“This reveals that both reality and our personal identities extend beyond the obvious, and the various levels of our consciousness hold significant practical value”.- Douglas Gillette

Today on Men, This Way:

• 00:00 Welcoming Douglas M. Gillette
• 01:01 Discussion on "King, Warrior, Magician, Lover"
• 01:29 Background of Douglas Gillette
• 02:00 Douglas' Pastoral Background and Interfaith Work
• 03:01 Family Dinners and Personal Introductions
• 04:01 Discussion on Douglas' New Book and Life Experiences
• 06:00 Upcoming Book Discussions on Zoom
• 07:04 The Role of a Guru in Learning
• 07:42 Importance of Masculine Archetypes
• 14:06 Deep Dive into Archetypal Work in Men's Groups
• 16:05 Experiences from a Men's Workshop
• 17:10 Exploring the Shadows of Masculine Archetypes
• 20:20 Discussion on Shadow Work and Personal Wholeness
• 21:06 Explanation of Collective Shadow
• 23:48 Carl Jung's Contributions to Psychology
• 30:02 Integration of Imagination in Personal Development
• 33:06 Discussion on Modern Relevance of Douglas' Book
• 37:40 The Lack of Elders and the Need for Maps
• 41:17 Integrating the Whole Man
• 48:08 Embracing the Paradox of the Spiritual Path
• 56:57 Reflections on Personal Life and Legacy
• 67:18 Final Message from Douglas Gillette

Takeaways of this episode:

• The significance of the archetypes and their profound resonance with the male psyche. 
• Men's work that focuses on exploring and integrating the shadow aspects of the archetypes.
• The importance of shadow work—engaging with the parts of oneself that are typically hidden or suppressed.
• Science and spirituality both can contribute to a deeper understanding of the self and the universe.
• The future of men's studies, and the importance of continuing personal and collective growth. 

Connect with Douglas:

• Order: Soul Making: The Realization of the Mystical Life & King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 
• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08
• Email: [email protected] / [email protected] 

Why do men often have to hit bottom before we’re able to make meaningful changes in our lives?

Could our cultural obsession with the individual self be serving to propel us towards our collective doom?

Could learning how to properly grieve be key to our vitality, to living a rich, soul-centered life?

Well, in this very special episode, my guest Francis Weller, and I mine these questions and more for useful insights to make a meaningful difference in your life. 

And this is a very special episode. For about the last year, I’ve been diving down the Francis Weller rabbit hole, and if you haven’t yet, I’m telling you, you need to. Humanity needs you to. This man is a medicine carrier for humanity. 

I first discovered him a year ago when a good friend of mine turned me onto his book, 

The Wild Edge of Sorrow. That book is the one of the most beautiful, poignant, rich and instructive books I’ve ever read. Now, it’s not merely a book about grieving in the way we traditionally think of grieving in our western culture, as if grieving is something that only happens when we experience a major and obvious loss in our lives – which by the way, we don’t even do that well in our culture – but Francis’ book is about ways of creating soul renewal by recasting grieving in our culture as essential routine practice to ensure not just our individual health and well-being, but the health and well-being of our entire community, and of the planet itself.

Francis’ work is immense. 

In a world of many olders but too few elders, particularly elder men, Francis Weller is a true wise elder. And he’s super easy to talk with. For more than 30 years he’s been a psychotherapist, a writer, and soul-activist. He is a master of synthesizing diverse streams of thought, from psychology, anthropology, mythology, alchemy, indigenous cultures, and poetic traditions. The core of his work is creating pathways to reclaiming our indigenous soul, what psychologist Carl Jung called the “unforgotten wisdom” that resides in the heart of the psyche. He’s the founder of WisdomBridge, an organization that offers educational programs that seek to integrate the wisdom from traditional cultures with the insights and knowledge gathered from Western Cultures. I’m so excited for you to hear our conversation.

👉 https://www.francisweller.net/

ELEVATE 2025, my year-long coaching journey for men committed to thriving, has just 5 spots left as of this recording. 

We begin in January, right around the corner. 

So, if you’re a man interested in stepping into a powerful brotherhood of men, alongside me and 10 other like-hearted men, please apply now @ https://bryanreeves.com/elevate

ELEVATE 2025 includes personal coaching with me throughout the entire year, and alongside a select group of solid men, your soon-to-be brothers, we’ll go on a deep-dive into the insights, distinctions, and practices that allow you to step into your deepest life purpose, create and support a thriving intimate relationship, tap into real, authentic heart-centered power to truly serve your loved ones, your aspirations, your community. We’ll also meet in person for an epic 5-day retreat in a beautiful nature location in North Carolina.

Through this experience these men, and I, will become your brothers for life, and you will be challenged to go beyond your comfort zone. Because you surely know by now that if you’re going to touch the heart of what matters most to you in life, you ain’t gonna get there by staying comfortable.

This isn’t for everyone.

But if you have an inkling it might be for you … apply now @ https://bryanreeves.com/elevate ... Just take the next step. This could be the one of the greatest gifts you ever give yourself. The gift of brotherhood with extraordinary men.

bryanreeves.com/elevate

"Historically speaking, when we heard criticism, it was from a potential enemy, so it was biologically natural to get up our defenses.That was really functional for survival. It's just dysfunctional for love”.- Dr. Warren Farrell

Today on Men, This Way:

• 00:00 Introduction of Dr. Warren Farrell
• 00:50 Dr. Farrell's background and contribution to understanding modern men's struggles.
• 01:28 Dr. Farrell's reception and personal experience in the field.
• 03:49 Discussing the role of criticism in personal and relational development.
• 04:18 The impact of workshops on handling criticism and personal growth.
• 05:23 Importance of non-defensive communication in relationships.
• 06:07 Defensiveness and its effects on relationship dynamics.
• 07:16 Discussion on defensiveness and its ubiquity across different types of relationships.
• 07:48 Gender dynamics in criticism and defensiveness.
• 10:08 Exploration of gender dynamics, respect, and protection in relationships.
• 10:45 Link between boy crisis and absence of father figures
• 12:08 Comprehensive discussion on the causes and effects of the boy crisis.
• 14:46 Role of communication in relationships and its impact on children.
• 16:00 Detailed statistics on the boy crisis and its societal implications.
• 18:33 Connection between dad deprivation and various social issues.
• 20:00 Broader implications of declining male societal contributions.
• 22:38 Dr. Farrell's shift from feminism to focusing on boys' and men's issues.
• 29:22 Personal reflections on fatherhood and its impact on personal success.
• 34:27 Comprehensive discussion on dad deprivation and its various forms.
• 37:39 The importance of dad-style parenting and its specific strategies.
• 41:55 Discussion on the importance of balanced parenting and its challenges.
• 47:33 Discussion on boundary setting and enforcement in parenting.
• 50:22 The evolving role of fathers in modern family units.
• 53:29 Challenges and strategies for checks and balance parenting
• 58:16 Strategies for single parents to incorporate balanced parenting styles.
• 01:01:12 Closing thoughts on the importance of father figures and balanced parenting.

Takeaways from this episode:

• The shift from traditional roles towards a deeper, more emotionally connected partnership. 
• The societal and psychological challenges men encounter today.
• How to overcome defensiveness to maintain healthy relationships.
• Different impacts of "dad-style" and "mom-style" parenting.
• The role fathers play in the psychological development of children, especially boys. 
• Societal issues like the "boy crisis," which includes higher suicide rates among boys and young men.

Connect with Dr. Farrell:

• Website: warrenfarrell.com 
• Order: The Boy Crisis & The Role Mate to Soul Mate
• Resources: Warren Farrell’s Resources 
• Twitter: @drwarrenfarrell

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 
• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08
• Email: [email protected] / [email protected] 

In this episode I explore the themes of manhood and the significance of rites of passage in a man's life. I reflect on my personal experiences and my own lack of intentional initiation into manhood, which continues to haunt many men today. I dive into the importance of having wise elders to guide men through their journeys and the impact of not having these figures in our lives.

ELEVATE 2025: https://bryanreeves.com/elevate

Takeaways

• Many men have never undergone a true rite of passage.
• The absence of initiation can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
• Rites of passage involve separation, threshold, and return.
• Men often seek validation from women, which is unsustainable.
• Elder support is crucial for personal growth and maturity.
• Pseudo initiations do not provide the same benefits as true rites of passage.
• Adolescence can persist into adulthood without proper guidance.
• Mature men take responsibility for their impact on others.
• Intimate relationships can become containers for ongoing initiation.
• The journey of manhood is often lonely without support.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Manhood and Initiation

20:07 The Importance of Rites of Passage

26:01 Seeking Support and Guidance in Manhood

"Many of us spin our wheels, blame others because we can't find our way out. But the work-this soul work-is about digging deep, finding that genius within." - Michael Mead

Today on Men, This Way:

• 00:02 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:29 Michael Mead's Background and Expertise
• 01:00 Insights on Storytelling and Mythology
• 02:12 The Role of Early Stories in Personal Development
• 02:50 Personal Impact of Mythology on Michael Mead
• 04:09 The Importance of Myth in Understanding Chaos
• 04:30 Misinterpretations of Myths in Modern Times
• 07:16 Political Polarization and Mythical Understanding
• 10:25 Myths of Chaos and Creation
• 12:18 Viewing Social Issues Through Mythical Frameworks
• 13:18 The Psychological and Societal Impact of Rites of Passage
• 17:21 Crafting Effective Modern Rites of Passage
• 21:34 Discovering Inner Genius and Personal Uniqueness
• 24:04 Reflections on Solitary Confinement as an Unintended Rite of Passage
• 27:59 The Role of Accidental Rites of Passage in Modern Society
• 30:33 Implementing Vision Quests as Contemporary Initiations
• 37:04 The Limitations of Parental Involvement in Children's Rites of Passage
• 41:22 The Need for Societal Renewal Through Individual Awakening
• 43:18 Perspectives on the Kali Yuga and the Challenges of Modern Times
• 47:20 Finding Purpose and Calling Amidst Societal Chaos
• 50:47 The Healing Potential of Myth and Community
• 54:49 Sharing Personal Myths as a Way to Connect and Heal
• 58:48 The Eternal Quest for Personal Destiny and Collective Transformation

Takeaways:

• How mythology bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary issues.
• The crucial role of rites of passage and initiation in fostering maturity for life's challenges.
• Mythology as a tool for understanding personal and collective crises.
• How individual experiences can resonate with universal stories. 
• Acknowledging personal and collective wounds is essential for true growth and healing.

Connect with Michael:

• Website: mosaicvoices.org
• Listen to: Living Myth Podcast
• Instragram: @michaelmeade_mosaicvoices 
• Check out: Holding the Thread of Life

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 
• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08
• Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

“The mother wound is wanting to be saved by someone, some thing, some process outside yourself, and it's not going to happen.” - John Lee

Today on Men, This Way:

• 0:00 - Introduction & Overview
• 0:38 - Global Context & Personal Impact 
• 1:16 - Introducing the Mother Wound
• 1:46 - Reflections on the Mother Wound
• 2:11 - The Book 'He' and Its Impact 
• 3:37 - Defining the Mother Wound 
• 5:03 - Archetypes of the Mother Wound
• 6:26 - Personal Stories of Mother Wounds
• 10:13 - The Mother vs. Father Wound
• 12:30 - Struggles with Self-Worth
• 16:29 - No Saviors, Only Self-Reliance 
• 18:27 - Facing Illusions in Relationships
• 22:20 - The Role of Therapy in Self-Healing 
• 24:41 - Self-Responsibility & Accountability 
• 27:22 - Projections and the Feminine 
• 30:42 - The Need for Soothing & Relief 
• 35:18 - Relearning Trust and Soothe 
• 42:09 - Self-Worth & External Validation 
• 46:35 - Time as a Catalyst for Change
• 46:59 - Conclusion & Gratitude

Takeaways from this episode:

• Understanding the Mother Wound.
• The Impact of the Mother Wound on Relationships.
• How the Mother Wound Deeply Impacts One's Sense of Self-worth and Value.
• Healing from the Mother Wound Involves Self-reflection and Inner Work.
• Societal and Cultural Factors that Shape the Mother Wound.

Connect with John:

• Website: johnleebooks.com
• Order: Odd One Out: Radical Revelations on Relationships, Self-Help, and Personal Growth
• Book: Private Session
• email: [email protected]

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 
• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08
• Email: [email protected] / [email protected] 

This show is produced by Synchro Social

"I'm not against pornography; however, if you're using it to distract yourself or to numb the pain you're experiencing, it might be serving as an escape from having tough conversations" .- Bryan Reeves

Today on Men, This Way:

• 00:02 Greetings & Reconnection
• 01:08 Celebration of Elevate 2025
• 02:27 Discussion on Male Relationships & Growth
• 03:58 Importance of Men's Groups
• 05:44 Introducing the Concept of Resistance
• 07:11 Deep Dive into Resistance
• 10:16 The Illusion of Control
• 12:48 Daily Responsibilities and Life's Illusions
• 14:13 Crafting a Life of Enthusiasm
• 16:05 Cynicism in Personal Growth
• 17:38 Navigating Life's Journeys
• 19:35 Handling Cynicism and its Impacts
• 21:58 Personal Development & Community Support
• 24:38 Encouragement and Reflections on Growth
• 27:14 The Value of Inspiration and Support
• 30:57 Establishing a Sense of Belonging
• 33:41 Overcoming Isolation and Embracing Community
• 35:09 The Dynamics of Men's Groups
• 37:21 The Challenge of Numbing Out
• 40:11 Parental Challenges and Personal Growth
• 43:06 Facing and Understanding Life's Resistance
• 45:34 Disorientation and Life's Direction
• 48:35 Military Experience and Personal Orientation
• 51:48 Momentum and Life's Orientation
• 54:02 Powerlessness and Finding Strength
• 56:31 The Role of Power in Personal and Professional Life
• 59:04 Men's Roles and Challenges in Modern Society
• 01:01:09 The Five Dead Ends and Their Antidotes
• 01:03:46 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Join

Take Aways:

• The Power Gathering with other Men to Maintain Clarity and Motivation
• Birth and Evolution of "Men This Way"
• Celebrating Community Growth with Elevate 2025
• The Necessity of Peer Support
• Overcoming Resistance as a Path to Personal Growth
• Community as an Antidote to Isolation
• Reframing Challenges with Community Support

Transform Your Life – Join Elevate  Sign up here!

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 
• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08
• Email: [email protected] / [email protected] 

This show is produced by Synchro Social

"They have to organize. if we're organized where the kids come first, well, the couple is dead, long live the kids, they go away and bye. Because we lost that loving feeling, we never nurtured it. We weren't important enough to maintain." - Dr. Stan Tatkin

Today on Men, This Way:

00:00 Introduction

01:48 PACT Method and Psychobiological Approach

02:22 Personal Reflections on Dr. Tatkin's Work

04:40 Setting Up the Discussion on Relationships

05:09 Defining Secure Functioning Relationships

05:44 Importance of Teamwork in Relationships

06:43 Challenges in Relationships and Power Dynamics

09:35 Explanation of Attachment Styles: Anchors, Waves, Islands

10:07 The Impact of Childhood on Relationship Dynamics

11:55 Clinging and Distancing in Relationships

13:16 Insights into Attachment from Studies

13:30 Personal Narratives and Their Impact on Perception

14:32 Neglect and Its Subtle Impact

15:32 Resentment from Childhood Expectations

16:04 The Metaphor of "The Bite that Fits the Wound"

17:04 The Role of Anger in Insecure Attachments

18:20 Strategies for Secure Functioning

19:20 Adapting to Partner's Needs and Insecurities

20:11 Understanding Attachment and Its Effects on Relationships

22:38 Responsibility in Relationship Dynamics

23:31 Importance of Understanding Danger and Care in Relationships

26:14 The Importance of Shared Vision in Maintaining Relationships

27:21 Designing Relationships Intentionally

28:21 Prioritizing Relationships Over Other Aspects of Life

31:04 Teamwork and Interdependency in Relationships

31:56 Role of Partners in Regulating Each Other's Nervous Systems

34:21 The Practical Application of Co-regulation Techniques

38:28 The Unreliability of Narratives in Understanding Relationships

40:05 The Flaws of Memory and Perception in Communication

41:03 The Challenge of Modeling Successful Relationships

43:02 Strategies for Better Relationship Dynamics

44:12 The Need for Intentionality in Relationships

46:05 The Impact of Stress on Relationship Dynamics

49:05 The Necessity of Protective Measures in Relationships

50:09 The Importance of Commitment and Intention in Relationships

52:22 The Timeframe for Developing Strong Relationship Skills

54:17 The Role of Purpose and Principle in Relationship Longevity

55:06 Establishing and Adhering to Relationship Principles

56:07 Vision and Future Planning in Relationships

57:19 Deciding When to Persist or Let Go in Relationships

59:21 The Social Contracts That Define Personal Relationships

61:02 The Mutual Benefits of a Committed Relationship

64:07 The Hopeful Aspect of Engaging in Relationship Work

66:30 Dr. Tatkin's New Publications and Future Projects

67:44 Closing Thoughts and Reflections on Relationship Dynamics

Takeaways from this episode:

• The Importance of Secure Functioning in Relationships.
• The Impact of Attachment Styles.
• Role of Co-regulation
• Communication Strategies Under Stress
• The Necessity of Intentionality and Planning in Relationships
• Navigating Relationship Challenges with Emotional Intelligence
• The Psychological Impact of Neglect
• The Influence of Past Trauma on Current Relationships
• The Concept of Mutual Support and Teamwork
• Shared Vision and Purpose

Transform Your Life – Join Elevate  Sign up here!

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 
• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08
• Email: [email protected] / [email protected] 

Connect with Dr. Stan Tatkin:

• Website: thepactinstitute.com
• Buy the book: In Each Other's Care
• Therapy with Dr.Tatkin: Couples therapy
• Sign up: Retreat
• Instagram: @drstantatkin 

This show is produced by Synchro Social

"I constantly remind parents to ask their children how they feel and to always respond with 'thank you for sharing.' This simple practice can transform relationships.” -Brooke Weinstein

Today on Men, This Way:

02:02 Welcome & Introduction.

02:32 Acknowledging Past Discussions.

03:08 Expertise in Sensory and Emotional Regulation.

03:28 The Importance of Parental Emotional Regulation.

03:40Understanding Co-Regulation.

05:38 Influence of Parental Behavior on Children.

07:50 Addressing Challenges of Premature Birth.

10:17 Developmental Stages and Parenting Approaches.

18:16 Discussing Boundaries in Parenting.

19:28 Early Childhood Development and Setting Boundaries.

27:48 Challenges with Social Transitions and Sensory Overload.

31:35 Transition to Adolescence.

38:25 Medication and Support for Sensory Issues.

42:35 Adolescent Social Interactions and Emotional Regulation.

47:30 Preparing for the Social World in Adolescence.

53:50 Supporting Adolescents Through Challenges.

56:19 Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Young Adults.

Takeaways from this episode:

• We're never truly ready for parenting.
• Co-regulation is essential for emotional health.
• Understanding developmental stages helps parents support their children.
• Birth experiences can significantly impact a child's development.
• Emotional regulation starts with the parents.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for children's growth.
• Children need to express their feelings openly.
• Independence is built through gradual support from parents.
• ADHD symptoms can overlap with sensory regulation issues.
• Open communication is vital for addressing anxiety and depression in teens.

Transform Your Life – Join Elevate  Sign up here!

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 
• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08
• Email: [email protected] / [email protected] 

Connect with Dr. Brooke:

• Website: drbrookeweinstein.com
• Instagram: @brookeweinst
• Podcast: Thrive Like a Parent
• Youtube: Dr. Brooke Weinstein

This show is produced by Synchro Social

I’ve got a profound episode for you today. My guest is Bill Plotkin, one of the most genius and inspired visionaries of our time that you’ve likely never heard of.

He’s the author of a few books that have rocked my world, most notably, Nature and The Human Soul.

When I first read Nature and The Human Soul some years ago, I felt like I’d discovered a sacred tablet with the codes to living every stage of life well.

Through his work spanning 5 decades as a depth psychologist, wilderness guide, and founder of western Colorado’s Animas Valley Institute, Bill has led thousands of women and men through nature-based initiatory rites-of-passage, and from his work he HAS brought back a vigorously detailed map of the stages of human development, from birth to death, including the specific tasks that are required for someone to complete if they are to psychologically progress from one developmental stage to the next, like from late adolescence to early adulthood. Building on Carl Jung’s work, and the work of countless other brilliant hearts and minds spanning a myriad of human cultures, when I read Bill’s work, I understand more clearly the adventure of my life, the story arcs that have played out, the excruciating bottoms I’ve hit at critical and pivotal moments of my life, and what the real tasks of the different stages of life are that, if I don’t accomplish those tasks, then I don’t truly grow or evolve, even though my body may age. 

A major theme he explores in his work, which we talk about in this episode, is the overwhelming lack of true adults in the modern world, and the state of humanity as being currently made up largely of people stuck in adolescent ways of thinking, being, and doing. 

We also talk about a critical phase of the life journey, The Journey of Soul Initiation, an experience undertaken between adolescence and adulthood, and a prerequisite for any human to step into true adulthood, and sadly a journey our culture does not support, and in fact actively discourages.

Soooo much to explore here. Bill is one of my beloved elders and teachers, I encourage you to listen to this entire episode, get Bill’s books. If you have or want kids, Bill’s work can help you understand what your own children need to experience at different stages of development, if they are to become truly healthy adults.

So let’s get going. I start off our conversation with a personal story of something that happened to me after I got out of the military, and we take off from there into a profound conversation, which is still but a short stroll on the tippy top of the massive iceberg that is his life’s work. 

Near the end, before he gives us insight into how you can move further in the direction of your own journey of soul initiation, I ask Bill whether he has hope for humanity, given culture’s resistance to creating mature adults. His answer will surprise you, maybe frighten you. He does have hope, but not in the way you might think.

So, definitely stay tuned all the way through to the end of this episode of Men, This Way …

👉 https://www.animas.org