talking points: anxiety, psychology, relationships

If you've ever been with someone who struggles with anxiety, this one's for you. A lot of men lean heavily into trying to fix things, even making it their entire mission. Here are some alternative steps that respect responsibility, autonomy, and help strengthen the relationship.

(00:00:00) - Intro, my working definition of anxiety, and the many places it comes from

(00:05:42) - Signs of anxiety in your partner

(00:10:47) - So what do you do? On reinforcement and co-regulation

(00:14:59) - Attune to her signs, and physical touch

(00:17:36) - How to balance leaning into discomfort with backing off

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Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave 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 tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Talking points: masculinity, psychology, myth, Jung

Hot on the heels of the legendary John Lee, I interviewed another founding elder of men's work: Michael Meade. This is a powerful discussion focused on how essential "descent" is for men, and how it's almost completely disappeared from society in favor of endless, destructive growth and commodified "mastery". Powerful words from one of the wisest teachers out there, in my opinion.

(00:00:00) - The importance of descent in a man’s life

(00:11:51) - The signs of descent, and the role of technology

(00:22:28) - How the old worldview has collapsed, and the result is collective despair and grief

(00:29:39) - How do you deal with the feeling that things are ending?

(00:35:20) - The intersection of myth and AI; will they come together?

(00:41:29) - Where does the descent actually lead, and the symbolism of water and sword

(00:55:13) - How to “get the water”

Michael Meade, born and raised in New York City, is a renowned storyteller, author, and scholar of mythology, anthropology, and psychology. He combines hypnotic and fiery storytelling, street-savvy perceptiveness, and spellbinding interpretations of ancient myths with a deep knowledge of cross-cultural rituals. His ability to tap into ancestral sources of wisdom to help people of today heal their communities has inspired thousands of people throughout the world. His unique translations of age-old myths and symbols into culturally relevant, everyday language earned him an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Michael is also the founder of Mosaic Multicultural Foundation and author of The Genius Myth, The Water of Life, The World Behind the World, Fate and Destiny, and Why the World Doesn't End. He is co-editor of The Rag and Bone Shop of the Heart, and editor of the cross-cultural anthology on rites of passage: Crossroads: A Quest for Contemporary Rites of Passage.

Connect with Michael:

-Podcast: Living Myth: https://www.mosaicvoices.org/podcast

-Website: https://www.mosaicvoices.org/

***

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard of attachment theory but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the

Talking points: psychology, depression,

These are 3 conditions you may have never heard of before, but based on my experience working with men for 10+ years, they’ve got a significant presence. They’re also under-discussed.

(00:00:00) - Dysthymia, aka low-key depression

(00:04:25) - Alexithymia, when you can't describe emotions

(00:07:06) - Derealization, when nothing feels real

Further Reading

-Dysthymia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysthymia

-Alexithymia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexithymia

-Derealization: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derealization

***

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave 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 tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podc

Talking points: masculinity, culture, mythopoetics, Robert Bly, Iron John

Maybe you've heard it said that there are lots of "olders", but barely any elders. John Lee is one of the latter, in my opinion. A critical player in men's movements of the 90s and close friends with Robert Bly, John is a wealth of knowledge, insight, and honest talk—and no stranger to deep work. Listen in, team.

(00:00:00) - Intro, and what brought John to where he is today

(00:06:23) - The impact Robert Bly had on the mythopoetic men’s movement, and what that was

(00:20:36) - Why Iron John is still relevant

(00:31:41) - Are men struggling with different things now compared to the start of the mythopoetic men’s movement?

(00:38:58) - The dark father archetype, and the difference between Robert Bly and Jordan Peterson

(00:43:20) - What can the study of myth do for the average man, and how the manosphere falls short

John Lee is a pioneer in the fields of self-help, anger, codependency, creativity, recovery, relationships, and men’s issues. In the mental health field, he is considered the therapist’s therapist and regularly trains and mentors therapists on how to work with clients and how to work on themselves. He has taught his techniques and theories to thousands of individuals, couples, families, groups, corporations, and therapists all over the world. After 35 years of touring nationally and internationally, John Lee calls Austin, Texas his home.

Connect with John

-Website: https://johnleebooks.com/

-Seminar; From Hero To Elder: https://wakingheartschoolofwisdom.com/events/from_hero_to_elder/

***

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave 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 tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts |

Talking points: relationships

We all know how a couple handles conflict can be the difference between love that’s thriving and resilient and something that is…well, the exact opposite: leading through conflict. Listen in for five aspects of the that don’t get talked about often enough, in my opinion.

(00:00:00) - Intro, and a practical definition of conflict

(00:03:14) - Address your conflict kryptonite

(00:05:59) - Ownership over blame

(00:07:57) - Stop seeing conflict as a path to disconnection, and have conflict “agreements”

(00:10:44) - Breathe, ground, assess

(00:13:30) - The best question to ask

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Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave 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 tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Talking points: mindset, purpose, military, masculinity

A sincere honor to chat with J.R., and I’m blown away by his perspective and honesty on the hardship he’s faced—and overcome. We cover a lot of ground: the importance of male friendship, the struggles veterans can go through, the importance of vulnerability AND accountability. Throughout it all, J.R.’s outlook shines through. Listen in, team.

(00:00:00) - JR’s defining moment

(00:11:45) - What happened to JR during his deployment

(00:23:58) - How men and veterans get stripped of purpose and identity, what contributes to that, and how we can do better

(00:38:04) - What JR would say to men who see the state of things and retreat into isolation, and the importance of building emotional for yourself

(00:55:50) - What JR would teach the next generation of men

J.R. Martinez’s life story is one of resilience and transformation. A Louisiana-born Army veteran and Iraq War survivor, Martinez faced tragedy early in his military service when a roadside bomb explosion left him with severe burns covering over a third of his body. His recovery included 34 months of treatment and 33 surgeries, a challenging journey that revealed his strength and inspired a new purpose.

Martinez began sharing his story, quickly becoming a sought-after speaker, captivating audiences at military bases and for major organizations like Delta and Wells Fargo. His personal mantra, “Adapt & Overcome,” resonated deeply, embodying his commitment to resilience and gratitude. He’s also become an advocate for organizations like the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and Glasswing International, earning awards like the Ivy Award and the National Red Cross Spirit Award.

In 2008, Martinez ventured into acting with a role on All My Children, which opened doors in entertainment. He won the 2011 season of Dancing with the Stars, capturing audiences nationwide. His memoir, Full of Heart, became a New York Times bestseller, and he later pursued higher education, a milestone for his family. Today, Martinez continues to inspire through speaking engagements, acting, and advocacy, sharing his journey of strength and hope with audiences worldwide while balancing family life with his wife, Diana, and their children.

Connect with JR

-Website: https://jrmartinez.com/

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjrmartinez

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjrmartinez

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jradapt/

***

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave 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 tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on

Talking points: attachment, psychology, relationships

Men tend to underestimate how important the feeling of safety is for their partners. Not a dig, just something I’ve seen time and time again. And if you’re partner has an avoidant or anxious attachment style, your part in creating a sense of safety in the relationship can be complicated. Listen in for some straightforward tips.

(00:00:00) - Intro, and why women sometimes “test” you

(00:03:45) - Here’s what changes when she has an avoidant or anxious attachment style

(00:06:39) - And here’s what to do if she’s anxious

(00:10:14) - Tactics if she’s avoidant

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Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave 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 tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Talking points: mindset, psychology, meditation, spirituality

Meditation and mindfulness get a lot of air time these days, especially on the more “crunchy” side of wellness spectrum. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? I sat down with Shai to really dig into this, from the wildly esoteric and spiritual side of the question to the more practical, tactical side. Because what’s the point of enlightenment if it doesn’t make things, well, a little lighter?

(00:00:00) - Shai’s feeling of being “outside” the usual human experience, the difference between detachment and dissociation, and using things like meditation to avoid life

(00:09:52) - What IS consciousness, and the West’s obsession with enlightenment

(00:25:45) - Why are humans even capable of self-reference? What’s the point?

(00:34:16) - Do these complex, philosophical ideas help with our day-to-day lives?

(00:43:20) - How can men develop greater mental flexibility and combat closed-mindedness?

(00:56:55) - What to do to get your calm back in a conflict

(01:02:07) - The ultimate test of mental flexibility: putting yourself in a loved one’s shoes

(01:09:41) - On reigniting imagination and using it for good

Shai Tubali is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, UK. He has a doctorate in philosophy of religion from the School of Philosophy, Religion, and History of Science at the University of Leeds. He’s the author of the monograph Cosmos and Camus: Science Fiction Film and the Absurd (Peter Lang) and a contributor to the Routledge Companion to Absurdist Literature, as well as a prolific published author, having written over twenty books, including award-winning and bestselling titles. Among his diverse publications, one can find prose, poetry, practical books on meditation and self-development, and philosophical treatises on South-Asian philosophy and classical Greek philosophy.

Connect with Shai

-Website: https://shaitubali.com/

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaitubali/

-Flexible Mind: https://yourflexiblemind.com/

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwf6sSC-F2sH4uDOmJkKsw

***

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave 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 tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at