In this episode, I sit down with William C. Spears, a U.S. Navy submarine officer, philosopher, and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. We explore what it means to live with honor, integrity, and emotional control in a world that often rewards the opposite.

William shares how Stoicism applies beyond the battlefield, to leadership, parenting, and midlife purpose. We talk about morality, legacy, and the timeless pursuit of wisdom. This episode is a reminder that true strength is not about suppressing emotion but mastering it, and living in alignment with your values.

William's Details

Website: https://williamcspears.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636246230

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/will.spears.18

Midlife Mavericks Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about?ref=13988353f9c0420e9b33e4ff258e3924

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Stoicism teaches emotional mastery, not suppression, wisdom over impulse.
• Morality, courage, justice, and self-control form the foundation of character.
• True integrity means your values align with your actions, even under pressure.
• Leadership and fatherhood require emotional awareness, not detachment.
• Legacy isn’t about titles or status, it’s about who you become and what you teach.
• Philosophical reflection and journaling help men align success with virtue.
• Physical health, sleep, and discipline are modern moral imperatives.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to William C. Spears

07:22 Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy

16:30 Navigating Chaos with Stoicism

22:15 Masculinity and Emotional Expression

29:12 Teaching Stoicism to Young Men

34:58 Recognizing the Signal from the Noise

42:09 The Challenges of Stoicism in Adversity

46:59 The Journey of Writing a Stoic Book

01:04:04 Defining Success and Future Aspirations

01:10:38 The Quest for Integrity in Midlife

01:11:08 Understanding Stoicism: A Path to Wholeness

After achieving everything he thought he wanted, business success, travel, recognition, Christian Schnepf found himself suicidal, realising that ticking all the boxes didn’t mean living a meaningful life.

His story is one of awakening and rebuilding, from chasing external success to cultivating inner fulfilment. Through years of self-reflection, research, and a PhD project, Christian developed the Good Time Ratio (GTR), a metric that measures how much of your life feels aligned, energised, and meaningful.

In this episode, Christian and Stretch explore:

• The emptiness of “success” when it’s out of alignment
• How breakdowns can spark deeper transformation
• The five key areas that determine life satisfaction
• Why flow and self-care are essential for men in midlife
• How to use data to identify what truly gives, or drains, your energy
• The future of the Good Time Ratio app and how it’s helping people optimise their lives

Website: https://chrisw.co/

App:  goodtime.app

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisw.gt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisw.gt 

Midlife Mavericks Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about

Key Takeaways

• Fulfilment ≠ achievement: You can have everything on paper and still feel empty.
• Energy is the compass: What feels attractive and energising points you toward flow.
• Measure what matters: The Good Time Ratio helps visualise where energy flows or gets blocked.
• Self-care is leadership: Taking care of yourself first enables you to serve others better.
• Solitude brings clarity: Periods of isolation help quiet external noise and reconnect you to your inner voice.
• Men need “good times” too: Joy, movement, challenge, and freedom are essential forms of masculine self-care.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Life

03:11 Reflections on Youth and the Standard Script

06:07 The Downward Spiral and Realisation of Emptiness

10:11 Finding Hope and the Decision to Change

12:48 Steps Towards a New Life

16:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery

20:14 Embracing Minimalism and New Opportunities

24:06 Crafting a Vision and Mission Statement

28:24 The Importance of Joy and Fulfillment

32:47 Inquiring into Identity and Choices

33:29 The Good Time Ratio and Insights on Success

34:29 The Pursuit of Good Times

36:53 Measuring Good Times: The Good Time Ratio

41:19 The GoodTime App: Navigating Life with Data

47:25 Five Areas of Life: Understanding Energy Flow

55:10 Self-Care: The Key to Sustainable Happiness

01:01:45 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

01:08:25 Accessing the Good Time Ratio App

01:14:02 The Essence of Christian's Journey

In this conversation, Stretch sits down with Clinical EFT practitioner and NeuroChange Solutions consultant Sophia Torrini to explore practical self-healing for men in midlife.

Sophia shares her personal journey from a near-fatal health event and years of lingering symptoms to meaningful change through Emotional Freedom Techniques, Reality Hacking, and Meta Consciousness.

The discussion clarifies what EFT is, why tapping while naming emotions can calm the nervous system, and how unprocessed stress patterns can hard-wire into the body.

Sophia explains heart–brain coherence, the role of brainwave states, and why you cannot plant new habits until you pull the emotional weeds.

You will hear simple entry points like body scans, happy memory priming, breathwork, and short morning practices that build safety and momentum.

The big idea is straightforward.

Feel it safely, clear the charge, then rehearse the future you want.

For men who have followed the script but feel restless, this episode offers a grounded pathway to reclaim clarity, energy, and personal power.

Sofia's Website: https://www.tapintoyourbestself.com/

Sofia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapintoyourbestself/

Sofia's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tapintoyourbestself.EFT

Join The Midlife Mavericks Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about

Key takeaways

• EFT is a structured tapping method that helps down-regulate stress and rewire emotional patterns
• You cannot reprogram on top of repression. Pull the emotional weeds before planting new habits
• Heart–brain coherence increases calm, focus, and better decision making
• Anxiety is often multiple alarms at once. Separate the signals, then resolve them
• Simple daily inputs work. Short body scans, breathwork, and happy memory priming build safety
• Younger brains may rewire faster, but consistency beats intensity at any age
• Movement, play, and joy help teach the body it is safe
• Final step. Rehearse the future self you want to become

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Freedom Techniques

03:26 Sophia's Journey to Healing

16:47 Understanding Emotional Freedom Techniques

22:44 The Science Behind Emotions and Disease

30:20 Connecting with Emotions: Tools for Men

34:06 The Importance of Heart-Brain Coherence

36:54 Experiencing Change Through Emotional Release

39:23 Transformative Experiences and Identity Shifts

40:31 The Science of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

42:57 Healing Through Emotional Work

46:10 Commitment to Healing Practices

49:10 Individual Differences in Healing Journeys

52:58 Managing Stress and Anger

55:18 Understanding Emotions as Messages

57:55 The Connection Between Beliefs and Health

01:02:05 Creating Reality Through Belief

01:07:52 Shifting to a Healthier Version of Yourself

01:11:23 Hacking Reality and Memory Reframing

01:16:19 The Essence of Healing

Ep34 Show notes

When Andrew Robinson set out to jump into a freezing New Zealand lake every day for 100 days, he wasn’t chasing followers, he was chasing connection.

The project became Tough Yarns, a movement blending physical challenge, vulnerability, and men’s mental health.

In this conversation, Andrew and Stretch unpack how discomfort builds character, why we struggle to ask for help, and how conversation itself can save lives.

They explore the science of suffering, rites of passage, and Andrew’s next mission: a 5,500 km solo ride across New Zealand for Movember.

You’ll leave this episode reminded that doing hard things isn’t about proving toughness, it’s about discovering truth, purpose, and connection.

Andrew's Website: https://toughyarns.com/

Andrew's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toughyarns/

Andrew's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@toughyarns

Andrew's Movember Donations: https://nz.movember.com/mospace/15361970

Join The Midlife Mavericks Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about 

Key Takeaways

• Discomfort builds connection. Doing something hard — like cold water plunges — lowers defenses and opens space for honesty.
• Courage starts with curiosity. Asking deeper questions, even of strangers, creates real human connection.
• Men need modern rites of passage. Without structured transitions, many men stay stuck in the “warrior” phase and burn out.
• Vulnerability is leadership. Sharing your story first gives others permission to do the same.
• Ask and listen. Not everyone needs fixing — sometimes they just need space to be heard.
• Service creates meaning. Andrew’s 5,500 km Movember ride proves that personal challenge can drive collective change.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Andrew Robinson's Journey

03:28 The Power of Physical Challenges

06:32 Exploring Mental Health Through Physicality

09:31 Personal Reflections on Family and Growth12:27 Lessons Learned from Challenges

15:33 The 100-Day Cold Lake Challenge

18:41 Engaging Strangers and Building Connections

21:36 The Impact of Vulnerability and Trust

23:45 Self-Discovery Through Challenges

27:40 The Importance of Vulnerability

30:35 Rites of Passage and Masculinity

36:09 Transitioning from Physical to Emotional Challenges

41:21 The Journey of a 5,500 km Bike Ride

47:20 Breaking Down Communication Barriers

48:09 The Journey of Self-Discovery

49:33 Transforming Sales into Genuine Communication

50:25 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Conversations

51:58 The Power of Group Dynamics in Conversations

52:50 The Connection Between Physical Movement and Emotional Well-being

55:17 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability

57:11 The Importance of Listening in Relationships

01:00:48 Navigating Difficult Conversations

01:02:07 Understanding Others' Struggles

01:05:07 Setting Boundaries in Conversations

01:09:09 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

01:11:23 Introduction to Tough Yarns and Movember Ride

In this powerful episode, Jason Gilbert joins Stretch to share his journey through chronic pain, spinal surgery, mercury toxicity, and gut dysfunction, and how these challenges led him into the world of functional health, movement therapy, and longevity.

With 30 years in health, 20 years on the World Surfing League medical team, and personal experience overcoming burnout and brain fog, Jason brings both clinical wisdom and hard-earned life lessons.

Topics include:– The real root causes of chronic back pain– How diet, stress, and lifestyle affect inflammation and recovery– What most people get wrong about exercise in midlife– Jason’s 10-year journey with mercury detox and Gerson therapy– Why he's obsessed with Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and how it’s changed his life.

Whether you’re burned out, in pain, or simply ready to feel like yourself again, this conversation will help you reconnect with your body and reclaim your health.

Jason Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasongilbertofficial/

Jason YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jasongilbertofficial

Jason Website: https://jasongilbert.com.au/

👉 Midlife Mavericks Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about?ref=13988353f9c0420e9b33e4ff258e3924

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:56 Journey to Chiropractic and Back Pain

13:07 Crisis and Spinal Surgery

19:00 Nutrition and Inflammation

25:05 Exercise and Stress Management

32:13 Exploring Fast Twitch Muscle Training

35:28 Navigating Pain in Training

45:36 Journey into Functional Medicine

50:55 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A New Frontier

01:00:26 Back to Basics: Foundations of Health

01:08:28 Taking Ownership of Health

01:13:19 Introduction to Midlife Mavericks Podcast

In this episode, men’s embodiment coach Jason Lange shares how men’s groups transformed his life from isolation and shame to connection and purpose. We break down what actually happens in a men’s group, why the “lone wolf” myth harms men, and how embodiment and breath build presence.

Jason explains the man box, healthy masculinity, and shadow work in simple, practical terms. We explore accountability, fatherhood, and creating deeper intimacy by taking responsibility for the emotional labor of the relationship.

You’ll leave with concrete practices to get out of your head, back into your body, and into brotherhood so you can lead your life with clarity and heart.

Key Takeaways

• Men’s groups give accountability, feedback, and brotherhood that solo work cannot match.
• Healthy masculinity is a grounded body, an open heart, and a focused mind.
• Presence is provision. Take responsibility for the emotional health of your relationship.
• Shadow work brings unconscious patterns into awareness so you have choice.
• Breath is the fastest path into the body and into leadership presence.
• Ask a better question: where is the tension in my life and what action restores alignment.
• Don’t wait for crisis. Go first. Share honestly with a trusted circle.
• Consistency beats intensity. Embodiment is a daily practice, not a hack.

Connect with Jasons:

Website: https://evolutionary.men/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolutionarymen/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evolutionarymen

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@evolutionarymen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionarymenswork

Midlife Maverick Free Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Men's Groups

07:07 Jason's Journey: From Loneliness to Brotherhood

12:46 The Importance of Men's Work

18:48 The Crisis of Modern Masculinity

24:50 Tapping into Emotions: The Path to Connection

31:09 Hiding in Success: The Safe Spaces Men Create

38:34 Understanding Healthy Masculinity: Grounded, Open, and Present

46:50 The Importance of Presence: Being in Your Body

51:57 Building Deeper Relationships: The Challenge of Connection

57:54 Exploring Men's Circles: What to Expect and How They Help

01:04:46 Navigating Life's Purpose and Integrity

01:10:52 Enhancing Relationships Through Presence

01:18:43 The Power of Shadow Work

01:26:51 The Need for Connection and Vulnerability

01:29:09 The Importance of Connection and Support

In this episode of the Midlife Mavericks Podcast, I sit down with Tim Thomas, father, business owner, ex-Special Forces Commando, MMA athlete, and founder of Breathwork in Bed. Tim shares his extraordinary journey from combat zones and chronic fatigue to discovering the life-changing power of breathwork. We dive into how breath regulates stress, balances hormones, improves sleep, and reconnects men to their true power. Tim unpacks the myths around breathwork, why it’s not “woo-woo,” and how every man in midlife can use it to boost energy, reclaim peace, and lead with strength.

Tim Thomas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathworkinbed/

Tim Thomas Website: https://breathworkinbed.com.au/

Midlife Assessment ScoreCard: https://midlife-mavericks.scoreapp.com/

Midlife Mavericks Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about

Key Takeaways:

• Power isn’t about dominance, it’s about feeling strong, peaceful, and generous from the inside out.
• Breath outranks the thinking mind; it can switch off stress, heal, and reset the nervous system.
• Sleep is the soil thing grows out of it; men run on fumes and disconnect from their power.
• Myths around breathwork being “woo-woo” are false; it’s science-backed and performance-proven.
• Practical breathwork techniques can energise, calm, and connect men in midlife in minutes.
• Investing in yourself raises your “energetic bank account,” helping you show up better for family, work, and legacy.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Breathwork and Travel Dreams

02:52 The Power of Breathwork in Nature

05:44 Finding Purpose and Motivation

08:28 Overcoming Childhood Challenges

11:21 The Journey of Self-Discovery

13:56 Creating a Legacy Through Healing

17:04 Masculinity, Power, and Generosity

20:00 The Importance of Safety and Connection

22:39 Emotional Safety and Vulnerability

28:31 The Beginning of Breathwork Journey

29:09 The Weight of Duty and Loss

37:13 Transforming Energy: From Survival to Thriving

44:41 The Journey of Breathwork: From Rock Bottom to Recovery

52:59 The Power of Conscious Breathing

57:51 Sleep: The Foundation of Energy and Well-being

01:02:15 The Power of Breathwork

01:06:08 Breath as a Tool for Performance

01:07:42 Conscious Breathing and Empowerment

01:12:08 Breath as a Source of Energy

01:16:51 Practical Applications of Breathwork

01:17:57 Introduction to Midlife Challenges

In this raw and insightful conversation, relationship therapist and retreat facilitator Nicola Beer shares her powerful journey from trauma and addiction to deep healing and emotional freedom.

Nicola opens up about her own struggles with childhood trauma, workaholism, alcohol, and the pressures of masking ADHD. She explains how these patterns often mirror the lives of the high-achieving men she now supports, many of whom feel emotionally disconnected, burned out, and trapped by the very success they’ve worked so hard for.

We unpack common midlife issues like porn use, infidelity, dopamine addiction, and the emotional weight of "holding it all together." Nicola also dives into the healing potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy and how men can start to reconnect with their emotions, values, and relationships.

This episode is for any man who’s ready to stop numbing and start feeling, who wants more than just survival, and is open to real transformation..

Key Takeaways

• Trauma doesn’t always look like trauma. Nicola’s childhood left her wired to seek safety through overwork and emotional disconnection, a pattern many men unconsciously live in.
• Success doesn’t equal fulfilment. Many high-achieving men feel empty or trapped despite “having it all.”
• Why men cheat (even if they don’t want to): Often driven by dopamine addiction, unprocessed pain, or emotional starvation.
• The silent trap of being ‘the provider’: Many men feel like ATMs in their homes, resentful, unseen, and emotionally burned out.
• Dopamine overload is killing our joy. Resetting with a 30-day break from artificial spikes (porn, screens, etc.) is a powerful first step.
• Psychedelics aren’t a magic fix, but they can unlock deep healing when paired with proper intention, integration, and support.
• Relationships need goals too. Connection doesn’t happen by accident, it takes intentional time, presence, and effort.
• Most conflicts aren’t about the present. 80–90% of relationship struggles stem from unresolved wounds in the past.
• Slowing down isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. You can’t hear your inner voice when you’re constantly doing.

🎧 More from Nicola:

https://nicolabeer.com

https://plantmedicinepower.com

https://podcast.nicolabeer.com

💥 Take the FREE Midlife Scorecard:👉 https://midlifemavericks.com/scorecard

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing Relationships

02:51 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact

06:11 Recognizing the Need for Change

10:20 The Role of Trauma in Relationships

13:46 Psychedelics and Inner Work

17:47 The Importance of Connection

22:12 Men's Struggles in Midlife

26:02 Breaking Free from Stoic Masculinity

30:20 Finding Balance and Clarity

34:43 Setting Relationship Goals

39:26 The Challenge of Distraction in Relationships

41:01 Establishing Connection Rules

43:51 Understanding the Importance of Quality Time

45:10 Exploring the Reasons Behind Infidelity

51:00 The Role of Therapy in Self-Improvement

55:21 The Impact of Childhood on Adult Relationships

01:00:33 Using Psychedelics for Relationship Insights

01:04:27 Setting Intentions for Psychedelic Experiences

01:07:54 The Importance of Integration After Psychedelic Journeys

01:13:22 Introduction to Midlife Assessment

In this episode of Midlife Mavericks, I sit down with Ray Martin, award-winning business leader turned modern-day explorer of purpose, presence, and reinvention.

After his successful CEO career and marriage collapsed within weeks, Ray embarked on a six-month sabbatical that became a 14-year journey across the globe.

Through travel, mindfulness, service, and deep self-inquiry, Ray discovered a radically different path, one guided not by titles and trophies, but by truth and alignment.

We talk about the inner voice that calls us to something more, the courage to let go, and how to step into a life that’s truly your own.

👉 Take the free Midlife Assessment Scorecard now at https://midlife-mavericks.scoreapp.com/

Ray's website: https://lifewithoutatie.com/

Ray's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithoutatie/

Ray's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachraymartin/

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining Success: Ray’s story shows that fulfillment often begins where achievement ends.
• The Power of Letting Go: Why stepping out of the ‘gilded cage’ of career and comfort is essential for growth.
• The Role of Ego: How attachment to status and approval can keep us stuck in lives that don’t feel true.
• Experimenting Without Attachment: Ray’s philosophy of treating life as an experiment — not a performance.
• Meditation & Mindfulness: The importance of stillness in quieting mental noise and tuning into inner wisdom.
• Living Without a Tie: A metaphor for breaking free from society’s “shoulds” — and creating your own script.
• Practical First Step: Begin by getting clear on your personal vision — what would a life in alignment look like for you?

Chapters:

00:00 Exploring Life's Journeys: Travel and Transformation

04:11 Finding Purpose: The Mission of Life

08:53 Breaking Free: The Collapse of a CEO Life

15:17 The Awakening: Discovering True Identity

17:51 Diving into the Unknown: A New Script for Life

24:26 Embracing Change: The Journey of Self-Discovery

30:51 Giving Back: The Power of Purpose and Contribution

35:20 Navigating Doubts and Inner Wisdom

40:10 The Power of Stillness and Meditation

43:14 Experiencing Peace Through Meditation

47:38 Permission to Experiment and Letting Go

50:04 The Journey to Writing a Book

53:43 Living True to Yourself and Finding Your Vision

56:45 Future Aspirations and Embracing Life's Journey

01:00:09 The Importance of Alignment in Success

In this powerful episode, StreTch and Caspar pull back the curtain on the Warrior to King Framework — a nine-week rite of passage designed to help men in midlife move beyond burnout, disconnection, and autopilot into clarity, purpose, and legacy.

Together, they share the personal breakthroughs they experienced while testing the program themselves: letting go of the relentless “Warrior” energy that drives achievement at all costs, uncovering core values, creating aligned visions, and building a simple plan for daily life.

They explore why midlife feels like a turning point, how societal expectations shape men’s identities, and why the King archetype is the key to fulfilment in the second half of life.

If you’ve ticked all the boxes of success but still feel something’s missing, this episode will help you see midlife not as a crisis, but as an initiation, an opportunity to lead, give back, and live with intention.

Apply Now: Warrior to King Framework Beta Application: https://forms.gle/jbTSQsq8JtS8Rv1P9

Book A Call With Caspar: calendly.com/cfcchittenden/45mim

Book A Call With StreTch: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ2JxjmYN49MS_6Enm0gDV7fhdVG4TnpAhBNG1Nh7B_vQY4WVntrBOVi1mb8ucHO-nvYNYdoszkm

TAKEWAYS:

1. Midlife isn’t decline — it’s a transition. Men often feel something is “off” in midlife, but this isn’t failure. It’s an initiation into a new stage of life.

2. Warrior energy eventually burns us out. The relentless drive to push, strive, and win every battle works in our 20s and 30s, but it’s unsustainable in midlife.

3. The King archetype offers a new way forward. The King still has the Warrior inside him, but he leads with strategy, wisdom, and purpose — not just force.

4. Societal values can clash with personal values. Many men climb the ladder of success only to realise it’s leaning against the wrong wall. Alignment comes from uncovering your own values, not the ones handed down by parents, peers, or culture.

5. Rites of passage are missing in modern life. Traditional cultures marked transitions (boy → warrior, warrior → elder/king). Without these rituals, men often feel lost at midlife.

6. The Warrior to King Framework is built on three stages:

• Separation: Letting go of old beliefs and identities.
• Challenge: Facing the inner work (values, vision, identity).
• Reintegration: Embodying the new identity with daily practices.

7. Identity shift is the core of change. Real transformation comes from stepping into a new way of being, not just adding more habits, workouts, or hacks.

8. Autopilot leads to regret. Without conscious change, men risk living the next 10–20 years repeating old patterns and missing out on fulfillment.

9. Slowing down creates clarity. Progress doesn’t only come from grinding harder. The biggest breakthroughs come from slowing down, reflecting, and realigning.

10. Presence over pressure.The King’s power comes from being present — with health, family, purpose, and legacy — rather than constantly chasing more.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Warrior to King Framework

07:57 The Bell Curve of Life and Redefining Success

17:25 The Warrior to King Transition

26:06 Rites of Passage and Identity Shifts

31:23 The Framework: Separation, Challenge, and Reintegration

41:04 The Journey into the Arena

50:08 The Breakthrough Moments in the Framework

01:00:06 Shifting Identity and Daily Practices

01:20:08 Introduction to the Warrior to King Framework