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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast Talking points: men, psychology, culture Roy Baumeister is a mighty pillar in the world of psychology, with groundbreaking work on willpower, self-control, negativity bias, and much more. I had the honor of chatting with him about all of these things in the context of men. How do we develop robust self-esteem? Is it work breaking free of isolation? Are there unique social pressures? This is chock full, team. (00:00:00) - On how men need to prove themselves, and the different social pressures bet...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 522•Transcript available on Metacast Talking points: attachment, genetics, psychology Attachment as a framework for working on and healing your relationships is powerful stuff. But it’s also complex. I wanted to nerd out a bit this week with all of you over this fascinating study on attachment, genetics, and environment—with a PSA at the end. Dig in and let me know what you think! You can find the abstract of the study and request a full PDF here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385437792_Genetic_and_environmental_co...
Dec 12, 2024•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Talking points: culture, masculinity, the shadow This was one of those wide-ranging convos that made me lose track of time. David and I cover a ton in this as you'll see from the timestamps, with some great info on "core energetics", personality types, and more. Dig in. (00:00:00) - How David approached interviewing such a polarizing figure, and do all men have such a rigid mask? (00:09:04) - How do you support men in a way that allows them to actually open up? (00:15:40) - Is it all just ...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep 521•Transcript available on Metacast Talking points: relationships, masculinity, psychology, culture I touched on this topic in a previous episode and hoo boy, the comments. So let’s talk about it, because there are a lot of historical, psychological, and mythic examples to look at. What’s more, there are ways of working on this if it rings true. (00:00:00) - What I mean by being afraid of women, and theories from evolutionary psychology (00:06:41) - The perspective of analytical psychology, and the “anima and animus” (00:15:29) - ...
Dec 05, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Talking points: relationships, communication, sex, masculinity Whether we want to admit it or not, there are always times where things in the bedroom just don’t work out. Alex is out there helping men deal with their most common challenges, and de-stigmatizing communication about it. I appreciate the simple yet solid advice he brings to the table; lots of good stuff in here. Listen in. (00:00:00) - How a man’s ability to perform affects how he sees himself, and working with sexual shame (00:11:3...
Dec 02, 2024•53 min•Ep 520•Transcript available on Metacast Talking points: relationships, mythology, archetypes, culture The title might ruffle some feathers, but sometimes, the best way to look at an issue is through a story. The symbolism has a way of highlighting many complex things at once. This week, I want to talk about an almost common trope in modern dating, but through the lens of a classic story: Cinderella. (00:00:00) - Intro, using the story as a lens, and the effect of the “wicked stepmother” (00:04:13) - The shadow of the feminine and masc...
Nov 28, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
