Today, Deb is joined by men’s life coach Maxim Shapiro, who helps men find direction, purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Maxim shares how long-term depression stemmed from playing small, avoiding risk, and disconnecting from his authentic self, and how a coach who later became his romantic partner helped him change by learning to listen to criticism, connect to intuition, and live more courageously.
Deb and Maxim discuss midlife crisis as a disconnect between outward accomplishments and inner contentment, arguing that authenticity is the missing ingredient in cultural messages about success. They also talk about changing expectations for men and women, pushback against the idea that “toxic masculinity” equates to all masculinity, and the belief that men and women are built to complement each other rather than compete.
Deb shares concerns about cultural messaging to younger women about men, references the “bear or a man” question, and advocates for teaching appreciation of what men contribute. They discuss traditional roles, parenting, and how both men and women supporting children affects society. The episode closes with where to find Maxim Shapiro online, including his website forwardmotioncoach.org and his YouTube channel, plus other social platforms.
00:00 Talk About It Tuesday: Live Gen X Conversation (No Algorithms)
00:27 Episode Teaser: Midlife, Masculinity & Authenticity w/ Maxim Shapiro
01:27 Welcome & Guest Intro: Coaching Men Toward Purpose
02:41 Max’s Turning Point: Depression, Playing Small, and Finding a Mentor
07:56 Men & Women as Complements: The ‘Inner Hero’ and Why It Matters
10:15 Where It Started: Sensitivity, Immigrant Parents, and Safety vs. Adventure
13:33 Gen X and Intuition: Getting Out of Your Head and Trusting Your Gut
18:32 Sponsor Break: Stat Guard Plus and the Thermostat Wars
19:24 What a Midlife Crisis Really Is: Success Without Contentment
21:44 Success, Midlife Crises & the Happiness Disconnect
22:08 Authenticity vs. Systems: Escaping a Performative Life
24:30 From Personal Breakthrough to Coaching Others
25:51 Beyond 'Toxic Masculinity': Reclaiming Healthy Manhood
31:14 Men & Women on the Same Team: Roles, Respect, and Balance
36:31 Work, Family, and Birth Rates: What Society Incentivizes
40:09 Regrets at 50 & Choosing Authenticity Going Forward
40:55 Where to Find Maxim: Coaching, YouTube, and Social Links (Wrap-Up)
Links to Maxim Shapiro:
https://youtube.com/@maximshapiro?si=vXc4-upO3666bCJ9
https://www.facebook.com/share/182xKB5N1m/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-shapiro-mba?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected]
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
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**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**
