Men Talking Mindfulness

By Jon Macaskill & Will SchneiderSociety & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health

Men Talking Mindfulness episodes

February 27, 2023 Nick Jonsson: Executive Loneliness, Why Successful Men Have No One to Call
Nick Jonsson, a Singapore-based Swedish expat, is the co-founder and Managing Director of one of Asia's premiere networking organizations, Executives' Global Network (EGN) Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia. But it wasn't always this way.
Several years ago Nick nearly died of alcoholism because of the lack of emotional resources available to him. While the external world continued to view Jonsson as a successful executive, he was extremely depressed and defeated. When he hit the wall, he took control, got himself all kinds of help, and today is a consultant and the author of Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety & Depression in the Modern Business World.
Today we talk to him about why it can be so isolating to be at the top of your game, and the steps you can take to ensure you lead a fulfilling and successful life.
//TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Executive Loneliness with Nick Jonsson
(04:00) Will leads Opening Grounding Practice (~1 min)
(06:30) Why is it so lonely at the top?
(11:00) Social Media - Poison or Cure?
(16:00) Overcoming societal norms and pressures
(19:00) Deflating the ego
(24:00) The Five Pathways to Overcome Loneliness
(46:00) Jon leads Closing Practice (~2 min)
//LINKS
Find Nick on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jonsson/
Nick’s Website - https://www.nickjonsson.com/
Nick’s Book, Executive Loneliness - https://www.nickjonsson.com/my-book
//WHERE YOU CAN FIND US
Website - http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/
Listen on Spotify - https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcast - https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast
Watch on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness
Follow Will - https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/
Follow Jon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill
Join the MTM Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665

Check out our Awareness-to-action Self Mastery COURSE & COMMUNITY:
12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Work at your own pace plus a community built for Inspiration and connection.
1. www.focusnowtraining.com/a2a-Course
JOIN US IN PERSON — Future Events and Retreats.
1. Live in-person event: Warrior Defined.
We will be in Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2026 more info HERE:
Or mentalkingmindfulness.com

GET MORE FROM MTM:
Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletter
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Produced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/
51 min
February 20, 2023 Jed Diamond: Why Men Die Younger and How to Live Longer and Better
Jed Diamond joins Jon and Will to discuss the health issues afflicting men, their origins, and what can be done to help men lead a healthier and happier life.
Dr. Jed Diamond is one of the world’s leading experts in Gender Medicine and Men’s Health. He has written seventeen books, including international best-sellers Surviving Male Menopause and The Irritable Male Syndrome. His latest book, Long Live Men! The Moonshot Mission to Heal Men, Close the Lifespan Gap, and Offer Hope to Humanity is what we’ll be covering today.
Jed holds a Ph.D in International Health, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has been a practicing psychotherapist for more than fifty years, helping men and the women who love them to live fully, love deeply, and make a positive difference in the world.
His work has been featured in major newspapers throughout the United States he has been featured on more than 1,000 radio and T.V. programs. He, and his wife, Carlin, are proud parents of 5 grown children, 17 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
//TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Long Live Men! with Jed Diamond
(04:00) Introducing Dr. Jed Diamond
(05:00) Will leads Opening Grounding Practice (~1 min)
(07:00) Why is there a difference in life expectancy between the sexes?
(14:00) How the “Man Box” is destroying male mental health
(21:00) Being masculine isn’t a problem; demanding masculinity is.
(26:30) Irritable Male Syndrome
(35:00) What is the first step for dealing with IMS?
(39:00) The importance of Social Support
(43:00) How does someone cope with loneliness?
(57:30) The effects of childhood trauma
(1:10:00) Warriors and Worriers
(1:17:00)Jon leads Closing Practice (~1 min)
//LINKS
Jed Diamond - https://menalive.com/
Contact Jed - [email protected]
Take the IMS (Irritable Male Syndrome) Test - https://menalive.com/resources/ebooks-quizzes-and-videos/
Take the ACEs Quiz - https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean
Healing the Family Father Wound - https://www.connectionvictory.net/products/healing-the-family-father-wound-your-playbook-for-personal-and-relationship-success
//WHERE YOU CAN FIND US
Website - http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/
Listen on Spotify - https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcast - https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast
Watch on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness
Follow Will - https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/
Follow Jon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill
Join the MTM Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665

Check out our Awareness-to-action Self Mastery COURSE & COMMUNITY:
12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Work at your own pace plus a community built for Inspiration and connection.
1. www.focusnowtraining.com/a2a-Course
JOIN US IN PERSON — Future Events and Retreats.
1. Live in-person event: Warrior Defined.
We will be in Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2026 more info HERE:
Or mentalkingmindfulness.com

GET MORE FROM MTM:
Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletter
1. Subscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.com
2. FNT: focusnowtraining.com
BRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:
1. focusnowtraining.com/contact

Produced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/
1 hr 21 min
February 13, 2023 How to Have the Hard Conversation You've Been Avoiding (Crucial Conversations for Men)
Today Jon and Will have a crucial conversation... about crucial conversations! What are they? How do we approach them? Why do we suck at them so much?
//TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Mastering Crucial Conversations
(04:30) Jon leads Opening Grounding Practice (~2 min)
(10:00) What is a crucial conversation?
(15:00) How do we effectively navigate a crucial conversation?
(16:30) Regulating emotion through STEA
(21:00) What is the actual goal of this conversation?
(26:00) Ensuring safety
(38:00) STATE
(43:00) Why do we suck at these conversations?
(52:00) Why mindfulness?
(58:00) Will leads Closing Practice (~1 min)
//WHERE YOU CAN FIND US
Website - http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/
Listen on Spotify - https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcast - https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast
Watch on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness
Follow Will - https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/
Follow Jon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill
Join the MTM Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665

Check out our Awareness-to-action Self Mastery COURSE & COMMUNITY:
12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Work at your own pace plus a community built for Inspiration and connection.
1. www.focusnowtraining.com/a2a-Course
JOIN US IN PERSON — Future Events and Retreats.
1. Live in-person event: Warrior Defined.
We will be in Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2026 more info HERE:
Or mentalkingmindfulness.com

GET MORE FROM MTM:
Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletter
1. Subscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.com
2. FNT: focusnowtraining.com
BRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:
1. focusnowtraining.com/contact

Produced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/
1 hr
January 30, 2023 How to Mend a Broken Heart with Psychotherapist Elaine Smookler
This week we welcome Elaine Smookler onto the show to dive deeper into her article on what it takes to mend a broken heart. Will and Jon share some very personal stories (and get some free psychotherapy!), and we learn all about what it means to be aware of our emotions, understanding them as different from our thoughts, and that there's no "right way" to heal a broken heart. Elaine Smookler RP, CMT-P is a Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Mindfulness Teacher, life-balance coach, keynote speaker, teacher, writer, singer and comedic performer. For more than 20 years, Elaine has been shaking things up in the mindfulness world with her lively and unique programs, including "Mindful Martinis," "Breathe in, Laugh Out," and her long-running online course "A Mindful Way Through the Creative Process" offered through the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. Elaine also connects with those facing loss, grief and stress, providing wellness programs for the staff, doctors and parents of the Hospital for Sick Children and has been an instructor at University of Toronto Medical School. She provides ongoing clinical programs, such as Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and stress-management for a wide variety of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP's). Elaine is a long-time faculty member at eMindful and The Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Toronto. She writes the Inner Wisdom Column at Mindful Magazine which has over 750K monthly users.
//TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) How to Manage a Broken Heart with Psychotherapist Elaine Smookler
(04:30) Jon leads Opening Grounding Practice (~2 min)
(08:00) Will’s heartbreak (12:00) Jon’s heartbreak
(15:00) Being tough doesn’t stop the heartbreak
(19:30) The impetus behind Elaine’s article in Mindful Magazine
(23:00) Thought vs Emotion (32:00) Not all heartache is from a romantic relationship
(35:00) How do we deal with this pain? (39:00) What does awareness mean?
(46:00) How do we move forward after we’re aware? (53:00) Preparing for grief
(57:00) Honoring those who are gone (01:05:00) Elaine leads closing practice (~4 min)
//LINKS
Connect with Elaine - https://www.elainesmookler.com/
Elaine’s Article in Mindful - https://www.mindful.org/how-to-mend-a-broken-heart/
Sign Up for Elaine’s Next Course - https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/3269-mindful-way-through-creative-process
//WHERE YOU CAN FIND US
Website - http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/
Listen on Spotify - https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcast - https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast
Watch on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness
Follow Will - https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/
Follow Jon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill
Join the MTM Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665

Check out our Awareness-to-action Self Mastery COURSE & COMMUNITY:
12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Work at your own pace plus a community built for Inspiration and connection.
1. www.focusnowtraining.com/a2a-Course
JOIN US IN PERSON — Future Events and Retreats.
1. Live in-person event: Warrior Defined.
We will be in Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2026 more info HERE:
Or mentalkingmindfulness.com

GET MORE FROM MTM:
Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletter
1. Subscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.com
2. FNT: focusnowtraining.com
BRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:
1. focusnowtraining.com/contact

Produced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/
1 hr 12 min
January 23, 2023 Getting After Your Goals with Mental Toughness Coach Andy Riise
This week Jon's friend and rival, Andy Riise, joins the show! After a heated Army vs Navy debate, he gets down to business about what it means to be Mentally Tough.
Andy is a 2001 graduate of West Point, former Army football player, Presidential Leadership Scholar, and retired Army LTC. During his 20+ year military career, he led soldiers overseas during multiple overseas deployments, including five years with two Special Forces units. He also taught psychology and leadership at West Point and the Air Force Academy.
After retiring, he served as a mental skills coach for two Major League Baseball teams, as well as the Director of Defense Innovation at Texas A&M University. His research and teaching focuses on leadership, resilience, and mental toughness. He's currently the CEO and founder of Design to Perform LLC. He and his wife have four children and live in Houston, TX.
//TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Getting After Your Goals with Mental Toughness Coach Andy Riise
(04:00) Join us on our next Retreat! May 18-21 mentalkingmindfulness.com/retreat
(07:00) Will leads Opening Grounding Practice (~2 min)
(11:00) Andy’s Journey
(29:00) Goals and Goal Pursuit
(31:00) The 4 C’s of Mental Toughness
(39:00) Developing discipline
(45:00) Friendly competition as accountability
(57:00) Andy leads Closing Practice (~1 min)
//LINKS
Find Andy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyriise/
Follow Andy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coach_riise/
Designed to Perform - https://www.DesignedtoPerform.org
Limitless Minds - https://www.LimitlessMinds.com
N2Growth - https://www.N2Growth.com
//WHERE YOU CAN FIND US
Website - http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/
Listen on Spotify - https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcast - https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast
Watch on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness
Follow Will - https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/
Follow Jon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill
Join the MTM Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665

Check out our Awareness-to-action Self Mastery COURSE & COMMUNITY:
12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Work at your own pace plus a community built for Inspiration and connection.
1. www.focusnowtraining.com/a2a-Course
JOIN US IN PERSON — Future Events and Retreats.
1. Live in-person event: Warrior Defined.
We will be in Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2026 more info HERE:
Or mentalkingmindfulness.com

GET MORE FROM MTM:
Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletter
1. Subscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.com
2. FNT: focusnowtraining.com
BRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:
1. focusnowtraining.com/contact

Produced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/
1 hr 1 min
January 16, 2023 Developing Resilience with Marine Raider Veteran, Prime Hall
Prime is a former Special Operations Marine Raider with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a Marine Water Survival Instructor for 10 years, he’s trained thousands of Marines to develop water confidence.
Since leaving the military, Prime’s passion to teach more people these game-changing water confidence skills led him to Co-found the Underwater Torpedo League and Deep End Fitness. These programs have been built, tested, and are now utilized by current Championship level Professional MMA Fighters, Olympic Athletes, NFL Players, Pro Surfers, and High-Level Business Executives giving all of them the tools they need to break through the glass ceilings and unlock their highest states of performance. Prime has a passion for coaching all skill levels to unlock results and break through ‘glass ceilings’. Prime enjoys working with athletes from all sports including UFC, World Surf League, NFL, and Olympians. He also works with CEOs and aspiring military candidates. Prime leverages his experiences from special operators and coaching elite athletes to supporting others in unlocking their highest potential through the F.R.E.E. operating system (Focus, Relaxation, Economy of Motion, and Efficient Breathing). Prime utilizes this merit-based system with athletes to promote growth and self actualization and realization.
//TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Developing Resilience with Marine Raider Veteran, Prime Hall
(02:00) Join us in Upstate, New York for our next Retreat - May 18-21, 2023
(03:30) Jon leads Opening Grounding Practice ~2 min
(06:00) Prime’s Journey
(12:00) Overcoming your own mental resistance
(20:00) Be Water S.A.F.E.
(26:00) Panic can be deadly
(28:00) The F.R.E.E. Method
(57:00) Healing from past trauma
(1:23:00) The results of breaking past your limits
(1:26:30) Underwater Torpedo League - Olympics 2028?
(1:33:30) Prime leads Closing Practice ~1 min
//LINKS
Deep End Fitness - https://www.deependfitness.com/
Underwater Torpedo League - https://utlnation.com/
Prime Hall - https://www.primehall.com/
Contact Prime directly - [email protected]
//WHERE YOU CAN FIND US
Website - http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/
Listen on Spotify - https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcast - https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast
Watch on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness
Follow Will - https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/
Follow Jon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill
Join the MTM Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665

Check out our Awareness-to-action Self Mastery COURSE & COMMUNITY:
12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Work at your own pace plus a community built for Inspiration and connection.
1. www.focusnowtraining.com/a2a-Course
JOIN US IN PERSON — Future Events and Retreats.
1. Live in-person event: Warrior Defined.
We will be in Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2026 more info HERE:
Or mentalkingmindfulness.com

GET MORE FROM MTM:
Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletter
1. Subscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.com
2. FNT: focusnowtraining.com
BRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:
1. focusnowtraining.com/contact

Produced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/
1 hr 38 min
January 09, 2023 Let Your Light Shine: How Mindfulness Can Empower Children and Rebuild Communities
Happy New Year and Welcome to Season 6 of the Men Talking Mindfulness Podcast!
Today we sit down with Ali and Atman Smith, two of the writers of the "Let Your Light Shine." We'll learn about mindfulness in childhood: why it is so important, who benefits the most from it, how it can be implemented, and where to start.
Join us for our next retreat - May 18-21, 2023 in Upstate, NY. Find out more at https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/retreat
Timestamps:
(00:00) Let Your Light Shine with Ali and Atman Smith
(00:30) Welcome to Season 6!
(03:30) Introducing Ali and Atman Smith
(05:00) Will leads Opening Grounding Practice ~1 min
(08:30) The journey to the Holistic Life Foundation
(15:00) The impact of privilege / socioeconomic status
(19:00) The “ACEs”(Adverse Childhood Experiences) test
(23:00) It’s not poor behaviour, it’s survival
(30:00) Balancing the Masculine with the Feminine
(34:00) Transitioning from boy to man
(37:00) How desegregation hurt the black community
(42:30) Acknowledging and understanding white privilege
(50:00) Connecting to yourself (instead of just your phone!)
(1:00:00) Bringing mindfulness to your own kids
(1:05:00) Mindfulness in schools
(1:13:00) Ali leads Closing Practice ~5 min
Links
Holistic Life Foundation - https://hlfinc.org/
The Involution Group - https://www.involution.love/
Buy the book "Let Your Light Shine" - https://letyourlightshinebook.com/
Where You Can Find Us
Website - http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/
Listen on Spotify - https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcast - https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast
Watch on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness
Follow Will - https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/
Follow Jon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill
Join the MTM Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665

Check out our Awareness-to-action Self Mastery COURSE & COMMUNITY:
12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Work at your own pace plus a community built for Inspiration and connection.
1. www.focusnowtraining.com/a2a-Course
JOIN US IN PERSON — Future Events and Retreats.
1. Live in-person event: Warrior Defined.
We will be in Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2026 more info HERE:
Or mentalkingmindfulness.com

GET MORE FROM MTM:
Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletter
1. Subscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.com
2. FNT: focusnowtraining.com
BRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:
1. focusnowtraining.com/contact

Produced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/
1 hr 23 min
January 02, 2023 Beginner's Mind: Why Experts Stall and Beginners Grow (Our Most Requested Episode)
Here's another one of our early episodes - Beginner's Mindset, Growth Mindset, Curiosity - whatever you call it, it's important. Here's why and here's how to develop it in yourself and in your teams!

Check out our Awareness-to-action Self Mastery COURSE & COMMUNITY:
12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Work at your own pace plus a community built for Inspiration and connection.
1. www.focusnowtraining.com/a2a-Course
JOIN US IN PERSON — Future Events and Retreats.
1. Live in-person event: Warrior Defined.
We will be in Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2026 more info HERE:
Or mentalkingmindfulness.com

GET MORE FROM MTM:
Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletter
1. Subscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.com
2. FNT: focusnowtraining.com
BRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:
1. focusnowtraining.com/contact

Produced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/
1 hr
December 26, 2022 Courtney Boyer: Sex and Mindfulness, Being Present With Your Partner
This was one of our most popular episodes early on - Mindfulness and Sex?! Oh yeah - there's a lot going on here and a LOT of benefits of practicing mindfulness - some may even benefit you and yours in the bedroom! Just sayin!
If you didn't listen before, you can definitely learn something here... and if you DID listen before, we're sure you could benefit from listening again!

Check out our Awareness-to-action Self Mastery COURSE & COMMUNITY:
12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Work at your own pace plus a community built for Inspiration and connection.
1. www.focusnowtraining.com/a2a-Course
JOIN US IN PERSON — Future Events and Retreats.
1. Live in-person event: Warrior Defined.
We will be in Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2026 more info HERE:
Or mentalkingmindfulness.com

GET MORE FROM MTM:
Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletter
1. Subscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.com
2. FNT: focusnowtraining.com
BRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:
1. focusnowtraining.com/contact

Produced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/
1 hr 4 min
December 19, 2022 Holiday Stress for Men: A Field Guide to Family, Food and Keeping Your Cool
Sure, the holidays can be a wonderful time - but they can also be a time that brings a lot of added stress - personally, physically, professionally, and emotionally! Let's talk about that and ways to manage that and enjoy the holidays more!
This is a re-release of an episode originally published 12/16/2021.

Check out our Awareness-to-action Self Mastery COURSE & COMMUNITY:
12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Work at your own pace plus a community built for Inspiration and connection.
1. www.focusnowtraining.com/a2a-Course
JOIN US IN PERSON — Future Events and Retreats.
1. Live in-person event: Warrior Defined.
We will be in Charlotte, NC, September 25, 2026 more info HERE:
Or mentalkingmindfulness.com

GET MORE FROM MTM:
Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletter
1. Subscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.com
2. FNT: focusnowtraining.com
BRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:
1. focusnowtraining.com/contact

Produced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/
59 min

About Men Talking Mindfulness

From the publisher's feed

Men Talking Mindfulness is a weekly podcast on men’s mental health, mindfulness, meditation, overall wellness, and leadership, hosted by retired Navy SEAL Commander Jon Macaskill and Stanford University Ambassador of Compassion Will Schneider. New episodes every Monday.