Men: A Work in Progress

Disgust isn’t just about spoiled milk or bad smells—it’s a powerful emotional boundary-setter. In this episode of Men: A Work In Progress, Mike and Kyler take a deeper look at disgust, as introduced in Inside Out, and explore how it shows up in everyday life: from gut reactions to behaviors, people, or even parts of ourselves we’d rather avoid.

They discuss how disgust is wired to protect us—but can also limit us when it’s left unchecked. From moments of judgment to shame-fueled avoidance, Mike and Kyler get honest about what disgust has taught them, and how learning to face it can lead to better self-awareness, clearer values, and stronger boundaries.

You’ll walk away with new language for those “ugh” moments—and maybe even a bit more compassion for the parts of yourself you’ve been quick to reject.

In this episode of Men: A Work In Progress, Mike and Kyler dive into a feeling we all know too well but rarely talk about: embarrassment. Inspired by Inside Out 2, they unpack why embarrassment can feel so overwhelming, especially for men who are often taught to hide it or laugh it off.

They share personal stories of cringeworthy moments, discuss how embarrassment shapes our sense of self, and explore why embracing those awkward experiences can actually lead to deeper connection, humility, and growth.

Whether it’s a mistake at work, an awkward conversation, or a memory you can’t shake, Mike and Kyler break down how to sit with—and even learn from—embarrassment instead of letting it control you.

In this episode of Men: A Work In Progress, Mike and Kyler dive into the emotion we often overlook—joy. Inspired by the character from Inside Out, they explore why joy can sometimes feel fleeting or even uncomfortable for men to fully embrace.

From early conditioning that prioritizes stoicism over celebration, to the pressure of always being "on" or "productive," joy often gets sidelined. Mike and Kyler unpack how tapping into joy isn’t just about chasing happiness—it's about being present, playful, and fully alive.

They share personal stories, reflect on the quiet moments of joy that often go unnoticed, and challenge listeners to redefine what joy looks like in their own lives. Because joy isn’t frivolous—it’s fuel.

If you’ve ever struggled to sit with good feelings without waiting for the other shoe to drop, this episode is for you.

Sadness is often seen as something to avoid—but what if it’s actually one of our greatest strengths? In this episode of Men: A Work In Progress, Mike and Kyler explore the role of sadness in our lives, inspired by Inside Out. They break down why sadness is essential for emotional growth, how it deepens our connections with others, and why suppressing it can do more harm than good.

Through personal stories and real talk, they tackle the stigma around men expressing sadness and share practical ways to embrace it in a healthy way. Tune in to learn why sadness isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower that helps us process change, build resilience, and live more fully.

Fear—it’s wired into us for survival, but too often, it holds us back. In this episode of Men: A Work In Progress, Mike and Kyler take a deep dive into fear—how it protects us, how it limits us, and how we can learn to work with it instead of against it. Inspired by Inside Out, they explore why fear is one of the most dominant emotions in men’s lives, from career decisions to relationships to personal growth. Through real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies, Mike and Kyler unpack how to manage fear, take calculated risks, and build confidence. Tune in to learn how fear can be a tool—not a roadblock—on the path to becoming your best self.

Envy—it’s an emotion we all feel but rarely admit. In this episode of Men: A Work In Progress, Mike and Kyler break down the truth about envy: why we experience it, how it can be destructive, and how to turn it into motivation instead of resentment. Inspired by Inside Out, they explore the psychology behind envy, how social media fuels comparison, and the common triggers that hit men the hardest—career, relationships, and success. Most importantly, Mike and Kyler share strategies to reframe envy into inspiration and use it as a tool for self-improvement. Tune in to learn how to stop comparing and start growing.

In this episode of Men: A Work In Progress, Mike and Kyler dive into the complex emotion of anger—why we feel it, how it manifests, and how men are conditioned to express (or suppress) it. Inspired by Inside Out, we explore the role anger plays in our lives, the dangers of unchecked rage, and the strategies to harness it for growth instead of destruction. From personal stories to practical tools, we break down how to transform anger from an uncontrollable force into a powerful ally. Tune in and learn how to manage the fire within.

In this episode, Mike and Kyler bring on a very special guest, Lawrence Miera, to dive into the transformative power of travel. Together, they explore how stepping into the unknown can challenge beliefs, foster personal growth, and deepen connections.

Highlights include:
✈️ How travel pushes us out of our comfort zones to confront fears and insecurities.
🌍 The role travel plays in shaping identity, relationships, and life perspective.
🎒 Stories of hitting rock bottom while on the road—and climbing back stronger.
🤣 Unexpected and hilarious moments that remind us to embrace the adventure.
💡 Advice for men looking to break routines, grow personally, and explore the world.

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or someone hesitant to take the leap, this episode offers inspiration, laughter, and practical tips for using travel as a tool for growth.

🎙️ In this episode of Men: A Work In Progress, Mike and Kyler are joined by the inspiring Holly Hobson-Gery for a candid and eye-opening conversation about career growth, gender dynamics, and allyship in the workplace.

Holly shares her career journey and the drive that has propelled her success—how it started, how it’s evolved, and what keeps her motivated today. She opens up about memorable moments when opportunities to elevate female colleagues were missed and how those experiences shaped her voice as an equal in the conversation.

The episode also delves into mentorship, as Holly reflects on the importance of having both male and female mentors and the intentionality behind those choices. Most importantly, she offers thoughtful insights on how men can become better allies, break down biases, and create a more inclusive workplace.

Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with personal stories, practical advice, and a call to action for equality and mutual support in the professional world!

In this episode, Mike and Kyler welcome Keith Sexton from Movember to chat about men’s health and why the mustache makes its annual appearance! Mid-November is here, and Mike’s sporting his ‘stache for more than just fashion—it’s all about raising awareness for men’s mental and physical health. Keith fills us in on Movember’s roots, why it’s crucial to talk openly about men’s health issues, and how Movember has evolved into a global movement for positive change.

From mental health and suicide prevention to supporting men through physical health challenges, they discuss the impact of Movember’s work, share stats that hit home, and explore ways we can all get involved. Plus, they dive into what men’s health means across different life stages, with Kyler in his 20s and Mike in his...let’s say “wiser” years 😛. Tune in to learn how we can work together to support healthier, happier lives for men everywhere!

Check out Movember’s website: Movember website and our team page: Movember Team Page