Are you a man striving to be better — but unsure what real strength, fatherhood, or masculinity looks like in today’s world?

In this powerful conversation, Connor Beaton — founder of Mantalks, author, and global leader in men’s work — breaks down the modern crisis of masculinity. From the absence of male role models to the dangers of suppressing emotion, this episode uncovers how men can reclaim power through presence, honesty, and breath.

• Learn why icons like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson resonate — and where they fall short

• Discover the #1 thing fathers miss that damages sons (and how to get it right)

• Get actionable breathing tools to regulate stress and show up fully in your relationships

Tap into this eye-opening episode to learn how to embody a version of masculinity that’s both strong and deeply relational.

Key Points

• The absence of mature masculinity in men's lives leads them to seek icons to aspire to, often resulting in unrealistic expectations and judgments.

• The importance of healthy relationships and mental health, and how they contribute to a fulfilling life and activities like surfing, is emphasized as a recurring theme.

• Connor Beaton discusses the importance of having icons and role models in photography, specifically mentioning Greg Williams and his photography style.

• The discussion revolves around the concept of healthy masculinity and the importance of men being able to admit their flaws and mistakes.

• The conversation highlights the need for male role models and icons, especially in the absence of mature masculinity in one's life, and the impact of this absence on young boys.

• The popularity of figures like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson among young men is discussed, attributing it to the lack of healthy male role models and the appeal of their messages.

• The challenges faced by women in modern culture, the pressure to embody certain ideals, and the lack of public advocacy for a more balanced version of femininity are discussed.

• The importance of the mother-child relationship in the first three years of a child's life is emphasized, highlighting the developmental and psychological impact it has on the child.

• Connor Beaton shares his approach to fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of presence and being a role model for his son.

• The practice of breathwork is discussed as a method to regulate the nervous system and enhance presence, particularly in parenting. 

Connor's website:

https://mantalks.com/

Music - Run River by Jon Swift

For the passionate surfer—whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer—this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we’ll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we’re here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced.