I explore the real roots of self-worth and why so many of us struggle with it despite doing “all the right things.” I share how childhood experiences shape attachment and how that impacts our ability to value ourselves as adults. I also break down the crucial practices that build self-worth — from expressing needs and boundaries to taking healthy risks.

Finally, I open up about my own journey of failing my way to success and how you can begin your own process of healing.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – What really damages self-worth

02:29 – Attachment and early development

07:23 – Childhood shame and adult struggles

11:41 – Hostility to needs and boundaries

15:23 – Expressing desires and boundaries

18:58 – The risks of lacking self-worth

23:24 – Doing hard things builds value

25:05 – ManTalks Alliance invitation

***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

I dive into the three “dark traits” that every great leader throughout history has had to master. From unpredictability to high stress tolerance to a lack of empathy, these qualities can make or break your leadership in relationships, business, and self-mastery. I unpack how to wield them without being consumed by them, drawing from history, psychology, and personal experience.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Why great leaders need dark traits

02:05 – Trait #1: Unpredictability

10:20 – Trait #2: High Stress Tolerance

18:15 – Trait #3: Lack of Empathy

27:48 – Integrating the dark traits

29:08 – Carl Jung on wrestling with the shadow

***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

I dive into the anxious attachment trap and why it keeps sabotaging relationships. I share the hidden beliefs and behaviors that fuel insecurity, and I break down practical strategies to move toward secure attachment.

You’ll learn how to interrupt the cycle, communicate clearly, and start building safety and stability in your relationships.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Understanding anxious attachment

02:44 - Why it’s not your fault

03:57 - Common red flags and behaviors

05:54 - Pre-breakup anxiety explained

07:04 - Why you attract avoidant partners

10:16 - Breaking the cycle of anxiety

12:50 - How to communicate anxiety without pushing partners away

16:45 - Expressing your needs clearly

17:59 - Self-soothing strategies for anxious attachment

20:29 - Building security in your relationship

***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Alliance

I explore the rise of misanthropy and why so many people seem to be losing faith in humanity. I unpack how social media, economics, and cultural conflicts fuel this growing sense of distrust and despair. I also share why I believe practicing a radical faith in humanity is not only possible but necessary. Join me as I challenge the narratives of fear and invite you to see a different way forward.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Introduction: What is misanthropy?

00:58 – Social media and amplified othering

03:38 – Economics and generational insecurity

04:47 – Gender conflict and family strain

11:20 – The idea of “Virtuous Misanthropy”

16:49 – Catastrophic thinking and the future

22:35 – Radical faith in humanity

23:38 – Closing thoughts and invitation

***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Alliance

I dive into Carl Jung’s concept of the Puer Aeternus—the eternal child, or what we might call the “man-child.” I explore how this archetype shows up in our lives through procrastination, fantasy, and avoidance of responsibility. I share myths like Icarus and Peter Pan, the shadow side of this archetype, and practical steps to move from the eternal boy to the integrated man.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:01 – The Puer Aeternus: Eternal Child

02:42 – Fixation on Youth vs. Responsibility

04:12 – The Provisional Life

07:01 – Myth of Icarus

08:12 – Peter Pan and Neverland

10:33 – The Seduction of Youth

13:24 – The Shadow Side

16:34 – Step 1: Accept Limitations

18:47 – Step 2: Embrace the Ordinary

20:14 – Step 3: Facing Failure

21:50 – Step 4: Commit to the Process

23:29 – Step 5: Seek a Mentor

25:28 – From Eternal Boy to Integrated Man

26:21 – Brutal Honesty and Feedback

27:43 – Closing Thoughts

***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Alliance

I sit down with Sandy to explore how childhood experiences and family dynamics shaped the way he shows up in his marriage and new role as a father. We dive into themes of complex trauma, feeling alone, and learning how to connect in the moment rather than after the fact. Together, we work through practical exercises on presence, nervous system awareness, and building safety in relationships. This is a raw, vulnerable dialogue about healing, fatherhood, and not carrying old patterns into the future.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Introduction

00:37 – Childhood patterns and family role

04:07 – Struggles in marriage and fatherhood

07:34 – Feeling unseen as a boy

11:17 – Working through tension in the body

15:51 – “I’m not alone anymore”

23:58 – Understanding complex trauma

31:08 – Daily connection practice with partner

36:50 – Breaking the freeze cycle

42:05 – Learning from fatherhood

44:30 – Closing reflections

***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Alliance

Today, I discuss the common belief that men are intimidated by successful women. We explore where this narrative comes from, why it persists, and what’s really going on beneath the surface. Instead of intimidation, attraction often breaks down when certain traits and behaviors enter the relationship dynamic. Tune in for an honest look at success, gender roles, and what makes relationships thrive or fail.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Are men really intimidated by women?

01:04 – The origins of this narrative

01:58 – Success vs. attraction in relationships

03:52 – Clarifying the message about women’s accomplishments

04:38 – What men actually get frustrated with

06:59 – Influence, power, and attraction dynamics

07:42 – Traits that push men away

08:32 – Why “intimidation” isn’t the real issue

10:14 – Relationship struggles with role balance

11:00 – Closing thoughts and reflections

***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Alliance

I dive into the archetype of the Trickster—the part of us that thrives on chaos, sabotage, and disruption, yet also carries the medicine of transformation.

I explore how the Trickster shows up in mythology, film, and our daily lives, and why learning to embrace him can free us from stagnancy. You’ll discover how to build a relationship with this shadow energy and use it as a source of creativity, humor, and growth.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:01 – Introduction to the Trickster Archetype

02:38 – The Joker as Chaos Embodied

03:47 – Loki, Hermes, and Bugs Bunny

05:29 – Chaos as Medicine

07:29 – The Trickster Breaks Taboos

10:16 – Growth Through Disruption

12:02 – The Trickster in Religion and Myth

14:08 – Denying vs. Embracing the Trickster

16:54 – Trickster Heroes: Iron Man and Jim Carrey

19:21 – Recognizing the Trickster Within

21:44 – Confronting the Inner Saboteur

23:40 – Why We Need the Trickster Today

25:08 – Closing Reflections

***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Alliance

I break down why quitting weed is so damn hard and the science behind it. From brain rewiring and withdrawal to the skyrocketing potency of today’s cannabis, I explain the real reasons people struggle. I also share a proven step-by-step strategy to help you prepare, manage cravings, and quit for good. If you’ve tried before and slipped back, this roadmap is for you.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Why quitting weed is hard

01:09 – Reason #1: Brain rewiring

05:02 – Reason #2: Withdrawal is real

06:58 – Reason #3: Potency of modern weed

10:25 – Reason #4: New side effects

12:42 – Reason #5: Social acceptance & access

13:45 – Stage 1: Prepare & track usage

16:56 – Stage 2: Managing withdrawal

22:13 – Stage 3: Therapy & nervous system support

24:38 – Step 4: Reward progress

27:16 – Medical support options

28:22 – Final thoughts & accountability

***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Alliance

Connor sits down with storyteller Jameson Olsen to dive into the myth of Hercules and uncover its relevance for modern men. From the legendary labors to the tragedy that shaped his journey, Jameson unpacks how these ancient myths reflect the struggles of responsibility, temptation, betrayal, and redemption men face today.

They explore the crossroads between vice and virtue, the weight of personal choices, and the timeless lessons hidden in myth. This conversation challenges men to confront their own trials, learn from archetypal stories, and find meaning in bearing the burden of life’s hardships.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Introduction

00:36 - Retelling ancient stories for modern times

02:57 - The trials of Hercules and lessons for men

04:52 - The Choice of Hercules: virtue vs. vice

08:15 - Modern vices and distractions

13:13 - Hercules’ origins and fatherless upbringing

15:43 - Tragedy: Hera’s curse and the loss of family

20:25 - Redemption through the labors

22:57 - The Nemean Lion: confronting the impossible

29:27 - The Hydra: breaking destructive patterns

40:16 - Cleaning the Augean stables

44:40 - The mares of Diomedes: consequences of carelessness

48:42 - Hippolyta’s belt and the gender divide

54:07 - Bearing the heavy burden of disaster

58:22 - Redemption, atonement, and moving forward

01:03:20 - Using stories as mirrors for personal growth

01:06:05 - Where to find Jameson Olsen

***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Alliance