In a culture that seems to be fraying and coming apart at the seams, does Buddhism have any possibilities? Last week I got to chat with celebrated Buddhist teacher and mentor Ethan Nichtern, and hear a bit about Buddhist psychology, Tantric Buddhism, and how the Middle Path can help us navigate not just our own minds but the world around us. I really appreciated Ethan's expertise; he effortlessly explains complex Buddhist ideas (and Western misconceptions). Dig in, friends. Ethan Nichtern is, as...
May 24, 2021•52 min•Ep 335•Transcript available on Metacast This week's mini-episode is part 3 of 4 for Mental Health Awareness Month. A look at something we all carry: a shadow. The amalgamation of everything we avoid, deny, or disown about ourselves. Despite the fact that it can be, uh, highly confronting, recognizing and revealing your shadow is (in my opinion) one of the greatest things you can do for yourself. Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Podchaser . It helps us get into the ears of new...
May 20, 2021•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Agriculture. Capitalism. Controversy. Biology. Viruses. This is a heavy one, my friends, and requires a bit of a preface on the cultural risks of meme-ifying the “other side”, which you’ll hear. I really hope you listen, but more than that, I hope you begin engaging in dialogue. I’ve wanted Zach on the show for a while now, and have been following his work with interest, and I’d be happy to hear your take. Zach Bush MD is a physician specializing in internal medicine, endocrinology, and hospice ...
May 17, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep 334•Transcript available on Metacast The first few months of having a child turn your world upside down. Full stop. This week, I had my incredible wife Vienna on the show to cover all the angles of our recent entry into parenting—my experience, her experience, our experiences of each other. Our joys, concerns, projections, and all the other things we had to navigate surrounding (as Stephen Jenkinson puts it) becoming “parent-lings”. Full disclosure: This. Is. Real. Talk. Listen in and let us know what you thought! Did you enjoy the...
May 14, 2021•46 min•Ep 333•Transcript available on Metacast May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As such, I want to use my platform this month to share some of the things that have shifted my own mental health in a positive direction. Wanna be clear, these aren't cure-alls—nothing is—but they are clear and deliberate steps you can take. This week, replacing unhealthy coping mechanisms with generative rituals. We’re all in this together. If this episode resonates with you, please share it or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Podchaser ....
May 11, 2021•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, so I’m dedicating this month’s mini-episodes to that topic. The last year has undoubtedly left a mark on the hearts and minds of uncountable millions. I feel those of us with the means and ability have a responsibility to do what they can to create what they can to help. Put another way, the end-stage of the Hero’s Journey is to bring the treasures wrestled from dragons back to the village . So this month, each mini-episode will dive into something that has ra...
May 06, 2021•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, something unique in the ManTalks podcast's history! Shortly after my son was born, Ian MacKenzie over at The Mythic Masculine proposed we switch chairs; he'd come on the show and interview ME on my recent entry into fatherhood. We cover what it's been like so far, what I've learned, what led me and my wife to the decision of having a child, and much, much more. If you're a new parent or know someone who's "parent-curious", share this one! Ian MacKenzie is a visionary filmmaker and wri...
May 03, 2021•51 min•Ep 332•Transcript available on Metacast I’m not a huge fan of the idea of “the One” (except Neo, obviously). Nevertheless, I’m often asked, “How did you know your wife was the right one?” So let’s break it down. Listen in for some of the things I’ve learned that are incredibly important when looking for the ideal partner. Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Podchaser . It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community , and help others find the self-l...
Apr 29, 2021•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast About a month ago I had the honor of chatting with my friend Kute Blackson on surrender, something that often lands in “woo” territory instead of tactical, actionable advice. That's not the case with Kute, though, who merges passion, wisdom, and practicality here into a message of surrender that hits hard. Be sure to listen to this. Kute Blackson is the author of the national bestselling book You.Are.The.One , and is widely considered the next generation leader in the field of personal developme...
Apr 26, 2021•57 min•Ep 331•Transcript available on Metacast Still thinking about your ex? Sometimes the heart math surrounding breakups is so complex it leaves you paralyzed by rumination. This week, a quick breakdown of some of the reasons why this happens. If you resonate with this or know someone else who will, please share it. Let’s help each other achieve deeper insight. Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Podchaser . It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Communit...
Apr 22, 2021•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast In a culture where polarization feels like it's increasing, understanding each other is a radical act. This week, Brian Falduto and I get into the fear, wounding, and shadow contained within straight men and men in the queer community, and how to create better discourse and understanding. Because while there are differences in experiential content, there's also more overlap than you might think. This was a great conversation, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to listen to Brian’s knowledge...
Apr 19, 2021•45 min•Ep 330•Transcript available on Metacast Yesterday I put out the ask to followers on Instagram: what do you want me to talk about? Within minutes, I had multiple men bring up the topic of self-forgiveness. Questions like, “How do I forgive myself for infidelity? For lying? For a business that I ruined?” Friends, this is a big deal. I break down the reasons why we struggle to forgive ourselves, how we need to change how we look at forgiveness, and how it’s intimately tied to our sense of sovereignty. Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, pl...
Apr 15, 2021•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Grab your notepad for this one. I wanted to have Eddie on the show because it’s somewhat rare to view sexual addiction (porn or otherwise) through the lens of Inner Child work. How we reveal and heal the wounds of our past is how we heal our present, and Inner Child work is an incredibly powerful framework to do that in. Eddie breaks down the Inner Child with nuance and deep intelligence, and it was a pleasure to have him on. If you or someone you know struggles with an addiction to porn or sex,...
Apr 12, 2021•54 min•Ep 329•Transcript available on Metacast We as men have often fall into this idea that there’s one big solution—one psychological big bang—that’ll “fix” everything in our personal development journey. I call it the Golden Gun, and just like its namesake, it’s (surprise!) NOT real. Listen in to find out where the real fix is, why we need it, and why it deserves more recognition and respect. Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Podchaser . It helps us get into the ears of new listen...
Apr 08, 2021•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s difficult to really articulate the kind of man Stephen Jenkinson is. I’ve interviewed hundreds of brilliant people and studied many more, but very few approach the same level of profoundly medicinal wisdom as Jenkinson. To say I’m a fan is an understatement. Bear with the occasional rough patch of audio and listen to some challenging depth. Stephen Jenkinson, MTS, MSW is an activist, teacher, author, and farmer. He is the founder of the Orphan Wisdom School in Tramore, Canada, and the autho...
Apr 05, 2021•49 min•Ep 328•Transcript available on Metacast This mini-episode is a little different. As some of you might know, I became a dad just over two weeks ago. Not long before his arrival, I found myself contemplating and writing about what I was experiencing. So I wanted to share that, in the hopes that other men—fathers, sons, grandfathers, boys, adults—find their own answers to the question: what can a man say to the son he hasn't met yet? Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Podchaser . ...
Apr 01, 2021•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Did psychedelics play a role in mystical insight, human ingenuity, and the development of Western civilization? Is there a secret religion hidden underpinning the most ancient spiritual practices of Greece, Turkey, and elsewhere? Join me and Brain Muraresku for a mind-bending look at our history as a civilization, as spiritual beings, and how psychedelics might be intertwined into it all. This was a deeply fascinating talk; sit back and enjoy! Brian C. Muraresku graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Bro...
Mar 29, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep 327•Transcript available on Metacast We get way too caught up in the idea that personal development is always expansion, always growth, always becoming. That, my friends, is not true. In this episode, I break down my main issue with personal development, and what we need to talk about in order to lock in actual growth. To me, personal development has just as much “unbecoming” as it does “becoming”. Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Podchaser . It helps us get into the ears ...
Mar 25, 2021•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast The intersection of technology and the nervous system has always fascinated me, especially when it comes to mental healing, navigating trauma. Jim Poole has been at the forefront of this field for a while now. We cover the convergence of tech and mindfulness, human evolution, the theta brainwave state, and a lot more. Jim is an accomplished business executive with extensive experience in the dental, healthcare, biotechnology, market research, and IT industries. Mr. Poole manages the strategic di...
Mar 22, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep 326•Transcript available on Metacast Alright. Let me be clear: I am not making a case for or against him. This is me trying to find deeper answers to why Peterson is such a divisive figure, as well as observing the (frankly) dire situation masculine culture is in. When I see people either hyper-pedestal someone or viciously denigrate them, that’s a solid cue to look at both the person and what they might symbolize in the psyche of their fans (and enemies). Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts...
Mar 18, 2021•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jenny and I dig into some of the practical applications of things like CBD and functional mushrooms (think Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Turkey Tail, and others). A healthy mind and a healthy body absolutely go hand in hand. If you’re looking to elevate your sleep, cognition, or overall wellbeing, listen to this. Side note: This was recorded some time ago, but I was surprised to find out both Amazon and Instagram have prevented Jenny from advertising her book. Jenny Sansouci is a certified health coach an...
Mar 15, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep 325•Transcript available on Metacast This week, I wanted to talk about what sexual polarity is, how you can create sexual tension or sexual charge, and the logistics around that. Based on the research, the last year has really done a number on some people’s sex lives—maintaining sexual desire can obviously be tough in situations like lockdowns. Listen to this for more than a few straightforward ways to re-ignite that fire. Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Podchaser . It he...
Mar 11, 2021•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Every part of our shadow has a lineage. From the way we manage anger to how we react when a friend betrays us. This week, I sit with an anonymous guest and help him break through the hard surface of his anger to discover where it came from; and now that he knows what's up, what to do next. I really encourage you to listen to the whole episode, because it is a hard and noble journey this man is taking. Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Po...
Mar 08, 2021•48 min•Ep 324•Transcript available on Metacast Yes, you read that right: I’m interviewing my dad. As many of you know, I’ll be a dad myself soon, so I wanted to bring two generations of Beaton together. We dig into the highlights, expectations, and challenges of fatherhood, what the “first few days” were like, and just how life-changing the feeling of fatherhood can be. Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Podchaser . It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks C...
Mar 01, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep 323•Transcript available on Metacast Acceptance is one of the more misunderstood, disrespected, and underestimated things in today’s culture. But when it comes to our well-being, it’s one of the most powerful practices we can cultivate. Yes, it’s also challenging. Even infuriating. It’s supposed to be. Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , or Podchaser . It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community , and help others find the self-leadership they’re...
Feb 25, 2021•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast This was recorded in early February. I feel it's important to balance out the theoretical side of things and on-the-ground perspective, so I brought in Kris Coleman, a former CIA Officer and FBI Special Agent. We get into some practical and frank ideas around what we need to do to cultivate resiliency individually and as a community, combating misinformation (spoiler: always check your sources and avoid echo chambers), and how massively important awareness is. Kris Coleman is Founder, President,...
Feb 22, 2021•53 min•Ep 322•Transcript available on Metacast I continue to be blown away by what people are discovering in The Shadow Course, which I released recently. The questions and insights people are bringing to the table are leaving me so grateful and excited. This week, someone brought up an amazing question on how the shadow affects relationships, and I wanted to do a bit of a deep dive on it: how the shadow shows up in relationships, how it actually helps us pick partners, and how some of the relationships we enter into are the shadow made mani...
Feb 18, 2021•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast What makes villians like Thanos and Killmonger so compelling? Is there a trend in how our culture looks at heroes? What's the modern idea of a hero even look like? I connected with Cinema Therapy over Zoom, and we nerd out on the intersection of psychology, film, and culture. We cover masculinity in movies and its history, what Marvel is doing right, Heath Ledger’s Joker versus Joaquin Phoenix’s, and why superheroes are so important right now. This was a fun, compelling interview. Alan and Jonat...
Feb 15, 2021•49 min•Ep 321•Transcript available on Metacast Seven pieces of honest, practical, and actionable advice for what to do after being cheated on, because—contrary to popular belief—the aftermath isn't always clear-cut. Being cheated on can be devastating, freeing, confronting, an incredible learning experience, and everything in between. Whatever it is, it always needs processing, and it always needs healing. If you've ever been cheated on, have a listen. Or if you know someone who's trying to recover, maybe send this their way. And as always, ...
Feb 11, 2021•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this ep, the brilliant LMFT Shadeen Francis and I explore sexual communication and intimacy: How to get better at it, like how to bridge sexual incompatibility, how to step into what it is we're actually craving, love in the time of COVID, the difference between fantasy and fetish, and of course, how to discuss all of this with your partner. Shadeen Francis is a licensed psychotherapist, a media personality, graduate professor, and author whose expertise spans the domains of sex therapy, emot...
Feb 08, 2021•57 min•Ep 320•Transcript available on Metacast 
