Modern Masculinity

Lawrence Dunning is back, and as always, he’s bringing the real. A top 1% real estate agent, investor, Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and host of Enter the Lionheart, he’s lived a life full of big wins and brutal lessons. This time, he opens up about business partnerships gone wrong, the stress of lawsuits, and the hard truths that come with getting older—like juggling fatherhood, a career, and aging parents, all while trying to stay grounded. If you’ve ever felt the weight of responsibility piling up, this one’s for you.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – The Man Who Wears Many Hats (And a Black Belt)
• 00:02:10 – Lessons from Lawsuits: What They Don’t Teach in Business School
• 00:03:47 – Health, Family, and the Reality Check of Middle Age
• 00:05:11 – Why a Sick Man Only Wants One Thing
• 00:07:47 – The Illusion of Balance: Juggling Fatherhood, Business & Self-Mastery
• 00:11:07 – Meditation, Cold Plunges, and Training the Mind Like a Fighter
• 00:14:58 – Facing Fear: From the Fight Game to Life’s Hardest Hits
• 00:26:04 – Rewriting the Past: Inner Child Work & Breaking Old Patterns
• 00:30:35 – Shifting Perspectives: The Mindset That Changes Everything
• 00:39:20 – Closing the Loop: Where to Find Lawrence & What’s Next

Links and Resources:

• Lawrence on LinkedIn
• Team Dunning
• 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!

Marshal Gillen, an award-winning speaker, speaker trainer, and men’s coach opens up about the wreckage and rebirth that followed his last breakup—140 days since his life fell apart, but who’s counting? He and Hector discuss the struggles men face in toxic relationships, the mind games of narcissistic abuse, and the brutal realization that maybe self-worth was never really there to begin with. This is for the guy who feels like he’s losing himself, the one searching for answers, and the one ready to take his power back. No fluff, no filters—just the raw truth about healing, masculinity, and starting over.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Where It All Begins
• 00:01:56 – A Familiar Face, A Different Man
• 00:02:21 – The Armor We Wear, The Weight We Carry
• 00:04:18 – Love, Need, or Trap?
• 00:04:59 – The Invisible Chains We Call Love
• 00:06:21 – The Mirror That Love Holds Up
• 00:08:21 – When a Boy’s Tears Dry Too Soon
• 00:11:33 – The Wounds We Deny, The Patterns We Repeat
• 00:21:18 – Dancing in Circles with a Ghost
• 00:25:11 – The First Domino to Fall
• 00:27:24 – The Unbreakable Knot of Pain and Love
• 00:30:49 – When the Past Knocks, Will You Open the Door?
• 00:35:32 – Who Are You Without the Pain?
• 00:39:22 – Four Steps, A Lifetime of Change
• 00:40:22 – The Purpose Waiting on the Other Side
• 00:43:41 – Brotherhood, Sanctuary, and the Art of Being Seen
• 00:47:33 – Faith, Strength, and the Masculine Soul

Links and Resources:

• Marshal on LinkedIn
• Marshal on Instagram
• All of Marshal’s Links and Resources for N.A.R.C. Support
• Sacred Kingdom Church
• 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 Jake Isaacs, the co-founder of Gathering the Kings, have a real heart-to-heart about what it means to be a man these days. Jake opens up about figuring himself out, ditching old ideas about being a guy, and how a tough challenge changed how he sees his purpose, leading others, and relationships. They get real about the stuff guys don't talk about, the myths that hold them back, and the tough truths about being genuine in today's world. It's raw, honest, and will make you think long after the episode's over.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Kicking Off with the Guest Who Redefines Growth
• 00:02:04 – Why Jake Isaacs’ Journey Starts with Reading
• 00:03:03 – What Happens When Identity Becomes Your Shield
• 00:04:08 – Childhood Stories That Shape Who We Are
• 00:05:44 – Misaligned Marriages: Hard Lessons from Jake’s Past
• 00:08:12 – The Dangerous Myth of ‘Happy Wife, Happy Life’
• 00:12:53 – Are Nice Guys Really Finishing Last?
• 00:14:37 – Unpacking the Power of Polarity in Love
• 00:18:43 – The John Mayer Script for Love: Myth or Reality?
• 00:19:47 – Building Family Mastermind Moments That Stick
• 00:20:42 – Loneliness, Brotherhood, and the Male Crisis
• 00:21:40 – How Vulnerability Can Change the Game for Men
• 00:23:49 – Why Owning Your Story Is a Superpower
• 00:25:19 – Lessons from a Lifetime of Reading and Reflection
• 00:28:05 – Mentorship as the Secret to True Growth
• 00:32:36 – Silent Retreats and Darkness: A Different Kind of Growth
• 00:37:53 – Redefining Modern Masculinity: The Big Takeaway

Links and Resources:

• Jake on LinkedIn
• Jake on Instagram
• Gathering the Kings
• Gathering the Kings on YouTube
• 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!

Kristian Nylund shares his journey of overcoming the hardships of alcohol dependency, how to handle societal pressures, and redefining himself as an authentic and present father. He talks about the deep insecurities that shaped his choices, his battle to align with his true identity, and the freedom that came with sobriety. Tune in to hear about the hidden struggles of men, the importance of vulnerability, and how the right support system can make all the difference.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - A Candid Beginning
• 00:01:50 - Steps Toward Sobriety
• 00:02:43 - The Turning Point for Growth
• 00:04:01 - Living Authentically Every Day
• 00:06:42 - Sobriety’s Ripple Effect
• 00:07:15 - Unmasking Insecurities
• 00:13:44 - Alcohol: Cultural Norms and Choices
• 00:16:35 - Choosing a New Path
• 00:22:22 - Sobriety in Isolation: COVID’s Lens
• 00:23:54 - Reading Life’s Subtle Clues
• 00:24:38 - Moderation’s Perpetual Loop
• 00:25:12 - Drawing a Line in the Sand
• 00:26:44 - Unpacking Emotional Weight
• 00:31:47 - Strength in Shared Struggles
• 00:33:22 - Building Connections That Matter
• 00:35:01 - Redefining Yourself, One Step at a Time
• 00:40:55 - Wrapping Up the Journey

Links and Resources:

• Kristian on Instagram
• Sober Identity 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 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!