ManTalks Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

***

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: porn, addiction, mindset, psychology

We all know it’s not easy. We all know it takes time. What you might NOT know is that there’s a simple reframe about quitting things like porn, weed, alcohol, and more that swings the odds in your favor. Listen in.

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:02:58) - A new perspective on some addictions

(00:04:27) - The real question to ask

(00:07:08) - What to do instead 

(00:09:27) - If you’re like me, this is gonna take time

(00:19:45) - Number five: they create, maintain, and repair connection

(00:25:04) - If you’re not sure which one to start with, start here

***

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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: fatherhood, attachment, communication

Back in August, I had this gentleman on, and we covered some deep ground. In part two, we end up looking at a present struggle, fatherhood, and how it both connects and is separate from old patterns. 

This is an excellent episode to check out if you’ve been curious about what shape repeat sessions can take, and how we can use what we’ve learned about ourselves not just to overcome our own obstacles, but help others too.

(00:00:00) - Intro, recap, and an update
(00:05:49) - We tend to overlook the healing and focus on what’s still going wrong
(00:09:56) - The challenges helping and managing an adopted son, and the fear of being unable to help
(00:18:21) - Similarities between what’s being experienced now and what was experienced as a child
(00:20:29) - What it’s like trying to connect with a son and not feeling like it’s happening
(00:28:24) - “What feels familiar between the relationship you have with your son and the relationship that you as a boy had with your father?”
(00:30:04) - You might be more alike than you think
(00:34:36) - How might the work of grieving a mother’s passing and relating to your son be connected?

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

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 and join me today. 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: culture, relationships, systemic issues

66% of young men are single, fewer and fewer men are graduating college, boys are disproportionately punished in school, there are fewer male teachers and therapists than ever, and millions of men aren't even listed as unemployed because they're simply not seeking work. Something's going on.

(00:00:00) - Intro and some stats
(00:04:17) - I’m not going to sit here and blame men OR women
(00:06:30) - Social reasons men check out
(00:09:45) - The definition of a good man is almost entirely up to women 
(00:12:06) - Structurally, men aren’t being incentivized to go into higher education
(00:14:59) - I think that support networks for men and boys are collapsing or are not male friendly
(00:16:57) - Men generally aren't finding resonance in the therapeutic industry, nor can they find male therapists
(00:19:41) - There’s been a significant decline in the number and diversity of male relationships
(00:22:30) - Where do we go from here?

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

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 and join me today. 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: breathwork, neurophysiology, fear

I know many, many people whose lives have been profoundly changed by getting into Wim's style of breathwork, myself included. This was one of my absolute favorite interviews, and Wim's fierceness and passion for helping people is absolutely mind-blowing.

If you're looking to understand a little more about what breathwork can do, this is THE episode for you.

(00:00:00) - Intro and what happens when men gather
(00:03:56) - One of Wim’s defining moments: trapped under the ice
(00:06:14) - Wim’s journey with fear 
(00:11:13) - How do we begin using our breath to confront fear, and some of the science behind breath work. 
(00:20:38) - On how breath helps regulate the nervous system
(00:28:07) - Why breath work and cold therapy? 
(00:31:57) - Are there any similarities between deep breath work and psychedelics? 
(00:36:48) - Does breathwork behave similarly to DMT?
(00:42:23) - Why do some people get tingly or see shapes during breath work?
(00:49:00) - Are inflammation and fear related?

Wim Hof, aka "The Iceman," is a Dutch extreme athlete born. Renowned for his ability to withstand extreme cold, Hof has set records for ice endurance and advocates for the health benefits of cold exposure combined with his breathing techniques. His Wim Hof Method, a blend of cold therapy, breathing, and meditation, claims to control the autonomic nervous system and immune response, intriguing scientists and wellness enthusiasts alike. Beyond his physical feats, Hof promotes a philosophy of natural living and the mind-body connection, inspiring people globally to explore their own potential boundaries.

Connect with Wim

-Website: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxHTM1FYxeC4F7xDsBVltGg

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

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 and join me today. 

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: potential, growth, mindset

We all have images of who and what we're capable of. Flashes of motivation and inspiration based on what we know deep, deep down to be true of us.

Getting from images to reality, from dreams to concrete fact, is the battle. The best one you'll ever fight. The following are simple (but not easy) steps based on years of work with men, endless hours of study, and mentorship with some amazing people.

(00:00:00) - Intro and where the challenge lies
(00:03:37) - Develop skills that matter to you, will improve your life, and improve others’ lives
(00:05:32) - Know (and take) the risk
(00:08:04) - Connect to your direct, felt experience
(00:12:40) - Express and transmit what you’re experiencing
(00:14:17) - Realize what it is you want, but pay attention to what life is saying you need
(00:15:27 ) - Pursue your fears and discomfort
(00:16:48 ) - Pay attention to your own darkness AND learn what it’s trying to teach you 

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

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 and join me today. 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: psychedelics, therapy, culture, interdependence, history, materialism

It's been several years since I last talked with Paul, and he's been busy. We branch out into a number of ideas, all centered around what psychedelics have done, are doing, and COULD do for humanity.

If you're looking for thoughts from an expert on where the therapeutic industry might be headed—and what's needed from all of us—this is the conversation for you. Listen in.

(00:00:00) - Intro and Paul’s defining moment
(00:06:02) - Why do you think psychedelics were so villainized back in the day?
(00:11:29) - Would you say that part of the psychedelic experience is interaction with the unconscious?
(00:15:16) - Did psychedelics influence Jung’s “Red Book”, and how can psychedelic use actually improve mental health?
(00:24:11) - Psychedelic use should also assist collective mental health, not just individualistic goals
(00:29:42) - What is the recipe for a bad trip, and the importance of preparation and post-trip integration
(00:39:20) - Paul’s thoughts on the future, and possible concerns culturally and for teenagers
(00:46:43) - How can psychedelics impact our capacity to lead ourselves and others?
(00:56:10) - What would individuals and leaders do to deepen their understanding of interdependence?

Paul F. Austin is one of the most prominent voices in the world of psychedelics. As the founder of Third Wave, he has educated millions on the importance of safe and effective psychedelic experiences. A pioneer at the intersection of microdosing, personal transformation, and professional success, he has been featured in Forbes, Rolling Stone, and the BBC's Worklife. Paul helps others use microdosing as a tool for professional development and increased self-awareness by treating the use of psychedelics as a skill refined through mentorship and courageous exploration. 

Connect with Paul

-Website: https://www.paulaustin.co/

-The Third Wave: https://thethirdwave.co/

-The Psychdelic Coaching Institute: https://psychedeliccoaching.institute/

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulaustin3w/

-Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-psychedelic-podcast/id1200537009

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts,

Talking points: domestication, culture, biology

To be clear straight out the gates, I don't think there's some vast conspiracy to weaken all men. But there are certain aspects of our culture, our food, and more that have a synergistic effect. One that's messing with men on multiple levels. Listen in.

(00:00:00) - Intro and the ways men are becoming domesticated
(00:03:18) - Masculinity and what it means to be a good man is now almost entirely defined by women
(00:05:40) - A narrative that men are essentially defective women, or unwanted, or automatically at fault
(00:10:42) - The simplification is also biological, through microplastics, additives, and more
(00:13:59) - Stress and distraction levels are through the roof
(00:17:03) - So…what do we do?
(00:20:04) - Life isn’t supposed to be easy all the time

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

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 and join me today. 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: trauma, culture, collective healing

Wow! Very grateful to have had the opportunity to sit with Thomas recently to discuss not just his book, but his vision and mission for people everywhere. This was a deeply moving conversation; Thomas' perspective on how trauma forms and how it needs to be healed will be resonating with me for a long, long time. Check this out.

(00:00:00) - Intro and Thomas’ two defining moments
(00:06:41) - How trauma reorients your perspective towards safety 
(00:10:37) - What is “attunement”?
(00:23:10) - Tension is reduction of emotion 
(00:30:55) - Where does polarization fit into all of this?
(00:40:23) - How do we start dealing with this?
(00:45:53) - What's covered in Thomas' new book

Thomas Hübl, PhD, is a renowned teacher, author, and international facilitator who works within the complexity of systems and cultural change, integrating the core insights of the great wisdom traditions and mysticism with the discoveries of science. Since the early 2000s, he has led large-scale events and courses on the healing of collective trauma.

He is the author of Attuned: Practicing Interdependence to Heal Our Trauma—and Our World, and Healing Collective Trauma: A Process for Integrating Our Intergenerational and Cultural Wounds. Hübl has served as an advisor and guest faculty for universities and organizations, as a coach for CEOs and organizational leaders, and is currently a visiting scholar at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University.

Connect with Thomas

-Website: https://thomashuebl.com/

-Book: Attuned: https://www.attunedbook.com/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thomas.Huebl.Sangha/

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

-Podcast: https://thomashuebl.com/#podcast

Release porn as a crutch, reclaim your time, and recover intimacy. Introducing the Porn Detox Program: https://mantalks.com/porn/

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

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 and join me today. 

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