In this episode I sit down with my friend Chris Skidmore — biodynamic craniosacral therapist, astrologer, holistic psychotherapist, and lover of myth. We explore the underworld as it shows up in men's lives: the places we avoid, the emotional depths we'd rather not descend into, and the myths that map those territories.

Chris talks about how myth gives shape to the unconscious, and how stories like the caterpillar's transformation mirror the initiations men go through when they're willing to slow down and feel what's actually moving inside them. We look at the fear and resistance most men have toward entering these darker states — depression, fear, despair — and how culture often rewards staying on the surface instead.

We also speak about ritual, guidance, and altered states as ways of navigating these passages. Chris shares some of his own experiences with ritual work and how it's helped him move through difficult transitions.

If you've felt a pull to something deeper, or sensed an emotional terrain you've been skirting around, this conversation is an invitation to turn toward it — and to discover what becomes possible when you do.

Connect with Chris online:

Website: https://onthesoulsterms.com/about-chris

Instagram: @on_the_souls_terms

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/on-the-souls-terms/id1560527739

Find more from James:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.jamesmattingley.com/

Instagram: @james.mattingley

Free polarity guide: https://mailchi.mp/jamesmattingley/av41397s0n

Join me in this compelling conversation with Jan Willem van der Heiden about the transformative power of fighting as a means to achieve inner strength and emotional freedom.

Jan shares how physical combat can be a powerful tool for personal growth, illustrating the often-overlooked benefits of fighting in developing mental strength and overcoming internal challenges.

We discuss how fighting forces people to confront their deepest fears and insecurities, leading to significant breakthroughs in love, money, business, fatherhood, and more. Jan shares transformative stories of both men and women who have found inner peace and strength through controlled fighting scenarios, and how these experiences help them stay present and handle stress better in day-to-day life.

We also touch on societal misconceptions about fighting, particularly from a woman's viewpoint, and how controlled physical confrontations can lead to deeper emotional connections and trust in friendships and romantic partnerships. Because of the vulnerability that comes with fighting, it can help people shed their defenses and open up to others.

Connect with Jan-Willem online:

Website: https://jwvanderheiden.com/about

Instagram: @janwillemvanderh

Find more from James:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.jamesmattingley.com/

Instagram: @james.mattingley

Free polarity guide: https://mailchi.mp/jamesmattingley/av41397s0n

I sat down with Justin Patrick Pierce, an author, mentor, and relationship coach, to discuss his profound insights on intimacy, monogamy, and the spiritual path of relationship.

We kicked off the conversation by getting deep into Justin's unique position in the world of tantra and intimacy, where he and his partner, Londin, practice radical monogamy while raising a child, a rarity in this space. Justin opened up about why radical monogamy holds such significance for him and how he grew into this practice over time.

We also discussed how people often enter the world of sacred sex and spirituality seeking heightened erotic experiences and multiple orgasms, which can turn into a yearning akin to an addiction. However, true spiritual growth in sexual practice involves moving beyond these initial cravings to achieve a state of real spiritual liberation and maturation.

Finally, we get into a practice that I find to be one of the most intriguing paths I've taken in my spiritual practice — non-ejaculatory orgasm. Justin explained how men who abstain from ejaculation can maintain higher energy levels, enhance intimacy, and strengthen the bond with their partner. This practice is not simply about denying release, but transforming and circulating sexual energy throughout the body, thus enriching one's daily life and deepening intimate connections.

For men looking to deepen their own spiritual practices, enhance the connection they have with their partner, or even if you're just starting down a spiritual path, I hope you'll take the time to listen to this full episode to better understand what it truly means to be a man walking a spiritual path.

Connect with Justin online:

Website: https://www.justinpatrickpierce.com/

Instagram: @justinpatrickpierce

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogaofintimacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustinPatrickPierce

Find more from James:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.jamesmattingley.com/

Instagram: @james.mattingley

Free polarity guide: https://mailchi.mp/jamesmattingley/av41397s0n

Welcome to the first official episode of Brothers in Depth. To kick things off, I welcomed Lianne Schwartz, a renowned midwife who has been a registered midwife for 23 years and attending births for 28, including the births of my own children, Lila and Latham.

Our discussion starts with the magical and intuitive aspects of midwifery, touching on how midwives like Lianne can often sense details about pregnancies that parents themselves may not yet realize — including how she knew my wife Megan was pregnant before we even did.

Later, we dig deeper into the often underappreciated role of fathers during pregnancy and childbirth. Lianne emphasizes how crucial it is for fathers to be actively involved from the very beginning, including preconception meetings where intentions and plans are set with the midwife. She stresses the importance of emotional connection, presence, and the simple yet profound act of loving touch to help both the mother and the baby feel secure and supported. Lianne also sheds light on how Western societies lack rituals and rites of passage for men entering fatherhood, something that still holds strong in many indigenous cultures.

Lianne outlines common mistakes men make during labor, such as bringing stress and anxiety into the birthing space, advises fathers on how to maintain a calm and supportive environment, the importance of planning and having clear birth plans, and the role of advocacy if complications arise.

Throughout the episode, Lianne highlights how the entire process of pregnancy and birth can serve as a profound rite of passage for men, encouraging them to grow and connect in ways they might not have previously considered. This episode serves as an essential guide for expectant fathers wanting to fully engage in the birthing process and support their partners emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Connect with Lianne online:

Website: https://www.consciousbirthcommunity.com/ConnectedFromtheStart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_birth_community/

Find more from James:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.jamesmattingley.com/

Instagram: @james.mattingley

Free polarity guide: https://mailchi.mp/jamesmattingley/av41397s0n

Brothers In Depth is a monthly podcast for men ready to drop the mask, step off autopilot, and live with more depth, presence, and purpose. Hosted by James Mattingley, each episode explores a different facet of modern masculinity—from fatherhood to intimacy, from mythic archetypes to movement and vulnerability.

Through honest solo reflections, powerful interviews, and grounded monthly summaries, Brothers In Depth invites listeners to dive beneath the surface of their own lives—to feel more, to show up more fully for their families, their partners, and themselves.

This is not a podcast for quick fixes. It's a slow burn. A monthly rhythm. A call inward.