ManTalks Podcast

Talking points: mindset, addiction, porn It's a serious challenge. You're doing well, you think you've broken free—and suddenly you're back. This week, I dig into practical ways you can reinforce and reenergize your commitment. For more helpful info, check out my free guide here: https://training.mantalks.com/Quit (00:00:00) - Intro, and the first step (00:04:13) - Get to the bottom of what’s driv...

Talking points: culture, economics, mindset, debt, Ed Hardy To maybe understate things, it's a jungle out there right now, financially speaking. I've really enjoyed Morgan's books and perspective, so in early April, I asked him to come on. He shared TONS of insight on tariffs, what's next, how the average person can change their financial straights for the better, even Fartcoin. Listen in. (00:00:...

Talking points: relationships, leadership A while back, I launched a video on how men can better lead themselves and their relationships. It got a ton of dialogue, let's just say. Here's what I mean by lead, and three definitive steps to getting it right. (00:00:00) - Defining what “lead” actually means (00:04:08) - The first thing to do (00:07:14) - Stop taking her emotions personally (00:12:47)...

Talking points: masculinity, regret, anger, culture It's been too long since I sat down with The Captain himself. I am continuously grateful for Kyle's honesty about his own life, his process, and his opinion on things. Which means this conversation is as refreshing as it is frank. Strongly recommend sharing this one, team. (00:00:00) - Why is regret such a thing, are men conditioned to beat thems...

Talking points: attachment, relationships, mindset Anxious attachment can make any relationship feel fraught with tension and threat. It doesn't have to be that way, and there are clear steps you can take that really do get results. Start with these ones. (00:00:00) - Anxious attachment refresher (00:04:04) - Priority number one: develop safety internally—and how (00:09:37) - Number two: recognize...

Talking points: relationships, masculinity, mindset, nice guy syndrome A bunch of you have reached out requesting an interview with Nick, aka The People Displeaser, and I'm happy to say we finally got the chance to talk. Nick's practical, no-nonsense frame is a breath of fresh air. If you're looking for ways to combat your own people-pleasing tendencies—and some really good reasons why you should—...

Talking points: boundaries, relationships, mindset The counter-intuitive truth is this: if you're stuck in people-pleasing, you're generally not people-helping. I see a lot of men go through this, and many are unaware of what it really is and where it comes from. This week, straightforward insight and direct steps to breaking free. (00:00:00) - What the heck is people-pleasing? (00:03:02) - Two sp...

Talking points: anger, trauma, relationships This is an essential episode for two reasons. One, it clearly shows how emotions and behaviors get passed down not just in mind but in body. Two, this episode also shows there are men out there doing real work—and they're committed to it; my guest was already familiar with the somatic part of his feelings. If you grew up in a volatile family, this is do...

Talking points: archetypes, psychology, relationships I genuinely feel this is one of the most important concepts we as men should understand. It affects a lot of us, and it definitely affected me. It definitely fits the word "complex", but it's absolutely something you can work on. So grab a notepad, dig in, and share with any man you think would benefit. (00:00:00) - Intro, definition, and why k...

Talking points: relationships, evolutionary psychology, culture You know it, I know it, and Michael Sartain knows it: there are a LOT of men out there facing extreme difficulty. I wanted to pick Michael’s brain on how to help men understand why this is, but from the perspective of evolutionary psychology, and the boots-on-ground experience of a fellow coach. I appreciate Michael’s ability to follo...

Talking points: attachment, relationships, culture I recently brought in an attachment specialist for the Alliance because a lot of men are noticing an uptick in women who are emotionally distant, avoid vulnerability, and break it off the second things get serious. There are a ton of ways to look at this, and lots of factors, but I wanted to dig in a bit—and give some insight into what YOU can do...

Talking points: attachment, marriage, trauma There’s a lot of attachment content out there. I should know, I make a fair bit myself. But in my work with this week’s anonymous guest, you can see just how complex things can get. My guest is managing the anxious-avoidant dance really well, but processing what causes it is something that requires deeper work. Listen in. (00:00:00) - Intro, handling th...

Talking points: relationships, attachment There's one significant trap a lot of men fall into when they're anxiously attached. Good news? It's manageable—as long as you know where it's coming from. If you or your partner has this attachment style, dig in. (00:00:00) - Defining the trap, and why it happens (00:04:29) - What you’re really up against, and the first step in escaping the trap (00:09:15...

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...

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 Attachme...

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 list...

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/ *** Tired of feeling like yo...

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,...

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...

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...

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) -...

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:...

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 sha...

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...

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 sovere...