Modern Masculinity

Hector welcomes Dr. Michael Brabant, a transformational psychologist and founder of Candor & Coherence, to explore what it really means to evolve as a man in today’s world. From confronting inherited patterns of stoicism and shame to understanding the power of emotional multiplicity through Internal Family Systems (IFS), this conversation is a masterclass in modern manhood. Michael offers real...

Hector sits down with Zach Richards, co-founder of REI Capital Guys, to explore the quiet power of private lending and the deeper meaning of financial freedom. Zach breaks down how true freedom isn’t about flashy cars or massive portfolios—it’s about owning your time, minimizing stress, and building systems that let you live life on your terms. From the difference between risky speculation and dep...

Hector sits down with certified men's coach Damon Mitchell for an unfiltered and enlightening conversation on meditation, masculinity, and the pursuit of wholeness. Damon shares how sobriety and meditation reshaped his identity and gave him the tools to engage more consciously in relationships — not just with others, but with himself. Together, they unpack the shifting roles of men in a post-femin...

Hector sits down with Shaun Emerson, Development Lead at MenLiving, to explore the raw, unfiltered truths about modern manhood. Together, they dig into the emotional weight men silently carry—loneliness, anxiety, and the societal pressure to “suck it up.” Shaun shares how his transition from tech executive to nonprofit leader reshaped his understanding of masculinity, revealing the power of commun...

Hector sits down with Dal Houston — attorney, rancher, motivational speaker, and self-proclaimed “eccentric cowboy” — to challenge the worn-out scripts of modern masculinity. Together, they unpack the deep emotional power of personal style, the importance of expressing your individuality (even if it means rocking British riding boots to a UFC fight), and why aging should be about speeding up , not...

Todd Miechiels joins Hector Santiesteban to explore the transformational journey from defining manhood by titles and income to redefining it through faith, humility, and service. Todd shares his call from the business world into the mission field, revealing how surrendering traditional measures of success led to a life of deeper intimacy with God and others. Together, they unpack how modern men ca...

Hector sits down with award-winning podcaster and fellow storyteller Matt Gilhooly to explore the unraveling of Hector’s past relationship and the identity crisis that followed his greatest professional success. Together, they peel back the layers of ego, childhood conditioning, and the craving for external validation that many men silently carry. With emotional honesty and unflinching vulnerabili...

Hector Santiesteban welcomes back Ed Frauenheim, co-author of Reinventing Masculinity and co-founder of The Teal Team, for a timely and timeless discussion on evolving manhood. Ed takes us deep into his current work challenging the "Tough Guy Show" culture—especially in traditionally masculine spaces like the ski industry—and sheds light on how that outdated performance is mirrored in global leade...

Hector is joined by Kevin Cronister—father of five, cybercrimes detective, and CEO of Guardian Training Solutions—to explore one of the most urgent and uncomfortable threats facing modern families: the growing epidemic of online child exploitation. Kevin pulls back the curtain on the grooming process, shares how predators infiltrate games like Roblox and Fortnite, and explains why a strong, presen...

Fatherhood today comes with unique challenges—especially in a world dominated by screens, shifting gender roles, and the increasing struggles of young men. In this episode, Tom Bresnahan, a former Hollywood actor turned mentor and therapist, shares his journey from entertainment to empowering teenage boys. He discusses the impact of technology on young minds, the importance of emotional intelligen...

Hector sits down with Jeff Hittner—executive coach, educator, and founder of Ambitious Dads —to unpack the evolving landscape of fatherhood and modern masculinity. From emotional regulation during your child’s tantrums to building a fatherhood philosophy that aligns with your values, Jeff explores the daily challenges and triumphs of being a present, intentional dad. Together, they dismantle outda...

In this episode, Hector has a great talk with his longtime friend and Modern Man Podcast host, Ted Phaeton, about the weight men carry—fatherhood, marriage, business, and the relentless pursuit of being that guy in every arena. Ted shares how he’s juggling the chaos of raising a newborn while running his podcast and coaching business, all while staying dialed in on his health, discipline, and lead...

Hector sits down with Will Knecht, a man who’s been in the trenches of fatherhood, marriage, and masculinity long enough to know that the work never really ends. They get into the realities of being a dad, a stepdad, and now a grandpa, all while navigating what it means to be a man in a world that’s constantly shifting the goalposts. Will opens up about imposter syndrome, the weight of expectation...

Lawrence Dunning is back, and as always, he’s bringing the real. A top 1% real estate agent, investor, Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and host of Enter the Lionheart, he’s lived a life full of big wins and brutal lessons. This time, he opens up about business partnerships gone wrong, the stress of lawsuits, and the hard truths that come with getting older—like juggling fatherhood, a career, and aging paren...

Marshal Gillen, an award-winning speaker, speaker trainer, and men’s coach opens up about the wreckage and rebirth that followed his last breakup—140 days since his life fell apart, but who’s counting? He and Hector discuss the struggles men face in toxic relationships, the mind games of narcissistic abuse, and the brutal realization that maybe self-worth was never really there to begin with. This...

Hector and Jake Isaacs, the co-founder of Gathering the Kings, have a real heart-to-heart about what it means to be a man these days. Jake opens up about figuring himself out, ditching old ideas about being a guy, and how a tough challenge changed how he sees his purpose, leading others, and relationships. They get real about the stuff guys don't talk about, the myths that hold them back, and the...

Kristian Nylund shares his journey of overcoming the hardships of alcohol dependency, how to handle societal pressures, and redefining himself as an authentic and present father. He talks about the deep insecurities that shaped his choices, his battle to align with his true identity, and the freedom that came with sobriety. Tune in to hear about the hidden struggles of men, the importance of vulne...

Hector welcomes Will Latif Little, keynote speaker, coach, author and film subject, for a conversation about acceptance, awareness, and intentional living. Will shares his journey from childhood trauma and street life to personal transformation and purpose-driven growth. He talks about pivotal moments, the weight of unprocessed pain, and how vulnerability became a strength in his healing journey....

Hector sits down with filmmaker and storyteller Amarii Usher for a raw and honest conversation about the emotional tightrope men walk in today’s world. They talk about vulnerability, ego, healing, and struggles of masculinity in today’s world. From the impact of social media on relationships to the weight of independence and the complex patterns of attachment, this conversation pulls no punches. A...

Hector sits down with Tom Bresnahan to explore the growing challenges of being a dad, the role of men in today’s society, and how shifting cultural norms impact boys and families. They discuss the influence of technology, addiction, and societal expectations on youth while talking about the decline of rites of passage and the misconceptions surrounding masculinity. Tune in to hear Tom explain how...

Hector has a powerful conversation with Jeffrey Williams, founder of Lifestyles of Light and Vitalist Institute, exploring the vital connection between breathwork, balance, and the pressures of modern life. Jeffrey shares how embracing both support and challenge can transform the way men approach their roles, relationships, and personal growth. They talk about the impact of stress, the value of re...

Hector and Matthew Sloane, an author, coach, facilitator and an ally to all dads, explore the complexities of being a man in today’s world. They dive into the struggles of balancing sensitivity, anger, and the responsibilities of fatherhood, while unpacking the unspoken challenges many men face. They discuss the emotional impact of boundaries, societal expectations, and how self-compassion is so p...

Nik opens up about his journey after exiting multiple businesses, confronting an identity crisis in the process. Together with Hector, they explore the shifting roles of men in a rapidly changing world, discussing the weight of societal expectations, the challenges of staying true to personal values, and the importance of building unshakable relationships in an age of disruption. Reflecting on the...

Hector welcomes Brandon Peele to the show to talk about the evolving identity of masculinity in an uncertain world. They discuss challenges such as healing father wounds, navigating divorce, and facing economic realities, all while discovering deeper truths about what it means to live authentically as a man today. From questioning traditional gender roles to finding purpose amidst societal chaos,...

Hector sits down with therapist John Sendim to talk about the hardships men face in embracing therapy and dealing with emotions they’ve often been taught to ignore. They talk about why so many guys avoid therapy, what it takes to really process emotions like anger and sadness, and how therapy is more than just talking—it’s about building tools for life. John shares his own story of getting through...