Men in the Arena with Matt Kovatchis & MD

Deanna Scaldaferri is a Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist, Usui Holy Fire III Reiki Master, Intuitive Life Coach and Public Speaker. She has also been facilitating a Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Support Group in Charlotte for the last 4+ years. She herself is a survivor of this emotional, verbal & psychological abuse, and knows first-hand how damaging it is to the mind, body and spirit....

Most guys—and even successful men—are silently battling stress, self-doubt, and relationship struggles. Ben Shabad, a seasoned mental health therapist, breaks down the biggest misconception about strength: that true resilience means remaining unaffected by life's challenges. In reality, the strongest individuals are the most self-aware—they acknowledge, process, and respond intentionally, turn...

Most people believe they need to have everything figured out to be a good person — but Ant Ciliberto's story proves vulnerability, authenticity, and embracing your true self are the real keys. From battling anxiety and depression in high school to sharing his journey of healing and self-love, Ant reveals how he’s turned pain into purpose, inspiring countless others to do the same. In this raw...

In this insightful interview, Marina Haddad shares her transformative journey from corporate life to health coaching, her struggles with mental health and addiction, and her evolving relationship with faith and spirituality. Discover how she navigated family expectations, personal growth, and the power of identity through action. Learn more about Marina: https://www.instagram.com/itsmarinasilva/ L...

In this in-depth interview, Katarina Polonska shares her personal journey through trauma, personal development, and relationship mastery. She discusses practical tools for embodying emotional awareness, setting boundaries, and living with integrity to foster healthier relationships and personal growth.

In this heartfelt episode, Matt and MD explore mental health, the impact of consuming distressing content, and the pursuit of joy and purpose amidst global challenges. They share personal insights, quotes, and practical reflections on living intentionally and serving others. Learn more about Matt: https://www.mattkovatchis.com

In this candid conversation, Matt and MD explore themes of loneliness, community, self-awareness, and personal growth. They share insights on how social media impacts self-perception, the importance of humility, and the journey toward authentic connection. Learn more about Matt's work here: https://www.mattkovatchis.com

In this conversation, Matt and MD explore the complexities of emotions, particularly focusing on sadness, love, and anger. They discuss the societal pressures surrounding these emotions and the challenges of expressing them. The dialogue delves into the illusion of control, self-worth, and the importance of leading by example in fostering love and understanding. Through personal anecdotes and refl...

In this episode of 'The Arena,' hosts Matt Kovatchis and MD welcome back Tori (Peyton) Wilson, a mental health advocate and founder of the 'Keep Growing Pod.' Tori shares her transformative journey from hitting rock bottom due to an eating disorder to becoming a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the need for per...

BC Serna is a heart-led leader, coach, mentor, content creator, entrepreneur, and TedX Speaker. He shares his journey of self-discovery, purpose, and the importance of emotional expression. He discusses the challenges of navigating spirituality and masculinity in today's world, emphasizing the need for honesty and vulnerability. BC also highlights the role of storytelling and content creation...

In this conversation, Michelle McKenna shares her journey of faith, authenticity, and self-discovery. She discusses the challenges of expressing her faith in a world that often judges based on social media personas. Michelle emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and how her faith has evolved through personal struggles and relationships. The discussion also touches on the significance...

Natalie Bell shares her journey as a multi-passionate individual, discussing her experiences in nursing, event hosting, and content creation. She reflects on the lessons learned from her upbringing about love and relationships, the importance of trusting one's journey, and the complexities of grief associated with lost relationships. Natalie emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, the ch...

In this conversation, Casey Cornelius shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leading voice on healthy masculinity. He discusses the importance of emotional expression, the impact of fraternity, and the need to unlearn harmful societal rules. Casey emphasizes that choices reflect priorities and highlights the traits of an ideal man, including responsibility, humility, and car...

In this conversation, Peter Ahn shares his journey as a sales performance coach and his experiences navigating identity, authenticity, and emotional expression. He discusses the importance of genuine human connections in sales, how his cultural background influenced his emotional intelligence, and the therapeutic aspects of his work in sales. Peter emphasizes the need for authenticity in both pers...

In this conversation, celebrity fitness trainer Hector Regalado discusses the importance of identity, purpose, and service in personal training and life. He emphasizes the need for consistency, humility, and the ability to adapt in order to achieve personal and professional growth. Hector shares insights on building a brand, navigating relationships, and the significance of delivering truth with l...

In this conversation, Matt and MD explore the complexities of mental health, particularly the challenges individuals face when asking for help. They discuss the underlying fears and shame that often prevent people from seeking support, the importance of accountability in relationships, and the balance between independence and isolation. The dialogue emphasizes the need for deeper connections and v...

In this conversation, Matt and MD explore the themes of regret, purpose, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of navigating life choices, overcoming fear, and finding joy in the journey. The dialogue emphasizes self-discovery, the role of relationships, and the balance between freedom and companionship. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to live authentically and embrace change while...

Madeline Kivett is a college student at Winthrop University and a mental health advocate through her volunteer work with NAMI and Instagram Page Yourmentalhealthisapriority that has amassed more than 60,000 followers. She’s the first EVER guest to return for a second time. She vulnerably shares her journey of overcoming personal struggles with anxiety and depression. She discusses the importance o...

In this candid conversation, Matt and MD reconnect after a hiatus, discussing the challenges and impacts of podcasting on their personal growth. They explore themes of love, service, and spirituality, reflecting on how their experiences and guests have shaped their understanding of humanity and fulfillment. The dialogue delves into the complexities of faith, the role of authority, and the challeng...

Dr. Bisleen Attli is a mental health focused and CBT-certified naturopathic doctor and TedX speaker - which is a fancy way of saying she bridges the world of psychology and physiology to promote mental health and brain health. Bisleen shares her personal journey with mental health, discussing the impact of bullying, self-image, and the importance of environment. She emphasizes the ability to chang...

Austin Becker is a Professional Skier, Podcaster, creative director and entrepreneur. He’s also a mental health advocate - inspired by his own mental health challenges. Austin Becker shares his profound journey through mental health challenges, childhood trauma, addiction, and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, the impact of his past experiences, and how they shaped his advoc...

Nicki Joiner is an award-winning entrepreneur and dynamic career readiness speaker dedicated to helping students navigate their future careers with confidence and clarity. With a background in corporate recruiting and a Master’s degree in Student Affairs, she brings a unique blend of industry insight and higher education expertise to every talk. In this conversation, Nicki shares her journey from...

Brittany Richmond is a former counselor turned award-winning youth mental health speaker. She speaks to thousands of students throughout the country on mental health and anxiety. Brittany Richmond, a former counselor and youth mental health speaker, shares her journey with anxiety and how it has shaped her life and career. She discusses the importance of being open about mental health struggles, t...

Dean Lauvina is a luxury real estate agent and owns the page Deanchicagoliving, where he famously highlights properties in Chicago to a following of more than 300,000 people. Dean Lauvina shares his journey from a traditional upbringing to becoming a successful luxury real estate agent in Chicago. He discusses the challenges of navigating family expectations, the impact of social media on his care...

Chaz Donati is a Sales Manager, mental health activist, hybrid athlete, and a recovering sports betting addict. Chaz Donati shares his profound journey through gambling addiction, detailing the early signs, the impact on relationships, and the challenges of recovery. He discusses the silent nature of gambling addiction, the societal implications of sports betting, and the importance of community s...