Creative work asks us to pour our hearts into something—and then invite opinions about it. In this conversation, men’s coach and podcaster Chris Geisler joins Michael and Bri to unpack practical nervous-system tools (breathwork, cold exposure, movement) that help stressed, coffee-fueled creatives swap reactivity for regulation. Chris shares his journey from anger and chaos to presence, how travel and men’s work reshaped him, and why “connection vs. protection” is the real toggle we’re all riding.

Fight / Flight / Freeze / Fawn, explained—and how to spot which state you’re in during client feedback loops.

Breath basics for creatives: low-diaphragm breathing, CO₂ tolerance, and why “calm is a skill.”

Anger alchemy: making safe space to discharge energy (so it doesn’t leak into your projects or team).

From goals to mission: reframing purpose to reduce anxiety and people-pleasing.

Environmental design: curating communities and routines that help you stay regulated under deadlines.

00:01 – Why breathwork + cold plunge hit hard for a creative crowd

03:16 – Chris’s backstory: dysregulation, consequences, and course correction

12:33 – Two years of solo travel, humility, and nervous-system safety

21:24 – Practices that actually move the needle (“The Beautiful Practice”)

29:24 – Breathing 101: where to breathe and why it matters

44:36 – Fight / Flight / Freeze / Fawn for client scenarios

53:09 – Healthy anger: boundaries, expression, and repair

58:52 – A surprising place Chris learned to release rage

1:05:10 – Where to find Chris & how to go deeper

“We’re always toggling connection or protection—know which one you’re in.”

“Calm is a skill. Practice creates capacity.”

“I was born with everything I need to thrive—I just had to remember.”

The Alchemist (on listening to your life)

Gabor Maté on attachment & authenticity

Thich Nhat Hanh on everyday mindfulness

Tom Bilyeu’s Impact Theory (awareness as a prerequisite for thriving)

2 minutes of slow nasal, low-diaphragm breathing before client calls.

After tough feedback, do 10–20 shakes through the legs/arms to discharge energy.

Write a one-line mission (not a goal) you can contribute to daily.

Post-work “off switch”: 5 minutes eyes-soft, mouth-closed, long exhales.

Website: thechrisgeisler.com The Chris Geisler

Podcast: The Chris Geisler Podcast (show page) The Chris Geisler+2The Chris Geisler+2

Link hub (socials + more): Linktree (find Instagram, Facebook, etc.) Linktree

Men of Earth (community): Inner Circle / Skool The Chris Geisler+1

Retreats / Men’s Weekends: Facing the Shadow (info + dates) The Chris Geisler

1:1 & Group Coaching: Offerings & LEAD program The Chris Geisler+1

YouTube: @thechrisgeisler YouTube

🤝 Connect with Michael Janda

Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for clients that included Disney, Google, Warner Bros., Fox, NBC, ABC, National Geographic, and many other high-profile brands. Michael sold his agency in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up. He is the author of “Burn Your Portfolio” and “The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.”