What if the path you were given to be a “successful man” is the very thing that’s making you miserable? In this episode, David Mailer unpacks the lie behind external validation, the silent suffering of high-achieving men, and how to reclaim your life from the inside out.

🧠 Key Takeaways:
~[00:40] The “perfect map” society hands to men — and why it fails
~[03:15] Emotional numbness masked by work, wine, and porn
~[05:45] Mark’s story — wealthy, admired… and nearly suicidal
~[07:00] Codependence vs. inner sovereignty
~[08:30] The mindset shift: “I am enough”
~[10:20] How to stop relying on outer success for inner peace

In this episode we explore how identity becomes the strongest force a man must overcome. Through two powerful real-life stories — a woman who returns to her wheelchair after regaining the ability to walk, and a man hiding 19 affairs behind a perfect image — we reveal how fear, shame, and false identity keep us trapped.

What You'll Hear:
🔥 Why your identity isn't who you are — it's who you're afraid to stop being
🔥 The hidden cost of staying attached to pain or performance
🔥 How false identity can destroy self-worth, relationships, and purpose
🔥 What it takes to face your shadow and reclaim your truth
🔥 A challenge: What’s the “wheelchair” you’re still holding onto?

Power Quote:
“Your identity is the strongest force you will ever have to overcome in your lifetime.” 

"This isn't about fixing you. It's about remembering who you are and rising as a man that you were born to be." ~ David Mehler, Host and Man On FIRE Founder

00:00:37 – Why Men Feel Lost or Like Imposters

"How many men actually feel like a fraud, an imposter or a liar… feeling like they didn't access their potential, feeling like they've let other people down looking at a man in the mirror and… not liking who they're seeing." It doesn’t have to be this way anymore!

00:01:36 – The Broken Model Handed to Men

"We were told, go to school… get the good grades… get the good job… And what a lie. What a farce. What B.S."

00:02:34 – The Inner Critical Voice 

In the Man On FIRE world, the voice that comes from the over-critical mind, we call it the pirates… “That voice has one agenda and one job only. And it is to bring you down."

00:04:17 – Parental Influence & Early Programming

"For many of us, sadly, it came from our parents… rather than building you up, was tearing you down."

00:06:35 – Power of Programming & The Forgetting

"That programming is so hard to get to the other side of … [it] keeps reminding you that you're not good enough."

"So what happens to all of us is that we end up feeling lost. We end up feeling like the fraud… like imposters. And we go into what I call the Forgetting…."

00:07:38 – How We Get Stuck Despite Efforts to Change

"And no matter how many cool books you read or you go to seminar here, and it temporarily cracks you open and boom. You go back to [your old] programming. You go back into the Forgetting."

00:08:55 – The Call to Remember Who You Are

"We forgot to dream big. We forgot to have a grand vision for our life. We forgot that we were built for more… We go into the Forgetting, and it's time to remember. It's time to wake up. It's time to rise."

00:09:20 – David’s Personal Story: School, Programming, and Self-Worth

David shares some of the deep programming that was running him, having him believe he wasn’t good enough or smart enough… until he was able to see it for what it really was.

00:11:43 – The Role of Passion and Support: A Father’s Well-Timed Advice

"I'd like you to find what you're truly passionate about. And for the next six months… I want you to go discover what are you passionate about, what would light you up, what would motivate you..."

00:12:54 – Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

“I started to listen to people that would motivate me, that would empower me, that would inspire me, that would bring me into a higher vibrational frequency, a higher range, and start to really bring me into the Remembrance.”

00:13:27 – Who You Surround Yourself With Matters

"His friends weren't elevating him. His friends weren't helping him step into the bigness of who God made him to be…. Our peer group matters. Who we hang out with matters. The voices that we're listening to...MATTER."

00:15:18 – Self-Compassion Over Self-Criticism

"Don’t be another person that wants to bring yourself down. There are plenty of people… that would love to bring you down… Don't add to that list."

00:16:43 – What Will You Do With This Realization?

"So my question for you is, do you feel lost? Do you feel like an imposter?... And if so, what are you prepared to do about it?"

00:17:11 – Your Mistakes Don’t Define You

"The things you've done in the past do not define you. Good people do bad things. All of us have hurt other people… That is not what defines you. But it is an invitation to be refined."

What does it mean to be a man, right now? This isn’t about trying to fix you. It’s about remembering who you are, lighting that fire within, and rising as the man you were meant to be. Get started or jump in wherever your soul needs it most…

[00:00:41] – Manhood: Rambo… or Ross?

Join David as he challenges all the stereotypes—do we have to be the tough action hero, the pleaser, the triggered one… or something entirely different? Get ready to pause and check your own definition.

[00:02:04] – The Great Lie Men Were Sold  

Ever feel like you did “everything right,” checked all the boxes…and still landed nowhere close to freedom or joy? You’re not alone, and there’s a reason.

[00:03:22] – Chasing External Success vs. Internal Fulfillment  

The millionaires’ secret you’re not hearing about—and why external achievements might leave you feeling emptier than you expected.

[00:03:52] – A Father’s Story (and a Son’s Awakening)  

David gets painfully honest about his dad, his upbringing, and the cost of buying into the old script. (If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your own father, this will hit home.)

[00:05:31] – The Hidden Weight Men Are Carrying  

Why do so many men push down their emotions and “shoulder the load”? David unpacks the silent epidemic of suppressed feelings and why it’s costing more than anyone realizes.

[00:07:00] – What Happens When Feelings Stay Buried  

This segment goes deep where most men don’t want to look (but holds the secret to liberation). David shares how pent-up emotions don’t just fade—they manifest in surprising (and sometimes devastating) ways.

[00:08:15] – Regrets… And the Power to Choose Differently  

Hear the emotional story of David’s final moments with his father, and the decision to break generational patterns—starting right now.

[00:10:51] – So, What IS a Man? (David’s Real Answer)  

Skip the clichés. David spells out in powerful, practical terms what it really means to be a man today. How many of these ring true for you?

[00:13:06] – Why the World Needs Masculine Leadership—Now  

From relationships to the planet itself, David calls for men to rise and lead with their hearts.

[00:14:54] – How to Activate…  

Ready to fly? David offers powerful (but practical) steps to get fired up, step up, and surround yourself with brothers on the same journey.

[00:15:46] – You’re Not Broken But…  

Tune in to wrap up with wisdom and a reminder: you’re not broken, but you are….

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Hit subscribe, share this with a brother, and let’s rise—together.

Welcome to the Man On FIRE Rising Podcast, where men are supported, challenged and held accountable to become better fathers, husbands and leaders and live a life with more passion, power and a deeper sense of purpose.

Many men find themselves at a crossroads in life, where they realize that having everything they were promised would bring them joy, happiness, and fulfillment instead has left them feeling empty. In this episode, Man On FIRE Mentor, David Mehler explores the internal struggle faced by many successful men. He describes how adhering to societal expectations of success - such as attaining wealth, a spouse, a family and material goods - often fails to bring personal fulfillment and joy. Through inspiring stories and powerful insights, David will help you break free from this illusion and help you develop the mindset needed to overcome limiting beliefs and cultural promises that were imposed on us.

If this resonates with you,  it's time to take the next step in reigniting your FIRE and get ready to listen to this awesome podcast! Discover the source of true happiness, fulfillment, joy, and freedom within yourself.

Click Below to Schedule Your FREE Discovery Call:

https://manonfirerising.com/discovery/application/

Welcome to the Man On FIRE Rising Podcast, where men are supported, challenged and held accountable to become better fathers, husbands and leaders and live a life with more passion, power and a deeper sense of purpose.

In today's fast-paced world, relationships can often become complex and challenging to navigate. Many couples find themselves at a crossroads, questioning whether they are truly meant to be together. One common scenario is when one partner says, "I love you, but I'm not in love with you." But what happens when it's the other way around? What if you're the one thinking, "What if she’s not the one"? In this episode, we'll explore the deeper meaning behind these words, unravel the misconceptions around love, and offer insights on how to navigate through these treacherous waters.

 Join us as we dive deeper into these topics, offer guidance, and provide tools to authentically reestablish trust, love, and intimacy in your relationships. When it comes to your relationship, no one can make the decision for you. Only you can determine what is true and right for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to regain that lost love and passion in your relationship.

Welcome to the Man On FIRE Rising Podcast, where men are supported, challenged and held accountable to become better fathers, husbands and leaders and live a life with more passion, power and a deeper sense of purpose.

 In this episode,  we delve into a thought-provoking topic that affects many individuals in relationships: Is the grass really greener on the other side? As your host, David Mehler, the Man On FIRE  mentor, wants us to explore and challenge this widespread belief. Let's uncover the truth about relationships and whether seeking greener pastures is the answer.

If you find yourself facing relationship challenges or simply want to enhance the trust, intimacy, and passion in your current relationship, listen to this podcast now. This podcast will provide you with valuable tools, tips and strategies to authentically reclaim your partner's heart, no matter where you are in your relationship journey.

Welcome to the Man On FIRE Rising Podcast, where men are supported, challenged and held accountable to become better fathers, husbands and leaders and live a life with more passion, power and a deeper sense of purpose.

 In this episode, David Mehler, the mentor at Man On FIRE, addresses a struggle men face in a relationship, “I love you but I'm not in love with you anymore”. David implores men to explore their full potential and seek to have their blind spots illuminated so they can show up as  their best selves in their relationships. Rather than becoming victims, He proposes that men should grow, embody leadership, and take responsibility for their actions.

Are you prepared for this journey of transformation and growth? Together, we’ll encourage you to step up and find the courage to play at a higher level so you become the Man you were destined to be.

Welcome to the Man On FIRE Rising Podcast, where men are supported, challenged and held accountable to become better fathers, husbands and leaders and live a life with more passion, power and a deeper sense of purpose.  In today’s episode, David will take us into a deep dive about the hidden roadblock that hinders Men in their growth. Brace yourself for an eye-opening discussion on why Men struggle to value themselves and step into a life of epic growth. 

Are you prepared for this journey of transformation and growth? Then get ready to listen to an awesome podcast!

Welcome to the Man On FIRE Rising Podcast, where men are supported, challenged and held accountable to become better fathers, husbands and leaders and live a life with more passion, power and a deeper sense of purpose.  In today’s episode, you'll quickly discover that if you desire a different life, a thriving marriage, or a meaningful existence, it all starts with you. It takes honest introspection, humility, and courage to look into the mirror and recognize that the primary man who needs to change is the one staring back at you.

Get ready to dive into the center of the FIRE, as David tackles the comments and questions you've been sending in. It’s time to step up and find the courage to play at a higher level so you become the Man you were destined to be.