Our world never stops demanding our attention, so much so that finding clarity has become one of the greatest challenges men face today. I sit down with Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby, founders of Solo Retreat Company, to discuss their new book "The Art of a Solo Retreat" and how intentional solitude can break through the noise to reveal your true purpose and direction.

Both Kyle and Eli discovered the power of solo retreats during their darkest moments - Kyle after losing everything in the Paradise, California wildfire and facing suicidal thoughts, and Eli after his business crumbled, his marriage ended and he lost a beloved mentor all within two weeks. Their stories reveal how removing external noise and creating space for deep self-reflection can literally save lives and transform futures.

Your breakthrough isn't found in adding more to your life - it's discovered by reducing the daily chaos and reconnecting with your authentic self. Kyle and Eli share their RESET framework (Remove the noise, Engage with the present, See what's true, Envision what's next, Take aligned action) and explain how solo retreats work for men whether they're in crisis, transition or simply wanting to confirm they're on the right path.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Giving yourself permission to step away and prioritize your mental and emotional wellbeing

• Discover the neuroscience behind solitude and why removing noise allows your inner voice to be heard clearly

• Navigate major life transitions including career changes, empty nest syndrome, divorce and grief

• Implement the RESET framework for structured self-reflection and breakthrough moments

• Create sustainable reset rhythms from 5-minute daily practices to multi-day retreats

• Build authentic accountability systems focused on camaraderie rather than micromanagement

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:30 - Kyle's Journey From Paradise Fire and Suicidal Thoughts to Breakthrough

00:10:45 - Eli's Crossroad of Business Closure, Marriage Ending and Uncle's Passing

00:15:10 - The Science Behind Why Solo Retreats Work

00:22:40 - Who Benefits Most from Solo Retreats

00:30:15 - The RESET Framework Explained

00:35:10 - Accountability is the Key to Long-term Success

00:40:15 - How to Get Started with "The Art of a Solo Retreat"

Connect with Eli Libby and Kyle Nelson

Book - 'The Art of a Solo Retreat'

https://shorturl.at/v7EFy

Website

https://soloretreat.co

LinkedIn - Eli Libby

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elilibby/

LinkedIn - Kyle Nelson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylenelson1/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hicoachmike

Have you ever felt stuck, overwhelmed or clueless about your path forward in life? Many men struggle with these feelings, but few take the time to truly address them. In this episode, I chat about the benefits and impact of solo retreats with Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby, two guys who have experienced firsthand the profound impact of intentional solitude. Kyle and Eli share their personal stories of hitting rock bottom and how solo retreats became the leverage for change in their lives. From losing everything in a wildfire to facing a devastating divorce, these men found clarity and purpose through the process of stepping away from the stress and chaos of everyday life.

Many men hesitate to take time for themselves, afraid of what they might uncover or feeling selfish for stepping away. Kyle and Eli address these concerns, explaining how giving yourself permission to explore your inner thoughts and beliefs can lead to deep personal growth and stronger relationships. They offer guidance on how to approach this powerful experience and make the most of your time in solitude. For any man looking to level up his life, relationships and gain clarity about your purpose, this episode is sure to help you determine if a solo retreat just might be the key to unlock the life you've been longing to live.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the transformative power of solo retreats for men and unlock your full potential.
• Break free from self limiting beliefs and increase your personal growth and development.
• Explore the impact of solo retreats on mental health and emotional resilience.
• Learn how to integrate the insights from your solo retreat into your daily life for lasting positive change.
• Redefine success and identity post retreat goals and milestones to achieve a more fulfilling and authentic life journey.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:08:01 - How Solo Retreats Guide Men Through Introspective Work

00:11:20 - Lasting Impact of the Solo Retreat

00:16:43 - How Vision Casting Is Different from Goal Setting

00:20:02 - Overcoming Fear and Self Doubt About Solo Retreats

00:26:40 - Building Strong Relationships After Your Solo Retreat

00:28:22 - The Courage to Be Vulnerable When Men Aren't Doing Well

00:30:07 - Importance of Men Showing Grace and Compassion To Themselves

00:33:59 - The Tangible Benefits of a Solo Retreat

Connect with Eli Libby and Kyle Nelson

Website

https://resetos.co/

LinkedIn - Eli Libby

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elilibby/

LinkedIn - Kyle Nelson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylenelson1/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hicoachmike

Chronic pain can be an exhausting challenege, often leaving you feeling helpless and isolated. But what if there's a way to reclaim your life and find hope within the struggle? In this episode, I sit down with Jonah Primo, who shares his inspiring journey of overcoming debilitating chronic pain and chosing to live his life to the fullest even in the face of the pain Jonah was an active guy running 100km each week and playing soccer regularly, yet he found himself bedridden, unable to climb a small hill to his place without collapsing to his hands and knees. His world became consumed with the pain and he retreated from life, relationships and even called off his engagement.

But Jonah's journey doesn't end there. Through a combination of mindfulness, gratitude and a shift in his perspective, he found a path back to health - both physically and mentally. His story offers valuable insights for anyone grappling with chronic pain or life altering health challenges. Jonah's experience reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there's hope just waiting to be rediscovered. His story isn't just about overcoming pain - it's about joy, purpose and the thoughts which fill our thoughts. Remember, your current situation doesn't define you. There's always potential for positive change, no matter how dire things may seem. Let Jonah's journey inspire you to take that first step towards reclaiming your life.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the power of mindfulness for overcoming chronic pain and finding inner peace.
• Learn to harness the mind-body connection to effectively manage and reduce pain.
• Uncover the transformative benefits of practicing gratitude in your journey to pain recovery.
• Explore effective strategies for coping with long Covid symptoms and regaining control of your health.
• Understand the impact of chronic pain on personal relationships and discover ways to navigate these challenges with resilience.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:27 - Unexpected Health Challenges

00:15:04 - Fighting Back and Finding Hope

00:20:50 - Celebrating Incremental Progress and the Small Wins

00:27:59 - Practicing Gratitude and Mindfulness

00:33:25 - Impact of Chronic Pain on relationships

00:42:42 - Embracing life with pain

00:45:55 - Being Grateful and Taking Intentional Steps

00:47:42 - Seeking Hope and Inspiration

Connect with Jonah Primo

Website

http://jonahprimo.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jonahprimo/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@TheOverexaminedLife

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hicoachmike

In this episode, host Mike Forrester sits down with Bob Wischer, host of "Men Becoming Better Men" podcast and known as the Relationship Engineer. We talk about the critical importance of male connection and community in today's world, where isolation and disconnection have become all too common. Bob shares his personal journey through divorce, self discovery and finding purpose. He opens up about the challenges he faced and the transformative power of seeking personal growth and building meaningful relationships with other men.

We chat on how understanding your purpose can reignite your interest and excitement for life and improve your relationships. Bob shares his own journey of uncovering his life's mission and how it's shaped his approach to helping other men. One of the most crucial topics and being confronted by many men is the danger of male isolation. Bob shares sobering experiences that highlight why it's essential for men to build strong support networks and be in authentic connections with other men. If you are feeling disconnected, struggling with purpose or looking to build stronger, more fulfilling relationships, then Bob's insights and this honest conversation offer a roadmap for men to become the best versions of themselves through developing deep, meaningful connections with other men.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover practical strategies to improve male mental health and wellness.
• Learn how to build healthy and supportive relationships as a man.
• Explore effective personal growth and development strategies tailored for men.
• Navigate life changes and find purpose with actionable insights.
• Uncover the benefits of joining men's support groups and communities.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:08 - The Importance of Male Bonding

00:12:39 - The Cost of Divorce Beyond the Money

00:18:17 - Importance of Healthy Relationships

00:28:04 - Love Languages in Relationships

00:31:37 - Impact of Self-Discovery on Marriage

00:35:49 - Discovering Purpose

00:40:30 - Importance of Community and Support

Connect with Bob Wischer

Website

http://www.menbecomingbettermen.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-wischer-63151b19/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/therelationshipengineer

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@menbecomingbettermen8163

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hicoachmike

Building trust and confidence in yourself is a journey that many men struggle with. In this episode, I sit down with Vinnie Potestivo, a media industry veteran to discuss how we can develop self trust and authenticity in our personal and professional lives. He revealed strategies for carving out your own path, especially when living in the shadow of your father. Vinnie discusses how he differentiated himself from his dad while still respecting his legacy. Your journey is unique from your father's, learn to appreciate your individual experiences and how they shape your perspective. Vinnie emphasizes the value of reflection and continuous growth in developing your confidence.

Uncover the importance of repetitive actions and clear communication in establishing trust - both with others and yourself. Vinnie shares examples from his work with celebrities and how he creates a foundation of trust in high-pressure environments. Discover the high value of surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who challenge and inspire you. Vinnie highlights how building strong connections has been crucial to his success in the media industry and also seen in his father's life with lifelong friends. This chat with Vinnie highlights how you as a man can increase your level of self trust, build authentic relationships and create an identity that is true to you and your unique gifts.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Mastering the art of building trust in professional relationships for lasting success.
• Unleashing the power of personal branding strategies to stand out as an entrepreneur.
• Embracing the pivotal role of consistency in content marketing for sustainable growth.
• Unlocking the potential of leveraging LinkedIn for exponential business growth.
• Navigating career challenges with resilience for continuous personal and professional development.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:07 - Confidence and Trust

00:13:16 - Overcoming Childhood Challenges

00:15:08 - Creating Opportunities

00:17:36 - Trust and Empathy

00:19:54 - Embracing Personal Strengths

00:22:57 - Building Trust Through Practice

00:29:15 - Establishing Your Unique Personal Identity

00:38:50 - Building Trust and Asking for Help

Connect with Vinnie Potestivo

Website

https://ihaveapodcast.com

LinkedIn

https://linkedin.com/in/vinniepotestivo

Instagram

https://instagram.com/vinniepotestivo

Facebook

https://facebook.com/vinniepotestivo

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hicoachmike

Resilience isn't formed in our comfort zones - it's built through adversity and the choice to keep moving forward. Jeff Robertson, a business coach, has transformed his greatest setbacks into his strongest assets. Jeff shares his journey from losing his law enforcement career to becoming a present and involved father and successful entrepreneur, revealing how mental toughness is developed through intentional choices and reframing perspective.

Jeff discusses how he broke generational cycles by choosing to be the father he never had, despite having no roadmap for healthy parenting. He emphasizes that resilience comes from being honest with yourself, putting effort into every area of life, showing up when it's hard and taking responsibility - his "BEST" framework helps with teaching both his children and clients how they can uniquely showup.

Your setbacks aren't your story's end - they're puzzle pieces that will eventually reveal a bigger picture. Jeff demonstrates how his lowest moment, losing his career due to a DUI, ultimately positioned him to impact lives in ways he never imagined, including a redemptive encounter with the family of the officer who years earlier had arrested him.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Master the art of reframing adversity as stepping stones rather than roadblocks to success

• Develop practical resilience strategies using the BEST framework for consistent growth

• Break generational patterns by choosing to be what you needed rather than repeating what you experienced

• Build authentic leadership skills through understanding personality types and communication styles

• Transform your identity from your past mistakes to your future potential

• Create accountability systems that help you define and maintain your personal standards

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:12 - From Law Enforcement to Business Coaching

00:08:45 - Learning to Be Present Without a Father Figure

00:15:30 - The Career-Ending Moment That Changed Everything

00:22:18 - Developing the BEST Framework for Resilience

00:28:40 - Understanding Personality Types in Leadership

00:35:15 - The Redemptive Encounter Years Later

00:42:30 - Reframing Life as a Puzzle Coming Together

00:48:20 - Practical Steps for Building Mental Toughness

Connect with Jeff Robertson

Website

www.jeffreyrobertson.com

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-rabason/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyrabason

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jeffrabason

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hicoachmike

Life's challenges can either hold us back or move us forward. In this episode, I'm joined by Robert Foster, a man who chose to turn his obstacles into opportunities. Robert's journey is proof to the power of mindset, resilience and determination. Despite facing significant setbacks, including a devastating knee injury and the loss of his father, Robert has completed over 150 obstacle competitions and earned medals in track and field. His story shows how facing physical hurdles can lead to profound emotional and mental growth, which pushes us beyond our perceived limits.

Robert shares his experience of losing everything - his business, home and financial stability. Instead of giving in to despair, he used this low point as a catalyst for change. His journey of rebuilding highlights the importance of a growth mindset, taking responsibility for our situation plus setting clear goals and taking consistent action. If you've been told to just push through the pain and keep going, but it's only making things worse then maybe it's time to break free from the cycle of ineffective action and overwhelming pain. It's time to take control and create a life that aligns with your vision.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Overcoming personal and professional setbacks to bounce back stronger and more resilient than ever before.
• Discover the powerful impact of mental health and emotional resilience in men, and how it can create a more fulfilling life.
• Explore effective strategies for rebuilding life after loss, and unlock the potential for growth and renewal.
• Uncover the surprising benefits of physical challenges on mental health, and how they can elevate your overall well-being.
• Learn how to leverage adversity for personal growth, and harness its potential to propel you forward in life.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:41 - Rebuilding and Moving Forward

00:08:03 - Turning Struggles into Inspiration

00:12:32 - Letting Go of Stress and Moving Forward

00:15:31 - Overcoming Negative Imagination

00:22:56 - Unity in Struggles and Taking Action

00:27:35 - Embracing Responsibility and Taking Action

00:32:31 - Finding Gratitude in Loss

00:38:31 - The Impact of a Father's Presence

Connect with Robert Foster

Website

https://robertbfoster.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-foster-740a9bab/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/robert_b_foster/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/rfoster74

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hicoachmike

Accountability is a word that sends shivers down our spines from when it's been used in a manipulative manner. For many men, it's been tied to blame, punishment or shame. But what if accountability could be the key to unlocking the life you've always dreamed of? Robert J. Hunt, author of "Nobody Cares Until You Do," shares how accountability can change our lives from the inside out. Hear how Robert's personal journey has gone from debt-ridden and stressed to confident and purposeful, through the power of taking ownership of our choices and actions.

Robert challenges our preconceptions about accountability, revealing how it's not about punishment, but about freedom. He explains the difference between responsibility and accountability, how vulnerability plays a crucial role in personal growth and that accountability increases our confidence and self trust. This conversation with Robert will challenge you to look at your life through a new set of lens, encouraging you to take control of your future and create the life you truly desire. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the benefits of holding yourself accountable for personal growth and success.
• Overcome fear and stress to reach your goals and live life on your own terms.
• Embrace vulnerability as a powerful tool for creating meaningful and lasting change in your life.
• Learn effective strategies for setting and achieving personal goals that align with your values and aspirations.
• Explore the impact of financial freedom on your overall well-being and happiness.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:50 - The Definition of Accountability

00:11:01 - Embracing Ownership

00:14:23 - The Need for Vulnerability

00:17:58 - Responsibility vs. Accountability

00:27:46 - Choosing Men You Can Trust

00:39:21 - Regular Goal Review

00:42:08 - Accountability and Vulnerability

00:43:55 - Overcoming Discomfort

Connect with Robert J Hunt

Website

https://nobodycaresbook.com

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthuntceo/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nobodycaresbook/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/NobodyCares2022

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hicoachmike

Have you ever felt like life has thrown you a curveball, leaving you questioning your ability to overcome challenges? In this episode, I sit down with Brad Minus, an endurance coach and podcast host who shares his remarkable journey of resilience and transformation. Brad's story begins with a wake-up call about his health, prompting him to start on a fitness journey.

However, just as he was making progress, a devastating back injury threatened to ruins his plans. Faced with doctors' grim predictions that he would never run more than two miles again, Brad chose to defy the odds. His perseverance paid off, leading him to not only recover but climb the ranks in endurance sports, completing multiple marathons, triathlons and yes, even Ironman competitions. Now, as an endurance coach, Brad helps others discover their inner strength and achieve what they once thought impossible.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Tap into the Power of Resilience and Refusing to Accept Limiting Beliefs
• Learn about Incremental Progress and Building Healthy Habits
• Discover How to Separate Your Self-Worth from Setbacks
• Understand the Importance of Big, Challenging Goals in Unlocking Your Sucess
• Harness the Value of Community and Coaching to Achieve Impossible Goals

The key moments in this episode are

00:12:57 - Dealing with Unexpected Pain and Limitations

00:16:30 - Overcoming Setbacks and Mindset

00:18:26 - Tracing the Injury and Learning to Move Beyond

00:24:43 - Embracing Failure as Experience and Persistence

00:30:22 - Mindset and Long-Term Success

00:38:31 - Moving Beyond Initial Discomfort into Confidence

00:42:50 - Stepping Out of Comfort Zone

00:46:29 - Achieving the Impossible

Connect with Brad Minus

Website

https://innerfireendurance.com

LinkedIn

https://linkedin.com/in/bradminus

Instagram

https://instagram.com/lcc_pod

Facebook

https://facebook.com/lcc_pod

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hicoachmike

Life can throw unexpected challenges our way. How we respond to these setbacks often defines our journey and shapes our future. In this episode, I sit down with Roman L. Binder, a resilient entrepreneur who has weathered significant storms in his professional life.

Roman shares his inspiring story of building a successful nanotech company only to see it crumble during the pandemic. He shares about the emotional toll of losing everything and the difficult process of rebuilding not only his career, his life as a whole too. Through his experiences, Roman highlights the power of resilience, the importance of embracing change and the value of reframing our perspectives.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Mastering the art of building resilience in entrepreneurship.
• Unveiling the impact of loneliness on mental health.
• Unveiling powerful strategies for overcoming business failure.
• Unlocking the benefits of journaling for personal growth.
• Embracing change and uncertainty in life with confidence.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:40 - Personal Journey and New Beginnings

00:14:41 - Impact of Habits on Productivity

00:26:12 - Embracing Challenges and Building Resilience

00:32:14 - Building Tenacity and Perseverance

00:36:16 - Capturing Good Ideas

00:43:47 - Impact of Surroundings on Decision-Making

00:45:50 - Loneliness vs. Being Alone

Connect with Roman L. Binder

Website

https://www.thenomad.ceo/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/romanlbinder

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/romanlbinder/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hicoachmike