Talking points: existentialism, self-loss, therapy, Kierkegaard, culture, responsibility, anxiety

Just before (like, literally just before) six days of solitude in Scotland, I had the immense privilege of chatting with Sara Kuburic, the brilliant existential therapist and new author of It’s On Me: Accept Hard Truths, Discover Yourself, And Change Your Life, coming out tomorrow.

Not sure what existential therapy is? Well we get into here, plus a multitude of other things, like facing what YOU are responsible for, losing the sene of self, and how some of this plays out in modern culture. Do not miss this one, team.

(00:00:00) - Intro and Sara’s defining moment 
(00:06:52) - What Sara was in denial of
(00:10:57) - Why we fall apart when things are going well
(00:18:58) - The importance of looking at the darker stuff
(00:21:11) - Pillars of existential psychology
(00:29:19) - Have we, as a collective, lost our sense of self?
(00:36:01) - What’s Sara’s “existential psychology take”  on American culture?
(00:41:18) - “Our degree of freedom dictates our degree of responsibility”
(00:44:17) - Defining “self-loss” and the role grief plays
(00:54:52) - Can responsibility-free time help define the self?
(01:01:05) - How does one develop a relationship with the body that helps orient the self? 

Sara Kuburic is an existential psychotherapist, consultant, writer, and columnist for USA Today. She was born in Yugoslavia and raised in Canada. She is passionate about helping people seek change and live authentic, free, and meaningful lives. Her interest in psychology stems from her personal experience living through wars, navigating complex relationships, and continually learning what it means to be human.

Connect with Sara:

-Website: https://www.sara-kuburic.com/

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millennial.therapist/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarakuburic/

-Book: It's On Me: https://www.sara-kuburic.com/new-page-3

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

Men, join me for an intense, depth-oriented training regimen called the Men's Self-Leadership Program. Customized curriculum, direct work with me, and limited to just 8 men: https://mantalks.com/mslp/

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/

Check out some 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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please 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 episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Talking points: solitude, contemplation, mindset

By the time you hear this, I’ll be way out on the Isle of Skye, the home of my ancestors, for some intentional solitude. This kind of deliberate aloneness is something I think every man needs, but doesn’t really attempt.

Listen in for a reflection on what and why I’m doing this, and why it might help you too.

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:35) - For years, I didn’t like being alone
(00:03:35) - I believe every man needs SOME responsibility and distraction-free time
(00:05:30) - Why I chose Scotland
(00:08:54) - The kind of questions I’ll be asking myself while alone
(00:11:02) - Men crave clarity

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

Men, join me for an intense, depth-oriented training regimen called the Men's Self-Leadership Program. Customized curriculum, direct work with me, and limited to just 8 men: https://mantalks.com/mslp/

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/

Check out some 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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please 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 episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: workouts, form, nutrition, fitness

The last time Ron was on the show, he shared an incredible story of overcoming adversity, and crafting a life of resiliency. I wanted him back on the show to discuss some foundational aspects of getting fit and eating right, something Ron has spent most of his life working on. Bear with us; we had some audio troubles but you should hear everything loud and clear.

This is a great episode to listen to if you're starting out on your fitness journey or are looking for refreshingly simple advice on proper form, proper nutrition, and other tips. Lots of info here.

(00:00:00) - Intro 
(00:05:19) - When you want to be more serious about exercise, where should you actually start? 
(00:09:34) - Are deadlifts worth it, and are they something the average person needs?
(00:11:07) - What some the foundational pieces of squat form?
(00:20:34) - What are some other core workouts and foundation pieces for chest, biceps, etc.?
(00:31:08) - What can do you (if anything!) for small calves?
(00:41:29) - What are some of the other key pieces people should incorporate    into their fitness life?
(00:47:36) - On HGH and sprinting, and Ron’s final thoughts on pairing the right energy system with right kind of work

Ron Williams is one of the most decorated natural bodybuilders in the world, having achieved the highest honor ever awarded in Natural Bodybuilding by becoming the sole recipient of the “Natural Bodybuilder of the Decade” award. As a 21-time world champion, he’s leveraged 40 years of experience to develop transformational processes of winning that help to build Champion Men. 

Ron has devoted his life to educating, inspiring, coaching, and encouraging people. He’s a nationally recognized motivational and inspirational speaker, with a unique connection to his audience stemming from his own personal journey of physical and spiritual transformation. 

The principles Ron teaches and uses in his own life are easy to embrace, simple to understand, and effective. Ron’s desire is to equip men with the necessary tools to live, as he calls it, a Champion Life.

Connect with Ron

-Main Website: www.ronwilliamschampion.com

-Ministry: www.ronwilliamsministries.com

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronwilliamschampionlife

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Ironchestmastervip

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

Men, join me for an intense, depth-oriented training regimen called the Men's Self-Leadership Program. Customized curriculum, direct work with me, and limited to just 8 men: https://mantalks.com/mslp/

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/

Check out some 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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please 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 episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: addiction, masculinity

This mini-episode is a bit of a departure in style, but the topic is deeply important to me. Most men have an uncanny ability to push forward despite intense pain and suffering. That can be a blessing in times of hardship, but it can also turn on you.

(00:00:00) - Intro and the skill of being silent about your suffering
(00:02:40) - We look down on men for doing this, but oftentimes it’s a blessing
(00:03:33) - The curse is this
(00:05:03) - “There’s a hungry ghost in the basement of my heart”
(00:09:40) - Why I wrote this

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

Men, join me for an intense, depth-oriented training regimen called the Men's Self-Leadership Program. Customized curriculum, direct work with me, and limited to just 8 men: https://mantalks.com/mslp/

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/

Check out some 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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please 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 episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: masculinity, fatherhood, culture

The man himself! Larry Hagner of The Dad Edge joins me to talk all things fatherhood. Deeply grateful to finally have Larry on the show and to dive DEEP with him on so many topics.

This is a great episode to listen to if you’re searching for insight on how to maintain some level-headedness is what seems to be a tough time to be a parent. Check the timestamps for some of the depth-oriented questions we covered!

(00:00:00) - Intro Larry’s defining moment
(00:18:30) - Fathers wield an incredible amount of influence on a boy’s life. How did you prepare for fatherhood given how you grew up?
(00:21:13) - How would you prepare now? Given everything you’ve experienced?
(00:24:44) - What do you see modern fathers struggling with?
(00:31:16) - What pressures does a modern dad face from culture itself?
(00:39:59) - How do you talk to your kids about what your values are?
(01:02:29) - What are some of the keys to raising sons in particular?
(01:09:51) - What do you hope your sons will learn from how you treat your wife?

Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge, breaks down common challenges of fatherhood, making them easy to understand and overcome. Tackling the world of fatherhood can be a daunting task when we try to do it alone. Thus, Larrys mission (and his podcast, The Dad Edge( is to help you become the best, strongest, and happiest version of yourself so that you can help guide your kids to the best version of themselves. Simple as that.

Connect with Larry

-Website: https://thedadedge.com

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedadedge/

-Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedadedge

-Podcast: https://thedadedge.com/podcast/

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDadEdge

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

Men, join me for an intense, depth-oriented training regimen called the Men's Self-Leadership Program. Customized curriculum, direct work with me, and limited to just 8 men: https://mantalks.com/mslp/

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/

Check out some 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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please 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 episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: libido, anxiety, sex drive

Having a high libido isn't all it's cracked up to be. In truth, it can be surprisingly difficult to navigate, can impact relationships, finances, you name it. This week, a look at where high libido can come from, and some ways to navigate it effectively.

(00:00:00) - Intro and my own issues with high sex drive
(00:02:39) - Indicators that high libido might be becoming problematic 
(00:05:49) - But what causes high sex drive?
(00:06:49) - Grief, anxiety, stress, and unresolved trauma
(00:08:33) - Shame surrounding sexual preferences
(00:08:53) - A lack of fulfillment or sense of control over your life
(00:10:12) - A lack of self-esteem
(00:10:26) - A struggle to properly process emotions
(00:12:10) - So what do we do? Number one: do your best to date people with similar libido
(00:13:37) - Prioritize routines and habits that help regulate your nervous system
(00:14:43) - Desexualize your brain
(00:15:37) - Surround yourself with high quality men

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

Men, join me for an intense, depth-oriented training regimen called the Men's Self-Leadership Program. Customized curriculum, direct work with me, and limited to just 8 men: https://mantalks.com/mslp/

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/

Check out some 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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please 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 episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: grief, loss, anxiety, helplessness

Every so often, I'll have an anonymous guest on the show to give listeners a glimpse into what men's work at ManTalks is really like. This is going to be a three-parter, so stay tuned for more.

This man is someone I've known for a while through his participation in ManTalks, and he's come to me looking wanting to feel more in charge of his life, and more able to handle when life, business, or relationships take a hit. Behind much of it is ungrieved childhood loss.

This is a great episode to dig into if you feel like you manage fine when life is good, but fall apart when it doesn't. There's insight on some of the consequences of not having the chance to properly grieve.

(00:00:00) - Intro and what our guest would like to work on
(00:10:07) - A pervasive feeling of inadequacy, and how it relates to making money
(00:14:02) - How the loss of a mother led to feeling helpless and inattentive 
(00:21:40) - Feeling sorry for dad, and feeling like it’s “too late”
(00:31:00) - Connecting with the loss of a mother on a deeper level
(00:40:37) - Next steps

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

Men, join me for an intense, depth-oriented training regimen called the Men's Self-Leadership Program. Customized curriculum, direct work with me, and limited to just 8 men: https://mantalks.com/mslp/

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/

Check out some 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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please 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 episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fair warning, a focal point of this episode is suicide.

Talking points: therapy, self-help, masculinity

More men than ever are actively seeking help. They're going to therapy, they're working on themselves, they're doing "the work". I know because they come to me and people I know—either in the coaching or the therapeutic industry—by the thousands.

And yet a significant percentage of them don't come out it "helped". Many don't come out at all. To be clear, I am NOT saying therapy as an industry is totally broken or something to ignore. But there ARE some things I think it could do better.

(00:00:00) - Intro and some statistics
(00:04:47) - What I’ve seen and heard from men who come to ManTalks live events
(00:05:40) - I’m not saying the therapeutic industry is broken
(00:07:06) - We have to acknowledge that there are differences in men’s and women’s experiences
(00:09:25) - The three things the industry underestimates or misses with men
(00:11:43) - I’ve known a lot of men who looked great on the surface
(00:13:27) - Many of us don’t know how to help men get their direction back

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

Men, join me for an intense, depth-oriented training regimen called the Men's Self-Leadership Program. Customized curriculum, direct work with me, and limited to just 8 men: https://mantalks.com/mslp/

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/

Check out some 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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please 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 episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: success, achievement, addiction, cycling, athleticism, personal development

Kevin Miller is a powerhouse. More than that, he's deeply humble and intentional in what he does after a lifetime of hard work and the pursuit of excellence. I sat down with him last week to dig deeper: what makes drive "drive"? What's the meaning of really going beyond your limits? What really, truly drives you, and where are you going with that?

You know, just light conversation.

(00:00:00) - Intro and Kevin’s defining moment
(00:06:04) - What it takes to be a professional cyclist, and what drove Kevin to pursue it
(00:11:10) - What might be underneath a valiant can’t-quit-won’t-quit attitude, and what’s the difference between pursuit of excellence and addiction?
(00:19:11) - When it comes to the pursuit of excellence, what’s actually rewarding about it?
(00:26:26) - How did the pursuit of excellence filter its way into your parenting?
(00:31:49) - Intentionality versus pursuit, and where the addiction to pursuit might come from
(00:47:35) - Do you think it’s healthy and meaningful for men to pursue some kind of physical excellence?
(00:51:39) - How the self-help industrial complex has shifted over the last few decades
(01:04:45) - Is AI going to help or harm people and the self-help industry?

Kevin is a former pro athlete, respected personal development guide, top-ranking podcast host, published author, and father of nine who has devoted himself to helping people elevate their personal experience and improve the way they show up for others.

Kevin hosts the Self-Helpful podcast, which has over 60 million downloads and is routinely visited by today’s most influential changemakers. His book, What Drives You challenges today’s myths on “driven people” and serves as a guide to clarity and conviction in what you authentically value and what truly motivates you.

Connect with Kevin

-Website: https://www.kevinmiller.co/
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinmiller.co/
-Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevinmillerco
-Podcast: https://www.kevinmiller.co/podcast
-Book, What Drives You: https://www.kevinmiller.co/whatdrivesyou

This episode is brought to you by Cured Nutrition! Cured offers everything from CBD to functional mushroom products to adaptogens designed to help the body thrive in all aspects of the daily human experience. Personal favorite? The Zen sleep bundle. Get 20% off your order here: https://www.curednutrition.com/mantalks/

Men, join me for an intense, depth-oriented training regimen called the Men's Self-Leadership Program. Customized curriculum, direct work with me, and limited to just 8 men: https://mantalks.com/mslp/

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/

Check out some 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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please 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 episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking points: masculinity, culture, misandry Look, this is a charged topic. It’s also deeply complex, and it deserves serious attention MINUS the immediate rush towards dismissals, name calling, and blame games.

I’d love to get your take on this topic too. Feel free to message me on Instagram or comment below.

(01:16) - Intro and how society tends to react to men’s issues
(05:37) - What systems could use changing, and their current impact on men
(10:59) - When you bring this up, it’s easy to get labelled anti-woman
(16:08) - This discussion should be a bipartisan issue, and in many ways it would benefit women

Men, join me for an intense, depth-oriented training regimen called the Men's Self-Leadership Program. Customized curriculum, direct work with me, and limited to just 8 men: https://mantalks.com/mslp/

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/

Check out some 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 and join me today. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please 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 episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices