I had such a great conversation with Tripp Lanier , who has this gift for cutting through all the self-help nonsense with refreshing honesty. We got into the whole armoring thing that men do—you know, that exhausting performance where we pretend we've got everything figured out while secretly running from anything that might actually challenge us. Tripp's journey perfectly illustrates how we convince ourselves we can hack our way out of life's uncomfortable realities, only to discover that the e...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 193
I sat down with Alex Terranova, whose journey from emotionally disconnected bar manager in Venice Beach to thoughtful men's work facilitator really struck me. Growing up in 1980s LA, Alex absorbed impossible masculine ideals from action heroes and magazine covers—he admits to getting a Hulk Hogan workout set at eight years old, thinking he needed to bulk up to become a man. What hit me most was his honesty about the emotional flatlining that followed heartbreak in his twenties, where his family ...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 192
In today's episode, I dive into the rich tapestry of Aaron Johnson 's life journey from the " sexy town" of Phelan, California to his transformative work addressing touch deprivation among Black men. Aaron's storytelling is magnetic as he recounts discovering the sacredness of his desert homeland through acapella singing with his siblings, navigating dyslexia and special education, and finding his way to CalArts despite the odds. What strikes me most is Aaron's profound concept of "magic" – that...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 191
In today's episode of Mojo for the Modern Man, I had a powerful conversation with Steven Wolt , whose journey from childhood trauma to redemption offers a masterclass in masculine transformation. Growing up near New York City with a physically violent father, Steven masked his inner turmoil behind athletic achievements and later financial success, becoming a high-flying executive while secretly battling depression and disconnection. What fascinated me was how his seven-figure income and outward ...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 190
I sat down with Glenn Sandifer, who went from being a self-proclaimed "introverted only child" to a corporate leader with some fascinating stops along the way – including a stint at Samsung back when they were the "Dynex of their day" (his words, and if you're too young to get that reference, count yourself lucky). We dove into how growing up ping-ponging between family members and entertaining himself with video games and comics inadvertently prepared him for leadership. Glenn had me chuckling ...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 189
On this episode of Mojo for the Modern Man, I had the privilege of chatting with Donald Bialkowski , who might just be one of the most refreshingly honest therapists I've ever met – and believe me, I've met quite a few. Donald grew up in the quiet countryside of Green Bay, found himself teaching meditation while secretly perfecting what he calls "sophisticated substance use," until life finally caught up with him at 40 and cracked him wide open. The beauty of Donald's story isn't just in the tra...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 188
I had a deeply moving conversation with Stephen Campolo , whose transformation from an overweight teenager to a fitness coach reveals layers of complexity that most weight loss stories gloss over. With remarkable candor, Stephen shared his journey through restrictive dieting, competitive bodybuilding at 17, and his ongoing dance with binge eating - including a sobering wake-up call when his gallbladder nearly ruptured at 30. What struck me most was Stephen's ability to hold seemingly contradicto...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 187
Act two with Jake Kaufman delves into the challenging terrain of genuine transformation and healing. We explore how surface-level changes often mask deeper patterns, illustrated by Jake's transition from chaotic restaurant work to a tech startup, where familiar dysfunction followed him. The conversation expands into broader themes of collective healing, examining why men's personal development spaces often remain underpopulated despite critical need. Jake's experience launching a men's group and...
Nov 19, 2024•40 min•Ep. 186
In this first act with Jake Kaufman , we explore the profound impact of childhood environments on adult behavior patterns. Growing up in small-town Michigan where vulnerability was discouraged, Jake developed protective masks of perfectionism after experiencing sexual assault at age twelve. Drawing from Rumi and Jung, we examine how early trauma shapes our unconscious behaviors, particularly in men who often lack the tools or permission for emotional expression. The discussion weaves through the...
Nov 06, 2024•34 min•Ep. 185
In the captivating second half of our conversation, Damon Lembi takes us on a rollercoaster ride from his dashed baseball dreams to becoming CEO of LearnIt. He shares invaluable insights on finding joy in work, balancing healthy competition with compassion, and the humbling journey of building a business. Damon’s candid reflections on identity beyond career and heartwarming stories about his father's kindness to parking attendants remind us of the importance of integrity and treating everyone wi...
Oct 23, 2024•37 min•Ep. 184
In today's episode, I sat down with Damon Lembi , whose journey from baseball prodigy to business leader is a masterclass in personal growth and resilience. We dive into Damon’s sports-centric childhood, his battles with imposter syndrome in college baseball, and the pivotal moment when a coach's challenge became a lifelong lesson in self-belief. Damon shares his three-step formula for conquering self-doubt – work hard, focus deliberately, and learn and let go – which has shaped his approach to ...
Oct 15, 2024•43 min•Ep. 183
In this installment, I plunged into James Dewberry's colorful past, unearthing the bedrock of his disciplined mindset. James regaled us with uproarious tales from his youth – think DIY explosives – that showcased his unbridled curiosity. We explored his voyage into medical Qigong, ignited by a quest for healing alternatives. James's zeal for this time-honored practice was palpable as he unpacked its core tenets. Our dialogue then embarked on a globe-trotting adventure, with James emphasizing the...
Oct 08, 2024•39 min•Ep. 182
In today's episode, I sat down with James Dewberry, a Southern-born thinker with a fascinating journey of self-discovery. We delved into James's childhood in Georgia during the 80s and 90s, a time of social change and lingering prejudices. James shared poignant stories, from witnessing Klan marches to navigating interracial friendships, all while wrestling with his own identity as a bookish athlete who didn't quite fit in. The conversation took an inspiring turn when James recounted how an Afric...
Oct 01, 2024•44 min•Ep. 181
In Act 2, Kip Ioane takes us deeper into his journey as a father, coach, and advocate for reimagining masculinity. We explore the unique challenges he faces raising three children with diverse needs, and how his own upbringing influences his parenting. Kip candidly shares the behaviors he hopes his children won't inherit, particularly his tendency to weaponize his voice. The conversation then shifts to his transformative work with Teams of Men, born from a crisis that forced him to confront the ...
Sep 24, 2024•47 min•Ep. 180
In this episode, I sat down with Kip Ioane , whose journey from Polynesian kid in Montana to college athlete and coach offers a fascinating lens on masculinity, sports culture, and fatherhood. Kip's story is a potent mix of cultural contrasts, high expectations, and the weight of family legacy. We dove into the complexities of father-son relationships, exploring how a single moment of vulnerability transformed their dynamic. Kip's candid reflections on using humor as a shield and "exploiting oth...
Sep 18, 2024•41 min•Ep. 179
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Matthew Sloane , an artist, writer, and father whose journey from emotional disconnection to self-awareness is both touching and inspiring. We explored Matthew's childhood experiences of loneliness and bullying, his artistic pursuits, and his transformative path through men's work and relationships. Matthew shared candidly about his struggles with perfectionism, putting women on pedestals, and learning to integrate different aspects of himself. Hi...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 178
In today's episode, I sat down with Braxton Wood , a homeschooled maverick who's rewriting the rulebook on education and career success. Without a high school diploma or college degree, Braxton shared how he climbed from recession-era collections work to a coveted tech company gig, all by "betting on himself." We dove into his DIY approach to learning – think marketing seminars in libraries with four attendees and an iMac for a projector – and how it shaped his "fail fast, fail cheap" philosophy...
Sep 03, 2024•43 min•Ep. 177
In today's episode, I had the pleasure of diving into the fascinating world of homeschooling with Braxton Wood, a self-proclaimed "homeschool dropout" turned successful entrepreneur. Braxton's journey from the mountains of Utah to the deserts of Arizona is peppered with unique insights and unconventional wisdom. We explored how his homeschooling experience shaped his work ethic, social skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. Braxton's candid reflections on breaking stereotypes, navigating full-time ...
Aug 29, 2024•41 min•Ep. 176
In the second half of our conversation, Eric Fitzmedrud and I explore the intricate terrain of personal growth, relationships, and sexuality. Eric shares his journey of writing a book born from his own experiences, aimed at guiding men through the complexities of desire and intimacy. We discuss the crucial, yet often overlooked, importance of self-care for men, and the challenges of prioritizing our own well-being. Eric offers valuable insights on finding supportive men's groups that foster genu...
Aug 20, 2024•34 min•Ep. 175
Eric FitzMedrud joins me today for a fascinating conversation about the intricate dance of healing, growth, and modern masculinity. From unpacking the multi-generational nature of trauma to exploring the nuances of accountability and self-forgiveness, Eric's journey offers a compelling lens for examining our own paths to becoming better men. We wrestle with the challenge of integrating our 'shadow' selves and the ongoing work of personal development. Our conversation touches on the power of ment...
Aug 14, 2024•45 min•Ep. 174
In this profound second act of my conversation with Shawn Lesser , we explore the transformative power of vulnerability and human connection in the face of mental health challenges. Our conversation delves into the often-overlooked struggles men face when confronting their inner demons, highlighting the critical importance of breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health. Shawn’s journey from a successful finance professional to mental health advocate serves as a fantastic backdrop for discuss...
Aug 06, 2024•38 min•Ep. 173
What a pleasure to be joined by Shawn Lesser , whose transformation from a shy Long Island kid to a confident international finance pro exemplifies the power of personal growth. Act 1 of our conversation begins with Shawn's candid reflections on navigating divorced parents and two father figures reveal how these experiences shaped his core values, particularly his commitment to honesty and follow-through. The game-changer in Shawn's story was the Dale Carnegie course, which not only helped him o...
Jul 30, 2024•38 min•Ep. 172
In round two with Anson Whitmer, we dive deep into the murky waters of men's mental health, which was quite the journey. Anson opens up about his own battles with loss and emotional suppression, leading us to a fascinating chat about how men cope - turns out, it's not great! We tackle the sneaky ways depression disguises itself in men versus women, and why the mental health world needs to step up its game. Anson then unveils his brainchild, the Mental app, which is basically a Swiss Army knife f...
Jul 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 171
In this episode, I sat down with Anson Whitmer , whose diverse life experiences span from a split childhood between Chicago and England to daring solo adventures across the globe. Anson's tales of culture shock, jungle expeditions, and academic pursuits paint a vivid picture of a life driven by curiosity and resilience. We explored how his travels fostered a unique perspective on human connection and empathy, particularly towards those different from ourselves. Anson's journey from globetrotter ...
Jul 17, 2024•43 min•Ep. 170
In this captivating second act with Mike Sweeney , I was treated to a treasure trove of hard-earned wisdom. Mike's journey from Army officer to corporate leader, and through the choppy waters of divorce and fatherhood, is nothing short of remarkable. I couldn't help but chuckle as he recounted how a forklift driver's casual "Oh well" became a pivotal moment in his leadership philosophy. It's fascinating how Mike evolved from a command-and-conquer approach to one of connection and inspiration, sh...
Jul 09, 2024•46 min•Ep. 169
Today I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mike Sweeney , a Boston-born "country mouse," Army veteran, and father. Our conversation traced Mike's remarkable journey from an emotionally limited young man to a more self-aware adult. We explored his privileged yet conflicted childhood, delved into his transformative military experience, and discussed the profound impact fatherhood has had on his life and perspective. Mike's story illuminates the challenges and rewards of emotional growt...
Jul 03, 2024•44 min
In the second half of our conversation, Brian Anderson continues to captivate with his heartfelt reflections on fatherhood and personal growth. With disarming honesty, Brian shares pivotal moments from his journey as a father - from early missteps to profound realizations about unconditional love. His story of founding Fathering Together emerges as a powerful testament to turning personal challenges into a force for collective good, and his passionate advocacy for 'servant leadership' in fatherh...
Jun 25, 2024•42 min
In today's episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Brian Anderson , who generously shares his remarkable journey of resilience, service, and redefining modern masculinity. With raw candor and infectious humor, Brian recounts pivotal moments from his Hoosier roots to the front lines of social work in Anchorage - from the heartbreak of losing two close friends at a young age to discovering his passion for servant leadership. I'm struck by the profound impact of Brian's father, whose steady presence ...
Jun 18, 2024•44 min
Matt Englar-Carlson is back for part two of our conversation - an introspective journey into healthy masculinity where Matt shares hard-earned wisdom on navigating the changing landscape of modern manhood. With humor and heart, he recounts how confronting rigid notions of masculinity in his work as a therapist sparked a personal quest to redefine what it means to be a good man. Matt and I dig into the transformative power of deep male friendships, the myth of the lone cowboy, and why we must tea...
Jun 05, 2024•40 min•Ep. 165
Today I am thrilled to be joined by Matt Englar-Carlson who takes us on an introspective journey exploring the roots of his profound resilience as we begin our conversation. With candor, wit and a few laughs, Matt vividly recounts how an itinerant childhood and the grounding example of his marathon-running psychologist father instilled the tenacity to persevere through life's inevitable challenges. Whether sticking it out solo during a harrowing outward bound trip or finding solace in meaningful...
May 29, 2024•55 min•Ep. 164
