Chapter X with Michael Kay

We've all heard the 'find your why' advice, but what if it's not about that at all? Today, my guest is Blair Dunkley, and I'll keep it simple: this conversation is going to be mind-filling, mind-expanding, and honestly, mind-blowing.

Blair's here to break down how we can improve our lives by shifting our behaviors with research-backed methods that are both impactful and surprisingly simple. So, get ready to pay attention and maybe even take some notes.

In this episode, he breaks down the difference between mindset and life skills—and why mindset alone just doesn't cut it. His mind models offer a fresh way of thinking that can help you through life's transitions, big or small.

We discussed:

The difference between mindset vs. life skills

Why studies question the effectiveness of mindset

Blair's challenge to the "find your why" framework

Why we often blur the line between remembering and reliving

Using mind models to manage stress and solve problems

Resources

The Three E's

Phobia Freedom Formula

The Blair Dunkley Experience

Ultimate Mind Hacking Book (16 Growth Mind Models)

As a writer, I've often heard my peers talk about the "evils" of AI over the past couple of years. But truthfully, I don't know much about it myself, which is why I'm so excited to talk to today's guest, Justin Simpson.

Justin brings a lifetime of business experience, and now, in his "Chapter X," he's exploring the world of AI with new imagination and curiosity. You might be wondering, "What does AI have to do with my stage in life?"

Justin's goal is to show how AI can be useful for everyone, especially those facing career changes or life transitions. He believes AI isn't something to shy away from, but something to enjoy and use.

In fact, Justin believes AI offers incredible benefits for everyone, particularly for non-tech folks. Let's dive in and explore how AI can bring new possibilities into our daily lives.

We discussed:

Why Justin believes AI benefits everyone (not just tech companies)

How to start using AI tools like ChatGPT

3 incredible ways that AI serves small business owners

Using AI as a brainstorming buddy for career transitions

The potential for AI to address loneliness

Resources

Here.Now.AI.

Imagine a man who truly wants to connect with his partner. He carefully picks his words, hoping to create that closeness. But somehow, it all falls flat. Frustration builds in his partner, yet he can't quite put his finger on what's going wrong. Why does this keep happening?

Many men never learned how to connect emotionally in a way that feels genuine to them. Today, we're diving into this struggle and exploring how men can break free from this cycle.

I'm excited to welcome Owen Marcus, the co-founder of MELD. It's a community focused on helping men reconnect with their emotions and bodies. With over thirty years in men's emotional wellness, Owen has created programs that blend emotional understanding with peer support to help men, and now women thrive.

What Owen does is incredibly important for living authentically. In this episode, we'll dive into a major challenge men face today: being disconnected from their emotions.

We discuss:

What inspired Owen to start working with men 30 years ago

Why society tells men to disassociate from emotions

One simple way to talk to men about their feelings

The impact community and relationships has on men

Owen's method for reconnecting with your body

Breaking the pattern of emotional distance across generations

Resources

MELD training & community

Couples retreat in Costa Rica for Valentine's Day 2025

Imagine the possibilities when men come together in a supportive atmosphere. In the Chapter X community, I've seen firsthand how this freedom allows us to be our true selves—and that's where real growth happens.

Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Bodhi Aldridge, a man whose life story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and purpose.

Bodhi has traveled the world as a father, grandfather, lawyer, coach, and facilitator. He lives near the beaches of Byron Bay with his wife of 40 years and is a proud father of four and grandfather to ten.

As we step into our roles as elders, Bodhi believes we have a responsibility to create space for others—especially for women and younger generations, including our granddaughters. In this episode, he shares profound wisdom that just might inspire you to embrace your journey and engage with what truly matters in life.

We discussed:

Three traits Bodhi thinks are important for men

What masculine and feminine energy represent

The key advantage you have as a man

How to become more present in 5 minutes

The 3 steps of searching for purpose

How to tackle the belief of 'not being good enough'

Resources:

Enter Bodhi's free course giveaway

Listen to the True Freedom podcast

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware

Today, I'm excited to catch up with my high school friend, Kenny Hersch. His story is truly one of a kind, and I think you'll find this conversation with him an absolute joy.

Kenny's symptoms began with minor neurological issues, but it took two years to get a clear diagnosis. Early on, doctors worried it might be ALS, which was a scary idea. It was eventually identified as Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)—a non-fatal condition affecting speech and mobility. Thanks to technology, Kenny can join us today.

In high school, Kenny was a force of nature, and he remains just as remarkable. He's embraced the mantra "accommodation without surrender" with resilience and positivity that truly inspires.

In this episode, we discussed:

Kenny's life-altering diagnosis of PLS at 45

What it was like coming to terms with his new way of life

Tools that helped Kenny transition through his health journey

How a newspaper profile transformed him into a local celebrity

The impact he hopes to make through his legacy

Links

Kenny's feature in The Providence Journal

David Rynick was a big deal in college—serving on the university senate, co-captaining the wrestling team, and enjoying much attention. But despite all his achievements, he wasn't happy.

This realization set him on a path to explore what mattered to him beyond just achieving more and pleasing others. Today, David is a Zen teacher with credentials in two lineages and a seasoned life and leadership coach.

His latest book, Wandering Close to Home: A Year of Zen Reflections, Consolations, and Reveries, came from 18 months of daily writing during the pandemic. This remarkable collection of essays and reflections is designed to inspire you to live more fully.

In this episode, we chat about David's journey from college success to finding true fulfillment. You'll find it's a conversation filled with inspiration and joy.

We discuss:

Why early success led David to question happiness and purpose

How he explored dance and pottery as self-expression

Why it took him a decade to appreciate daily meditation

David's advice for men who are struggling to adjust to retirement

The most common misconception about meditation

Read Wandering Close to Home

Visit DavidRynick.com

Boundless Way Zen Temple

Listen to David's Zen talks

When is the right time to start asking yourself life's big questions? My guest, Austin Dowling, who shifted from a corporate attorney to a psychotherapist, is here to discuss the vital role of self-reflection in finding fulfillment in retirement.

Originally from Ireland, Austin is a practicing psychotherapist and executive coach based in New York. He helps professional adults at a crossroads in their personal or professional lives, many of whom struggle with anxiety or a lack of motivation and are striving to reach their full potential.

Austin has navigated some incredible transitions in his own life, and his insights strike at the heart of the challenges many men face in retirement. And here's a little secret: this won't be the last time you hear from us.

In today's episode, you'll hear about:

Austin's path from corporate law to helping people with their mental health

Understanding the roots of our inner critic—and how to manage it effectively

The reasons why men often face an identity crisis post-retirement

Why you must shed certain habits after transitioning out of your career

How to build a better community through these small steps

When it's the right time start asking yourself the big questions

Austin Dowling Psychotherapy

Austin on LinkedIn

Austin on Facebook

In a world full of noise, it's easy to forget that real happiness can start with reconnecting with who we truly are inside. Today, that's exactly what we're exploring with Amrit Singh, a life coach who helps men discover what they truly want and what makes them happy.

In this episode, we tackle the tough challenges men face with vulnerability and how embracing your true self can transform your relationships. Amrit shares some truly powerful tips on how vulnerability can lead to more joy and fulfillment in both personal and romantic lives.

So stick around as we uncover Amrit's personal journey, his tried-and-true techniques, and how he's helping successful men reignite their passion and strengthen their marriages. It's a conversation that shows just how incredible self-reflection and building intentional relationships can be.

We discussed:

What triggered Amrit's realization in his twenties that he needed to change course

How we can reconnect with our true selves beneath all the layers we've built up

The most common challenges in making relationships meaningful after retirement

What advice Amrit would offer to men who are questioning their relationships

Why is exploring our relationships both daunting and rewarding?

The source of true fulfillment (beyond external achievements)

Coaching with Amrit

Marriage Reconnection Roadmap

Follow Amrit on Instagram

Follow Amrit on Facebook

Follow Amrit on TikTok

When we find something that drives us forward, life takes on new meaning and fulfillment. But true fulfillment isn't just about traditional success—it's about discovering joy and purpose in our everyday experiences, especially as we navigate the second half of life.

Today, we explore this enriching path with a guest whose resilience and purpose have guided his own journey. Alain Dumonceaux joins us, a man whose own life trials have shaped his passion for helping men align their lives with their deepest values.

As the Purposeful Action (Men)tor for the Awakened Man movement, Alain has dedicated himself to showing others how to live authentically. From triumphs at the Culinary Olympics to facing near ruin twice, his journey has driven him to empower others.

Now, Alain's mission is clear: to guide men in rediscovering their life's purpose through his purposeful action plan, "The Return of The King." This plan serves as a transformative blueprint for embarking on their Hero's Quest.

In this episode, we discussed:

Why we thrive on having something to anticipate in life

What we often get wrong about defining our purpose

The three mentors who can transform a man's life

Why men need safe spaces for open dialogue

What we must remember when confronting our pain

One tip to keep in mind whenever imposter syndrome strikes

Alain shares his tips for perfecting cooking techniques

(Free Course) Crafting Your Mission

The Awakened Man

Band of Brothers

Hero's Quest

The Revolutionary Man Podcast

Follow Alain on Instagram

Follow Alain on Facebook

Ever had a friend recommend a book that completely captivated you? That's exactly what happened to me. My friend Bob suggested this book written by a college acquaintance of his, and I decided to grab a copy. Little did I know, it would be one of those extraordinary reads.

As I flipped through the pages, I found myself really connecting with the importance of the author's words. I knew I had to track down David Chernikoff's email and invite him to join me for a conversation.

David is a meditation teacher, spiritual counselor, and writer who taught psychology and meditation at Naropa University for many years. He currently teaches retreats throughout the United States and is one of the guiding teachers of the Insight Meditation Community of Colorado.

And his latest book, Life, Part Two: Seven Keys to Awakening with Purpose and Joy as You Age, is truly eye-opening. It's a roadmap to finding fulfillment and happiness, regardless of where you find yourself on life's journey.

How a life-changing event at age 13 molded David's adult years

The pressure to succeed and how it affects our self worth

Redefining your self-worth beyond achievements in middle age

The concept of living on two levels: the relative and the absolute

7 keys to awakening with purpose and joy as you age

Why David decided to write a book as he approached 70

Life, Part Two: Seven Keys to Awakening with Purpose and Joy as You Age

www.davidchernikoff.com

David's Upcoming Event Schedule