Halftime with Jon

Jon explores men's mental and emotional health during separation and divorce with Owen Marcus, founder of MELD. With over 30 years of real world experience in mens’ emotional health, Owen discusses transforming trauma into emotional strength and meaningful connections. He introduces somatic mindfulness meditation and the R.O.C. technique (Relax, Open up, Connect) to access deeper emotions. Jon and Owen address societal challenges men face in expressing vulnerability and emphasize supportive communities. Owen shares powerful anecdotes and practical advice for improving emotional health and relationships during tough times.

Guest Information

Owen Marcus, MA, has transformed men's emotional health by combining somatic therapies with emotional physiological training. His methods enhance vulnerability and interpersonal skills, driving significant changes in mens’ lives. Featured in the documentary About Men, his work is widely recognized. As founder of the Sandpoint Men’s Group, co-creator of EVRYMAN, and co-founder of MELD, Owen has revolutionized men’s personal development. His programs (used by companies like Google) emphasize emotional resilience and communication, and impact men globally. Owen's TEDx Talk and book, Grow Up: A Man’s Guide to Masculine Emotional Intelligence, highlight his role in advancing mens’ emotional wellness.

Timestamps

• 00:00  Introduction and Importance of Men's Mental and Emotional Health
• 04:51  Connecting with the Body: A Path to Emotional Health
• 09:41  The Power of Somatic Mindfulness Meditation
• 13:32  Building a Community of Support for Men
• 30:59  Introduction to Meld and the Vision for Men's Emotional Leadership Development
• 36:19  Closing Remarks and Payoff for Men

• Facebook: @meldmen
• Instagram: @meld.men
• Twitter: @meldmen
• Website: meld.community

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Jon talks with Bj Wasserman, an executive coach, nonprofit director, and dedicated dad. Bj shares his post-divorce journey, focusing on living with integrity and prioritizing "being" over "doing." He discusses stepping up as a single dad during his ex-wife's health issues and offers advice for divorced dads on being emotionally available for their kids. Bj emphasizes "successful dating" through honesty and integrity and highlights the importance of community support, particularly through mens’ organizations like the Mankind Project, to combat loneliness and build meaningful connections.

Guest Information

Bj Wasserman is dedicated to inspiring others to reach their full potential. As an executive coach, real estate investor, and men’s work leader, Bj excels in fostering authenticity and accountability. He focuses on developing strategic, sustainable plans for his clients, providing valuable insights and guidance to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. He has a Master of Arts in Depth Psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute and has worked with organizations like the Mankind Project, Inside Circle Foundation, and Insight Prison Project, helping them to grow and reach more men in need.

Timestamps

• 00:00  Introduction and Emotional Connection with Children
• 04:21  Building Healthy Relationships with Integrity
• 08:15  Navigating Successful Dating After Divorce
• 26:51  Combatting Loneliness Through Support and Community

• Instagram: @wassiji
• LinkedIn
• Facebook 

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• Instagram:@HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime

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Show Summary

In this episode, Jon discusses separation and divorce with relationship expert and sexuality psychologist Kaamna Bhojwani, who shares personal and professional insights from her own divorce journey. Key topics include managing stress through healthy routines, and the importance of community support and self-reflection. Kaamna skillfully highlights the challenges men face in co-parenting post-divorce, balancing practicality with emotional availability. She advises listeners to find supportive networks, maintain boundaries, practice self-compassion, and reset personally before entering new relationships. This episode offers practical tips and emotional support to help men navigate separation with resilience and grace - all with a great sense of humor and perspective. 

When Kaamna’s mother accused her of being only interested in soul and sex, she had no idea how bang on she was. Today, Kaamna is a sexuality researcher with a specialization in shame and spirituality. Through 1:1 clients, small group workshops and public events, Kaamna helps people shed the shame and guilt around their sexuality and embrace a new sexual self-identity. Kaamna’s philosophy is simple: Nothing in the human experience is profane, so let’s talk about it. Kaamna holds a masters degree in Spiritual Psychology from Columbia University and a masters in Organizational Psychology from the University of Illinois. Kaamna’s work combines academic rigor with a deep love and compassion for being human – with all its complexities. When she’s not dismantling the shackles around human sexuality, she’s singing by a piano somewhere or planning her next trip to a soulful destination.

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience
• 00:57 Surviving Separation: A Lonely Time
• 04:20 Managing the Impact on Children
• 07:21 Finding Balance in Responsibilities and Co-Parenting
• 09:38 The Importance of Community and Emotional Support
• 14:28 Practices for Maintaining Mental and Emotional Well-being
• 21:31 Learning from Women: Vulnerability and Support
• 23:24 Dealing with Negative Emotions
• 26:12 The Importance of Self-Compassion and Perspective
• 28:08 Closing Remarks and Encouragement

Connect with Kaamna

• Facebook: @kaamnalive 
• Instagram: @kaamnalive
• Twitter:

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Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

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• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram: @HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network