a relationship with this shadow energy and use it as a source of creativity, humor, and growth. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:01 – Introduction to the Trickster Archetype 02:38 – The Joker...
Sep 08, 2025•27 min•Ep. 572
I break down why quitting weed is so damn hard and the science behind it. From brain rewiring and withdrawal to the skyrocketing potency of today’s cannabis, I explain the real reasons people struggle. I also share a proven step-by-step strategy to help you prepare, manage cravings, and quit for good. If you’ve tried before and slipped back, this roadmap is for you. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Why quitting weed is hard 01:09 – Reason #1: Brain rewiring 05:02 – Reason #2: Withdrawal is real 06:58 – R...
Sep 04, 2025•31 min•Ep. 571
Connor sits down with storyteller Jameson Olsen to dive into the myth of Hercules and uncover its relevance for modern men. From the legendary labors to the tragedy that shaped his journey, Jameson unpacks how these ancient myths reflect the struggles of responsibility, temptation, betrayal, and redemption men face today. They explore the crossroads between vice and virtue, the weight of personal choices, and the timeless lessons hidden in myth. This conversation challenges men to confront their...
Sep 01, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 570
I dive into why many men feel invisible to women in the dating world and relationships, exploring the concept of sexual marketplace value. I break down the reasons behind this invisibility and share practical steps to stand out, from auditing your personal presentation to building a strong social network. Join me as I discuss how focusing on self-improvement naturally boosts your attractiveness and visibility to women. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction to Male Invisibility 00:52 - Understandi...
Aug 28, 2025•24 min•Ep. 569
Listen to this episode for a raw and powerful conversation about loss, grief, and reclaiming self-trust. Together, we explore how childhood wounds shaped his sense of worth and authority, and what it means to step into becoming the true authority of your own life. This is a deeply moving dialogue about forgiveness, healing, and learning to finally trust yourself. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Welcome and introduction 00:49 Confronting grief and loss 07:10 Childhood trauma and its impact 14:30 Speaking t...
Aug 25, 2025•50 min•Ep. 568
I explore the character of Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings as a model of virtuous masculinity. I break down how he embodies the protector, the healer, and the humble king, and what that means for us as men today. Aragorn shows us how strength and gentleness, ambition and humility, can coexist—and why the world needs more of that balance right now. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction 00:27 – The hands of the king 03:13 – The protector king 06:22 – The humility of power 08:24 – Strength with p...
Aug 21, 2025•23 min•Ep. 567
I sit down with Roger for a powerful conversation about intimacy, leadership, and the courage it takes to be fully honest in a relationship. We explore how childhood wounds can carry into adult partnerships, and the work it takes to break free from old cycles of shame and avoidance. Roger opens up with deep vulnerability, and together we unpack what it means to step into responsibility and create real connection. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Opening & Welcome 00:52 – Roger’s Relationship Struggle...
Aug 18, 2025•55 min•Ep. 566
I dive into how your shadow self might be quietly sabotaging your love life — and what you can do about it. Drawing from Jungian philosophy, I explore why we’re drawn to partners who embody the very traits we’ve disowned in ourselves. I share practical ways to spot your shadow at work in your relationship and how to begin integrating it for deeper connection and intimacy. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Welcome & Jung’s insight on fate 00:50 Your shadow’s hidden intelligence 02:37 What is the shadow? ...
Aug 14, 2025•18 min•Ep. 565
I sit down with Anthony Rispo to dive deep into social cognition, human behavior, and the cultural shifts affecting men and women today. We explore how disagreements can fracture relationships, the erosion of nuance in public discourse, and the role social media plays in polarizing people. Anthony also shares his insights on gender dynamics, the state of therapy for men, and the growing narrative around being “better off alone.” This is a thought-provoking conversation that isn’t afraid to push ...
Aug 11, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 564
I dive deep into the silent treatment often used by avoidant partners—and what it really means. I share why this behavior isn't always intentional, how it impacts you emotionally, and what practical steps you can take to respond in a grounded, respectful way. As someone who used to be avoidant myself, I get the struggle from both sides. If you’re trying to navigate this dynamic in a relationship, this episode will give you clarity and tools to build healthier communication. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00...
Aug 07, 2025•20 min•Ep. 563
I dive into the modern traps that disconnect men from their masculine core, like the "nice guy" culture and procrastination, which drain your inner fire. I share practical steps to rebuild momentum through small, daily habits, helping you reclaim your strength and direction without relying on motivation. Join me as I explore how to balance empathy with assertiveness and take action toward your goals. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) - Introduction: Feeling Disconnected (01:04) - The Nice Guy Trap (02:46)...
Aug 04, 2025•13 min•Ep. 554
Talking points: relationships So many men fall into a very specific (and usually confusing) trap. They're asked to "be more vulnerable", they go way too far with it, and it ends up pushing the partner into the mother/caregiver/therapist role way too often. I've talked about this before, but let's go deeper. Here's how to interpret what's actually being asked of you. (00:00:00) - What a woman does NOT mean, and one of the paradoxes of dating (00:07:48) - What does she want, really? (00:09:01) - W...
Jul 31, 2025•15 min
Talking points: masculinity, culture Much like open pit mining, our culture has ravaged certain aspects of maturity and masculinity—and it's getting harder to remember what used to be the core components. Here are the most important principles I think most of us have forgotten to implement in our lives. I'd also love to get your thoughts on this. DM me on Instagram or if you're listening to this on Spotify, drop a comment! (00:00:00) - Learn to love and embrace the unknown (00:04:45) - Embrace d...
Jul 28, 2025•24 min•Ep. 553
I was asked recently what I'd say to men who've been thinking about giving up. Who are at the end of their rope. Not an easy topic, and I don't have a magic bullet or tactical steps for you this time. But I do have a gentle reminder. (00:00:00) - Intro, and choice (00:07:42) - On suffering and gauging what you can truly change (00:15:31) - The risk of convincing *** Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self...
Jul 24, 2025•21 min
Talking points: parents, anger, unavailability My guest this week came to work on how can't see any path other than "it's all on me", as well as a feeling of emotional distance from his father. But why? What's hidden in the shadow that connects the two? This is an excellent episode to get a feel for the work in action—and how we so easily bury certain parts of ourselves and others in the unconscious. (00:00:00) - Intro, what my guest is struggling with, and his family situation (00:10:30) - How ...
Jul 21, 2025•36 min•Ep. 552
Talking points: mindset, nervous system There's good, there's great, and then there's real mastery. I've had the privilege of working and talking with many extraordinary men. Masters of their craft. There's something that all of them do well—and it's what separates the great from the exceptional. Listen in. (00:00:00) - Intro (00:05:51) - What separates good from great, and great from exceptional (00:10:35) - The best part, and the crucial part (00:14:25) - The importance of slowness *** Tired o...
Jul 17, 2025•22 min
Talking points: trauma This week, I sit down with Tim Fletcher to explore the deep and often misunderstood world of complex trauma. We unpack how subtle childhood experiences like emotional neglect or identity suppression can shape our nervous systems, relationships, and sense of self for decades. Tim breaks down the science and psychology behind trauma and its complexity, and offers insights into how healing actually happens. If you've ever struggled with anxiety, emotional reactivity, or feeli...
Jul 14, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 551
Talking points: anxiety, attention, mindset What if the jitters aren't just from the extra coffee this morning? What if you're taking in too much info, courtesy of the never-ending scroll? There's something underneath it all, team, and building resiliency against that can be an absolute game changer. Here's how. (00:00:00) - What’s underneath all anxiety, and what it does (00:03:01) - Why this is relevant to men (00:06:38) - The Cheesecake Factory Effect (00:09:15) - So what do you do, and what ...
Jul 10, 2025•23 min
Talking points: relationship, attachment, culture I love Stan because he's able to cut through so much of the modern BS around relationships, and get straight to practical, tactical perspectives and advice. We covered a TON of ground here, from the importance of social contracts and mutual protection, to the need for shared vision and purpose in creating equitable and collaborative relationships. This is definitely a convo that will spark some discussion, so listen in, team. (00:00:00) - Intro a...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 550
Talking points: relationships, infidelity Not the happiest of talking points today, team, but it's always worth discussing. There's no universal reason for it, but from my own experience and years of working with men, I've seen some common themes. Here's a quick breakdown of the top reasons, plus the underlying motivation for almost every man that's knocked on my door. (00:00:00) - Intro, and the underlying motivation for a majority of men (00:03:40) - Reasons that fall into this category (00:10...
Jul 03, 2025•16 min
