What does it take to transition from the intense precision of a Marine sniper to the disciplined craft of storytelling?

We sit down with Jon Daly, a former Marine sniper and special operations leader, to explore the mindset forged through movement, discipline, and embracing discomfort. With over 20 years of service, including laying the foundation for MARSOC as part of Detachment One, Daly shares lessons from combat that apply to everyday life. Now a writer pursuing an MFA, he discusses his transition to civilian life, the raw realities captured in his book Tough Rugged Bastards, and the mission behind his newsletters Walking Point and RTFU (Rock the Fuck Up). Tune in for an unfiltered conversation on resilience, precision, and the power of storytelling.

Order Jon’s book here - https://www.jadailey.com/

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:40 - Challenging the Narrative: Redefining Modern Masculinity

04:17 - Understanding Masculinity Without a Father Figure

07:58 - Success Through Small Achievements: A Personal Journey

08:43 - The Impact of Athletic Success on Confidence and Social Connections

14:35 - The Impact of Gender Dynamics in the Workforce and Education

16:35 - Understanding Perspectives Across Socioeconomic Strata

18:38 - Men, Mindfulness, and Societal Perceptions

23:00 - Navigating the Tightrope of Masculinity and Its Psychological Impact

27:45 - Effortlessly Yourself: The Key to Authentic Conversations

34:51 - Overcoming Injury and the Power of Mindful Detachment

36:40 - Understanding Selfhood and the Precariousness of Manhood

46:37 - Teaching Vigilance and Critical Thinking to Daughters

52:47 - Navigating Romantic Interest and Cues: Advice for Young Men

58:19 - From Workplace Romance to Teaching Boys Emotional Expression

01:01:33 - Creating Psychological Safety at Home

01:03:15 - Understanding Emotional Miscommunication with Children

01:19:01 - Embracing Autonomy and Choosing Your Circle

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This course is for ALL adults, NOT just men.

Course is on Sundays at 4pm ET

https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/learnmeditation

Check out this Testimony from one of our students, Kalina Bitter:

“I loved the MTM meditation course. It helped me calm my mind and become more aware of my heart and my intuition. I did the meditations every day for 10 weeks and often twice a day.

I liked the progression of the course. I noticed that I felt more relaxed, slept better, and felt the effects of stress less. There was a lot of support from the instructors, Will and Jon, and a sense of community with all of the class members. It was a great experience and I might take the class again. I highly recommend it.” 

⁠https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/learnmeditation⁠

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Ever wondered what it takes to build an unbreakable warrior mindset?

We dive deep with Tim Kennedy, former UFC fighter and Green Beret, to uncover the secrets of mental toughness and resilience.

From the octagon to the battlefield, Tim shares his insights on discipline, consistency, and thriving under pressure.

We also tackle the controversy surrounding his military career and how he handles public scrutiny. Plus, get ready for some raw and unfiltered discussions on fear, integrity, and living life on purpose.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Introduction to Tim Kennedy and the episode's focus

(00:02:25) Tim Kennedy on consistency and discipline

(00:07:13) Development of mental toughness

(00:09:27) Staying calm and focused under pressure

(00:11:06) Similarities between special forces and MMA

(00:13:53) The raw nature of fighting

(00:16:13) What separates those who concede under pressure

(00:19:10) Controversy and character assassination

(00:26:32) Handling the emotional impact of controversy

(00:29:05) Embracing fear

(00:32:19) Focus on fundamentals

(00:33:06) Developing discipline

(00:37:12) Tim Kennedy-centric to others-focused

(00:42:28) Building mental toughness

• (00:43:46) Stoolgate: Overcoming disappointment

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What if fear isn’t the enemy?

Jon and Will sit down with Kristen Ulmer, former world-class extreme skier and author of The Art of Fear, to rethink everything we believe about fear, anxiety, and performance. Kristen shares how embracing fear—not conquering or ignoring it—can unlock personal growth, peak performance, and even joy. From her experiences dominating the slopes for 12 years to her groundbreaking insights on mindset, she offers practical strategies to turn fear into a powerful ally.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

03:30 - Understanding Our Relationship with Fear

12:35 - Connecting with Fear for Better Performance

20:24 - Mathematics of Fear and Intimacy: Understanding Suffering and Flow

28:18 - Understanding Resistance in Managing Fear and Anxiety

32:19 - Navigating Emotional Intelligence: Levels of Feeling and Fear

38:24 - Confronting Fear: The Cycle of Control and Resistance

41:08 - Emotional Awareness and Resilience

44:37 - Navigating Anger and Emotional Expression

46:28 - Understanding and Reframing Children's Fear

51:11 - Embracing Fear: A Love Affair with Risk

53:23 - Navigating Fear and Growth in Skiing

56:26 - Expanding Your Comfort Zone

01:01:32 - Visualization and Overcoming Fear

01:05:14 - Exploring Mindfulness

01:11:24 - Insights on Meditation and Emotional Health

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Jon is really making some changes through all his dedication, consistency, and hard work. He is definitely experiencing some struggles along the way too. Enjoy this monthly check-in.

Do you want to make some changes too? Perhaps signing up and joining Team MTM for our 5k Spartan race in Dallas on October 19th would motivate you to make the desired changes.

Here is the info to sign up and join our team:

https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2025

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What if the key to men’s strength lies in embracing vulnerability?

This conversation with Dr. Audra Horney dives into the often-overlooked topic of men's mental health, exploring barriers to therapy, societal pressures, and the stigma that discourages men from seeking help. Dr. Horney emphasizes the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces where men feel seen and understood, advocating for a redefined masculinity that embraces vulnerability and emotional intelligence. She shares insights on building trust, addressing shame, and helping men articulate their emotions to foster personal growth and deeper connections in relationships. The discussion highlights practical steps for improving mental health, the transformative role of therapy, and the unique power of music as an emotional outlet. Through authenticity and mindfulness, Dr. Horney advocates for therapy as a collaborative, empowering process tailored to men’s needs.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
03:18 - Men's Mental Health and the Stigma of Therapy
06:37 - The Farmer in the ER Metaphor
07:30 - Redefining Therapy's Appeal
10:57 - Encouraging Men to Seek Therapy
13:23 - Exploring Men's Mental Health Through Social Media
16:14 - The Role of Social Media in Therapy for Men
19:34 - Men's Therapy Preferences and Challenges
21:51 - Understanding Men's Unique Needs in Therapy
23:47 - Collaborative Healing: Understanding Client Struggles
25:48 - Embracing Vulnerability in Therapy
28:31 - Embracing Authenticity Through Mindfulness
30:44 - Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness
35:21 - Healthy Masculinity and Emotional Sensitivity
40:32 - Mental Health Conversations for Men
45:29 - Debunking Myths About Therapy and Gender
49:48 - Music as Emotional Therapy
54:16 - Therapy's Impact on Relationship Communication
59:30 - The Transformative Power of Vulnerability in Therapy
01:06:23 - Embracing Authenticity and Connection

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Welcome to Men Talking Mindfulness.

Follow us and get notified of our latest weekly episode. We drop one every Monday.

Please share our podcast too.

Feb2025

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What if patience is the ultimate superpower for effective leadership and personal growth?

In this conversation, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill dive deep into the transformative impact of patience on decision-making, emotional regulation, and team dynamics. Through practical strategies like the STOP method and personal anecdotes, they explore how slowing down can lead to better outcomes, stronger relationships, and long-term success. They tackle common misconceptions about patience, share insights from historical leaders like Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln, and reveal how cultivating patience can reduce anxiety, improve communication, and reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. Discover why patience isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength that every leader should master.

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What can you do to transform your inner critic from a source of self-sabotage into a tool for personal growth?

In this empowering episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Dr. Frank Anderson, an expert in internal family systems, joins us to share practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building self-discipline. We dive into how to recognize and manage that negative voice in your head, turning it into a powerful tool for personal growth. Plus, the hosts share updates on their personal fitness challenges, including an upcoming Spartan race in Dallas on October 19th, and invite listeners to join.

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What if you could rewire your mind to transform stress into peace?

We sit down with Kathleen Riley, founder of the Presencing Peace Method, to explore how neuroplasticity and meditation can help men break free from chronic stress. Kathleen shares practical strategies for rewiring your brain, balancing your nervous system, and achieving emotional well-being in the face of societal pressures.

We also dive deep into the biology of change, the role of mindfulness in redefining masculinity, and the small, actionable steps you can take daily to create lasting inner peace.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Redefining Modern Masculinity

04:17 -  Understanding Masculinity Without a Father Figure

07:58 - Success Through Small Achievements: A Personal Journey

08:43 - The Impact of Athletic Success on Confidence and Social Connections

14:35 - The Impact of Gender Dynamics in the Workforce and Education

16:35 - Understanding Perspectives Across Socioeconomic Strata

18:38 - Men, Mindfulness, and Societal Perceptions

23:00 - Navigating the Tightrope of Masculinity and Its Psychological Impact

27:45 - Effortlessly Yourself: The Key to Authentic Conversations

34:51 - Overcoming Injury and the Power of Mindful Detachment

36:40 - Understanding Selfhood and the Precariousness of Manhood

46:37 - Teaching Vigilance and Critical Thinking to Daughters

52:47 - Navigating Romantic Interest and Cues: Advice for Young Men

58:19 - Navigating Emotions and Relationships

01:01:33 - Creating Psychological Safety at Home

01:03:15 - Understanding Emotional Miscommunication with Children

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.