Hector welcomes Will Latif Little, keynote speaker, coach, author and film subject, for a conversation about acceptance, awareness, and intentional living. Will shares his journey from childhood trauma and street life to personal transformation and purpose-driven growth. He talks about pivotal moments, the weight of unprocessed pain, and how vulnerability became a strength in his healing journey. He talks about life as a dad, going through loss, and being resilient. Will offers his opinions and perspective of masculinity and the importance of addressing emotional wounds before they manifest into cycles of harm. 

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – The Weight We Carry: Opening Reflections
• 00:01:04 – From Streets to Stage: Will's Turning Point
• 00:02:16 – Manhood Under Pressure: Roles and Realities
• 00:03:49 – Acceptance: The Quiet Key to Change
• 00:06:51 – Emotional Trauma: Wounds We Don't See
• 00:11:08 – The Moment Commitment Becomes a Lifeline
• 00:19:02 – Grief and Self-Care: Two Sides of Survival
• 00:22:59 – Old Habits Die Loud: Breaking Cycles
• 00:24:44 – Grief Day: Processing Pain on Purpose
• 00:26:41 – Raising Sons in a Shifting World
• 00:30:53 – The Unspoken Weight: Vulnerability & Healing
• 00:32:15 – Safe Spaces Aren't Soft Spaces
• 00:33:32 – Transformation Isn’t Always Loud
• 00:36:44 – Energy Changes Everything: Owning the Room
• 00:38:32 – Where to Find Will: Coaching, Classes, Connection
• 00:40:14 – Masculinity Reimagined: Ancient Truths, Modern Challenges

Links and Resources

• Will Latif Little
• Will on LinkedIn
• Will on Instagram
• Take Your Life Back
• ICY - Inner City Youth
• How to Become the Best Version of Yourself | Will Latif Little | TEDxWilmingtonSalon
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector Santiesteban on Twitter

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with filmmaker and storyteller Amarii Usher for a raw and honest conversation about the emotional tightrope men walk in today’s world. They talk about vulnerability, ego, healing, and struggles of masculinity in today’s world. From the impact of social media on relationships to the weight of independence and the complex patterns of attachment, this conversation pulls no punches. Amarii shares personal insights and reflections, challenging societal norms while offering a refreshing perspective on what it means to show up authentically in relationships and life.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – The Calm Before the Vulnerability Storm
• 00:01:12 – Mirrors and Shadows: An Introspective Glimpse
• 00:02:20 – A Voice Enters: Amarii Takes the Mic
• 00:02:50 – Balancing on the Edge of Feelings
• 00:09:35 – Digital Strings: How Social Media Pulls at Hearts
• 00:13:59 – Swiping Left on Modern Dating Realities
• 00:19:52 – Independence vs. Intimacy: The Tightrope Walk
• 00:20:46 – The Invisible Weight of Being Needed
• 00:22:50 – Masculinity Redefined: Beyond Stereotypes
• 00:26:17 – The Silent Battle Between Ego and Responsibility
• 00:28:35 – The Fragile Art of Healing Without Armor
• 00:35:15 – Patterns of Attachment: Chasing or Avoiding?
• 00:38:10 – Echoes of Reflection: Closing the Circle

Links and Resources

• Amarii on Instagram
• Amarii on TikTok
• Amarii on YouTube
• Amarii’s LinkTree
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector Santiesteban on Twitter

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Tom Bresnahan to explore the growing challenges of being a dad, the role of men in today’s society, and how shifting cultural norms impact boys and families. They discuss the influence of technology, addiction, and societal expectations on youth while talking about the decline of rites of passage and the misconceptions surrounding masculinity. Tune in to hear Tom explain how dads can lead by example, guiding boys into adulthood with clarity and resilience.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - The Puzzle Begins
• 00:01:31 - Meeting the Man Behind the Mission
• 00:02:04 - A Journey Through Fire and Growth
• 00:03:11 - Fatherhood’s Untold Battles
• 00:08:16 - The Art of Raising Emotionally Aware Humans
• 00:12:06 - Screens and the Future of Our Children
• 00:15:00 - Redefining the Modern Man’s Place
• 00:18:10 - Demons, Shadows, and Redemption
• 00:22:29 - Building Tomorrow’s Men Today
• 00:24:58 - Lost Rituals and Forgotten Scouts
• 00:25:36 - Misunderstood Boys and Masculinity’s Myths
• 00:26:17 - Hollywood’s Quiet Influence on Gender Stories
• 00:28:56 - Facing Societal Shifts Head-On
• 00:30:14 - Masculinity Through the Cultural Lens
• 00:37:23 - A Handbook for Raising Sons
• 00:40:15 - Lifelines for Parents and Families
• 00:44:42 - Masculinity, Redefined

Links and Resources

• Tom on LinkedIn
• Take Back Control by Tom Bresnahan
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector Santiesteban on Twitter

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector has a powerful conversation with Jeffrey Williams, founder of Lifestyles of Light and Vitalist Institute, exploring the vital connection between breathwork, balance, and the pressures of modern life. Jeffrey shares how embracing both support and challenge can transform the way men approach their roles, relationships, and personal growth. They talk about the impact of stress, the value of reconnecting with purpose, and the role of breathwork in breaking free from limiting narratives. Here’s a look at what it means to truly show up—for yourself and those who depend on you. Don’t miss it!

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – Esoteric Meets Everyday: The Power of a Simple Tool
• 00:01:10 – Heavy Lifting: Breathwork in Life’s Hardest Moments
• 00:03:16 – Enter Jeffrey Williams: Juggler of Spheres
• 00:03:35 – Wearing Many Hats, Carrying Many Loads
• 00:07:10 – The Fairy Tale That Crashed Into the Rocks
• 00:11:19 – Health Is More Than a Checklist
• 00:15:41 – Unlocking Life Through the Power of Breath
• 00:19:54 – Merging Mind and Body: The Ancient Approach
• 00:25:41 – The Secret of Laying Down to Die
• 00:26:05 – What Are Tiny Deaths?
• 00:28:52 – Modern Stress: Our Invisible Predator
• 00:31:03 – Therapy, Productivity, and Breath: The Triple Power
• 00:38:21 – The Two Sides of Breathwork: Pain and Power
• 00:44:30 – Support and Challenge: The Perfect Balance
• 00:48:02 – Life’s Secret Blueprint: The Great Perfection
• 00:51:00 – Jeffrey’s World: How to Connect and Learn More

Links and Resources

• Jeffrey on Instagram
• Have a Happy Spine —  Free 75-Minute Workshop
• Lifestyles of Light
• Vitalist Institute of Psychospiritual Transformation
• Esalen
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector Santiesteban on Twitter

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector and Matthew Sloane, an author, coach, facilitator and an ally to all dads, explore the complexities of being a man in today’s world. They dive into the struggles of balancing sensitivity, anger, and the responsibilities of fatherhood, while unpacking the unspoken challenges many men face. They discuss the emotional impact of boundaries, societal expectations, and how self-compassion is so powerful. It’s a conversation that sheds light on the inner conflicts of today’s men and the paths toward growth and connection.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Setting the Stage: Why Compassion is the New Masculinity
• 00:01:43 - Names, Identity, and What They Reveal
• 00:02:30 - A Father's Struggle: The Tightrope Walk of Modern Parenthood
• 00:04:17 - Sensitivity Unmasked: Power or Weakness?
• 00:06:30 - The Invisible Lines We Cross Daily
• 00:07:53 - What Happens When Vulnerability Leads the Way
• 00:15:35 - The Quiet Revolution: Men’s Work in Action
• 00:25:15 - From Monkeys to Men: How We’re All Connected
• 00:26:31 - A Sneak Peek Inside Matthew Sloane's Inner World
• 00:43:45 - Can Masculinity Still Be Modern?
• 00:45:14 - Wrapping Up: What Will You Take With You?

Links and Resources

• Matthew Sloane
• Matthew on LinkedIn
• Hiding Inside a Man
• Understanding the Mature Male
• Stable Dad 101
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector Santiesteban on Twitter

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Nik opens up about his journey after exiting multiple businesses, confronting an identity crisis in the process. Together with Hector, they explore the shifting roles of men in a rapidly changing world, discussing the weight of societal expectations, the challenges of staying true to personal values, and the importance of building unshakable relationships in an age of disruption. Reflecting on their experiences, they share insights on resilience, self-discovery, and the evolving definition of masculinity, offering a roadmap for men seeking purpose and fulfillment beyond traditional roles.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview
• 00:01:31 - From Success to Self-Exploration
• 00:03:17 - Identity and Purpose in Transition
• 00:05:38 - Role Reversals and Redefining Worth
• 00:06:52 - Values as a Compass for Self-Discovery
• 00:13:01 - Agreeableness Versus Self-Assertion
• 00:21:17 - Founders’ Emotional Landscapes
• 00:22:08 - Growth Through Self-Discovery
• 00:22:46 - Passion Meets Practicality
• 00:26:56 - Purpose and the Power of Goals
• 00:36:55 - Practices That Anchor Us
• 00:38:52 - Closing Reflections on Masculinity

Links and Resources

• Nik on LinkedIn
• CoFounders
• Nikonomics Podcast
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector Santiesteban on Twitter

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector welcomes Brandon Peele to the show to talk about the evolving identity of masculinity in an uncertain world. They discuss challenges such as healing father wounds, navigating divorce, and facing economic realities, all while discovering deeper truths about what it means to live authentically as a man today. From questioning traditional gender roles to finding purpose amidst societal chaos, this conversation goes into the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of being a man in the 21st century. With advice on how to lead with intention and build community, they give a powerful reminder that redefining masculinity starts within.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - The Call to Modern Masculinity
• 00:01:16 - Masculinity: A New Torch to Bear
• 00:02:48 - Healing Generational Wounds
• 00:04:01 - The Role of Patriotism in Masculinity
• 00:06:33 - Economic Struggles and Late-Stage Capitalism
• 00:11:57 - Relationships in a Changing World
• 00:23:43 - From Local Action to National Impact
• 00:38:24 - Defining Modern Masculinity in Today’s World

Links and Resources

• Brandon Peele
• Brandon on LinkedIn
• Bison Medicine
• Purpose Work Nation
• Unity Lab
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector Santiesteban on Twitter

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with therapist John Sendim to talk about the hardships men face in embracing therapy and dealing with emotions they’ve often been taught to ignore. They talk about why so many guys avoid therapy, what it takes to really process emotions like anger and sadness, and how therapy is more than just talking—it’s about building tools for life. John shares his own story of getting through a personal loss and explains why inner work isn’t just about “feeling better” but learning to live fully, even through the tough stuff.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – Opening Thoughts and Setting the Stage
• 00:00:43 – Unmasking Therapy's Role for Men
• 00:01:05 – Reflections on Mental Health Journeys
• 00:02:37 – John Sendim’s Path to Becoming a Therapist
• 00:04:36 – Tragedy’s Turning Point
• 00:08:02 – Navigating Emotions and Duties
• 00:15:05 – The Rise of Men’s Groups
• 00:18:23 – Key Challenges Men Face in Therapy
• 00:20:41 – Launching a Podcast as Self-Therapy
• 00:22:03 – Unpacking Anger and Emotional Suppression
• 00:24:34 – Therapy’s Role in Emotional Growth
• 00:26:20 – Inner Child and Healing Work
• 00:28:08 – Linking Past to Present Self
• 00:30:26 – Exploring Therapy Techniques
• 00:34:19 – Boundaries and Anger Management
• 00:37:39 – Wrapping Up and Resources for Next Steps

Links and Resources

• John on LinkedIn
• UpLift Therapy for Men
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector Santiesteban on Twitter

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Eric Fitzmedrud to have conversations about topics most guys avoid but need to have. Eric opens up about how he has navigated masculinity, sexuality, and relationships that break from the “traditional path.” They talk about everything from fatherhood and polyamory to the struggles men face around consent and personal identity. Eric doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of balancing relationships, managing desire, and embracing personal truth, and he challenges men to get honest with themselves and their partners.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to Modern Masculinity
• 00:01:42 - Meet Eric Fitzmedrud
• 00:02:06 - A Look into Eric’s Struggles and Triumphs
• 00:04:22 - Choosing the Road Less Traveled
• 00:07:04 - Exploring Sexual Identity in Relationships
• 00:18:26 - Rethinking Pornography and Healthy Sexuality
• 00:23:53 - The Art of Consent and Emotional Self-Awareness
• 00:34:58 - Developing Advanced Skills for Deeper Connections
• 00:37:56 - Parting Insights and Useful Resources

Links and Resources

• Eric on LinkedIn 
• The Better Man by Eric Fitzmedrud 
• Journey To Stronger Relationships | Blog
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector Santiesteban on Twitter

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Adam Lyons to explore the tough realities of trust, betrayal, and the role violence plays in a man’s life. Adam opens up about being betrayed by people he once trusted, losing over $120K in the process, and questioning whether men today need to stand up and fight, both physically and metaphorically. Drawing from his own experiences in business and martial arts, Adam shares the hard lessons he’s learned about masculinity, setting boundaries, and surviving in a world that constantly tests these principles.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – Welcome to Modern Masculinity
• 00:02:10 – Betrayal, Trust, and Hard Truths
• 00:03:10 – The Making of a Fighter: Adam's Background
• 00:06:34 – Fighting Lessons Applied to Business
• 00:09:53 – Street Smarts and Survival Skills
• 00:12:17 – Living in High-Stakes Environments
• 00:15:42 – The Role of Violence in Setting Boundaries
• 00:17:08 – Building Trust After Betrayal
• 00:19:34 – Masculinity Under Pressure
• 00:22:22 – How Fighting Connects to Dating
• 00:23:59 – The Lumberjack Effect: Real Attraction
• 00:24:23 – Masculinity and Instinctive Desires
• 00:25:29 – Redefining the Provider and Protector
• 00:26:49 – Myths of Modern Masculinity
• 00:29:35 – Practical Skills in Relationships
• 00:37:21 – Why Preselection Matters
• 00:41:03 – Conversations, Escalation, and Success
• 00:43:47 – Free Resources and Final Thoughts

Links and Resources

• Ask the Dating Coach
• The MVP Formula
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector Santiesteban on Twitter

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!